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Chicago Rush game notes

February 23, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release


The Quick Facts
TV: FSN...Josh Lewin, Chris Zorich, Jeff Friedman
Radio: WCKG, 105.9 FM ... Tom Dore, James "Big Cat" Williams, Sharon Jackson
Overall Series Record: Rush leads 4-2 (2-2 regular season, 2-0 postseason)
Streaks: The Rush has won two in a row
Last Meeting: June 6, 2004 (AFL Quarterfinals) Rush 59, Orlando 49
Coaches (regular season records):
Mike Hohensee (81-71 — 12th season)
Jay Gruden (47-29 — 6th season)
Officials: Tom McCabe (Referee), Matt Jordan (Umpire), Neil Brunner (Head Linesman), Bob McElwee (Line Judge), Keith Washington (Back Judge)

2005 Chicago Rush Schedule
January 30 @ Dallas L, 65-66 11,229
February 6 Philadelphia W, 51-41 16,036
February 13 @ Colorado* W, 51-48 16,620
February 19 @ Columbus L, 39-52 17,171
February 25 Orlando 7:30 p.m. FSN
March 6 Nashville* 2 p.m. NBC
March 13 @ Grand Rapids* 11 a.m. NBC
March 20 New Orleans 11 a.m.
March 27 BYE
April 2 @ New York 6 p.m. FSN
April 10 San Jose Noon NBC
April 17 Colorado* Noon NBC
April 23 @ Los Angeles 9:30 p.m. FSN
May 1 Las Vegas Noon NBC
May 7 @ Arizona 9 p.m. FSN
May 15 Grand Rapids* Noon NBC
May 22 @ Nashville* 2 p.m. NBC

*Central Division Game ... All times Central


American Conference — Central Division
2005 Standings
W-L-T PF PA Division
RUSH 2-2-0 206 207 1-0
Colorado 2-2-0 230 215 1-1
Nashville 1-3-0 178 218 0-0
Grand Rapids 0-3-0 155 203 0-1
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: The Rush returns home this week to host the Orlando Predators in its first-ever Friday night regular season home game. The Rush enters the game on the heels of a 52-39 road loss to the previously winless Columbus Destroyers. The Predators also are coming off a loss – a 42-28 defeat in Dallas on February 17.

GOOD TO BE HOME: After playing three of its first four games of the season on the road, the Rush finally gets some time at home. Friday's game at Allstate Arena begins a two-month stretch in which the Rush will play five of its next seven games at home. The only trips the Rush will take will be March 13 (Grand Rapids) and April 2 (New York).

RUSH FALLS IN COLUMBUS: The Rush fumbled on its opening possession of the game last Saturday in Columbus and never truly regained its footing, falling 52-39 to the previously winless Destroyers. Columbus QB Matt D'Orazio made his first career start, completing 26-of-33 passes for 281 yards and four touchdowns as the Destroyers never trailed in the game. Rush offensive specialist Henry Douglas (groin) and quarterback Raymond Philyaw (MCL in right knee) both left the game with injuries and were replaced by Jeremy McDaniel and Todd Hammel, respectively. Douglas is listed as doubtful for this week's game, while Philyaw is listed as probable.

HOME COOKIN': The Rush has a 23-10 all-time record at home (including postseason). The Rush is 1-0 this season and was 7-2 at home in 2004, including two wins over the Orlando Predators – 58-15 during the regular season and 59-49 in the AFL quarterfinals.

RUSH KNOWS HOW TO BOUNCE BACK: The Rush knows how to bounce back from losses. After losing the 2005 opener at Dallas, the Rush responded with a 51-41 win over Philadelphia. Last season, the Rush went 4-1 after a loss, winning by an average of 18 points. Dating back to the mid-point of the 2003 season, the Rush is 9-2 after losses.

AREN'T THEY IN OUR DIVISION?: This week's game between the Rush and Predators will be the seventh meeting between the teams – more than any Rush opponent other than Grand Rapids (9) and Indiana (8). The teams have played once in the regular season every year since the Rush joined the league and twice in the postseason (2001, 2004). The regular season series is split 2-2, while the Rush has won both playoff meetings.

Last year the Rush swept the two games from Orlando, winning 58-15 during the regular season and 59-49 in the AFL quarterfinals.

