Colorado Crush game notes
March 31, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Colorado Crush News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Colorado Crush (6-2) vs. Las Vegas Gladiators (5-4)
Date: April 3, 2005
Kickoff: 1 p.m. MT
Site: Frontier Airlines Field at Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Officials:
Referee: Steve Pamon (1st year, Big 10)
Umpire: Jeff Carr (6th year, Big 10)
Head Linesman: Brent Durbin (6th year, Big 10)
Line Judge: R.G. Detillier (1st year, Conference USA)
Back Judge: Tony Lombardo (6th year, Conference USA)
TV/Radio:
Television: Comcast (CET Ch. 5)
(Mitch Hyder play-by-play, David Diaz-Infante analyst,
Josh Gross - sidelines)
Radio: AM 630 KHOW
(Marc Stout play-by-play, Andy Lindahl analyst,
Corey Lopez - sidelines)
Series Record: Third meeting, series tied 1-1
Last Meeting: Colorado won 43-42 on 2/6/2004 at Pepsi Center
Coaches: Mike Dailey (81-54 in 9th year, 18-8 w/ Colorado)
Ron James (5-4 in 1st year, 5-4 in 1st year w/ Las Vegas)
ALL-TIME SERIES: This is the Gladiators second trip to Denver. Colorado won the teams last meeting 43-42 on 2/6/2004 in the season opener. In that game, John Dutton connected with Damian Harrell twice in an eight-second span in the final 12 seconds of the game to pull out a miraculous win and give the Crush their first-ever home win. The Crush fell to the Gladiators 34-68 on 4/5/2003 at Thomas & Mack Center.
Colorado Crush
Date Opponent Time/Score TV
Sun, 1/30 @ Orlando L 36-39 0-1
Sat, 2/5 GRAND RAPIDS W 72-56 1-1
Sun, 2/13 CHICAGO L 48-51 1-2
Sat, 2/19 @ Arizona W 74-69 2-2
Sun, 2/27 LOS ANGELES W 58-40 3-2
Bye week
Sat, 3/12 @ Nashville W 42-35 4-2
Sun, 3/20 COLUMBUS W 52-37 5-2
Fri, 3/25 @ Dallas W 66-58 6-2
Sun, 4/3 LAS VEGAS 1:00 p.m. CET
Sun, 4/10 PHILADELPHIA 11:00 a.m. NBC
Sun, 4/17 @ Chicago 11:00 a.m. NBC
Fri, 4/22 SAN JOSE 7:00 p.m. CET
Sat, 4/30 @ Grand Rapids 5:30 p.m. FSN
Sun, 5/8 @ New Orleans 11:00 a.m. NBC
Fri, 5/13 NASHVILLE 7:00 p.m. CET
Sat, 5/21 @ New York 5:00 p.m. FSN
(All times Mountain)
American Conference - Central Division
Team W L T PCT. PF PA H A Conf. Div. Strk
Colorado 6 2 0 .750 448 385 3-1 3-1 4-1 2-1 W5
Chicago 4 4 0 .500 374 384 2-2 2-2 3-0 3-0 L1
Gr. Rapids 1 7 0 .125 405 514 1-3 0-4 0-4 0-2 L4
Nashville 1 7 0 .125 318 393 0-4 1-3 0-4 0-2 L7
THE STAKES: A Crush win would
· Give the Crush their first six-game win streak in franchise history
· Maintain the best record in the American Conference and keep them in line for the No. 1 seed in the conference.
· Help them maintain their lead in the Central Division.
· Give the Crush a 2-1 series lead and two-game win streak over Las Vegas.
· Give the Crush a three-game win streak at home.
· Improve their record to 6-1 vs. the American Conference
AFL ON NBC, (Sun, April 3):
10 a.m. (MT)
Los Angeles @ Orlando
(airs in Denver)
Philadelphia @ Columbus
(airs in other regions)
Mike Dailey (81-54 in 9th year, 18-8 in 2nd w/ Colo.):
Dailey is now in his second season in Colorado and ninth as head coach in the AFL, after becoming the Crushs second head coach on June 26, 2003. Dailey joined the Crush following 13 seasons in the Albany/Indiana Firebirds organization, including the final seven as head coach.
In his first season in Colorado, Dailey helped guide the Crush to the largest turnaround in AFL history, inheriting a 2-14 team and leading them to an 11-5 record in 2004, tied for the best in the league. He also led the Crush to their first playoff appearance and first win, advancing to the AFL Semifinals before falling nine yards short of up-ending top-seeded Arizona and earning a trip to ArenaBowl XVIII.
One of the most successful and well-respected coaches in AFL history, Daileys teams have compiled an overall record of 81-54 record, a winning percentage of .600, and he ranks fifth on the AFLs all-time list for coaching wins (regular season and playoffs). His teams have made six postseason appearances and he has won three division titles.
In 1999, Dailey led the Albany Firebirds to an ArenaBowl title and was named the AFLs Coach of the Year.
All-Time Winningest AFL Coaches
Including Postseason
Rk Coach Team Wins This Week
1. Tim Marcum* Tampa Bay 171 vs. Georgia
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohensee* Chicago 89 @ New York
4. Perry Moss 86
5. Mike Dailey* Crush 81 vs. Las Vegas
Michael Trigg 80
7. Darren Arbet* San Jose 78 vs. Arizona
8. John Gregory 73
* indicates active coach
Ron James (5-4 in 1st year, 5-4 in 1st year w/ Las Vegas):
Ron James enters his first season as the head coach of the Gladiators. He spent the previous three seasons as assistant head coach/offensive defensive line/special teams coach. James previously served as line coach for the Houston ThunderBears and Director of Player Personnel from 1999-2001. He is in his seventh season in the Arena Football League.
Prior to his time in the AFL, James served as the assistant football coach, offensive line coach and admissions support officer at Army in 1998 and 1999. Army captured two Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL) rushing titles during his stint, averaging more than 257 yards per game.
