Colorado Crush game notes
May 12, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Colorado Crush News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Colorado Crush (9-5) vs. Nashville Kats (6-7-1)
Date: May 13, 2005
Kickoff: 7 p.m. MT
Site: Frontier Field at Pepsi Center (18,094), Denver, Colo.
Officials:
Referee: Dave Lambros (6th year, Pac-10)
Umpire: Al Granado (1st year, Pac-10)
Head Linesman: Mike McCabe (10th year, Mountain West)
Line Judge: Art Lucky (8th year, Big XII)
Back Judge: David Cutaia (1st year, Pac-10)
TV/Radio:
Television: Comcast (CET)
(Mitch Hyder play-by-play, David Diaz-Infante analyst,
Josh Gross sidelines)
Radio: AM 630 KHOW
(Marc Stout play-by-play, Andy Lindahl analyst,
Cory Lopez - sidelines)
Series Record: Colorado leads 1-0
Last Meeting: Colorado won 42-35 at Nashville on 3/12/05
Coaches: Mike Dailey (84-57 in 9 seasons, 21-11 w/ Colorado)
Pat Sperduto (39-25-1 in 4 seasons with Nashville)
ALL-TIME SERIES: This will be Nashvilles first visit to Denver, as these division-rival clubs meet for the second time this season. In the teams first meeting on 3/12/05, Colorado defeated Nashville by the score 42-35 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center. In the game, three of Nashvilles five touchdowns came on the run as QB Tony Zimmerman completed 24-of-37 passes for 238 yards, two TD and an interception. For Colorado, Damian Harrell caught two John Dutton passes in the endzone while Rich Young rushed three times for ten yards.
Colorado Crush
Date Opponent Time/Score TV
Sun, 1/30 @ Orlando L 36-39 0-1
Sat, 2/5 GRAND RAPIDS W 72-56 1-1
Sun, 2/13 CHICAGO L 48-51 1-2
Sat, 2/19 @ Arizona W 74-69 2-2
Sun, 2/27 LOS ANGELES W 58-40 3-2
Bye week
Sat, 3/12 @ Nashville W 42-35 4-2
Sun, 3/20 COLUMBUS W 52-37 5-2
Fri, 3/25 @ Dallas W 66-58 6-2
Sun, 4/3 LAS VEGAS W 61-40 7-2
Sun, 4/10 PHILADELPHIA W 77-56 8-2
Sun, 4/17 @ Chicago L 51-75 8-3
Fri, 4/22 SAN JOSE L 41-89 8-4
Sat, 4/30 @ Grand Rapids L 52-58 8-5
Sun, 5/8 @ New Orleans W 63-57 9-5
Fri, 5/13 NASHVILLE 7:00 p.m. CET
Sat, 5/21 @ New York 5:00 p.m. FSN
(All times Mountain)
American Conference - Central Division
Team W L T PCT. PF PA H A Conf. Div. Strk
Colorado 9 5 0 .643 793 460 5-2 4-3 5-4 2-3 W1
Chicago 8 6 0 .571 703 692 5-2 3-4 6-2 4-0 L1
Nashville 6 7 1 .464 598 618 3-4 3-3-1 4-4 2-2 W4
Gr. Rapids 2 12 0 .143 639 827 2-5 0-7 1-7 1-4 L1
THE STAKES: A Crush win would
Give the Crush their second win in as many meetings with the Kats and a season-sweep of the series.
Help them remain in first place in the Central Division.
Give the Crush their second straight win.
Improve their final home record to 6-2.
Prevent them from losing two in a row at home for the first time under Mike Dailey.
Improve their record to 6-4 vs. the American Conference.
Even their record at 3-3 vs. the Central Division.
Clinch a playoff berth, if combined with a loss by Las Vegas.
Clinch the Central Division title if combined with a Chicago loss.
Clinch the No. 1 seed in the American Conference if combined with losses by Chicago, Los Angeles and San Jose.
AFL ON NBC, (Sun, May 15):
11 a.m. (MT)
New York @ Tampa Bay
(airs in Denver and 83% of U.S.)
Mike Dailey (84-57 in 9th year, 21-11 in 2nd w/ Colo.):
Dailey is now in his second season in Colorado and ninth as head coach in the AFL, after becoming the Crushs second head coach on June 26, 2003. Dailey joined the Crush following 13 seasons in the Albany/Indiana Firebirds organization, including the final seven as head coach.
In his first season in Colorado, Dailey helped guide the Crush to the largest turnaround in AFL history, inheriting a 2-14 team and leading them to an 11-5 record in 2004, tied for the best in the league. He also led the Crush to their first playoff appearance and first win, advancing to the AFL Semifinals before falling nine yards short of up-ending top-seeded Arizona and earning a trip to ArenaBowl XVIII.
One of the most successful and well-respected coaches in AFL history, Daileys teams have compiled an overall record of 84-57 record, a winning percentage of .596, and he ranks fifth on the AFLs all-time list for coaching wins (regular season and playoffs). His teams have made six postseason appearances and he has won three division titles.
In 1999, Dailey led the Albany Firebirds to an ArenaBowl title and was named the AFLs Coach of the Year.
All-Time Winningest AFL Coaches
Including Postseason
Rk Coach Team Wins This Week
1. Tim Marcum* Tampa Bay 174 vs. New York
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohensee* Chicago 93 vs. Grand Rapids
4. Perry Moss 86
5. Mike Dailey* Crush 84 vs. Nashville
6. Darren Arbet* San Jose 81 @ Arizona
7. Michael Trigg 80
8. John Gregory 73
* indicates active coach
Pat Sperduto (39-25-1 in fourth season with Nashville):
After a three-season absence, Pat Sperduto returns as a head coach in the Arena Football League. He has spent the last four seasons as an assistant on the staff of the Tennessee Titans. He joined the NFL club after spending five seasons with the old Nashville Kats. He compiled a 32-18 record as head coach the last three seasons and led his team to back-to-back appearances in the ArenaBowl in 2000 and 2001. Sperduto replaced Eddie Khayat as head coach in 1999 and posted the best record of seven AFL coaches who took over new teams in 2000. Sperduto spent his first two years as defensive coordinator for the Kats and was elevated to assistant head coach in 1998. He is a three-time ArenaBowl World Champion, winning twice as a player for the Tampa Bay Storm (1991 and 93) and once as an assistant coach with the Storm (1994).
TOP 5 RANKINGS: 2005 League Leaders entering Week 14
Colorado Crush
Player Rank Category Stat
John Dutton 2nd
3rd
4th
5th Passing Touchdowns
Pass Attempts
4th Quarter QB Rating
Pass Completions 82
510
115.8
315
Rashad Floyd 1st
1st
4th Solo Tackles
Total Tackles
Pass Breakups 104
109.5
17
Damian Harrell 2nd
T-2nd
T-3rd
4th
4th
5th
6th Receiving Touchdowns
3rd-Down Receptions
Scoring (Non-kickers)
Receiving Yards
Yards from Scrimmage
First Downs
Receptions 37
19
222
1,313
1,313
77
106
Delvin Hughley 3rd Pass Breakups 19
Willis Marshall 4th
5th Kickoff Return Avg.
Combined Kick Ret Avg 22.6
22.4
Saul Patu T-2nd Forced Fumbles 4
Clay Rush 1st
2nd
2nd
3rd
T-4th
T-4th Touchbacks
PATs attempted
PATs made
Scoring (Kickers)
Field Goal Attempts
Field Goals Made 55
107
94
133
28
13
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OS Damian Harrell: Set the AFL record for consecutive games with a touchdown catch (42) in win over Las Vegas on 4/3/05 ... Streak is currently at 47 games Has 42 career games with 100+ receiving yards (8 in 2005) Also has 32 career games with 3+ TDs (7 in 2005) Named to the All-Arena Second Team in 2004 Now in his seventh AFL season, has amassed 8,241 receiving yards on 593 catches, an average of 14.0 yards/catch, along with 184 receiving TDs (187 total) Has second-most catches and receiving yards in AFL since 2000 Has now reached 1,000 receiving yards in five straight seasons.
