Game Preview: Chicago Rush vs. Pittsburgh Power
April 10, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
The Rush (1-2) follow up their first victory of the season with a return to the Allstate Arena this Sunday at 3:00 pm to take on the Pittsburgh Power (0-2). This game will mark the first time in AFL history that the two franchises play each other. In addition, the Rush are hosting their first annual "Rush Against Violence". For every ticket sold, the team will donate one dollar to Chicagoland after-school and summer programs. The Rush have teamed up with local youth groups, teams, churches, and police stations to help bring more awareness to violence in the Chicagoland area. In addition, Rosemont Mayor Bradley Stephens will be on hand to conduct the coin toss ceremony.
On the field, the performance of Rush Wide Receiver/Kick Returner Rodney Wright has been one of the bigger stories so far in 2013. His 24.2 kickoff return yard average ranks first in the AFL through three games, and he is fourth in the league averaging nine receptions a game. Wright has performed at a high level on both offense and special teams, and his 198 all-purpose yards per game is third in the AFL. The Rush have taken advantage of the versatility that Wright brings to the team, and he adds a strong weapon to complement Reggie Gray's scoring abilities. Gray's 16 points per game is the fourth highest in the league.
On the other side of the ball, the Rush defense gave up 139 points, 571 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, all while forcing no turnovers through their first two games. Those stats obviously led to an uncharacteristic start, resulting in the Rush being non-existent on both the defensive statistics board and in the win column. Week three saw a different Rush defense take the field as they intercepted two passes and forced two fumbles against the San Antonio Talons. The Rush allowed just 193 passing yards, but perhaps more indicative of a strong turnaround was the stingy defense the Rush played on third and fourth down. San Antonio was 4-for-8 in third down situations and 0-for-3 on fourth down. Despite having the edge in time of possession (including having the ball for over nine minutes in the second quarter), the Talons were unsuccessful in over half their drives.
The Rush will look to capitalize on the potential turnover opportunities once again in the matchup against the Power, whose rookie quarterback Jordan Jefferson has thrown two interceptions in both of their games. Despite his early season rust, Jefferson's potential ceiling is nearly non-existent. If his name is familiar, that's because he accumulated 4,733 passing yards and 34 TD in his career at Louisiana State University. He also holds the LSU school record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,018.
Despite their quarterback's past successes, Pittsburgh has struggled early in the 2013 season, falling 64-33 to the Utah Blaze in week one, and 61-35 to the Jacksonville Sharks in week two. While it won't be the easiest situation still seeking their first win away from home, the Power coaching staff is more than familiar with Chicago. Former Chicago Bear and Super Bowl XX winner Mike Tomczak is the offensive coordinator of the Power. Power Head Coach Derek Stingley played for the Rush in 2001, and is on the AFL First Team 15thAnniversary Team. In addition, he's the son of Chicago native and former NFL great Darryl Stingley. Pittsburgh's line coach is John Sikora, who was the lineman of the year for the Rush when they won ArenaBowl XX in 2006. He played a total of five years in Chicago from 2004-2008.
If you're not in attendance, be sure to tune into the CBS Sports Network's online stream of the game at rush.arenafootball.com/allaccess. The Rush will head west following this week's matchup and take on the Utah Blaze on Saturday, April 20 at 8:00 pm. The game is the AFL Game of the Week and will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.
Arena Football League Stories from April 10, 2013
- Orlando's Marcus Everett Earns Riddell Defensive Player of the Week - Orlando Predators
- Pittsburgh Power Partner with Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh Power
- Talons Assigned QB Nick Hill - San Antonio Talons
- Rattlers, Shock Atop Week 4 Coaches' Poll - AFL
- Des Moines to Host AFL Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Iowa Barnstormers
- Game Preview: Chicago Rush vs. Pittsburgh Power - Chicago Rush
- VooDoo Returns to Action against Undefeated Jacksonville - New Orleans VooDoo
- Week 4 Preview: Sharks Ready for Long-Awaited Home Opener - Jacksonville Sharks
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