Blaze Set to Take on New Orleans
March 28, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (2-1) will look to continue its winning streak this Saturday against the New Orleans VooDoo (0-2) on Tim Dahle Field at EnergySolutions Arena. Utah is coming off a dramatic 60-59 victory over the division-rival San Jose SaberCats. Although New Orleans has lost both of its contests this season, the VooDoo cannot be underestimated due to a veteran coaching staff and talented roster.
"New Orleans is a talented team," said President & Head Coach Ron James. "When you watch their games, you can easily see that their current record does not reflect the type of ball club they have. With the type of leadership they have in their coaching ranks, it's only a matter of time before the VooDoo start turning things around."
New Orleans features a high-powered offense led by quarterback Kurt Rocco. In two games this year, Rocco has thrown for 657 yards and 11 touchdowns while helping the VooDoo produce the AFL's second-ranked total offense (349.5 ypg) and third-ranked passing offense (323.5 ypg). His favorite target this season has been wide receiver Josh Bush, who has accumulated 204 yards and four scores on 15 receptions.
The Blaze defense continues to build confidence under first-year coordinator Michael Brown. The unit has shown dramatic improvement since last season, surrendering just 443 yards in total offense combined over the past two weeks. Utah boasts one of the most talented defensive fronts in all of Arena Football and leads the league in sacks (12.0).
"We are pleased with the progress of our defense so far this season, but mindful that three games don't equate to an entire schedule. We must continue to see improvement, particularly as it relates to the team's turnover ratio. As long as we keep working hard and remain healthy, I think we will have a strong defensive unit this year."
The VooDoo defense gave up 63 points to Philadelphia in its first game and 65 points to Milwaukee last week. They currently ranked 11th in the Arena Football League, allowing 308.0 yards in total offense per game. They've managed just one sack and three turnovers on the season.
Utah has kept a good pace on offense under quarterback Tommy Grady, who earned National Guard MVP of the Game honors last week after throwing for 339 yards and seven touchdowns against the SaberCats. Wide receiver Aaron Lesue has been downright unstoppable at times this season, racking up 32 receptions for 300 yards and 10 touchdowns in three games. Although the Blaze has been mostly impressive on offense, the unit still is capable of sheer dominance if it can find a way to reduce turnovers and penalties.
"We must reduce the number of penalties we commit per game. So far this year, we've been playing extremely hard. We need to match that effort with discipline that mirrors the type of team we want to become this season."
The Utah Blaze vs. The New Orleans VooDoo will be broadcast live on KMYU TV (Channels 2.2 on digital cable and 12 on Comcast and DirecTV), with Mychal Clanton (Play-by-Play) and Kevin White (Color Commentary) calling the action. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM (MST).
The game can also be viewed online through the Arena Football League's exclusive partnership with Ustream, the leader in live and interactive video streaming. Visit www.ustream.tv/UtahBlaze to stream the game live and at no cost! The game 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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