QB John Dutton: Now in his third year quarterbacking the Crush,
has completed 315-510 passes (61.8 %) for 82 TDs and 13 interceptions in 2005 Has 11 career 300+ yard passing games (2 in 2005) Has thrown for 14,343 yards, 283 touchdowns and 39 interceptions in career Completed 342-of-536 passes (63.8%) for 4,195 yards, 76 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions in 2004 MVP of ArenaBowl XVI while with San Jose.
WR/LB Kevin McKenzie: Has made five interceptions this season, returning three for TDs Set a new Crush single-game record and career high with 14 receptions at Orlando (1/30) Has three career 100+ yard receiving games (1 in 2005) Tied a career-high with 3 TDs vs. Gr. Rapids on 2/5 Named to the All-Ironman team in 2004 Crushs second leading receiver in 2004 with a career high 1,023 yards and 14 TDs on 85 catches Once scored six TDs in playoff game while with San Jose in 2003.
DS Rashad Floyd: Set an AFL record with 17.5 tackles against Los Angeles on 2/27/05 Named AFL Defensive Player of Week following Week 5 and Defensive Player of Month for February Has posted eight career games with 10+ tackles (5 in 2005) AFL leader in tackles with 109.5, on pace (124.8) to
break his own AFL single-season record of 123.0 tackles set in
2004 Named to All-Arena Second Team in 2004.
RECENT CRUSH TRANSACTIONS
Date Transaction
5/7/05 Activated OL/DL Hugh Hunter from injured reserve.
5/6/05 Signed OL/DL Derrick Pickens to practice squad.
5/4/05 Waived OL/DL Derrick Pickens.
4/29/05 Activated OL/DL Maurice Anderson, WR/LB Darcey Levy and FB/LB Chad Dukes from injured reserve Placed OL/DL Donny Klein (back) and FB/LB Rich Young (turf toe) on injured reserve Signed WR/DB Touré Carter from practice squad.
4/25/05 Waived OL/DL Tank Reese.
4/21/05 Placed OL/DL Hugh Hunter on injured reserve Signed OL/DL Derrick Pickens from practice squad.
4/16/05 Activated OL/DL Hugh Hunter from injured reserve Placed OL/DL Maurice Anderson (strained groin) on injured reserve.
4/9/05 Activated OL/DL Tank Reese from injured reserve.
4/7/05 Signed WR/DB Jabir Walker to practice squad.
4/6/05 Signed OL/DL Derrick Pickens to practice squad.
4/5/05 Waived WR/DB Jabir Walker and WR/DB Tim Dodge.
4/4/05 Waived OL/DL Derrick Pickens.
4/2/05 Activated OL/DLs Maurice Anderson and Derrick Pickens Placed OL/DL Hugh Hunter (strained left groin) on injured reserve.
4/1/05 Signed WR/DB Wendall Williams to the practice squad.
3/31/05 Waived WR/DB Herman Bell from practice squad
3/24/05 Activated WR/DB Jabir Walker from injured reserve Placed OL/DL Tank Reese (hamstring) on injured reserve.
3/11/05 Activated WR/DB Willis Marshall and OL/DL Tank Reese from injured reserve Placed WR/LB Darcey Levy (influenza) and WR/DB Jabir Walker (hamstring) on injured reserve.
3/9/05 Placed OL/DL Maurice Anderson on injured reserve (finger).
2/26/05 Placed WR/DB Willis Marshall on injured reserve (influenza) Activated WR/DB Jabir Walker and WR/LB Darcey Levy from injured reserve.
2/23/05 Signed WR/DB Touré Carter to practice squad.
2/21/05 Waived WR/DB Thal Woods from practice squad Activated WR/DB Touré Carter from injured reserve and placed him on waivers.
2/12/05 Placed OL/DL Tank Reese on injured reserve (influenza) and activated OL/DL Chris Watton.
2/8/05 Signed WR/DB Herman Bell to practice squad.
INJURY REPORT
Colorado Crush
Player Pos. Injury Status
Donny Klein OL/DL Strained lower back on IR (4/29)
Rich Young FB/LB Turf toe on IR (4/29)
COLORADO CRUSH NEXT WEEK
Colorado finishes the regular season with its third trip to New York to take on the Dragons. The Dragons lead the all-time series, winning both games at Nassau Coliseum (61-52 on 3/30/03 and 52-49 on 4/18/04). Though not in the same conference, the teams have met once in each of the Colorados seasons. The Dragons have never come to Colorado.
CRUSH NOTABLES
THE TIES THAT BIND
Even though the Crush and Kats have never met, there are still some connections:
Crush eight-year veteran OL/DL Hugh Hunter played his first two seasons for the original Nashville Kats (1998-99).
Hunter and Kats OL/DL James Baron were teammates on the original Nashville team, are best friends, and run a real estate company, H&B Development, together.
Kats defensive specialist Tony Scott played with the Crush in 2004 before being selected by Nashville with the seventh pick in the Expansion Draft. Scott totaled 12.0 tackles in six games for the Crush as a rookie.
Kats OS Travis McGriff is a former third round draft pick of the Denver Broncos (93rd overall in 1999) and played for the Broncos 1999-2001. He already faced the Crush earlier this season while with Orlando, totaling four catches for 48 yards and a TD.
Crush WR/LB Darcey Levy was selected 11th by Nashville in the Expansion Draft from Colorado. Was waived by the Kats and claimed off waivers by Crush on 11/9/04.
Kats OL/DL Nate Bolling was in training camp with the Crush prior to this season. He signed with the Crush as a rookie free agent on 12/13/04 but was waived on 1/14/05, two weeks prior to the season.
HISTORIC TURNAROUND
The Crush set a new record for the biggest turnaround in AFL history in 2004, winning nine more games than the previous season. The 11-5 Crush finished 2-14 in their inaugural 2003 campaign. The Chicago Bruisers won +8 games in 1988, finishing 10-1-1, but played only 6 games the year before as they finished 2-4. The New Jersey Gladiators improved from 2-12 in 2001 to post a 9-5 mark in 2002 and the Detroit Fury turned a 1-13 season in 2002 into an 8-8 record in 2003. Here is how the three years of the Crush franchise compare:
Statistical Comparison 2003 2004 2005
Record 2-14 11-5 9-5
Points/Game 46.8 49.6 56.6
Points Allowed/Game 59.9 46.5 54.3
Turnover Margin -26 +14 +6
Fumbles Lost 22 10 7
Sacks 12 15 17
Sacks Allowed 14 4 5
REGROUPING
A month ago the Crush were riding high on a franchise-record seven-game win streak and with a league-leading 8-2 record. After suffering through three straight losses by an average of 26.0 PPG, they regrouped with a win at New Orleans and are back in first place in the American Conference. Here is how the first 10 games and three straight losses compare to the game at New Orleans:
Statistical Comparison First 10 Gms 3 Losses vs. NO
Record 8-2 0-3 1-0
Points/Game 56.6 48.0 63
Points Allowed/Game 47.2 74.0 57
Turnover Margin +13 -6 -1
Fumbles Lost 3 2 2
Interceptions Thrown 8 5 0
Interceptions 16 1 0
Sacks 15 2 0
Sacks Allowed 2 2 1
Defensive Stops 46 3 3
Returns for TDs 10 1 0
Yards/Play Allowed 6.4 9.5 6.3
Yards/Game Allowed 312.5 353.3 279
YARDS ALLOWED
In the three straight losses, the Crush gave up 353.3 yards per game and allowed 9.5 yards per play, almost a first down on each play. On the other hand, Colorado gave up 312.5 yards per game and an average of 6.4 yards per play in the first 10 games. Only Grand Rapids and Austin have allowed more yards per play than the 7.0 by the Crush this season.
