Chatman, Defense Beat Buffalo
March 1, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Buffalo â It was Antonio Chatman night at the HSBC Arena Saturday as the Chicago Rush won its second consecutive game 40-13 against the Eastern Division-leading Buffalo Destroyers (3-2).
Chatman hauled in 10 catches for 145 yards and four touchdowns, including a stunning one-handed grab on a 33-yard bomb from quarterback Billy Dicken. Chatman's four touchdowns increased his team-leading total to seven and improved Chicago's record to 2-3.
The Rush hopes to even its record next Sunday when it hosts the defending champion San Jose SaberCats at Allstate Arena.
"It was a terrific performance by AC tonight," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "He's struggled a bit to overcome the way defenses are keying on him this year, but I think he has started to figure things out.
Chatman's offensive performance was matched by the Rush defense, limiting Buffalo's offense to just one touchdown and two field goals while setting a franchise record for fewest points allowed.
Rush linemen James Baron and John Moyer each recorded sacks, while the Rush defense frequently pressured Buffalo quarterback Tim Carey. Carey finished the night 19 of 37 for 195 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Dicken complemented Chatman on the offensive side of the ball, recording a season-high six touchdown passes on 21 of 32 attempts for 246 yards.
The low-scoring affair was expected, considering Buffalo and Chicago are the top ranked defensive teams in the Arena Football League.
Therefore, no one should have been surprised at the break when the Rush held a 13-7 halftime lead.
Buffalo's defense flexed its muscles first, as defensive specialist JoJo Polk intercepted a Dicken pass on Chicago's first possession. The Rush defense countered, however, and forced Buffalo into a missed field goal.
Dicken and the Rush offense gathered itself on the next possession, culminating with an 18-yard scoring pass to Chatman for a 7-0 lead.
Buffalo matched Chicago to begin the second quarter with a combination very familiar to the Rush organization. Carey, a two-year Chicago backup, found former Rush WR/LB Cornelius White on a 7-yard corner route to even the score at 7-7.
The play appeared to inspire the Rush, which marched down the field before Dicken found WR/LB Lindsay Fleshman for a 10-yard strike. Rush kicker Keith Gispert missed the extra point and Chicago held a 13-7 advantage.
Chicago's defense clamped down again, forcing the Destroyers into a missed 30-yard field goal attempt. Then, with 1-minute remaining in the half, things went crazy.
The two teams traded interceptions on consecutive plays, with Polk getting his second of the game before Rush rookie Halakilangi Muagututia, playing in his first career game, picked off a Carey pass on the ensuing play with 23 seconds left in the half.
The Rush squandered its final chance to score, however, as Chatman failed to find the end zone on a sweep play as time expired.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 1, 2003
- Buffalo Can't Stop The Rush - Buffalo Destroyers
- Chatman, Defense Beat Buffalo - Chicago Rush
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
