Blaze Seek Redemption Against Talons
May 25, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (6-4) will look to avenge an early-season loss this Saturday when they go head-to-head with the San Antonio Talons (7-3) on Tim Dahle Field at EnergySolutions Arena. The two teams previously squared off in Week One when the Talons narrowly emerged with a 54-48 win.
The Blaze is looking to bounce back after suffering an 86-70 loss in an interdivisional contest with the Arizona Rattlers last weekend. The Talons are currently riding a four game winning streak after knocking off the San Jose SaberCats, 72-47. The matchup will play a crucial role in deciding who earns a playoff berth, as both teams continue to jockey for position in the race for the postseason. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM MT.
After surrendering a season-high 86 points to the Rattlers last Saturday, Utah elected to make a coaching change in an effort to sure up its defense. The Blaze hired former Spokane Shock Head Coach Rob Keefe as its new defensive coordinator. Keefe is known for his defensive prowess and is adept at getting the most out of his players in the secondary.
"It's difficult to make mid-season coaching changes," said President & Head Coach Ron James. "But at this juncture, we feel that a change for the betterment of the team will enable our franchise to reach its long term goals. We were fortunate that Coach Keefe was available and are eager to see the development of our defensive unit under his tutelage."
Utah gets veteran DB William Mulder back in the lineup this Saturday after a four-week stint on injured reserve. Mulder is a leader in the secondary and has experience playing under Keefe from his tenure in Spokane, as does DB Al Phillips and Jack LB Antwan Marsh. That familiarity should ensure a smooth transition to the new defensive system.
Keefe's first task will be stopping veteran Arena Football QB Aaron Garcia, who has thrown for 2,677 yards and 64 touchdowns this season. Garcia has shown a tendency to turn the ball over, as his 12 interceptions are the third-highest total in the AFL. If Utah's defensive backs can get their hands on the football and cause turnovers, it will go a long way in securing a victory.
San Antonio has been successful in keeping opponents out of the end zone, ranking fifth in the AFL in scoring defense (52.2 ppg). The Talons are especially effective in the red zone, where they've allowed opponent to score on just 75 percent of possessions. However, it will be strength versus strength this Saturday when the two teams meet, as Utah features the AFL's top-ranked red zone offense.
In their last meeting with San Antonio, Utah lacked a sense of rhythm on offense and was flagged multiple times for offsides penalties. Since that point, QB Tommy Grady has developed terrific timing with his receiving corps, including WR Aaron Lesue, who leads the AFL with 37 touchdown receptions. The Blaze offense has been on an absolute roll as of late and has averaged more than 68 points per contest over its last six games. As always, Utah will have a strong opportunity to light up the scoreboard.
"San Antonio is a conference opponent that represents a significant challenge at this point in the season because they are playing at a high level and we are regrouping," said James. "We expect a heated contest between two good teams. We will need a strong performance in all three phases of the game to be successful this week."
The Utah Blaze vs. the San Antonio Talons will air on KMYU (Dish/DirecTV channel 12, Comcast channel 22) beginning at 7:00 PM MT, with Mychal Clanton (play-by-play), Kevin White (color commentary) and Dave Fox (Sideline) calling all the action.
You can also view the game online through the Arena Football League's exclusive partnership with Ustream, the leader in live and interactive video streaming. Visit www.UTBlaze.com/LIVE to stream the game live and at no cost! Game coverage can be heard in the Salt Lake City area on The Zone 1280 AM/97.5 FM, the radio home of the Utah Blaze.
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