Statistical Comparison Plays Yards Average/Play
First 10 Games 487 3,125 6.4
3 Straight Losses: 112 1,060 9.5
5/8 vs. New Orleans: 44 279 6.3
Game-by-Game Plays Yards Average/Play
4/17 @ Chicago 45 335 7.4
4/22 San Jose 27 380 14.1
4/30 @ Grand Rapids 40 345 8.6
5/8 @ New Orleans 44 279 6.3
MAN OF STEEL
A true AFL Ironman, Kyle Moore-Brown is in his 11th season in the league and has never missed a game. The game versus Nashville will mark his AFL record 172nd consecutive start. The first 139 all came with the Firebirds organization before he signed with the Crush prior to the 2004 season. With Grand Rapids (and former Crush) OL/DL Otis Moore missing two games this season, Moore-Brown now stands alone in the record books with 156 straight regular season games. Each had appeared in every game since 1995, with Moore-Brown having the overall edge with more playoff appearances.
AFL Record for Consecutive Games
Player (current team) Reg. Season Playoffs Total
Kyle Moore-Brown (Colo.)* 156 15 171
Otis Moore (Gra.) 153 1 155
*streak current
JUST FOR KICKS
Crush kicker Clay Rush is among the all-time great AFL kickers. A two-time AFL Kicker of the Year, Rush currently ranks fourth on the all-time scoring list by kickers and fifth for field goals made. In 2005, Rush leads the league in touchbacks and booted a league-long and Crush record 62-yard field goal (2/27 vs. LA).
AFL All-Time Leading Scorers (Kickers)
Rk Player Years Pres. Tm Points
1. Mike Black 1993-04 n/a 1,240
2. Steve Videtich 1996-pres. Columbus 1,234
3. Remy Hamilton 1998-pres. L.A. 1,043
4. Clay Rush 1999-pres. Colorado 905
5. Daron Alcorn 1997-04 n/a 771
6. Kenny Stucker 1994-99, 2003 n/a 754
AFL Most All-Time Field Goals Made
Rk Player Years Pres. Tm FGM
1. Mike Black 1993-04 n/a 175
2. Steve Videtich 1996-pres. Columbus 156
3. Remy Hamilton 1998-pres. L.A. 132
4. Kenny Stucker 1994-99, 2003 n/a 118
5. Clay Rush 1999-pres. Colorado 110
6. Daron Alcorn 1997-04 n/a 100
Rushs leg has been a big boost for the Crush this season. He leads the league in touchbacks with 55, 11 more than his closest competitor. Thus, Crush opponents have been forced to go the length of the field to score more often than any other team, based on their average starting field position.
TOUCHBACKS ON KICKOFFS
Rank Player, Team TB
1) Rush, COL 55
2) Bironas, NYD 44
3) Dodson, Aus.-NAS 39
4) Garner, Geo. 38
5) Hamilton, LAA 33
KICKOFFS (Kicking Team)
Rank Team TotKO AdjKO TB OB I10 Avg.Start
1) Chicago 118 110 32 7 67 11.0
2) Colorado 133 124 55 3 74 11.0
3) Austin 123 108 42 4 68 11.1
4) Georgia 118 111 38 7 63 11.9
5) Phila. 122 111 35 2 61 12.0
ONE FOR THE AGES
FB/LB Chad Dukes ranks fifth on the AFLs all-time rushing list with 1,123 yards. Dukes was the fourth player in AFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in his career. Dukes trails Arizonas Bo Kelly by 142 yards for 4th place.
AFL Career Rushing Yards
Player Team 2005 Career
Les Barley 1,382
Andre Bowden 1,241
Bob McMillen CHI 171 1,321
Bo Kelly ARI 64 1,265
Chad Dukes COL 12 1,123
TACKLING MACHINE
After setting an AFL record with 123.0 tackles in 2004, Rashad Floyd has registered a league-leading 109.5 tackles in the first 14 games, setting him on another record-breaking pace This despite missing almost the entire game vs. Columbus on 3/20 and being inactive in the game at Grand Rapids on 4/30 Floyd set an AFL record with 17.5 tackles vs. Los Angeles on 2/27, besting the previous record of 17.0 set by L.A.s Kevin Cobb at Houston on 6/23/00 Floyd finished 30.0 tackles ahead of second place in 2004 - Indianas Anthony Derricks (93.0).
AFL Record - Most Tackle in a Season
Player Team Year Total
Rashad Floyd Colorado 2005 124.8*
Rashad Floyd Colorado 2004 123.0
Cornelius Coe Indiana 2001 121.5
Damon Mason Orlando 2000 108.0
Damon Mason Orlando 1999 103.0
Damon Mason Orlando 2001 101.0
* Based on current pace (109.5 tackles through 14 games 7.8 /game)
THEYRE BACK
After 2004 saw a brand new coaching staff and only five returning
players on the opening day roster from 2003, this years Crush
team strongly resembles the 2004 squad. In fact, the team lost no
players to free agency, and features 16 of 20 players on the active
roster from 2004. Another three returnees are currently on the
injured list. Ahmad Hawkins is the only player to appear in every
Crush game in franchise history.
Third Year Crush Players
John Dutton Saul Patu Ahmad Hawkins
Damian Harrell Bryant Shaw
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
After finishing their inaugural season 0-8 at home, the Crush are now 12-3 under Mike Dailey at the Pepsi Center. Two of the three losses consist of an overtime field goal by Indianas kicker
Clay Rush (now with Colorado) last season, and a 51-48 Chicago win this season on a field goal with 3 seconds remaining.
STEEL CURTAIN
After allowing 14 sacks in 2003 (12 on Dutton), the Crush pass protection has been stellar under Coach Dailey. The team allowed just four sacks in 2004, and none after Week 6 at San Jose (3/14). The Crush did not allow a sack in their final 446 offensive plays of the 2004 regular season (10+ games). They have allowed just five sacks in 2005, including a first quarter unforced fumble by QB John Dutton that the Crush recovered on the opening play vs. Los Angeles on 2/27/05. After holding nine opponents this season sackless, the Crush have now allowed just those five sacks in their last 23 games (total of 1,053 plays).
Fewest Sacks Allowed (2005)
Team Games Sacks Attempts Sack/Play
Las Vegas 14 4 529 0.75
Austin 15 5 586 0.85
Colorado 14 5 524 0.95
New Orleans 14 7 630 1.10
Chicago 14 7 477 1.45
NFL BOUND
The Crush lost four players to the NFL, including two key members of the 2004 team. OL/DL Aaron Johnson finished the 2004 NFL season on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad while WR/DB Robert Redd signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Two rookies also signed with NFL teams, af2 Ironman of the Year Tim Dodge signed with the Carolina Panthers and OL/DL Delbert Cowsette signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dodge has since been released by the Panthers and the Crush.
FLEW THE COOP
With Coach Daileys move to the Crush came a flock of former Albany and Indiana Firebirds migrated west to Denver. The 2004 offseason only bolstered those totals with the addition of Andy McCullough, Delvin Hughley and Clay Rush, although Rush was the only one to play under Dailey (2003).
Former Firebirds (years with Firebirds)
Players Coaches
Jose Davis (2003) Mike Dailey (1992-2003)
Chad Dukes (1996-98) Ernesto Purnsley (1997-98, 2000-03)
Delvin Hughley (2004)* Brian Partlow (2000-03)
Hugh Hunter (2002-03)
Andy McCullough (2004)*
Kyle Moore-Brown (1995-03)
Clay Rush (2003-04)
Rich Young (2002-03)
Aaron Johnson (2001-03) is also a former Firebird who played for the Crush in 2004 and is currently on exempt NFL list (Kansas City Chiefs).
Current Crush OL/DL Derrick Pickens also attended training camp with the Firebrids before signing to playing in the CFL.
* Hughley and McCullough never played under Dailey with the Firebirds. Hughley was traded to Indiana as part of the deal that brought Dailey to Colorado.
CRADLE OF COACHES
Strangely enough, little Montgomery Junior College in Rockville, Md., is the cradle of AFL coaches. Crush head coach Mike Dailey (offensive coordinator) and Chicago head coach Mike Hohensee (quarterbacks coach) were assistants on the same staff there. Los Angeles head coach Ed Hodgkiss also coached there. Seven future NFL players played at Montgomery as well as Los Angeles quarterback John Kaleo, who finished his collegiate career at Maryland after leading Montgomery to the national championship game. Sadly, despite all of these successes and an all-time record of 315-154-13, Montgomery JC discontinued the football program in 2002.
