Mark Grieb and the San Jose SaberCats

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Mark Grieb Leads the San Jose SaberCats to Victory in ArenaBowl XXI

Mark Grieb may not be the flashiest quarterback in the Arena Football League. He may not throw touchdowns at the frequency of a Chris Greisen or receive the notoriety of a Clint Dolezel. Insinuating that Mark Grieb flies under the radar screen is certainly an accurate assessment and although Mark Grieb may not be the most celebrated quarterback in the league, he just may be the best.

Grieb walked off the New Orleans Arena field on Sunday afternoon having thrown for four touchdowns without a single interception. An MVP performance and a stat line that read 24-29 for 217 yards. A mesmerizing 83% completion rate and a near perfect performance from the leading man behind the decade’s most dominant franchise.

In the week leading up to ArenaBowl XXI, Columbus Destroyers quarterback Matt Nagy, spoken openly of his admiration of Grieb. “I have a lot of respect for him [Grieb]. He’s been there and done that and the teams that do well are the teams that have the quarterback’s that have veteran leadership” Nagy said.

Unfortunately for Nagy, Sunday belonged to the SaberCats and Grieb’s leadership and efficiency were on full display for the world to see. The SaberCat offense set the tone from the opening kickoff; scoring early and often and forcing the Destroyers to play catch up football most of the afternoon. Grieb surgically maneuvered his offense, hooking up with wide receiver James Roe eight times for seventy-six yards, including two scores.

It was a fitting end for a franchise that has become the measuring stick for AFL success. During Head Coach Darren Arbet’s tenure, the team has reeled off eight consecutive winning seasons and an equal number of playoff appearances. And that’s not to mention the five straight Western Division titles and three ArenaBowl Championships that also reside in their trophy case. A remarkable run from a team that is yet to show even the slightest hint of fatigue.

During the postgame press-conference Grieb, as he so often does, deflected credit to his supporting cast. "I think people focus on the quarterback a lot in this game," Grieb told the New Orleans Times Picayne. “I really believe that -- I don't think you're a successful quarterback. . . . unless you've got great people around you. And I've got great people around me. I'm lucky."

Perhaps it is Grieb’s humble nature or his unassuming personality. Whatever the reasons may be, Mark Grieb has flown under the radar screen for the bulk of his 10 year AFL career. After trotting off the field Sunday afternoon having displayed a nationally televised passing clinic and collecting his third Jim Foster trophy along with a brand new Mitsubishi Spider, it may be the last time such a claim can be made.