James spent five seasons at Kentucky Wesleyan College, where he served as associate head coach for the final four years. James began his stay at Kentucky Wesleyan in 1993 as offensive coordinator and also managed the offensive line. In 1994, James was promoted to associate head coach at Kentucky Wesleyan and added defensive coordinator/secondary coach to his repertoire.
James coached a combined 14 years at the collegiate level. In 1992-93, he served as defensive coordinator/secondary coach at Hartwick College. From 1989-1991, James was defensive coordinator/linebacker coach at St. Lawrence University. He began his coaching career in 1986 as a linebacker coach at Siena College (NY) and served as head coach of the junior varsity team.
TOP 5 RANKINGS: 2005 League Leaders entering Week 10
Colorado Crush
Player Rank Category Stat
John Dutton 1st2nd4th4th4th5th Interceptions/Attempt3rd down QB ratingPassing TouchdownsPass CompletionsPass AttemptsQB Rating 1.4%112.845177289116..2
Rashad Floyd 1st1stT-1st Total TacklesSolo TacklesPass Breakups 68.56313
Damian Harrell 3rd6th Receiving TouchdownsScoring (Non-kickers) 21126
Delvin Hughley T-5th Pass Breakups 10
Hugh Hunter T-6th Special-Teams Tackles 6.5
Willis Marshall 3rd MFG Return Avg. 21.0
Andy McCullough T-4th Forced Fumbles 2
Kevin McKenzie T-4th Interceptions 4
Saul Patu T-4thT-5th Forced FumblesTotal Tackles for Loss 25.0
Clay Rush 1stT-1st2nd2ndT-4th5th TouchbacksField Goal AttemptsField Goals MadeScoring (Kickers)PATs madePATs attempted 312212885258
Rich Young 3rdT-3rdT-4th Total Tackles for LossSacksForced Fumbles 6.05.02
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OS Damian Harrell: Has 38 career games with 100+ receiving
yards (4 in 2005) Also has 29 career games with 3+ TDs (4 in
2005) Named to the All-Arena Second Team in 2004 Now
in his seventh AFL season, has amassed 7,661 receiving yards on
543 catches, an average of 14.11 yards/catch, along with 168
receiving TDs (171 total) Has second-most catches and receiving yards in AFL since 2000 Has a TD catch in 41 straight games, including all 37 games as a member of the Crush (longest active streak in AFL) Has reached 1,000 receiving yards in four straight seasons entering 2005.
QB John Dutton: Now in his third year quarterbacking the Crush,
has completed 177-289 passes (61.2 %) for 45 TDs and 4
interceptions in 2005 Has 11 career 300+ yard passing games (2 in 2005) Has thrown for 12,837 yards, 246 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in career Completed 342-of-536 passes (63.8%) for 4,195 yards, 76 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions in 2004 MVP of ArenaBowl XVI while with San Jose.
WR/LB Kevin McKenzie: Set a new Crush single-game record and career high with 14 receptions at Orlando (1/30) Most receptions in any AFL game this season Also had third career
100+ yard receiving game at Orlando Tied a career-high with 3
TDs vs. Gr. Rapids on 2/5 Named to the All-Ironman team in
2004 Crushs second leading receiver in 2004 with a career high 1,023 yards and 14 TDs on 85 catches Once scored six
touchdowns in playoff game while with San Jose in 2003.
DS Rashad Floyd: Set an AFL record with 17.5 tackles against
Los Angeles on 2/27/05 Was named AFL Defensive Player of
the Week following Week 5 and Defensive Player of the Month
for February Has posted six career games with 10+ tackles (3
in 2005) Leads AFL in tackles with 68.5, on pace (137.0) to
break his own AFL single-season record of 123.0 tackles set in
2004 Named to All-Arena Second Team in 2004.
RECENT CRUSH TRANSACTIONS
Date Transaction
3/24/05 Activated WR/DB Jabir Walker from injured reserve Placed OL/DL Tank Reese (hamstring) on injured reserve.
3/11/05 Activated WR/DB Willis Marshall and OL/DL Tank Reese from injured reserve Placed WR/LB Darcey Levy (influenza) and WR/DB Jabir Walker (hamstring) on injured reserve.
3/9/05 Placed OL/DL Maurice Anderson on injured reserve (finger).
2/26/05 Placed WR/DB Willis Marshall on injured reserve (influenza) Activated WR/DB Jabir Walker and WR/LB Darcey Levy from injured reserve.
2/23/05 Signed WR/DB Touré Carter to practice squad.
2/21/05 Waived WR/DB Thal Woods from practice squad Activated WR/DB Touré Carter from injured reserve and placed him on waivers.
2/12/05 Placed OL/DL Tank Reese on injured reserve (influenza) and activated OL/DL Chris Watton.
2/8/05 Signed WR/DB Herman Bell to practice squad.
1/28/05 Recalled OL/DL Chris Watton from waivers and placed him on injured reserve (sprained rt. knee).
1/26/05 Recalled OL/DL Maurice Anderson from waivers Placed OL/DL Chris Watton on recallable waivers.
1/25/05 Signed WR/DB Thal Woods to practice squad.
1/24/05 Placed DS Jabir Walker (strained right groin) and WR/LB Darcey Levy (left lower back) on injured reserve Placed OL/DL Maurice Anderson on recallable waivers.