Former Montgomery Junior College Coaches
Mike Dailey (current Colorado head coach) Ernesto Purnsley (1997-98, 2000-03)
Mike Hohensee (current Chicago head coach)
Ed Hodgkiss (current Los Angeles head coach)
Brent Winter (current Los Angeles assistant head coach)
Earl Hoffman (former Albany Firebirds quarterback coach)
KEY ADDITIONS
While the Crush returns the core of last years playoff team, they did add a few key parts in the offseason. Two-time kicker of the year Clay Rush signed as free agent to bolster kickoffs and add range on field goals. Former All-Rookie team member and 1,200-yard receiver WR/LB Andy McCullough and defensive specialist Delvin Hughley were added through the Dispersal Draft. Hughley was a member of the inaugural Crush team in 2003, leading the team in tackles before being included in a trade with Indiana that brought Coach Dailey to Denver. All three players were previously with Indiana.
FREQUENT FLYER MILES
The Crush are co-owned by the Denver Broncos, and they travel like them too. The Crush will travel 16,896 miles on trips this season, an average of 1,056 miles each way. The Broncos traveled 6,988 miles on regular-season trips this past season, an average of 1,061.8 miles each way. The difference between the two teams? A mere 5.8 miles.
SPREAD THE WEALTH
John Dutton has gotten almost everyone on the team involved in the passing game this season. 12 different players have receptions and 11 different players have caught touchdown passes, including Dustin Barno whose first career reception went for a TD in the win over Las Vegas on 4/3, Touré Carter who caught a TD in his first game this season at Grand Rapids on 4/30/05 and John Peaua who caught his first career TD (2 yards) at New Orleans on 5/8/05. All of this despite a game at Orlando (1/30) where 21 of Duttons 23 completions went to just Kevin McKenzie (14) and Damian Harrell (7), and at New Orleans (5/8) where 25 of 30 completions were to just Harrell and Willis Marshall.
GO THE DISTANCE
Not only have the Crush spread the ball around, but those players have made each catch count. The Crush have six players, who have made multiple catches this season, that average at least 10.0 yards/catch.
Player No. Yds Avg TD Long Avg/G
Touré Carter 2 30 15.0 1 24 15.0
Ahmad Hawkins 22 282 12.8 5 45 20.1
Damian Harrell 106 1313 12.4 37 43 93.8
Willis Marshall 63 733 11.6 12 35 56.4
Andy McCullough 60 631 10.5 11 43 45.1
Kevin McKenzie 59 618 10.5 11 43 44.1
WRONG END OF RECORDS
The Crush allowed a franchise record in total offense in
consecutive weeks earlier this season, surrendering 374 total yards
to Grand Rapids, including an AFL record 100 yards rushing by
Michael Bishop and 122 Rampage rushing yards (second largest
total in AFL history) in a Crush win on 2/5. They followed that
up by allowing a franchise record 409 passing yards to Chicagos
Raymond Philyaw and a total of 412 yards to the Rush offense. They also surrendered 75 points and a league-high 89 points in back-to-back weeks @ Chicago and vs. San Jose.
The Crush had allowed just five opposing quarterbacks to
throw for 300+ yards in the teams first two regular seasons. It has
happened seven times already this season - Raymond Philyaw twice (409), Chi., 2/13 and (321) @ Chi. on 4/17, Joe Germaine (319) @ Arizona 2/19, Ryan Vena (308) of Columbus 3/20, Clint Dolezel (321) of Vegas 4/3, Mark Grieb of San Jose (331) 4/22 and Michael Bishop (310) at Gra. Rapids on 4/30.
The Crush have been involved in several of the biggest games in the league this year:
AFL SEASON HIGHS
Most points (team) 89 (89-41) by San Jose, San Jose @ Colorado, 4/22
Most points (individual) 42 by Rashied Davis (7 TD), San Jose @ Colorado, 4/22
Most Passing Yards 409 (30-45) by Raymond Philyaw, Chicago @ Colorado, 2/13
Longest Field Goal 62 yds. by Clay Rush, vs. Los Angeles, 2/27
AFL RECORDS
Most points by road team, game 89, San Jose @ Colorado, 4/22 (87, Albany, 6/21/96)
Most Rushing Yards 100 (6 rush) by Michael Bishop, Grand Rapids @ Colorado, 2/5 (AFL RECORD)
Highest Completion % - 15-15 (100%) by Mark Grieb, San Jose @ Colorado 4/22 (AFL RECORD)
Most Tackles 17.5 by Rashad Floyd vs.Los Angeles, 2/27 (AFL RECORD)
The Crush are also on pace to set an AFL record for both total yards allowed and passing yards allowed:
AFL Record - Most Total Yards Allowed in a Season
Team Year Total Yds Games Yds/Gm
1. Los Angeles 2003 4,766 16 297.9
2. Los Angeles 2004 4,665 16 291.6
3. Dallas 2003 4,661 16 291.3
4. Indiana 2003 4,576 16 286.0
5. Colorado 2003 4,562 16 285.1
6. Houston 2000 4,499 14 321.4
7. Texas 1997 4,477 14 319.8
8. Colorado* 2005 4,464 14 318.9
9. Grand Rapids 2003 4,463 16 278.9
10. Grand Rapids 2004 4,420 16 276.3
*Crush still have two games remaining
AFL Record - Most Passing Yards Allowed in a Season
Team Year Total Yds Games Yds/Gm
1. Los Angeles 2004 4,553 16 284.6
2. Los Angeles 2003 4,526 16 282.9
3. Indiana 2003 4,386 16 274.1
4. Dallas 2003 4,316 16 269.8
5. San Jose 2004 4,191 16 261.9
6. Philadelphia 2004 4,172 16 260.8
7. Colorado 2003 4,150 16 259.4
8. Houston 2000 4,147 14 296.2
9. Carolina 2000 4,125 14 294.6
10. Grand Rapids 2004 4,123 16 257.7
11. Colorado* 2005 4,121 14 294.4
*Crush still have two games remaining
DOWNRIGHT OFFENSIVE
LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD
The Crush are scoring 56.6 points per game, second in the league, and have topped the 70-point mark three times, setting a new franchise highs for points each time 72 vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5, then 74 at Arizona on 2/19, then 77 vs. Philadelphia on 4/10. In the Arizona game, the team exploded for a team-record 33 points in the second quarter (most ever in a quarter) and 50 points in the first half (most in any half).
SCORING OFFENSE G TD XP 2XP FG Saf Pts Avg
SAN JOSE............ 14 123 99 1 2 1 847 60.5
COLORADO............ 14 109 94 1 13 2 793 56.6
DALLAS.............. 14 102 92 3 13 3 755 53.9
NEW YORK............ 14 106 84 2 6 0 742 53.0
PHILADELPHIA........ 14 104 86 2 7 1 737 52.6
3RD-DN CONVERSIONS G Conv Att Pct
NEW YORK............ 14 37 67 55.2
COLORADO............ 14 42 77 54.5
ARIZONA............. 14 50 92 54.3
PHILADELPHIA........ 14 44 84 52.4
GEORGIA............. 14 35 68 51.5
GETTING DEFENSIVE
AFL LEADERS: TAKE-AWAYS/GIVE-AWAYS
The Crush are tied for third in the league in turnover margin, trailing only Los Angeles and Nashville. They also lead the league in interceptions returned for a touchdown with five, three by Kevin McKenzie, and are tied for second in fumbles returned for a touchdown.
