For a coach whose team is one win from its sixth ArenaBowl appearance, Tim Marcum was in a surprisingly sour mood Monday after watching tape of Tampa Bay's 52-48 victory over Detroit in a playoff quarterfinal two days earlier.
For everything the Storm seemingly did right, Marcum found plenty wrong.
The offensive line was whipped. Tackling was spotty. Receivers were running "mystery" routes. Kick coverage was awful.
All must improve before Tampa Bay (13-4) plays Orlando (13-4) in a semifinal at 2:45 p.m. Saturday at the St. Pete Times Forum.
"We've got some work to do," Marcum said. "I'll guarantee you that."
The most glaring problems were on special teams and the offensive line.
The Storm allowed 214 yards on seven kickoff returns (30.6 average), and Ron Carpenter scored touchdowns of 56 and 57 yards.
Blame could be spread three ways: Kenny Stucker's kicks did not always reach the net, players failed to cover their lanes and not everyone got off their blocks and made tackles.
Of equal concern was the lack of protection for quarterback John Kaleo, who threw six touchdowns despite being sacked three times.
Marcum said his staff will re-emphasize blocking and tackling in practice and consider lineup changes. Darion Conner's return at FB/LB is one of several possibilities Marcum is considering as he searches for answers.
"If we expect to win this championship, that's the critical thing right now," Marcum said.
STRONG START: Marcum was pleased with the play of newly signed wide receiver/defensive back Tramain Jones, who had 21/2 tackles in his Storm debut.
"I thought he ran around, did well, hustled on kick coverage," Marcum said. "I think he's going to be a good player in this league. He reminds me a lot of (former Storm defensive specialist and New York Giants defensive back) Johnnie Harris."
Jones replaced Keita Crespina, who was inactive for the first time this season.
LOCAL TIE: Orlando defensive specialist Glenn Davis, a Dixie Hollins and South Florida graduate, returns to Tampa Bay for the first time as an Arena player. After two years in the Canadian Football League, Davis had 15 tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups in six regular-season games with the Predators.
DISTANT SECOND: Storm defensive specialist Omarr Smith was second to San Jose's Clevan Thomas in defensive player of the year voting. Thomas received nine votes, Smith two. Tampa Bay's Corey Sawyer was among six players who received one in voting by league coaches and fans.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Los Angeles specialist Chris Jackson was named offensive player of the year after catching 117 passes for 1,737 yards. His 46 touchdowns tied the record Mike Horacek set at Iowa in 2000 and New York's Mike Furrey also matched this year.
CATCHING ON: The Green Bay Packers signed Chicago Rush offensive specialist Antonio Chatman, who broke the Arena league's record for all-purpose yards with 3,678 in 18 games.
GETTING IN: Tickets for Saturday's game are available at the Times Forum box office, Ticketmaster locations or by calling (813) 301-6600. Prices range from $15 to $105.