INJURY REPORT
Colorado Crush
Player Pos. Injury Status
Maurice Anderson OL/DL Finger on IR (3/11)
Chad Dukes FB/LB Strained right groin on IR (1/20)
Hugh Hunter OL/DL Strained left groin questionable
Darcey Levy WR/DB Influenza on IR (3/11)
Derrick Pickens OL/DL High left ankle sprain on IR (1/19)
Tank Reese OL/DL Hamstring on IR (3/24)
COLORADO CRUSH NEXT WEEK
The Crush host the Philadelphia Soul for the second time in two seasons. This will be the third meeting between the clubs. Though not conference or divisional foes, the teams met twice last season. The Crush defeated the Soul on 5/1/04 by the score 58-40 at Pepsi Center, as Colorado beat Philadelphia 40-33 on 3/21/2004. John Elway and Soul co-owner Jon Bon Jovi, as well as several players (including Colorados John Dutton and Damian Harrell), have appeared in promotional videos for the league over the past two seasons.
CRUSH NOTABLES
THE TIES THAT BIND
Even though the Crush and Gladiators have met but twice, there are still some connections:
· Las Vegas OS Marcus Nash was a teammate of Crush co-owner and CEO John Elway with the Denver Broncos in 1998. The defending AFL Offensive Player of the Year was a first-round pick by the Denver Broncos (30th overall) in 1998 and earned a Super Bowl ring as a rookie. Nash finished that season with four catches for 76 yards in seven games. The Broncos traded him to Miami, where he was released, and he signed with the Baltimore Ravens, earning his second Super Bowl ring in three years in 2000.
· Marcus Nash and Crush WR/LB Andy McCullough were teammates at the University of Tennessee along with Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning 1994-97.
· Gladiators WR/LB Joe Douglass became the first player in Crush franchise history when he was selected from Chicago with the No. 1 overall pick in the Crushs 2003 Expansion Draft. He played for the inaugural Crush team in 2003. The Crush traded him to Los Angeles for future considerations on 1/31/04. Those future considerations turned out to be the ninth pick in the 2005 Dispersal Draft, netting DS Delvin Hughley.
HISTORIC TURNAROUND
The Crush set a new record for the biggest turnaround in AFL history in 2004, winning nine more games than the previous season. The 11-5 Crush finished 2-14 in their inaugural 2003 campaign. The Chicago Bruisers won +8 games in 1988, finishing 10-1-1, but played only 6 games the year before as they finished 2-4. The New Jersey Gladiators improved from 2-12 in 2001 to post a 9-5 mark in 2002 and the Detroit Fury turned a 1-13 season in 2002 into an 8-8 record in 2003. Here is how the three years of the Crush franchise compare:
Statistical Comparison 2003 2004 2005
Record 2-14 11-5 6-2
Points/Game 46.8 49.6 56.0
Points Allowed/Game 59.9 46.5 48.1
Turnover Margin -26 +14 +9
Fumbles Lost 22 10 2
Sacks 12 15 14
Sacks Allowed 14 4 2
MAN OF STEEL
A true AFL Ironman, Kyle Moore-Brown is in his 11th season in the league and has never missed a game. The game vs. Las Vegas will mark his 166th consecutive start. The first 139 all came with the Firebirds organization before he signed with the Crush prior to the 2004 season.
CONSECUTIVE STARTS:
165 Overall (150 regular season, 15 playoffs)
JUST FOR KICKS
Crush kicker Clay Rush is among the all-time great AFL kickers. A two-time AFL Kicker of the Year, Rush currently ranks fourth on the all-time scoring list by kickers and fifth for field goals made. In 2005, Rush leads the league in touchbacks and booted a league-long and Crush record 62-yard field goal (2/27 vs. LA).
AFL All-Time Leading Scorers (Kickers)
Rk Player Years Pres. Tm Points
1. Mike Black 1993-04 n/a 1,240
2. Steve Videtich 1996-pres. Columbus 1,186
3. Remy Hamilton 1998-pres. L.A. 978
4. Clay Rush 1999-pres. Colorado 856
5. Daron Alcorn 1997-04 n/a 771
6. Kenny Stucker 1994-99, 2003 n/a 754
AFL Most All-Time Field Goals Made
Rk Player Years Pres. Tm FGM
1. Mike Black 1993-04 n/a 175
2. Steve Videtich 1996-pres. Columbus 150
3. Kenny Stucker 1994-99, 2003 n/a 118
4. Remy Hamilton 1998-pres. L.A. 123
5. Clay Rush 1999-pres. Colorado 109
6. Daron Alcorn 1997-04 n/a 100
TACKLING MACHINE
After setting an AFL record with 123.0 tackles in 2004, Rashad Floyd has registered a league-leading 68.5 tackles in the first eight games, setting him on another record-breaking pace This despite missing almost the entire game vs. Columbus on 3/20 Floyd set an AFL record with 17.5 tackles vs. Los Angeles on 2/27, besting the previous record of 17.0 set by L.A.s Kevin Cobb at Houston on 6/23/00 Floyd finished 30.0 tackles ahead of second place in 2004 - Indianas Anthony Derricks (93.0).
AFL Record - Most Tackle in a Season
Player Team Year Total
Rashad Floyd Colorado 2005 137.0*
Rashad Floyd Colorado 2004 123.0
Cornelius Coe Indiana 2001 121.5
Damon Mason Orlando 2000 108.0
Damon Mason Orlando 1999 103.0
Damon Mason Orlando 2001 101.0
* Based on current pace (68.5 tackles through eight games 8.6/game)
ONE FOR THE AGES
FB/LB Chad Dukes ranks fifth on the AFLs all-time rushing list with 1,111 yards. Dukes was the fourth player in AFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in his career. Currently on IR, Dukes trails Chicagos Bob McMillen by 70 yards for 4th place.
AFL Career Rushing Yards
Player Team 2005 Career
Les Barley 1,382
Andre Bowden 1,241
Bo Kelly ARI 30 1,231
Bob McMillen CHI 93 1,243
Chad Dukes COL 0 1,111
STEEL CURTAIN
After allowing 14 sacks in 2003 (12 on Dutton), the Crush pass
protection has been stellar under Coach Dailey. The team allowed
just four sacks in 2004, and none after Week 6 at San Jose (3/14).
