The Predators ended up losing to the Gunners by four scores, 0-25. It definitely isn't the outcome the Predators are looking for, but there were many positives that came out of the game. It is always difficult to lose to the same team five straight times, especially when it is against the three time champs and they win in such a classless fashion. The Predators never quit during the game and kept their composure throughout. They made some mistakes and had some questionable coaching decisions in the second half and it ultimately turned out looking ugly.
In the first half the Predators played good defense. They were making pulls and putting pressure on the QB. The Gunners scored on a long drive, but the Predators didn't make it easy for them. Two plays after the score, the Predators turned the ball over deep in their own territory and it led to another quick Gunners score. Offensively in the first half, the Predators did a nice job of completing passes, but it wasn't enough to get them into scoring position. They had many penalties that halted drives and they were too much to overcome. The Predators were in the game at halftime down 0-13.
The Predators started with the ball in the second half and they drove the ball down to the Gunners goal line. They had a fourth and three and were unable to convert when a #7 Brown pass slipped through #2 Long's hands. It was a tough missed opportunity. #11 Brown, who led the Predator attack both offensively and defensively, made many nice catch and runs and also had 2 interceptions and many pulls. #1 Clark also played well defensively converting on pulls when the opportunities presented themselves. It was also good to see #33 Price back from injury. He made many catches and moved around well. But on defense, especially in the second half, he didn't have the extra step he needed to fluster the Gunner QB. It resulted in too much time for the Predator defensive backs to cover the field and the QB made them pay. The Predators also started going for it on 4th down with more than ten minutes left and it resulted in Gunner scores. A coaching mistake that will not happen again. #7 Brown also seemed to improve his game. He completed a number of passes to many receivers, but with one costly interception, there is still room for improvement. But in his defense, a couple of good passes where wasted by Predator receivers. One to #33 Price down the right sideline where he stopped on the play. It was also good to see #2 Long for the first time this season. He made some catches, especially a nice one deep in the second half. #10 Piskac also played well defensively. He broke up a couple passes and stood his ground from the CB position.
If you look at the game overall, the Gunners scored twice in each half. Only one of their scores was a full drive that started on their ten, which was the first score. The other score in the first half was on a turnover deep in Predator territory. In the second half, they scored on a Predator mistake in coverage and the final score was after the Predators went for it on fourth down and left the Gunners deep in Predator territory. Take away the first half turnover, the mistake in coverage, and the decisions to keep going for it on fourth down and the Predators are in the game 0-7. And the Predators went for it three straight times in their territory and the Gunners only got one score. Then if you add in the drop pass on fourth down in the end zone early in the second half and the Predators are in the game. Furthermore, defensively a faster, more confident on his knee #33 Price in a month when the Predators meet the Gunners again will be a added boost. To go even farther, the Predators are out two players and lost another one again tonight in #8 Wagar, who will get more used to the game and his output will increase tremendously. The Predators will also be getting #15 Starosta more involved as the season goes along, as he is also new to the squad.
A win is there for the taking. It is spelled out right here in front of you. The Predators will move on from this lose and come even stronger next week. They need to get a win on the board and jump start this season. The Predators will get back on track and salvage this season. They will take it one game at a time and get it done. It starts this Sunday at 10pm.
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