Posted on Fri, May. 02, 2008

Loss leaves Desperados looking for answers

By RICK HERRIN

Star-Telegram staff writer

IRVING -- The Dallas Desperados are trying to get up off the ground.

They are no longer undefeated and no longer an unstoppable team in the regular season. Now, they are trying to recover after flopping in a big-game situation much like they did in last year's playoffs as the No. 1 seed.

Dallas (7-1) was humbled 57-28 by the Philadelphia Soul in an Arena Football League showdown of undefeated teams Monday. The marquee mismatch left the Desperados wondering what happened as they try to fix their problems with a quick turnaround at Columbus on Saturday.

"We've never been knocked out like this," said Desperados quarterback Clint Dolezel, who led a players-only meeting Wednesday. "I hope we bounce back and play well. I feel we will. We better or it's going to be a long season."

The Desperados have a chance for redemption in a June 7 rematch with the Soul in Dallas. Monday's pummeling was surprising because the Desperados' usual fast-striking offense was ragged and held below 30 points (its lowest point total since 2004). Dolezel, who is also the offensive coordinator, was intercepted four times.

"I got outcoached and [the Soul] had a better game plan than I did," said Dolezel, who needs 27 yards to become the AFL's all-time leading passer. "I won't let it happen again."

Dallas coach Will McClay, whose team has underachieved in the playoffs the past two seasons, is worried.

"The performance was concerning because just when you think you are pretty good, you take a step back," McClay said. "It's been a long time since we've lost. You didn't expect it to happen. It's also great after a loss to turn on the tape and not have to say a word."

Veteran receiver Will Pettis said the offensive performance was the worst since he started with the team in 2003. For a team that has clicked so well offensively since Dolezel arrived three years ago, everyone was miffed how dysfunctional it became. Pettis called it "an all-around disaster."

Pettis said he didn't know how the team will react to Dolezel's speech. But he is not concerned about this veteran team -- not yet, at least.

"Everybody has to search themselves," Pettis said. "We got on national television and got whooped."

The Desperados were especially whipped on the offensive line, forcing McClay to pull starting center Jeff Chase. McClay said Chase remains the starter. Dolezel was under pressure all night and hit 18-20 times in the pocket.

Desperados at Columbus

6 p.m. Saturday,

Nationwide Arena,

Columbus, Ohio

Records: Desperados 7-1; Destroyers 2-6

Radio: KTCK/1310 AM