The Crush did not allow a sack in their final 446 offensive plays of
the 2004 regular season (10+ games). They have allowed just two
sacks in 2005 a fourth quarter coverage sack by Orlandos E.J
Burt in the season opener on 1/30/05 and a first quarter unforced
fumble by QB John Dutton that the Crush recovered on the
opening play vs. Los Angeles on 2/27/05. After holding six opponents this season sackless, the Crush have now allowed just those two sacks in their last 18 games.
Fewest Sacks Allowed (2005)
Team Games Sacks Attmpts Sack/Play
Las Vegas 9 1 337 0.30
Colorado 8 2 289 0.69
Philadelphia 9 4 305 1.29
Chicago 9 4 270 1.46
SACK HAPPY
After totaling just 15 sacks in 16 games in 2004, the Crush pass
rush has picked up the pressure and leads the league with 14 sacks, in addition to a safety and forcing 16 turnovers. Rich Young has led the way with 5.0 sacks, including a safety in Orlando. He also pressured Joe Hamilton into a fumble for a Tank Reese touchdown at Orlando (1/30) and forced a fumble that Andy McCullough returned for a touchdown at Arizona (2/19).
Most Sacks By Team (2005)
Team Games Sacks Attempts Sack/Play
Colorado 8 14 316 4.24
Las Vegas 9 13 316 4.11
Orlando 9 13 336 3.72
Arizona 9 12 324 3.57
SIX STRING?
The Crush won consecutive games five times last season, but never three in a row. However, the team is in the midst of its first-ever five-game win streak (@ Arizona 2/20, vs. Los Angeles 2/27, @ Nashville 3/12, vs. Columbus 3/20, @ Dallas 3/25) and is seeking its sixth straight versus Las Vegas. The franchise had never won three straight before this current streak.
STREAKFREE
On the other hand, the Crush have never lost consecutive games under Mike Dailey. After a 2-14 inaugural campaign, the Crush managed to make it through the entire 2004 season without losing consecutive games. They kept that streak alive by rebounding from both losses this season with a W.
THEYRE BACK
After 2004 saw a brand new coaching staff and only five returning
players on the opening day roster from 2003, this years Crush
team strongly resembles the 2004 squad. In fact, the team lost no
players to free agency, and features 16 of 20 players on the active
roster from 2004. Another three returnees are currently on the
injured list. Ahmad Hawkins is the only player to appear in every
Crush game in franchise history.
Third Year Crush Players
John Dutton Saul Patu Ahmad Hawkins
Damian Harrell Bryant Shaw
NFL BOUND
The Crush lost four players to the NFL, including two key members of the 2004 team. OL/DL Aaron Johnson finished the 2004 NFL season on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad while WR/DB Robert Redd signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Two rookies also signed with NFL teams, af2 Ironman of the Year Tim Dodge signed with the Carolina Panthers and OL/DL Delbert Cowsette signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
FLOCK OF FIREBIRDS
With Coach Daileys move to the Crush came a flock of former Albany and Indiana Firebirds migrated west to Denver. The 2004 offseason only bolstered those totals with the addition of Andy McCullough, Delvin Hughley and Clay Rush, although Rush was the only one to play under Dailey (2003).
Former Firebirds (years with Firebirds)
Players Coaches
Jose Davis (2003) Mike Dailey (1992-2003)
Chad Dukes (1996-98) Ernesto Purnsley (1997-98, 2000-03)
Delvin Hughley (2004)* Brian Partlow (2000-03)
Hugh Hunter (2002-03)
Andy McCullough (2004)*
Kyle Moore-Brown (1995-03)
Clay Rush (2003-04)
Rich Young (2002-03)
· Aaron Johnson (2001-03) is also a former Firebird who played for the Crush in 2004 and is currently on exempt NFL list (Kansas City Chiefs).
· Current Crush OL/DL Derrick Pickens also attended training camp with the Firebrids before signing to playing in the CFL.
· * Hughley and McCullough never played under Dailey with the Firebirds. Hughley was traded to Indiana as part of the deal that brought Dailey to Colorado.
KEY ADDITIONS
While the Crush returns the core of last years playoff team, they did add a few key parts in the offseason. Two-time kicker of the year Clay Rush signed as free agent to bolster kickoffs and add range on field goals. Former All-Rookie team member and 1,200-yard receiver WR/LB Andy McCullough and defensive specialist Delvin Hughley were added through the Dispersal Draft. Hughley was a member of the inaugural Crush team in 2003, leading the team in tackles before being included in a trade with Indiana that brought Coach Dailey to Denver. All three players were previously with Indiana. Four AFL rookies made the roster, with former Kansas City Chief Tank Reese the only one to start the season on the active roster.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
After finishing their inaugural season 0-8 at home, the Crush are now 10-2 under Mike Dailey at the Pepsi Center, with the two losses consisting of an overtime field goal by Indianas kicker
Clay Rush (now with Colorado) last season, and a 51-48 Chicago win this season on a Keith Gispert field goal with 3 seconds remaining.
SPREAD THE WEALTH
After completing 21 of his 23 completions at Orlando (1/30) to just Kevin McKenzie (14) and Damian Harrell (7), John Dutton has gotten almost everyone on the team involved in the last seven games. On the season, nine different players have receptions and eight different players have caught touchdown passes.
WRONG END OF RECORDS
The Crush allowed a franchise record in total offense in
consecutive weeks earlier this season, surrendering 374 total yards
to Grand Rapids, including an AFL record 100 yards rushing by
Michael Bishop and 122 Rampage rushing yards (second largest
total in AFL history) in a Crush win on 2/5. They followed that
up by allowing a franchise record 409 passing yards to Chicagos
Raymond Philyaw and a total of 412 yards to the Rush offense.