TAKE-AWAYS GIVE-AWAYS Net
Rank Team Int Fum Total Int Fum Total Diff
1) Los Angeles 22 14 36 8 9 17 = +19
2) Nashville 19 9 28 13 6 19 = +9
3t) New York 24 3 27 12 9 21 = +6
3t) Colorado 17 9 26 13 7 20 = +6
INT. RETURN TDS G No. Yds TD Avg
1) COLORADO............ 14 17 189 5 11.1
2T) DALLAS.............. 14 17 199 3 11.7
LOS ANGELES......... 14 22 184 3 8.4
4T) NEW YORK............ 14 24 224 2 9.3
PHILADELPHIA........ 14 13 196 2 15.1
COLUMBUS............ 14 6 97 2 16.2
FUMBLE RETURN TDS G Rcvd Ret Yds TD Avg
1) DALLAS.............. 14 16 3 29 5 9.7
2t) COLORADO............ 14 9 1 7 4 7.0
LOS ANGELES......... 14 14 3 9 4 3.0
4) AUSTIN.............. 15 11 5 23 3 4.6
SACK HAPPY
After totaling just 15 sacks in 16 games in 2004, the Crush pass rush has already surpassed that amount with two games to play. In addition, the D has also forced 26 turnovers (17 interceptions, 9 fumbles). Rich Young has led the way with 5.0 sacks, including a safety in Orlando. He also pressured Joe Hamilton into a fumble for a Tank Reese touchdown at Orlando (1/30) and forced a fumble that Andy McCullough returned for a touchdown at Arizona (2/19).
Most Sacks Made (2005)
Team Games Sacks Attempts Sack/Play
1) Nashville 14 23 479 4.58
2) Los Angeles 14 22 510 4.14
3t) Las Vegas 14 17 479 3.43
New Orleans 14 17 489 3.36
Colorado 14 17 529 3.11
STOPPED IN THEIR TRACKS
The Crush are now 9-5 and the defense has made big plays at big times. The Crush have held their opponent scoreless on 52 drives, including 28 times in the second half of a game (there were three additional stops that came in the second half where the opponent was running out the clock). The Crush are tied for third in sacks (17) and have also totaled 17 interceptions. Below is a detailed look at each stop this season and what the Crush did with the ball following that defensive stop:
Game Qtr Situation Score at time of stop Crush Result
@ Orl 1 Interception 0-0 Touchdown
@ Orl 2 End of half Orl 26-17 ------------
@ Orl 3 Fumble Orl 32-24 Touchdown
@ Orl 4 Missed FG Orl 39-31 Field Goal
@ Orl 4 Missed FG Orl 39-34 Missed FG
@ Orl 4 Safety Orl 39-36 Missed FG
@ Orl 4 End of Game Orl 39-36 -----------
GRR 1 Interception 0-0 Touchdown
GRR 1 Missed FG Col 14-6 Touchdown
GRR 2 End of Half Col 35-23 ----------
GRR 3 Downs Col 48-26 Touchdown
CHI 3 Downs 27-27 Touchdown
CHI 3 Interception Col 41-34 Missed FG
@ Ari 1 Downs Col 17-14 Touchdown
@ Ari 2 Fumble Col 24-14 Touchdown
@ Ari 2 Fumble Col 37-21 Touchdown
@ Ari 2 Fumble Col 50-35 End of Half
@ Ari 4 Interception Col 64-62 Touchdown
@ Ari 4 End of Game Col 74-69 -----------
LOS 1 Interception Col 7-0 Touchdown
LOS 3 Downs Col 44-34 Touchdown
LOS 4 Downs Col 51-34 Touchdown
@ Nas 1 Missed FG 7-7 Touchdown
@ Nas 3 Interception Col 34-28 Downs
@ Nas 4 Missed FG Col 34-28 Touchdown
CMB 1 Interception Col 7-6 Touchdown
CMB 3 Missed FG Col 31-29 Touchdown
CMB 4 Interception Col 38-29 Touchdown
CMB 4 Interception Col 45-29 Touchdown
CMB 4 End of Game Col 52-37 ----------
@ Dal 3 Downs Dal 37-34 Touchdown
@ Dal 3 Interception Col 40-37 Touchdown
@ Dal 4 Safety Col 61-58 Field Goal
@ Dal 4 End of Game Col 66-58 --------
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬LVG 1 Fumble Lvg 7-0 Touchdown
LVG 1 Downs 7-7 Interception
LVG 2 Missed FG 7-7 Touchdown
LVG 2 Interception Col 14-7 Touchdown
LVG 2 Interception Col 21-7 Touchdown
LVG 4 Interception Col 61-40 End of Game
PHI 1 Interception 0-0 Touchdown
PHI 1 Missed FG Col 7-0 Touchdown
PHI 2 Missed FG Col 42-35 End of Half
PHI 3 Fumble Col 49-42 Touchdown
PHI 4 Downs Col 63-49 Missed FG
PHI 4 Fumble Col 70-56 Touchdown
PHI 4 Interception Col 77-56 End of Game
@ Chi 1 Downs Chi 14-0 Touchdown
@ Chi 2 Interception Chi 27-19 Touchdown
@ Chi 4 End of Game Chi 75-51 -----------
@ Gr. Rap. 4 Missed FG GRR 58-52 Interception
@ Gr. Rap 4 End of Game GRR 58-52 -----------
@ N. Orl. 2 Fumble NOV 14-7 Touchdown
@ N. Orl. 4 Downs NOV 51-49 Touchdown
@ N. Orl 4 End of Game Col 63-57 -----------
- italics indicate the team had a lead and possession at the end of the game and was simply running out the clock
DAMIAN DYNAMO
A BROKEN RECORD
Damian Harrell has caught a TD pass in an AFL record 47 straight regular season games, including all 44 games as a member of the Crush That streak is also the longest active streak of consecutive games scoring a TD He broke the record for consecutive games with a receiving TD on 4/3 in the win over Las Vegas It is also third-longest streak of consecutive games with a TD Harrells streak began with the Toronto Phantoms vs. Carolina on 7/4/02.
AFL Consecutive Games with a TD Reception
Year (Week)
Player (team) Stk began Stk ended # Games
Damian Harrell (Tor/Col) 2002 (Wk 12) --- 47
Eddie Brown (Albany) 1997 (Wk 3) 2000 (Wk 1) 41
Eddie Brown (Albany) 1994 (Wk 1) 1996 (Wk 14) 33
Chris Jackson (LA) 2000 (Wk 1) 2002 (Wk 7) 28
AFL Consecutive Games Scoring a Touchdown
Year (Week)
Player (team) Stk began Stk ended # Games
Eddie Brown (Alb/Ind) 1997 (Wk 3) 2002 (Wk 3) 65
Chris Jackson (LA) 2000 (Wk 1) 2003 (Wk 14) 47
Damian Harrell (Tor/Col) 2002 (Wk 12) --- 47
Barry Wagner (Orlando) 1992 (Wk 10) 1996 (Wk 11) 43
Eddie Brown (Albany) 1994 (Wk 1) 1996 (Wk 14) 33
In comparison, the correlating NFL records are as follows:
NFL Consecutive Games with a TD Reception
Player (team) Team Year(s) # Games
Jerry Rice SF 49ers 1986-87 13
Buddy Dial Pitt. Steelers 1959-60 11
Elroy Crazy Legs Hirsch LA Rams 1950-51 11
Carl Pickens Cin. Bengals 1994-95 10
NFL Consecutive Games Scoring a Touchdown
Player (team) Team Year(s) # Games
Lenny Moore Balt. Colts 1963-65 18
O.J. Simpson Buff. Bills 1975 14
Jerry Rice SF 49ers 1986-87 13
George Rogers Wash. Redskins 1985-86 13
John Riggins Wash. Redskins 1982-83 13
DOMINATING THE DECADE:
Harrell also has the second-most receiving yards and catches in the AFL since 2000 Georgia OS Chris Jackson in first in both categories during that span.
AFL Receiving Leaders (2000-05)
Catches Receiving Yards
Player (pres. team) 2000-04 2005 Total
Chris Jackson (Geo.) 480 6,795 91 1,144 571 7,939
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 462 6,566 106 1,313 568 7,879
Greg Hopkins (LA) 466 5,633 69 707 535 6,340
Mike Horacek (NY) 399 5,248 75 1,000 474 6,248
MILLENNIUM MAN
Damian Harrell has now reached 1,000+ receiving yards for the fifth straight season, the longest active streak in the AFL and mark the second-longest streak in AFL history (Barry Wagner had seven straight for Orlando). Harrells five career 1,000-yard seasons are tied for the fourth-most in league history.
