ESPN AFL

Monday, March 12, 7 p.m. ET
ESPN2
In Week 1, Los Angeles looked like a team with plenty of offense but some serious defensive concerns. Meanwhile, Orlando looked like a complete team with a solid veteran QB and a defense capable of shutting down most AFL offenses. Both of these offenses will move the ball and the Avengers would like to turn the game into a high-scoring affair, which is their best chance to win.

Where these teams do not match well is defensively. Orlando simply applies more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and makes more big plays. If Los Angeles can make a couple of key defensive stops, it can stay in this game. But that's asking a lot when you are playing a veteran team full of confidence in its home opener.

When Los Angeles has the ball
The good news for the Avengers is that QB Sunny Cumbie continues to look like a franchise quarterback and a guy they can build around. Cumbie threw for 315 yards and seven touchdowns for tallied a sparkling 124.5 passer rating against a good San Jose defense last week. More importantly, he didn't throw an interception and played a smart game.

Although Kevin Ingram is considered to be the go-to receiver in this offense, the Avengers may have discovered a new star in the loss to San Jose. WR Lenzie Jackson, who had 13 receptions for 196 yards and three TDs a week ago, gives this offense two big-time threats and allows them to spread the field a little bit.

The bad news for L.A. is that it is facing one of the best defenses in the AFL this week. The Predators gave up only 289 yards through the air last week. They have a terrific attacking defense and their pass rush produced three sacks and four tackles for a loss versus Tampa Bay. The Avengers need to do a great job in pass protection and Cumbie needs gets the ball out quickly or the Orlando defensive pressure will take over this game.

Los Angeles also needs to do a better job of spreading the ball around more and not focus too much on Ingram. Orlando can shut down one receiver, but it will be a lot tougher if the Predators are forced to defend two or three receivers. L.A. also must cut down on penalties, which can stall their offensive drives. It had 15 penalties last week versus San Jose and must be more disciplined versus Orlando.

When Orlando has the ball
In Week 1, the Predators pass offense appeared to be in midseason form with new QB Shane Stafford, who threw for 326 yards, five TDs and posted a huge 137.6 passer rating with no interceptions. The combination of Stafford's skills and head coach Jay Gruden's play calling might make this the most intelligent and sophisticated pass offense in the AFL.

Stafford has three quality receivers in DeAndrew Rubin (eight catches,141 yards, three TDs), Jimmy Fryzel (107 yards, one TD) and Javarus Dudley (81 yards, one receiving TD and one rushing TD). That depth allows Orlando to spread the field, dictate matchups and avoid the Avengers' best defender, Damen Wheeler, who had an interception in Week 1. The Predators must be efficient in the red zone, and we may see them try to run the ball effectively in those situations. San Jose converted six of seven red zone possessions against L.A. and Orlando can do the same.

The Avengers must figure out a way to get some pressure on Stafford because he will pick them apart if he has time to throw. L.A. had no sacks and didn't generate much pressure last week. Poor production from the defensive line really exposes L.A.'s secondary and its lack of matchup depth. The Avengers must really concentrate on slowing down Rubin, both as a receiver and a kick returner. Stafford will have good matchups to exploit and he is excellent at making quick reads and finding the weak link in the secondary.

Los Angeles' keys to success
• Get the ball out quickly: Orlando has an excellent pass rush and the Predators pride themselves on hitting opposing quarterbacks. Cumbie had pretty good pass protection last week, but he will not have that luxury against Orlando tenacious defense. Short routes and quick slants, with the hope of making yards after the catch, will be a big key for this L.A. offense. Big plays or deep passes will be hard to come by.

• Make a couple of defensive stops: Los Angeles has an explosive offense, but it can't hope to simply outscore its opponent every week. That's especially true this week against a good defensive team like Orlando. The Avengers did intercept two passes in Week 1, but against this smart and efficient Predators' offense, a couple of big defensive plays early would be a huge boost.

• Don't get behind early: Orlando might be the toughest team in the league when playing with a lead because the Predators play smart on offense and are so aggressive on defense. If the Avengers get behind and are forced to throw on every down, the Predators' pass rush and ballhawks in the secondary will take over the game.

Orlando's keys to success
• Spread the Avengers' defense: The Predators have three quality receivers in Rubin, Fryzel and Dudley. That really puts pressure on the Los Angeles secondary and creates tough matchups. Stafford gets the ball out quickly and without facing a heavy pass rush, he will identify the matchup he likes and complete a lot of short passes that turn into positive yards after the catch.

• Come after Cumbie: Cumbie was excellent in Week 1, but the pressure Orlando generates on defense is on another level. Last week, the Predators registered three sacks, one interception, four tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. They get a great pass rush from their defensive line, which allows their DBs to gamble and attack the Los Angeles passing game.

• Play a clean game: Orlando is a better football team than Los Angeles, but it must avoid getting sloppy and turning the ball over because the Avengers' offense can move the ball and score. The Predators need to avoid penalties and get an early lead in their friendly, home environment to force the Avengers into a panic mode.

Prediction
Both teams appear capable of scoring almost at will, and both passing offenses are loaded with weapons. Cumbie looks like the real deal for the Avengers and Stafford already is a proven commodity for Orlando.

The big difference is on the defensive side of the ball. Orlando has an excellent pass rush and is very sound and creative in its defensive schemes, which leads to turnovers and big plays. Right now, Los Angeles does not appear to have that element in its defense. The Avengers' defense doesn't make game-changing plays and they don't make enough key defensive stops.

Stafford will outduel Cumbie, but the real difference in this game will be the dominance of the Orlando defense. The Predators will show Los Angeles that you can't win in this league every week by simply trying to outscore your opponents. Even in the Arena League, you win with defense.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.