The Crush had allowed just five opposing quarterbacks to
throw for 300+ yards in the teams first two regular seasons. It has
happened three times this season - Raymond Philyaw (409) of Chicago 2/13 and Joe Germaine (319) @ Arizona 2/19, and most recently Ryan Vena (308) of Columbus 3/20.
The Crush have allowed several of the biggest games in the league this year:
AFL SEASON HIGHS
· Most Passing Yards 409 (30-45) by Raymond Philyaw, Chicago @ Colorado, 2/13
· Most Receiving Yards 192 (13 rec.) by Henry Douglas, Chicago @ Colorado, 2/13
· Most Yards from Scrimmage - 192 (192 rec., 0 rush) by Henry Douglas, Chicago @ Colorado, 2/13
· Most Rushing Yards 100 (6 rush) by Michael Bishop, Grand Rapids @ Colorado, 2/5 (AFL RECORD)
· Most Receptions 14 (106 yds) by Kevin McKenzie, @ Orlando, 1/30
· Most Tackles 17.5 by Rashad Floyd vs.Los Angeles, 2/27
· Longest Field Goal 62 yds. by Clay Rush, vs. Los Angeles, 2/27
LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD
The Crush are averaging 56.0 points per game (second in the AFL) and have twice topped 70 points and set new franchise highs for scoring 72 vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5, then 74 at Arizona on 2/19. In the Arizona game, the team exploded for a team-record 33 points in the second quarter (most ever in a quarter) and 50 points in the first half (most in any half).
Scoring Offense (2005)
Team G TD XP 2pt FG Saf Pts Avg.
San Jose 8 71 57 0 2 1 491 61.4
Colorado 8 59 52 1 12 2 448 56.0
Dallas 9 67 60 3 7 2 493 54.8
Tampa Bay 8 59 53 2 6 2 433 54.1
New York 8 62 51 0 3 0 432 54.0
THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY
The Crush are leading the AFL in third-down efficiency, having
converted 54.3 % of their third downs (25-46). Not surprisingly,
John Dutton is second among quarterbacks in QB Rating on third
downs at 112.8, completing 26-44 passes for 331yards, 10 TDs and 1 interception. Damian Harrell and Kevin McKenzie are tied for seventh in the AFL with nine third-down receptions in 2005.
FREQUENT FLYER MILES
The Crush are co-owned by the Denver Broncos, and they travel like them too. The Crush will travel 16,896 miles on trips this season, an average of 1,056 miles each way. The Broncos traveled 16,988 miles on regular-season trips this past season, an average of 1,061.8 miles each way. The difference between the two teams? A mere 5.8 miles.
GETTING DEFENSIVE
AFL LEADERS: TAKE-AWAYS/GIVE-AWAYS
TAKE-AWAYS GIVE-AWAYS Net
Rank Team Int Fum Total Int Fum Total Diff
1) New York 18 2 20 6 3 9 = +11
2) Colorado 11 5 16 4 2 6 = +10
3) Los Angeles 13 7 20 7 4 11 = +9
4) Dallas 9 12 21 6 8 14 = +7
5) Orlando 10 9 19 9 5 14 = +5
STOPPED IN THEIR TRACKS
At the midway point in the season, the Crush are 6-2 and the defense has made big plays at big times. The Crush have held their opponent scoreless on 34 drives, including 21 times in the second half of a game. The Crush lead the league in sacks (14) and have also totaled 11 interceptions, tied for third most in the league. Below is a detailed look at each stop this season and what the Crush did with the ball following that defensive stop:
Game Qtr Situation Score at time of stop Crush Result
@ Orl 1 Interception 0-0 Touchdown
@ Orl 2 End of half Orl 26-17 ------------
@ Orl 3 Fumble Orl 32-24 Touchdown
@ Orl 4 Missed FG Orl 39-31 Field Goal
@ Orl 4 Missed FG Orl 39-34 Missed FG
@ Orl 4 Safety Orl 39-36 Missed FG
@ Orl 4 End of Game Orl 39-36 -----------
GRR 1 Interception 0-0 Touchdown
GRR 1 Missed FG Col 14-6 Touchdown
GRR 2 End of Half Col 35-23 ----------
GRR 3 Downs Col 48-26 Touchdown
CHI 3 Downs 27-27 Touchdown
CHI 3 Interception Col 41-34 Missed FG
@ Ari 1 Downs Col 17-14 Touchdown
@ Ari 2 Fumble Col 24-14 Touchdown
@ Ari 2 Fumble Col 37-21 Touchdown
@ Ari 2 Fumble Col 50-35 End of Half
@ Ari 4 Interception Col 64-62 Touchdown
@ Ari 4 End of Game Col 74-69 -----------
LOS 1 Interception Col 7-0 Touchdown
LOS 3 Downs Col 44-34 Touchdown
LOS 4 Downs Col 51-34 Touchdown
@ Nas 1 Missed FG 7-7 Touchdown
@ Nas 3 Interception Col 34-28 Downs
@ Nas 4 Missed FG Col 34-28 Touchdown
CMB 1 Interception Col 7-6 Touchdown
CMB 3 Missed FG Col 31-29 Touchdown
CMB 4 Interception Col 38-29 Touchdown
CMB 4 Interception Col 45-29 Touchdown
CMB 4 End of Game Col 52-37 ----------
@ Dal 3 Downs Dal 37-34 Touchdown
@ Dal 3 Interception Col 40-37 Touchdown
@ Dal 4 Safety Col 61-58 Field Goal
@ Dal 4 End of Game Col 66-58 --------
DAMIAN DYN-O-MITE
A BROKEN RECORD
Damian Harrell has caught a TD pass in 41 straight regular season games, including all 38 games as a member of the Crush That streak is the longest active streak of scoring a TD and of consecutive games with a TD reception The mark is tied for the longest streak of consecutive games with a TD reception in AFL history and if the streak continues, he would set a new AFL record vs. Las Vegas on 4/3 It is also fourth-longest streak of consecutive games with a TD Harrells streak began with the Toronto Phantoms vs. Carolina on 7/4/02.