Here is a look at the Chicago-Orlando Series Results:

2001: Chicago 55, Orlando 41 (July 21 @ Chicago)
Chicago 41, Orlando 26 (July 27 @ Orlando)*
2002: Orlando 49, Chicago 38 (April 26 @ Orlando)
2003: Orlando 47, Chicago 35 (February 2 @ Chicago)
2004: Chicago 58, Orlando 15 (March 21 @ Chicago)
Chicago 59, Orlando 49 (June 6 @ Chicago)*
*AFL playoffs

HOHENSEE NOW IN THIRD PLACE ALL-TIME: With Chicago's 51-48 win in Colorado February 13, Rush head coach Mike Hohensee moved into sole possession of third place on the AFL's all-time wins list. Hohensee, in his 12th season as a head coach in the AFL, was hired as the first coach in Rush history on September 26, 2000. He
- has a regular season record of 81-71 (including a
36-27 mark with the Rush).
- has a career 6-8 mark in the postseason.
- has led the Rush to four-consecutive playoff berths and two Central Division titles (2002 and 2004).
- is 6-7 all-time vs. the Predators (4-2 as coach of Chicago).
- is 5-1 against head coach Jay Gruden (4-0 with Chicago).

All-Time Winningest AFL Coaches
Including Postseason
Coach Team Wins This Week
Tim Marcum Tampa Bay 169 @ New Orleans
Danny White 141
Mike Hohensee Rush 87 Orlando
Perry Moss 86
Michael Trigg Philadelphia 80 Dallas
Mike Dailey Colorado 77 Los Angeles

MOYER GETS 30, NOW 8TH ALL-TIME: Rush lineman John Moyer recorded his second sack of the season last week in Columbus. The sack was Moyer's 30th of his career and moved him past Joe March into eighth place all-time. Next up for Moyer is San Jose's Joe Jacobs with 32.5 career sacks. Moyer holds the Rush season and career records for sacks.

Here are Chicago's season and career sack leaders:
Player Season Player Career
John Moyer 10.0 (2004) John Moyer 25.0
John Moyer 9.0 (2003) James Baron 10.0
Anthony Hutch 5.5 (2001) Anthony Hutch 6.5
John Moyer 4.0 (2002) Jamie McGourty 5.5
James Baron 4.0 (2003) Riley Kleinhesselink 5.0
Tony Henderson 4.0 (2001) Tony Henderson 4.0
James Baron 3.0 (2004)
James Baron 3.0 (2002)
Jamie McGourty 3.0 (2004)

CAN'T TOUCH THIS: The Rush offensive line has been one of the best in the AFL the past several years. In 2004 the line only allowed five sacks all season, good for third in the league. Through four games this season, the Rush line has allowed only one sack.

COSTLY TURNOVERS: Last season the Rush was one of the best teams in the AFL at taking care of the ball. The Rush only turned the ball over 15 times all season, and finished the year tied for the lead in turnover margin (+15). This year, however, the Rush already has turned the ball over seven times in four games, and has a turnover margin of –2. Rush QB Raymond Philyaw has thrown four interceptions this season, equaling the amount he threw all last year.

THE OLD GUY CAN STILL PLAY: 14-year veteran Todd Hammel got his first taste of action this season when starting QB Raymond Philyaw went down with a sprained knee in the third quarter last week in Columbus. With the Rush down 49-26 at the time, Hammel completed 5-of-8 passes for 76 yards and led the offense to two scores, rushing for a two-yard TD and connecting with John Moyer on a three-yard scoring strike.

DOUGLAS HURTING: Offensive specialist Henry Douglas returned a kick 58-yards for a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter last week in Columbus. It was the team's first kick return for a TD this season. It also was the last play of the game for Douglas, who pulled his groin during the return. At the time of his injury Douglas had caught 30 passes for 393 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. He entered last week's game as the AFL leader in receptions, receiving yards and all-purpose yards.

J-MAC BACK: After playing limited minutes in the team's first three games, Jeremy McDaniel entered Saturday's game at Columbus after starting OS Henry Douglas was injured in the second quarter. McDaniel, Chicago's second-leading receiver in 2004, caught seven passes for 73 yards and his first TD of the season.

PHILYAW NURSING KNEE: Rush QB Raymond Philyaw is nursing a sprained MCL in his right knee after taking a hit and leaving last week's game at Columbus in the third quarter. Prior to the injury, Philyaw had been playing well this season, completing 94-of-139 passes for 1,047 yards and 18 touchdowns.

NOSE FOR THE END ZONE: When the Rush needs a touchdown it is very likely that the team will look to second-year WR/DB Etu Molden. Molden has scored 10 touchdowns this year (eight receiving and two rushing) and is tied for sixth in the AFL in scoring (60 points). As a rookie in 2004, Molden finished eighth in the AFL in scoring.

