New Jersey is working through the problems caused when Hall of Fame tailback Ernest Byner retired. Coach Alex Lui has not allowed them the same free reign as Byner however, giving much of the control of the team to 16-year vet Dan Marino. Cedar Rapids appeared on cruise control last week. Coach Jim Arnold was pleased that punter Soloman Hitchcock, who had been mired at the bottom of the league punting statistics put in a good performance with a 48.3 average. That boosted the Bandits' average from 31.0 to 34.4, still last in the league.
Defense is the key.
New Jersey finally started getting to the quarterback last week after beginning the season a little slow in the sack category. That will cause Cunningham some problems, as he has been sacked just 14 times this season despite playing behind a lethargic offensive line at times. AS far as injuries go, the two teams are tied. Cedar Rapids is missing Andre Rison with a strained back and New Jersey will not see much of Tony Martin due to a fractured femur. The Birmingham Bombers defeated Lancaster Park 24-39 last week.