AFL Consecutive Games with a TD Reception
Year (Week)
Player (team) Stk began Stk ended # Games
Damian Harrell (Tor/Col) 2002 (Wk 12) --- 41
Eddie Brown (Alb/Ind) 1997 (Wk 3) 2000 (Wk 1) 41
Eddie Brown (Ind) 1994 (Wk 1) 1996 (Wk 14) 33
Chris Jackson (LA) 2000 (Wk 1) 2002 (Wk 7) 28
AFL Consecutive Games Scoring a Touchdown
Year (Week)
Player (team) Stk began Stk ended # Games
Eddie Brown (Alb/Ind) 1997 (Wk 3) 2002 (Wk 3) 65
Chris Jackson (LA) 2000 (Wk 1) 2003 (Wk 14) 47
Barry Wagner (Orl) 1992 (Wk 10) 1996 (Wk 11) 43
Damian Harrell (Tor/Col) 2002 (Wk 12) --- 41
Eddie Brown (Ind) 1994 (Wk 1) 1996 (Wk 14) 33
In comparison, the correlating NFL records are as follows:
NFL Consecutive Games with a TD Reception
Player (team) Team Year(s) # Games
Jerry Rice SF 49ers 1986-87 13
Carl Pickens Cin. Bengals 1994-95 10
Buddy Dial Pitt. Steelers 1959-60 11
Elroy Crazy Legs Hirsch LA Rams 1950-51 11
NFL Consecutive Games with a Scoring a Touchdown
Player (team) Team Year(s) # Games
Lenny Moore Balt. Colts 1963-65 18
O.J. Simpson Buff. Bills 1975 14
Jerry Rice SF 49ers 1986-87 13
George Rogers Wash. Redskins 1985-86 13
John Riggins Wash. Redskins 1982-83 13
DOMINATING THE DECADE:
Harrell also has the second-most receiving yards and catches in the AFL since 2000 Georgia OS Chris Jackson in first in both categories during that span.
AFL Receiving Leaders (2000-05)
Catches Receiving Yards
Player (pres. team) 2000-04 2005 Total
Chris Jackson (Geo..) 480 6,795 48 651 528 7,446
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 462 6,566 56 733 518 7,299
Greg Hopkins (LA) 466 5,633 45 476 511 6,109
Mike Horacek (NY) 399 5,248 48 686 447 5,934
PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND A HALF?
Harrell has been especially dangerous since Coach Dailey took over the helm of the Crush. Since the start of the 2004 season, he is the second-leading scorer in the league. He is also among the leaders in that span in receiving yards, receptions and long scores.
Total Touchdowns (2004-05)
Player (pres. team) 2004 2005 TDs (Pts)
Marcus Nash (LV) 49 (300) 24 (144) 73 (444)
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 43 (258) 21 (126) 64 (384)
Chris Jackson (Geo.) 45 (272) 13 (82) 58 (354)
Siaha Burley (Ari.) 28 (168) 26 (158) 54 (326)
Aaron Bailey (NO) 34 (204) 20 (120) 54 (324)
Etu Molden (Chi.) 32 (198) 18 (108) 50 (306)
Cory Fleming (Orl.) 35 (210) 14 (84) 49 (294)
James Roe (SJ) 29 (174) 18 (108) 47 (282)
Most Receiving Yards (2004-05)
Player (pres. team) Rec. Yds TD Yd/Catch
Marcus Nash (LV) 230 2,874 69 12.5
Chris Jackson (Geo.) 173 2,454 56 14.2
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 170 2,448 64 14.4
Aaron Bailey (N.O.) 171 2,334 50 13.6
Thabiti Davis (N.O.) 200 2,173 37 10.9
Cory Fleming (Orl.) 171 2,056 47 12.0
Jason Shelley (Dall.) 159 2,048 36 12.9
CRUSH NOTABLES
TEAM
· The Crush outscored Dallas (3/25/05) 16-0 in the third quarter as the team won its fifth straight game. Colorado also held Orlando scoreless in the fourth quarter in the season opening loss on 1/30/04.
· The Crush are second in the league in turnover margin at +10, 1 behind New York. The Crush have forced 16 turnovers (11 interceptions, 5 fumbles) while turning the ball over just six times.
· The Crush lead the league in third-down efficiency, having converted 57.1 % of their third-down attempts (24-42).
· The 42-35 Crush win at Nashville was the fifth-lowest scoring game in franchise history, falling five points shy of the 72 combined points by the Crush and Austin on 2/27/04. The Crush are now 4-1 in their five lowest scoring games (lost 39-36 at Orlando on 1/30/05).
· The Crush blocked their first-ever field goal in the win at Nashville when Saul Patu blocked a 31-yard attempt by Nashvilles Gary Kral (3/12/2005).
· The Crush were 3-4 on Sundays and 8-1 on all other days in 2004. They are 2-2 on Sundays and 4-0 on Fridays and Saturdays in 2005.
· The Crush have twice scored a franchise high for points this season, scoring 72 points vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5 before topping that with 74 at Arizona on 2/19. The previous franchise high was 69 scored vs. Grand Rapids on 4/23/04.
· In the Crushs record 74-point performance at Arizona, they also scored a franchise record 50 points in the first half thanks to a record 33 points in the second quarter. They followed that by being shutout for the first time ever in a third quarter.
INDIVIDUAL
· Willis Marshall caught a career-high four TDs in Dallas on 3/25/05, all in the first half. He had caught three touchdown passes five times (last vs. Chicago, 5/30/04).
· Damian Harrell has caught a TD pass in 41 straight games, including all 38 career games with the Crush. He is tied with Touchdown Eddie Brown for the longest streak in AFL history. He would break it vs. Las Vegas on 4/3.
