Blaze Square Off Against Rush in Playoff-Driven Battle
June 5, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (7-5) returns to Tim Dahle Field at EnergySolutions Arena this Saturday to host the Chicago Rush (7-4) in contest that features significant postseason implications. The winner of this week's matchup will take a firm hold on the fourth playoff spot in the Arena Football League's National Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM MT.
The Blaze snapped a three-game losing skid by toppling the Kansas City Command on the road last weekend, 55-45. The victory moved the team to third place in the West Division with a 7-5 overall record. The Chicago Rush remain in second place in the Central Division with a 7-4 record after defeating the Spokane Shock on Sunday, 73-62.
Utah's offense racked up record-setting numbers last week while using a different approach. Rather than air the ball out, the Blaze elected to take what the defense was giving, often checking down to receivers running short, underneath routes. The strategy saw QB Tommy Grady finish with a franchise-record 436 passing yards and seven touchdowns on an all-time AFL-best 46 completions.
Chicago's defense has struggled to keep its opponents off the scoreboard in recent contests, allowing over 75 points in two of its last three games. The Rush rank as the AFL's second-worst scoring defense (59.8 ppg) and place 13th in passing defense (297.0 ypg) and 14th in total defense (312.6 ppg). Still, the Rush employ one of the AFL's top defenders (and also a 2008 member of the Blaze) in JLB Kelvin Morris, who has four interceptions and four fumble recoveries this season.
"Chicago has an opportunistic defense led by a former Blaze player in Kelvin Morris," said President & Head Coach Ron James. "They are a well-coached, physical bunch. This should be a hard fought game between two teams hungry for a post season appearance."
The Blaze was able to get its pass rush back on track this past weekend against the Command, as "Sack City" posted 4.0 sacks with a safety while applying relentless pressure to QB Brian Jones. The defensive secondary also looked more confident in coverage against Kansas City, surrendering a season-low 45 points to the Command.
Utah will need a similar performance this weekend against Rush QB Russ Michna, who ranks first in the League in pass efficiency (128.4) and passing completion percentage (70.1). Chicago boasts the AFL's third-ranked total offense (336.8 ypg) and passing offense (317.8 ypg). Michna has two 1,000-yard receivers at his disposal in Jared Perry and Reggie Gray. Perry leads the group with 82 receptions for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns, while Gray has delivered 79 catches for 1,125 yards and 28 scores.
"The emphasis on passing in the arena game makes protection and pass rush a crucial element," said James. "The team that is able to apply the most pressure to the opposing quarterback is often the winner in these key matchups."
The Utah Blaze vs. Chicago Rush 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 reporting) and calling all the heart-pounding 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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