SHAW STRONG ON BOTH SIDES: New Rush WR/DB Russell Shaw continues to make an impact on both sides of the ball for Chicago. Shaw already has equaled his career high by catching 17 passes for a career-best 208 yards on the season. In addition, Shaw has recorded 14 tackles, a career-high five passes broken up and one interception. He ranks eighth in the AFL in passes defended (INT + PBU) with six.

PEGUES RELEASED: Late last week the Rush released lineman Chad Pegues and activated lineman Scott Pospisil from injured reserve. Pegues was signed as a free agent in October to replace James Baron at nose tackle. He was active for the team's first two games, recording 1.5 tackles. Pospisil is an AFL rookie who has spent time in NFL training camps with New England (2000), Denver (2001), and San Diego (2002-03). He also has played in NFL Europe for Berlin (2002) and Amsterdam (2003).

GROUND GAME: The Rush ground attack seems to be just as potent in 2005 as it was in 2004 when the team set an AFL record with 49 rushing touchdowns. Through the 2005 season's first four weeks the Rush has gained 97 yards on the ground and scored eight rushing touchdowns.

KICKIN' KEITH: Rush kicker Keith Gispert continues to be one of the AFL's most consistent kickers. Through four games this season Gispert has connected on 19-of-23 extra point attempts and all five of his field goal attempts. Last season Gispert connected on 95 of 108 PAT attempts and 12 of 22 field goal attempts.

BLOCK THAT KICK: Last season the Rush special teams blocked nine kicks – two field goals and seven extra points. In the season opener against Dallas the Rush continued its ability to put pressure on opposing kickers as lineman John Moyer blocked a Carlos Martinez 22-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the first half. It was Moyer's sixth blocked kick since the start of the 2004 season (including 2004 postseason).

FB=MC3: Perhaps the deepest position on the Rush roster is FB/LB, with AFL veterans Bob McMillen, Jamie McGourty and Travis McDonald manning the duties.

- McMillen is the first player in AFL history to rush for 100 or more yards in six-consecutive seasons and just the fifth player in AFL history to rush for 1,000 career yards. He is playing in his 11th season in the AFL, ranking 4th in AFL history in rushing yards (1,181) and rushing attempts (365) and 5th in rushing touchdowns (66). McMillen enjoyed the best year of his career in 2004, rushing for a career-high 285 yards and 22 TDs.

- McGourty is the last original member of the Rush, entering his 5th season in Chicago. In his six-year career, McGourty has rushed for 445 yards and scored 40 touchdowns. McGourty also ranks fourth in Rush history in sacks, with 5.5.

- McDonald is the newest addition to the backfield, signing with the Rush January 10. McDonald is an eight-year veteran who ranks 15th on the AFL's all-time rushing list with 615 yards. He has played in 81 career games, scored 31 TDs and recorded 92.5 tackles and 12.5 sacks.

A VETERAN GROUP: The 2005 Rush 24-man roster features 13 players who return from last year's team along with 11 newcomers. The Rush enters the season as an experienced squad, with 22 AFL veterans and just two rookies on the roster. In fact, the Rush players have combined to play in 1,178 AFL regular season games, an average of 49 games per man. Todd Hammel leads all Rush players with 147 career games, followed by Bob McMillen (115), John Moyer (84), Travis McDonald (82), John Sikora (80) and Frank Moore (79).

OFF-SEASON MOVES RE-SHAPE TEAM: One bold move – the trade of lineman James Baron to Nashville – helped the Rush re-shape its roster this off-season. Baron was traded to the Kats in exchange for the first three picks in this year's expansion draft. The Rush used those picks to select three players: WR/DB Charles Pauley (San Jose), WR/DB Russell Shaw (LA) and QB Todd Hammel (Philadelphia). Then, Chicago hit the free agent market and signed AFL veteran defensive specialist Jeroid Johnson.

REVAMPED SECONDARY: The Rush used the off-season to re-tool its defensive backfield, adding veteran Jeroid Johnson and rookie Tony Lukins as the new starting defensive specialists. Johnson is a five-year veteran with 22 career interceptions who signed a free agent contract with the Rush during the off-season. Lukins originally signed with the Rush in November 2002, but has spent the past two years on the team's exempt roster while playing with the Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders and Rhein Fire.

RUSH PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Practice for the week of February 21:
Monday, February 21 – Off
Tuesday, February 22 – 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 23 – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, February 24 – 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Allstate Arena)

All practices this week will be held at the team's Hoffman Estates practice facility, Poplar Creek Sports Centre, with the exception of Thursday's walk-thru at Allstate Arena.