· With the win at Dallas, Coach Dailey moved into sole possession of fifth place on the all-time coaching win list with 81, passing Michael Trigg.
· The game vs. Las Vegas will mark the 166th straight start for Kyle Moore-Brown every game in his 11-year career.
· Rashad Floyd made 17.5 tackles, a new AFL record, on 2/27/05 against Los Angeles. The previous record of 17.0 tackles was set by Los Angeless Kevin Cobb on 6/23/00 vs. Houston.
· Clay Rushs 62-yard field goal at the end of the first half against Los Angeles on 2/27/05 is the second longest FG in AFL history and set a new franchise record. The record (63 yards on 5/18/96) was set by San Joses Aaron Mills at Florida. Rush has kicked the longest two field goals in the AFL this season (also 55 @ Orlando 1/30).
· Ahmad Hawkins 53-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at Arizona (2/19) was the first by the Crush since Robert Redd (56 yds) @ Chicago, 2/22/04 in Week 3 of 2004.
· John Dutton tied a career-high with 8 touchdown passes vs. Grand Rapids, a feat he also accomplished in an overtime loss vs. LA on 2/16/03. The game was also his 10th career 300-yard game, his ninth with the Crush.
· Kevin McKenzies 14 catches at Orlando were a new career high, a new Crush single-game record and the most in the AFL this season.
· Clay Rushs 55-yard field goal at Orlando was the longest in Crush history at the time by 10 yards (45 by A. Brenner vs. Ari., 3/27/04). It is also the second-longest field goal in the AFL this season. Rushs six attempts at Orlando were also a Crush record. The Crush had not made two field goals in a game since 3/27/04 (Anthony Brenner). Rush then kicked the second longest field goal in Crush history with a 50-yarder at Arizona on 2/19. He made a franchise record four field goals in that game.
RECORDS BROKEN OR TIED THIS SEASON
Crush
Team
Most sacks, game 4 @ Orlando, 1/30 (3 @ Detroit, 5/23/04)
Most interceptions, game 3 vs. Columbus, 3/20 (2 eight times, last vs. Philadelphia, 5/1/04)
Most points scored, game 74 @ Arizona, 2/19 (72 vs. Grand Rapids, 2/5/05)
Most points scored, half 50 @ Arizona, 2/19 (41, twice, last vs. Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)
Most points scored, first half 50 @ Arizona, 2/19 (37, twice, last vs. Philadelphia, 5/1/04)
Most points scored, quarter 33 @ Arizona, 2/19 (21 vs. Detroit, 3/4/04)
Most points scored, second quarter 33 @ Arizona, 2/19 (28 @ San Jose, 2/22/03)
Individual
Longest field goal made 62 yards, Clay Rush vs. Los Angeles, 2/27 (55, Clay Rush @ Orlando, 1/30/05)
Most field goals attempted, game 6, Clay Rush at Orlando, 1/30 (4, Kris Heppner vs. Georgia, 2/2/03)
Most receptions, game 14, Kevin McKenzie at Orlando, 1/30 (13 twice, last Damian Harrell @ Detroit, 5/23/04)
Most field goals made, game 4, Clay Rush at Arizona, 2/18 (2, five times, last Clay Rush at Orlando, 1/30)
Most tackles, game 17.5, Rashad Floyd vs. Los Angeles, 2/27 (12.0 Rashad Floyd vs. Indiana (OT), 4/3/04)
Tied
Most TD receptions, game 5, Damian Harrell vs. Los Angeles, 2/27 (fourth time, last by Damian Harrell vs. Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)
Opponent
Team
Most rushing yards, game 122, Grand Rapids, 2/5 (86, San Jose, 4/27/03)
Most total yards, game 412, Chicago, 2/13 (374, Grand Rapids, 2/5/05) prior to season was 370, Detroit, 3/4/04
Individual
Most passing yards, game 409, Raymond Philyaw, Chicago, 2/13 (375, Andy Kelly, Det., 3/4/04)
Most rushing yards, game 100, Michael Bishop, Grand Rapids, 2/5 (36 twice, last Chris Avery, Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)
APPROACHING MILESTONES
Player Needs For Season Avg. Est. Games
Damian Harrell 1 touchdown catch vs. Las Vegas 42nd straight game w/ TD reception (to set AFL record) 2.6 1
John Dutton 4 passing TDs 250 in career 5.6 1
Kevin McKenzie 3 receptions 200 in career 5.3 1
Ahmad Hawkins 63 receiving yards 500 in career 22.6 3
Rich Young 14 rushing yards 250 in career 4.3 4
Delvin Hughley 15.5 tackles 200.0 in career 4.4 4
Clay Rush 44 points 900 in career 10.8 5
Kevin McKenzie 254 receiving yards 2,500 in career 49.9 6
MILESTONES REACHED
· John Dutton reached 12,500 yards passing @ Dallas on 3/25.
· John Dutton completed his 1,000th pass @ Dallas on 3/25.
· Clay Rush attempted his 200th FG vs. Los Angeles on 2/27.
· Rashad Floyd recorded his 250th career tackle vs. Los Angeles on 2/27.
· Damian Harrell caught his 150th career receiving touchdown at Orlando on 1/30.
· John Dutton passed 11,000 career passing yards vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
· Damian Harrell caught his 500th career pass vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
· Kevin McKenzie reached 2,000 career receiving yards vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
· Clay Rush made his 100th career field goal vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
· Kevin McKenzie scored his 250th career point vs. Chicago on 2/13.
· John Dutton attempted the 1,500 pass of his career at Arizona on 2/19.
· Clay Rush scored the 800th point of his career and made the 500th extra-point of his career at Arizona on 2/19.
· Willis Marshall caught the 50th touchdown of his career at Nashville on 3/12.
