Talons' new faces make most of first impression

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It had been five years since Talons quarterback Rohan Davey had taken a snap as a professional, and there was evidence of that layoff early in Wednesday night's Arena Football League preseason matchup with New Orleans.

Two snaps into the game, hanging onto the ball too long, he was sacked for a safety.

“I was kind of too excited,” the 34-year-old Davey said afterward. “I fumbled some calls at the beginning. I was just geeked up and ready to go.”

And go he did. The one-time New England Patriots' backup finished his one half of play with 108 yards and four touchdowns passing, providing an early catalyst in an eventual 45-29 San Antonio win.

The Talons, who showcased several new faces before an announced crowd of 3,267 fans at the Alamodome, also saw impressive play from a revamped defense that recorded two interceptions and six sacks.

One of the interceptions, by linebacker Victor Degrate, was returned 10 yards for a score in the second quarter.

The Talons' Nick Gatto (right) tries to tackle New Orleans' Larry Beavers during Wednesday's preseason game. The Talons' Nick Gatto (right) tries to tackle New Orleans' Larry Beavers during Wednesday's preseason game. Photo: Darren Abate / For The Express-News Photo: Darren Abate / For The Express-News Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close Talons' new faces make most of first impression 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

“I like the way they got after it,” Talons coach Lee Johnson said of his defense. “They pinned their ears back.”

The Talons' line, which includes free-agent imports such as Joe Sykes, the reigning AFL Defensive MVP, and Tim McGill got an unexpected pickup from end Micah King. The Southern Illinois product, who played for the Spokane Shock last year, collected three sacks.

Sykes, who had 16½ quarterback takedowns last year for the San Jose SaberCats, dropped VooDoo quarterback Kurt Rocco twice.

“The defense is always going to go out there and look better earlier,” Talons receiver Robert Quiroga said. “But once the offense settled down, they got into it.”

The Talons' victory was built in the first half. San Antonio led 32-8 at intermission, thanks to Davey's four TD tosses. The former LSU star, who last played for the Cleveland Gladiators in 2008, connected twice with another new Talons player, receiver Dwayne Eley Jr.

Eley ended with 96 yards on six catches, while Derek Lee had five receptions for 29 yards and another score. D.J. Stephens, another new Talons addition, hauled in two TDs.

Davey and Danny Southwick, who threw for 111 yards and a score in the second half, will face coming competition at the position. The Talons added another QB Wednesday, signing 37-year-old John Dutton, a two-time Arena Bowl titlist and former UT Longhorn.

The Talons ended with 218 total yards while holding New Orleans to 172. The Talons will begin their regular-season schedule March 23 when they host the San Jose SaberCats.

roliver@express-news.net

Twitter: @RichardCOliver