Graziani Learning Nuances of Game

Quarterback Tony Graziani was the model of efficiency in the Avengers’ season-opening victory over Las Vegas.

The left-handed quarterback, in his second full season in the Arena Football League, completed 18 of 23 passes for 288 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception. He finished with a 158.3 passer rating, tying a league record.

But earlier this week, after practice at the Avengers’ training facility at West L.A. College, he said he is a long way from mastering the AFL.

“I still kind of feel like I’m flying by the seat of my pants a little bit,” he said.

The Avengers are hoping Graziani can maintain his performance level Sunday when they play host to defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose at Staples Center.

“Tony is light-years from where he was at this point last year,” Avenger Coach Ed Hodgkiss said. “He’s seen practically every coverage now. He knows where to go with the ball.”

Graziani, a former standout at Oregon, passed for 999 yards and two touchdowns in 18 games for the Atlanta Falcons from 1997 to ’99. He played in Europe in 2000 and was signed by the Cleveland Browns before joining the Avengers and playing in two games in 2001.

Graziani’s transition to the fast-paced, small-scale Arena game was not exactly smooth.

“I had no idea what I was doing,” he said. “I was just trying to find the open guy and hit him.”

Last year, Graziani struggled at the outset with terminology and pace before settling in and passing for 3,568 yards and 67 touchdowns -- both club records -- with only nine interceptions in 467 passes.

Last Sunday, Graziani threw a touchdown pass to offensive specialist Chris Jackson on the first play of the Avengers’ 60-48 victory over Las Vegas. Graziani connected with Jackson on four other scoring plays and also ran for a touchdown, but said he could have been better.

“I’m still holding the ball a little too long,” he said.

Jackson said Graziani is doing just fine.

“Tony had to learn that he couldn’t wait until I’m all the way to the other side of the field -- or I’m smacked up against the boards,” Jackson said. “He’s much better at getting the ball to receivers where they can pick up positive yardage.”

Graziani said he is no different from any AFL quarterback: He dreams of signing again with an NFL team and parlaying his Arena league experience into the success enjoyed by Kurt Warner and Tommy Maddox.

“I would love to get back, but I don’t want to just go in and be a camp arm,” Graziani said. “I want it to be ... where I’ll actually have a chance to win a job.”

In the meantime, the Palm Springs resident is happy to be an Avenger.

“This is perfect for me,” he said.

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Avenger lineman Mike Ulufale will see some familiar faces when he lines up against San Jose.

Ulufale, 6 feet 4 and 290 pounds, played three seasons with the SaberCats, who won the ArenaBowl and finished 16-1 last season. He signed a free-agent contract with the Avengers last October.

“San Jose has been successful because the players believe in their system,” said Ulufale, who has 11.5 sacks in his career. “It was really tough to leave that family, but I just knew it was my time to go.

“I have to take care of this family now.”

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The first 5,000 fans at Staples Center will receive a bobblehead doll of Avenger mascot, “T.D.” Gates open at 11 a.m.