AWARDS
PLAYER OF GAME AWARDS
(selected by media)
Week Opp. Offensive Player Defensive Player Ironman of Game
1 @ Orlando Joe Hamilton (ORL) Damon Mason (ORL) Cory Fleming (ORL)
2 vs. Gr. Rapids John Dutton (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
3 vs. Chicago Henry Douglas (CHI) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
4 @ Arizona Damian Harrell (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Saul Patu (COL)
5 vs. Los Angeles Damian Harrell (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
7 @ Nashville John Dutton (COL) Ahmad Hawkins (COL) Ahmad Hawkins (COL)
8 vs. Columbus John Dutton (COL) Delvin Hughley (COL) Willis Marshall (COL)
9 @ Dallas Willis Marshall (COL) Delvin Hughley (COL) Will Pettis (DAL)
AFL AWARDS
AFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK
DS Rashad Floyd, Week 5 (vs. Los Angeles, 2/27) 17.5 tackles (17 solo), 1.0 tackle for loss, 3 pass breakups
AFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF MONTH
DS Rashad Floyd, February 51.5 tackles, 11 pass breakups, interception, forced fumble
AFL WRITERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS
ALL-AFL TEAM (MID-SEASON)
FB/LB Rich Young
LAST MEETING: (2004 WEEK 1) · COLORADO 43, LAS VEGAS 42
Fri, Feb. 6, 2004 · PEPSI CENTER · DENVER, Colo. · Attendance: 18,063 (sellout)
Player of Game Awards: Offensive - Damian Harrell (CO) · Defensive - Ahmad Hawkins (CO) · Ironman -Kevin McKenzie (CO)
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
----------------- -- -- -- -- -----
Las Vegas Gladiators 7 14 0 21 - 42 Record: (0-1)
Colorado Crush...... 7 10 14 12 - 43 Record: (1-0)
DENVER-- John Dutton and Damian Harrell connected on two touchdown passes in the final 15 seconds to give the Colorado Crush (1-0) an improbable 43-42 win over the Las Vegas Gladiators (0-1) in the season opener for both teams on Frontier Airlines Field at the Pepsi Center on Friday evening.
The last-minute comeback negated the Gladiators' rally; until the Dutton-to-Harrell scores, Las Vegas had scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to turn a 31-21 deficit a 42-31 lead with 36 seconds remaining. Harrell's two scores were connected by a successful onside kickoff recovery with 10 seconds to go. On the next play, Dutton found Harrell in the right side of the end zone for a 33-yard score that sent the Crush's fans into delirium. The win was Colorado's first at home in its two-season existence. The Crush was winless at home in 2003 en route to a 2-14 finish.
Prior to the last-minute onside kick, kept the Crush in the game, as the team scored twice on rebound-net recoveries. Lineman Patrick Downey recovered a missed Anthony Brenner field-goal try in the end zone for the first such touchdown, while wide receiver/defensive back Willis Marshall grabbed a loose Brenner kickoff in the third quarter for the other special-teams score. Those were the first two rebound-net-recovery touchdowns in franchise history.
Marshall's touchdown gave the Crush a 31-21 lead as the third quarter concluded. The Gladiators wasted little time slicing into that lead, as Las Vegas quarterback Clint Dolezel jumped over the line for a 1-yard score that narrowed the Crush edge to 3 points. Two plays into the next possession, the Gladiators intercepted a Dutton pass, allowing Las Vegas to begin a 47-yard drive that culminated in a Frank Carter touchdown run.
Following a pooched field-goal try that went awry on Colorado's next possession, the Gladiators took over at the Crush 14 with three minutes remaining. Two plays later, Colorado defensive specialist Ahmad Hawkins intercepted a Dolezel pass, returning it to the Colorado 17.
A 15-yard Dutton pass to Kevin McKenzie pushed the Crush into Las Vegas territory at the one-minute warning. On the first play inside of a minute, Dutton fumbled a snap for the third time in the game. Las Vegas recovered and scored 19 seconds later. But they would not see the football again, as Dutton and the Crush offense redeemed itself to collect the triumph.
LAST GAME: GAME 8 COLORADO 66, DALLAS 58
March 25, 2005 · AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER · DALLAS, TEXAS · Attendance: 13,131
AWARDS: OFF-WILLIS MARSHALL (COL) · DEF-DELVIN HUGHLEY (COL) · IRONMAN-WILL PETTIS (DAL)
DENVER A short week with only two practices and facing a division leader on the road weren't enough to prevent the Crush from increasing its winning streak to five by turning back the Dallas Desperados 66-58 at the American Airlines Center on Friday night.
In winning, the Crush overcame a horrific start in which the team fell behind 7-0 on the opening kickoff and then slipped into deficits of 14-0, 21-7 and 27-14 before going on a 33-10 run to take the lead for good.
The Crush outscored the Desperados 16-0 in the third quarter to turn a 37-31 halftime deficit into a 47-37 advantage. Until the Crush took the lead, it took the efforts of WR/DB Willis Marshall to keep the Crush in the game; he scored all four of the team's first-half touchdowns and finished the game with 106 yards receiving on seven catches. Marshall's performance allowed the Crush to overcome its worst start of the season.
Dallas' Will Pettis opened the contest by returning the opening kickoff 56 yards for a touchdown. The Crush then went scoreless on its first drive after advancing into a goal-to-go situation, and Dallas stretched its edge to 14-0 when Clint Stoerner hit Andrew Layton for a 29-yard touchdown. Three plays later, the Crush finally got on the board when Dutton connected with Marshall for a 5-yard score that narrowed the deficit to seven points. It was the first of Dutton's eight scoring tosses; he concluded the game with 338 yards on 23-of-31 passing.
In addition to the four Marshall TD catches, OS Damian Harrell snagged two scoring passes, while Ahmad Hawkins and Andy McCullough each scored once.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Colorado Crush...... 7 24 16 19 - 66 Record: (6-2)
Dallas Desperados 14 23 0 21 - 58 Record: (6-3)
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