Thanks, Rattlers management, you corrected the problems with the first game, and a win helps.

The fireworks were back, less then last year but enough to keep my three year old nephew happy - this is why we come early and spend pre-game dollars.

The ushers did not stop us with "you can't go this way" on the path we have taken for 6 years to our seats.

There is a siren when a touchdown is scored, which is ample replacement for the boom. On the far end of the field, there needs to be some cue so we know when to stomp and yell.

Oh ya, the game.... even with Burley out, this team is fired up and ready to play some ball. Nudo laziness appears to be gone. Trufant is a very nice addition. It is the toughest position in arena football. One turnover is worth 5 scores, and he had a very nice interception to stop a drive. He also played with heart. He may be small but he goes after the ball.

We have another kicker? I like the fact he does not give up on a tackle even though he looks like the rest of us middle aged wanna-be athletes.

Winning certainly changes things. The team looked ready to play and the crowd also seemed to really be into the game. A good game on both side of the ball. The offensive line looked better giving receivers chances to run there routes and Smoker more time to throw the ball. The defensive line did a better job rushing the QB and getting there hands up in the air to knock down balls. A couple of balls were dropped by the defense that could easily have been interceptions. As for the DB's a good game as well. Yes Trufant was beat on a couple of long plays, what DB in the AFL does not get beat. Trufant did not give up as he also batted down several balls at the last minute to avoid big plays including one where he intercepted the ball to stop a NY touchdown. This is a young team so they need to continue to fight each week and prove they can win.

My thanks to Rattler management as well. Bringing back the rockets for the rockets red glare was fun, my six year old enjoyed it as well as myself. The siren after touchdowns was nice touch as well. Finally the announcer, and I know that voice (I know it's not Munn, but I can't remember his name), did a very good job during the game.

Yes, much improvement everywhere.

Thanks for bring back the fireworks, the announcer was great too; he had the detail in his calls that Jeff Munn did and he got the crowd into the game. His audio seemed to have slipped at times, but that's an easy fix.

I would love to see the overhead fireworks back for the TD's, I still like the cannon better for the sound, but at least there is something now. The defense also got the crowd into the game by not only their play, but the encouragement for us to get involved on the big downs.

It starts with the pregame audio. Building the sound level gradually makes peoples ears less sensitive to sudden louder noises. Increased backgound levels cause people to speek to each other louder, which in turn causes them to breathe deeper getting more oxygen into the blood. More oxygen in the blood means a more enegetic crowd.
The audio tech did an excelent job at the beginning of the game. I agree he seemed to drop off a bit at times, but overall an great audio experience to liven the crowd.

Trufant played great. They went at him 75 to 80 percent of the time and he has the quickness and stamina to handle it. I have always believed AFL DB's should play in an offensive style, jump routes and play the ball.

I love watching our reciever run after the catch, I also believe AFL is not so much about speed as it is about quickness and intuitivity. We have won two games without Burly, and lost two games with him. He might benefit from stepping off the best in the league attitude and take some notes from the other receivers.

Our new kicker reminds me a great deal of a previous kicker we had, who I loved, Nitmo. Houle is just about 20 pounds short of Nitmo's charaturish stature.

Ok, So I am coming around with Trufant. He has a lot of energy. He definitely has heart. He has the inherent knack for being in the right place at the right time a lot, also. He gets burned frequently, but makes up for it by smacking the tar out receivers after they catch the ball. I remember winning an Arena Bowl because of a hard-hitting defense who had the Barnstormers' offense glancy over their shoulders as they were catching the ball. This can actually work out.
Smoker definitely had more time Friday night. That helped immensely.
I agree that the Rattlers seem to do better with Sir Burley out of the line-up. It is harder to cover 3 great receivers than knowing where the ball is going on every pass play. But he hasn't played at 100% yet, either. I hope that when he gets back on the field he is used WITH the other receivers rather than INSTEAD OF. And if the O line can continue to give Smoker adequate time then Burley can get open for the long ball.
I was extremely happy with Harvey getting some quality playing time. The final score showed the advantage of that decision.
The overall Rattlers experience was getting back up to par, too. I was looking forward to the pyrotechnic Rattlers logo during the starting line-up. The announcer was the key to the overall tone, though. His excitement is contageous and gets the fans into the game. The fans being in the game gives the players some inspiration which in turn gets them playing better. This worked well on Friday. I feel there are still some bugs to work out, but this was definitely a huge step in the right direction.
GO RATTLERS!

I also am "coming around on Trufant." Of course, who wouldn't be after his amazing interception (plus his TD)? He still has the same short -comings, but he clearly is skilled and most-importantly busts his ass on every play. The opposing QBs are still picking on him, but I bet they spread it out around more next week.

The siren after TD is perfect. The booms were silly (in my opinion) and the siren is just enough. Regardless, it is clear that mgmt listened to fan concerns and did something about it. That is the most reassuring thing about this week.

I can't believe how bad NY was. Just awful. But it was nice to see that Smoker can perform well when given time. Imagine how we'll do when Burley actually plays.

Hear, Hear.

Music: Problem solved
Announcer: Problem solved
Touchdown Siren: Problem solved (good replacement)
Rockets Red Glare: Problem solved
Fan Excitement: Problem solved

THANK YOU MANAGEMENT!