Most AFL Seasons with 1,000+ Receiving Yards
Player (team) Seasons Total
Barry Wagner (Orl) 1993-99 7
Eddie Brown (Alb/Ind) 1994, 96-99, 2001, 03 7
Cory Fleming (Nash/Orl) 1997-99, 2003-05 6
Damian Harrell (Tor/Col) 2001-05 5*
Greg Hopkins (Alb/Ind/LA) 1998, 2000-03 5
Chris Jackson (LA) 2000, 2002-05 5
Alvin Ashley (NJ/Mil) 1997-99, 2001 4
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR (AND A HALF)?
Harrell has been especially dangerous since Coach Dailey took over the helm of the Crush. Since the start of the 2004 season, he is the second-leading scorer in the league. He is also among the leaders in that span in receiving yards, receptions and long scores.
Total Touchdowns (2004-05)
Player (pres. team) 2004 2005 TDs (Pts)
Marcus Nash (LV) 46 (300) 37 (222) 83 (522)
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 43 (258) 37 (222) 80 (480)
Chris Jackson (Geo.) 45 (272) 29 (178) 74 (450)
Siaha Burley (Ari.) 28 (168) 42 (254) 70 (422)
Aaron Bailey (NO) 34 (204) 32 (192) 66 (396)
Cory Fleming (Orl.) 35 (210) 31 (186) 66 (396)
Etu Molden (Chi.) 32 (198) 29 (174) 61 (372)
Most Receiving Yards (2004-05)
Player (pres. team) Rec. Yds TD Yd/Catch
Marcus Nash (LV) 265 3,328 81 12.6
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 220 3,028 80 13.8
Chris Jackson (Geo.) 216 2,947 67 13.6
Aaron Bailey (N.O.) 218 2,869 62 13.2
Siaha Burley (Ari.) 214 2,690 65 12.6
Cory Fleming (Orl.) 221 2,653 64 12.0
Thabiti Davis (N.O.) 222 2,386 42 10.7
Jason Shelley (Dall.) 188 2,365 46 12.6
Etu Molden (Chi.) 188 2,322 47 12.4
WERE GOING STREAKING a game-by-game account of Damian Harrells AFL Record consecutive TD streak
Date Opponent Score W/L Catches Yards TDs
(2002 w/ Toronto Phantoms)
7/4/2002 CAROLINA COBRAS 44-58 L 9 121 2
7/13/2002 @ New Jersey Gladiators 55-57 L 6 66 1
7/18/2002 NEW YORK DRAGONS 65-66 L 7 145 4
(2003 w/ Colorado Crush)
2/2/2003 GEORGIA FORCE 40-44 L 8 135 5
2/7/2003 GRAND RAPIDS RAMPAGE 55-57 L 6 75 3
2/16/2003 LOS ANGELES AVENGERS 53-59 L (OT) 10 138 5
2/22/2003 at San Jose Sabercats 40-80 L 6 127 2
3/2/2003 at Indiana Firebirds 38-35 W 4 54 1
3/7/2003 at Dallas Desperados 55-73 L 8 149 4
3/16/2003 at Arizona Rattlers 45-72 L 2 23 1
3/23/2003 DETROIT FURY 56-71 L 9 145 3
3/30/2003 at New York Dragons 52-61 L 8 88 1
4/5/2003 at Las Vegas Gladiators 34-68 L 11 128 2
4/13/2003 CHICAGO Rush 58-76 L 6 92 4
4/20/2003 at Tampa Bay Storm 49-45 W 10 142 3
4/27/2003 SAN JOSE SABERCATS 49-65 L 3 62 2
5/4/2003 ORLANDO PREDATORS 42-48 L (OT) 6 68 2
5/10/2003 at Los Angeles Avengers 34-45 L DNP
5/18/2003 ARIZONA RATTLERS 48-59 L DNP
(2004 w/ Colorado Crush)
2/6/2004 LAS VEGAS GLADIATORS 43-42 W 4 52 2
2/14/2004 at Grand Rapids Rampage 55-37 W 7 134 1
2/22/2004 at Chicago Rush 35-65 L 5 41 3
2/27/2004 AUSTIN WRANGLERS 37-35 W 7 55 2
3/4/2004 DETROIT FURY 62-61 W 5 124 4
3/14/2004 at San Jose Sabercats 35-55 L 5 63 3
3/21/2004 at Philadelphia Soul 40-33 W 9 160 3
3/27/2004 ARIZONA RATTLERS 54-46 W 7 109 3
4/3/2004 INDIANA FIREBIRDS 42-45 L (OT) 11 167 3
4/10/2004 at Los Angeles Avengers 57-55 W 7 147 4
4/18/2004 at New York Dragons 49-52 L 8 87 1
4/23/2004 GRAND RAPIDS RAMPAGE 69-30 W 10 176 5
5/1/2004 PHILADELPHIA SOUL 58-40 W 4 44 1
5/16/2004 at Indiana Firebirds 56-59 L 8 68 3
5/23/2004 at Detroit Fury 45-42 W 13 208 3
5/30/2004 CHICAGO RUSH 56-47 W 4 80 2
(2005 w/ Colorado Crush)
1/30/2005 at Orlando Predators 36-39 L 7 105 3
2/5/2005 GRAND RAPIDS 72-56 W 8 105 2
2/13/2005 CHICAGO RUSH 48-51 L 6 53 3
2/19/2005 at Arizona Rattlers 74-69 W 9 144 3
2/27/2005 LOS ANGELES AVENGERS 58-40 W 10 135 5
3/12/2005 at Nashville Kats 42-35 W 4 46 2
3/20/2005 COLUMBUS DESTROYERS 52-37 W 4 53 1
3/25/2005 at Dallas Desperados 66-58 W 8 92 2
4/3/2005 LAS VEGAS 61-40 W 5 58 4
4/10/2005 PHILADELPHIA 77-56 W 7 114 2
4/17/2005 at Chicago 51-75 L 8 108 2
4/22/2005 SAN JOSE 41-89 L 6 50 1
4/30/2005 at Grand Rapids 52-58 L 11 120 3
5/8/2005 @ New Orleans 63-57 W 13 130 4
During the Streak (47 games):
10+ catches: 9
200+ receiving yds: 1
150+ receiving yds: 4
100+ receiving yds: 25
5 TDs: 4
4 TDs: 6
3 TDs: 15
2 TDs: 13
1 TD: 9
CRUSH NOTABLES
TEAM
The Crush blocked an extra point attempt for the first time in franchise history. Chad Dukes blocked Brian Schmitzs final attempt of the afternoon at New Orleans on 5/8/05.
When Denario Smalls of New Orleans made a net recovery and returned it two yards for a touchdown, it marked the first time the Crush have ever allowed a net recovery and thus the first time one was ever returned for a touchdown.
In the loss to Grand Rapids on 4/30, the Crush allowed Michael Bishop to throw for 310 yards and rush for 32 yards, while Anthony Hines had 105 receiving yards and Dialleo Burks had 100 receiving yards. This is the first time in franchise history the Crush allowed a 300-yard passer and 30-yard rusher in the same game. In addition, it is the first time in the regular season the team has allowed multiple 100-yard receivers, let alone a 300-yard passer and multiple 100-yard receivers. In last years AFL quarterfinals, New Orleans John Fitzgerald threw for 305 yards as both Aaron Bailey (140) and Lamont Moore (100) came down with at least 100 receiving yards.
The Crush have followed up a franchise record seven-game winning streak with their first three-game losing skid since Mike Dailey became head coach.
The Crush have allowed sacks in back-to-back games for the first time since Game 3-4 of the 2004 season.
The Crush have been outscored 63-23 in the first quarter of the last three games.
The 89 points allowed to San Jose are the third most in AFL history, the most ever by a road team, and the most ever allowed by the Crush. The previous record for points by a visiting team was 88 by Albany vs. Charlotte on 6/21/96. The 48-point margin of victory was also the largest in the AFL since that Albany win at Charlotte.