TALE OF THE TAPE:
Chicago Category Orlando
4 Games 4
51.5 (9) Scoring Offense 44.75 (14)
51.75 (T-10) Scoring Defense 41.0 (3)
304.3 (5) Total Offense 238.3 (13)
309.3 (13) Total Defense 235.8 (3)
17-23, 73.9% Red Zone Offense 18-20, 90%
12-17, 70.5% Red Zone Defense 10-18, 55.5%
280.0 (4) Pass Offense 213.5 (16)
290.3 (13) Pass Defense 223.0 (3)
24.3 (T-6) Rushing Offense 24.8 (5)
19.0 (T-9) Rushing Defense 12.8 (3)
206 (3) Scoring 179 (10)
34 (T-4) Scoring (Kicking) 17 (17)
23-435-1 Kickoff Returns 19-248-0
18.9 Kick Return Average 13.1
3-16-0 Missed Field Goal Returns 2-2-0
5.3 Missed FG Return Avg. 1.0
-2 (T-12) Turnover Margin -1 (T-9)
5-5, 100% Field Goals 0-7, 100%
19-23, 82.6% PAT Kicking 17-26, 65.3%
3-11 yards Sacks By 8-56 yards
1-3 Sacks Against 10-48
10-21, 47.6% Third Down Conversion 7-23, 30.4%
3-5, 60.0% Fourth Down Conversion 4-8, 50%
30-178 Penalties (#-Yards) 33-166
30-223 Opp. Penalties (#-Yards) 32-186
BOLD – AFL Leader

INDIVIDUAL LEAGUE LEADERS: The following Rush players are among the 2005 AFL league leaders:

DeJuan Alfonzo: forced fumbles (T-3rd—1), tackles (8th—24.0), solo tackles (t-11th – 20)

Henry Douglas: yards from scrimmage (7th – 396), receiving yards (7th – 393), receptions (T- 7th – 30), leading scorers, non kickers (11th – 48), all-purpose yards (3rd –783), receiving yards per game (7th – 98.2), kick return yards (2nd -371), missed field goal returns (T-1st – 2), MFG return yards (T9th –16), first downs (T-7th – 20), combined kickoff/ FG return avg. (T- 9th – 21.5avg.), kick return avg. (7th – 23.2), kick returns (3rd – 16), kick return TDs (T2nd – 1)

Keith Gispert: scoring (kicking) (T-4th—34 points), field goals made (3rd-5), field goals attempted (T-8th – 5), PAT attempts (T- 9th – 23), touchbacks (T- 5th - 8)


Jamie McGourty: yards per rush (6th - 3.8) rushing yards (11th —38)

Etu Molden: scoring (T-6th—60 points), touchdowns (T-6th—10), first downs (T- 5th—21), TD receptions (10th – 8)

Raymond Philyaw: total offense (5th—262.5 yards/ game), total offensive plays (6th—145), total offensive touchdowns (6th—20), total offensive yards (5th—1050), passer rating (9th—110.2), passing yards (4th – 1047), 4th quarter passing rating (9th – 109.2), passing Avg/ Game (6th - 261.8), completion percentage (4th – 67.6) passing attempts (6th – 139), passing TDs (7th – 18), passes complete (3rd – 94), passes intercepted (T-7th – 4)

Russell Shaw: passes defended (T-6th - 5), Third-and-one rushing (T-1st - 100%)

John Moyer: sacks (T-9th –2.0), tackles for loss (T11th –2.0)

Todd Hammel: tot. off. avg./ p (T-8th -- 7.8 yds./ play), pass yds/ attempt (2nd – 9.5)

INJURY REPORT: The following players appeared on this week's injury report to the AFL.
Probable – QB Raymond Philyaw (MCL, right knee)
Questionable – OL/DL Frank Moore (knee)
Doubtful – OS Henry Douglas (groin)
Out –Todd Howard (hamstring) and Carlos Wright (abdominal strain)

RUSH GAME AWARD WINNERS: The following Rush players have won individual game awards for their play this season:

Offensive Player of the Game:
Raymond Philyaw (2/6 vs. Philadelphia)
Henry Douglas (2/13 @ Colorado)

ADT Defensive Player of the Game:
Russell Shaw (2/6 vs. Philadelphia)

U.S. Army Ironman of the Game:
Henry Douglas (1/30 @ Dallas)
John Moyer (2/6 vs. Philadelphia)



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 23, 2005


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