San Jose completed all 17 pass attempts, an AFL record for most attempts without an incompletion.
The Crush have topped 70+ points three times this season, setting a new franchise record each time. They scored 77 vs. Philadelphia on 4/10.
The Crush have 12 returns for touchdowns this season 5 interceptions, 4 fumbles, 2 kickoff returns, 1 net recovery.
The 42-35 Crush win at Nashville was the fifth-lowest scoring game in franchise history, falling five points shy of the 72 combined points by the Crush and Austin on 2/27/04. The Crush are now 4-1 in their five lowest scoring games (lost 39-36 at Orlando on 1/30/05).
The Crush were 3-4 on Sundays and 8-1 on all other days in 2004. They are 4-3 on Sundays and 4-2 on Fridays and Saturdays in 2005.
INDIVIDUAL
John Dutton became the first Crush player to complete 30 passes in game. On 5/8/05 in New Orleans, Dutton completed 30-of-40 passes for 296 yards and eight touchdowns.
Dutton also reached a new career high for touchdown passes with 82, despite having two games remaining. His previous high was 77 set in 2003.
The game vs. Nashville will extend his AFL-record mark to 172 straight games for Kyle Moore-Brown every game in his 11-year career.
Damian Harrell reached the 1,000 receiving yard mark at Chicago on 4/17 (1,013 yards). This is the fifth straight season Harrell has reached 1,000 yards receiving. That is the longest active streak of 1,000+ yard seasons and the second most all-time.
Both Harrell and Willis Marshall had over 100 yards receiving at New Orleans-- Harrell with 130 on 13 receptions and Marshall with 110 on 12 grabs. It marked the first time since Week 1 at Orlando that the Crush had two 100-yard receivers (Harrell and Kevin McKenzie).
Harrell's four touchdowns at New Orleans marked his seventh game this year with three or more scores. It was also his 47th consecutive game with at least one touchdown, adding to his ongoing league record.
John Dutton reached the 14,000 career passing yard mark at Grand Rapids on 4/30 (14,047 yards).
Nearly half of John Duttons 13 interceptions have come in just two games. Dutton threw three apiece in the win vs. Las Vegas on 4/3 and the loss to San Jose on 4/22.
Andy McCullough reached the 3,000 career receiving yard mark versus San Jose on 4/22 (3,060 yards).
Damian Harrell extended his AFL record for consecutive games with a TD pass to 46. He broke the record earlier this season in the win over Las Vegas in 4/3/05. He broke the former record held by Albanys Eddie Brown (41) set 1997-2000.
John Dutton tied a career-high with 8 touchdown passes vs. Philadelphia, the third time in his career and second time this season he accomplished the feat. He also threw for 8 TDs earlier this season vs. Grand Rapids (2/5/05) and in an overtime loss vs. LA on 2/16/03.
Willis Marshall caught a career-high four TDs in Dallas on 3/25/05, all in the first half. He had caught three touchdown passes five times (last vs. Chicago, 5/30/04).
Rashad Floyd made 17.5 tackles, a new AFL record, on 2/27/05 against Los Angeles. The previous record of 17.0 tackles was set by Los Angeless Kevin Cobb on 6/23/00 vs. Houston.
Clay Rushs 62-yard field goal at the end of the first half against Los Angeles on 2/27/05 is the second longest FG in AFL history and set a new franchise record. The record (63 yards on 5/18/96) was set by San Joses Aaron Mills at Florida. Rush has kicked the longest two field goals in the AFL this season (also 55 @ Orlando 1/30).
RECORDS BROKEN OR TIED THIS SEASON
Crush
Team
Most sacks, game 4 @ Orlando, 1/30 (3 @ Detroit, 5/23/04)
Most interceptions, game 3 vs. Columbus, 3/20 (2 eight times, last vs. Philadelphia, 5/1/04)
Most points scored, game 77 vs. Philadelphia, 4/10 (74 @ Arizona, 2/19/05)
Most points scored, half 50 @ Arizona, 2/19 (41, twice, last vs. Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)
Most points scored, first half 50 @ Arizona, 2/19 (37, twice, last vs. Philadelphia, 5/1/04)
Most points scored, quarter 33 @ Arizona, 2/19 (21 vs. Detroit, 3/4/04)
Most points scored, second quarter 33 @ Arizona, 2/19 (28 @ San Jose, 2/22/03)
Worst margin of defeat 48 vs. San Jose, 4/22 (40 @ San Jose, 2/22/03)
Individual
Consecutive games with a TD reception 42 games, Damian Harrell vs. Las Vegas, 4/3/05 (41, Eddie Brown, 1997-2002 w/ Albany)
Longest field goal made 62 yards, Clay Rush vs. Los Angeles, 2/27 (55, Clay Rush @ Orlando, 1/30/05)
Most field goals attempted, game 6, Clay Rush at Orlando, 1/30 (4, Kris Heppner vs. Georgia, 2/2/03)
Most receptions, game 14, Kevin McKenzie at Orlando, 1/30 (13 twice, last Damian Harrell @ Detroit, 5/23/04)
Most field goals made, game 4, Clay Rush at Arizona, 2/18 (2, five times, last Clay Rush at Orlando, 1/30)
Most tackles, game 17.5, Rashad Floyd vs. Los Angeles, 2/27 (12.0 Rashad Floyd vs. Indiana (OT), 4/3/04)
Most pass completions, game 30, John Dutton at New Orleans, 5/8 (28, John Dutton @ Indiana, 5/16/04)
Tied
Most TD receptions, game 5, Damian Harrell vs. Los Angeles, 2/27 (fourth time, last by Damian Harrell vs. Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)
Most TDs rushing, game 2, Rich Young vs. Philadelphia, 4/10 (fourth time, last by Chad Dukes vs. Las Vegas, 4/10/04)
Opponent
Team
Most points, game 89, San Jose, 4/22 (80, @ San Jose, 2/22/03)
Most points, half 56, San Jose, 4/22 (47, @ Dallas, 3/7/03)
Most rushing yards, game 122, Grand Rapids, 2/5 (86, San Jose, 4/27/03)
Most total yards, game 412, Chicago, 2/13 (374, Grand Rapids, 2/5/05) prior to season was 370, Detroit, 3/4/04
Tied
Fewest points, half 7, Las Vegas, 4/3 (twice, last vs. Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)
Individual
Most passing yards, game 409, Raymond Philyaw, Chicago, 2/13 (375, Andy Kelly, Det., 3/4/04)
Most rushing yards, game 100, Michael Bishop, Grand Rapids, 2/5 (36 twice, last Chris Avery, Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)
Most receiving touchdowns, game 6, Rashied Davis, San Jose, 4/22 (5, Etu Molden, @ Chicago, 4/17)
Most touchdowns, game 7, Rashied Davis, San Jose, 4/22
APPROACHING MILESTONES
Player Needs For Season Avg. Est. Games
Kevin McKenzie 35 receiving yards 2,500 in career 44.1 1
Rashad Floyd 14.0 tackles 123.5 this season (breaks his own AFL record 123.0 in 2004) 8.4 2
Willis Marshall 96 receiving yards 4,000 in career 52.4 2
MILESTONES REACHED
Clay Rush reached the 900 career points scored mark @ New Orleans on 5/8.
Damian Harrell reached the 8,000 yards receiving yard mark @ Grand Rapids on 4/30.
John Dutton reached the 14,000 yard passing yard mark @ Grand Rapids on 4/30.
Willis Marshall reached the 3,000 career return yard mark vs. San Jose on 4/22.
Rich Young reached the 250 career yard rushing mark vs. San Jose on 4/22.
Ahmad Hawkins reached the 500 career receiving yard mark vs. San Jose on 4/22.
Andy McCullough reached the 3,000 career receiving yard mark vs. San Jose on 4/22.
Delvin Hughley made his 200th career tackle @ Chicago on 4/17
Kevin McKenzie made his 200th career reception vs. Las Vegas on 4/3.
John Dutton threw his 250th career TD pass vs. Las Vegas on 4/3.
John Dutton reached 12,500 yards passing @ Dallas on 3/25.
John Dutton completed his 1,000th pass @ Dallas on 3/25.
Clay Rush attempted his 200th FG vs. Los Angeles on 2/27.
Rashad Floyd recorded his 250th career tackle vs. Los Angeles on 2/27.
Damian Harrell caught his 150th career receiving touchdown at Orlando on 1/30.
John Dutton passed 11,000 career passing yards vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
Damian Harrell caught his 500th career pass vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
Kevin McKenzie reached 2,000 career receiving yards vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
Clay Rush made his 100th career field goal vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
Kevin McKenzie scored his 250th career point vs. Chicago on 2/13.
John Dutton attempted the 1,500 pass of his career at Arizona on 2/19.
Clay Rush scored the 800th point of his career and made the 500th extra-point of his career at Arizona on 2/19.
Willis Marshall caught the 50th touchdown of his career at Nashville on 3/12.
AWARDS
PLAYER OF GAME AWARDS
(selected by media)
Week Opp. Offensive Player Defensive Player Ironman of Game
1 @ Orlando Joe Hamilton (ORL) Damon Mason (ORL) Cory Fleming (ORL)
2 vs. Gr. Rapids John Dutton (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
3 vs. Chicago Henry Douglas (CHI) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
4 @ Arizona Damian Harrell (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Saul Patu (COL)
5 vs. Los Angeles Damian Harrell (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
7 @ Nashville John Dutton (COL) Ahmad Hawkins (COL) Ahmad Hawkins (COL)
8 vs. Columbus John Dutton (COL) Delvin Hughley (COL) Willis Marshall (COL)
9 @ Dallas Willis Marshall (COL) Delvin Hughley (COL) Will Pettis (DAL)
10 vs. Las Vegas Damian Harrell (COL) Ahmad Hawkins (COL) Willis Marshall (COL)
11 vs. Philadelphia John Dutton (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
12 @ Chicago Etu Molden (CHI) Russell Shaw (CHI) Etu Molden (CHI)
13 vs. San Jose Mark Grieb (SJS) Clevan Thomas (SJS) Rodney Wright (SJS)
14 @ Grand Rapids Michael Bishop (GRR) Damon Mason (GRR) Dialleo Burks (GRR)
15 @ New Orleans John Dutton (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Willis Marshall (COL)
AFL AWARDS
AFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK
DS Rashad Floyd, Week 5 (vs. Los Angeles, 2/27) 17.5 tackles (17 solo), 1.0 tackle for loss, 3 pass breakups
WR/DB Ahmad Hawkins, Week 10 (vs. Las Vegas, 4/3) 4.0 tackles, two interceptions (returned for 64 yards), 1 pass breakup
AFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF MONTH
DS Rashad Floyd, February 51.5 tackles, 11 pass breakups, interception, forced fumble
AFL WRITERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS
ALL-AFL TEAM (MID-SEASON)
FB/LB Rich Young
COLORADO CRUSH:
Can clinch the Central Division title with a victory over Nashville AND Chicago loss to Grand Rapids
Colorado can clinch a postseason berth with a victory over Nashville AND a Las Vegas loss to Los Angeles
Colorado can clinch the top seed in the American Conference with a victory over Nashville AND a Chicago loss to Grand Rapids AND a Los Angeles loss to Las Vegas AND a San Jose loss to Arizona
REMAINING SCHEDULES FOR AMERICAN CONFERENCE CONTENDERS
The Crush can clinch a playoff berth with a win Friday over Nashville combined with a Las Vegas loss to Los Angeles. However, of the top five American Conference teams vying for four playoff positions, the Crush have the toughest remaining schedule:
Team Overall WK 16 WK 17 Opp. Win %
Colorado 9-5 Nashville at New York 0.554
Los Angeles 9-5 Las Vegas at Grand Rapids 0.357
Chicago 8-6 Gr. Rapids at Nashville 0.304
Las Vegas 8-6 at Los Angeles Arizona 0.500
San Jose 8-6 at Arizona Georgia 0.536
Nashville 6-7-1 at Colorado Chicago 0.607
LAST MEETING: (2005 - WEEK 7): COLORADO 42, NASHVILLE 35
March 12, 2005 GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE Attendance: 11,628
AWARDS: OFF-JOHN DUTTON (COL) DEF-AHMAD HAWKINS (COL) IRONMAN-AHMAD HAWKINS (COL)
Nashville -- Rich Young's 8-yard touchdown reception with 56 seconds remaining gave the Colorado Crush what turned out to be the game-clinching points as they snagged a 42-35 win over the Nashville Kats at the Gaylord Entertainment Center on Saturday evening.
The touchdown proved to be the difference in a game that saw the Crush struggle at points against the Kats, actually trailing the reborn expansion team at halftime by a 21-20 score before rallying after intermission.
Wide receiver/defensive back Ahmad Hawkins had perhaps the best two-way performance of any Crush player so far this season, intercepting a Tony Zimmerman pass in the second half and grabbing a touchdown pass. Hawkins was both the Ironman of the Game and the Defensive Player of the Game for his efforts.
The Crush played turnover-free football as John Dutton completed 23 of 34 passes for 232 yards, flinging six touchdown passess against no interceptions.
Colorado extended its winning streak to a franchise-record three games with the triumph, which pushed its record to 4-2. The Kats -- playing in their first season back in the AFL after three dormant seasons -- dropped to 1-6.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
----------------- -- -- -- -- -----
Colorado Crush...... 7 13 14 8 - 42 Record: (4-2)
Nashville Kats . 7 14 7 7 - 35 Record: (1-6)
LAST GAME: GAME 14 COLORADO 63, NEW ORLEANS 57
MAY 8, 2005 NEW ORLEANS ARENA NEW ORLEANS, LA Attendance: 14,205
AWARDS: OFF-JOHN DUTTON (COL) DEF-RASHAD FLOYD (COL) IRONMAN-WILLIS MARSHALL (COL)
NEW ORLEANS -- John Dutton fired eight touchdown passes and the Colorado Crush defense kept the New Orleans VooDoo offense out of the end zone on back-to-back fourth-n quarter possessions, allowing Colorado to pull out a 63-57 win in front of 14,205 at the New Orleans Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Crush, boosted the team's record to 9-5 and put the team back in control of its playoff future. Losses by the San Jose SaberCats and Chicago Rush earlier in the weekend dropped those teams to 8-6, one game back of the Crush in the playoff chase. Los Angeles is also 9-5 and Las Vegas stands at 8-6, but both lose head-to-head tiebreakers to Colorado.
Colorado got off to a quick start, taking a 7-0 lead 2:31 into the game via the first of four Dutton-to-Damian Harrell touchdown connections. That marked the first time the Crush had led in a contest since the final buzzer of a 77-56 win over the Philadelphia Soul on April 10.
A late-first-quarter fumble by Dutton set up an Andy Kelly-to-Aaron Bailey touchdown that gave the VooDoo a 14-7 lead after one period. The Crush then scored twice in the first four minutes of the second quarter to claim a 21-14 lead, and did not trail again until the fourth quarter, when New Orleans' Denario Smalls recovered a kickoff off the rebound net for a touchdown that put the VooDoo in front 51-49.
New Orleans' lead lasted only 3 minutes and 17 seconds -- the length of time it took the Crush to drive 42 yards to a 9-yard touchdown pass from Dutton to Ahmad Hawkins. The Crush tried an on-side kickoff following the score and failed, but its defense stopped the VooDoo on four plays from inside the 5-yard-line.
The VooDoo had one last chance with four seconds left, but a desperation 33-yard heave from Kelly fell incomplete in the end zone as the buzzer sounded, sealing the Colorado win.
New Orleans dropped to 8-6 and lost its chance to defend its Southern Division championship of 2004, as its division rivals, the Georgia Force, defeated the Tampa Bay Storm on Sunday afternoon. The VooDoo remains in the playoff hunt, but if the postseason began today, would be on the outside looking in as the No. 5 team in the American Conference.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Colorado Crush...... 7 28 14 14 - 63 Record: (9-5)
New Orleans.. ..14 14 14 15 - 57 Record: (8-6)
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