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Colorado Crush game notes

May 25, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Colorado Crush News Release


QUICK FACTS:
#1 Colorado Crush (10-6) vs. #4 San Jose SaberCats (9-7)
Date: May 29, 2005
Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. MT
Site: Pepsi Center (18,093), Denver, Colo.

Officials:
Referee: Steve Pamon, #68 (1st year, Big 10)
Umpire: Tom Laverty, #75 (6th year, Southern)
Head Linesman: Brent Durbin, #61 (6th year, Big 10)
Line Judge: R.G. Detillier, #54 (1st year, Conference USA)
Back Judge: Dino Paganelli, #46 (7th year, Big 10)
Alternate: Wes Fritz, #40 (18th year, Gateway)

TV/Radio:
Television: NBC (KUSA in Denver)
(Bob Papa - play-by-play, Ray Bentley – analyst,
Marty Snider - sidelines)
Radio: AM 630 KHOW
(Marc Stout – play-by-play, David Diaz-Infante – analyst, Andy Lindahl - sidelines)

Series Record: San Jose leads 4-0 (1st postseason meeting)
Last Meeting: San Jose won, 89-41, in Denver on 4/22/05
Coaches: Mike Dailey (85-58 in 9 seasons, 22-12 w/ Colorado)
Darren Arbet (82-34 in 7 season, 82-34 w/ San Jose)

ALL-TIME SERIES: This will be the fifth time the Crush and SaberCats meet, the first time in the postseason. In four regular season contests, the SaberCats have defeated the Crush by an average of 31 points. On 4/22/05, San Jose scored 89 points on the Crush and was the worst loss the Crush have ever suffered (48 points).

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 W 52-49 10-5
Sat, 5/21 @ New York L 28-62 10-6
AFL Playoffs Time TV
Sun, 5/29 #4 SAN JOSE 1:30 p.m. NBC
(All times Mountain)
Final Central Division Standings
Team W L T PCT. PF PA H A Conf. Div. Strk
Colorado 10 6 0 .625 873 871 6-2 4-4 6-4 3-3 L1
Chicago 9 7 0 .563 789 764 5-3 4-4 7-3 4-1 W1
Nashville 6 9 1 .406 668 715 3-5 3-4-1 4-6 2-4 L2
Gr. Rapids 4 12 0 .250 761 932 3-5 1-7 3-7 2-4 W2

THE STAKES: A Crush win would ...
· Give the Crush their first win in five meetings with the SaberCats.
· Give the Crush a win in their first postseason win at Pepsi Center.
· Allow Colorado to host the American Conference Championship game.
· Avenge the Crush's 48-point loss to San Jose on 4/22.


AFL ON NBC, (Sun, May 29 at 1:30 p.m. MT):
American Conference
#4 San Jose @ #1 Colorado
(airs in Denver and 25 % of U.S..)
#3 Chicago @ #2 Los Angeles
(airs in 25% of U.S..)
National Conference
#4 Tampa Bay @ #1 Georgia
(airs in 10% of U.S.)
#3 Orlando @ #2 New York
(airs in 40% of U.S.)

Mike Dailey (85-58 in 9th year, 22-12 in 2nd w/ Colo.):
Dailey is now in his second season in Colorado and ninth as head coach in the AFL, after becoming the Crush's 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, Dailey's teams have compiled an overall record of 85-58 record, a winning percentage of .594, and he ranks fifth on the AFL's all-time list for coaching wins (regular season and playoffs). His teams have made six postseason appearances and he has won four division titles.
In 1999, Dailey led the Albany Firebirds to an ArenaBowl title and was named the AFL's Coach of the Year.


All-Time Winningest AFL Coaches
Including Postseason
Rk Coach Team Wins This Week
1. Tim Marcum* Tampa Bay 176 @ Georgia
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohensee* Chicago 94 @ Los Angeles
4. Perry Moss 86
5. Mike Dailey* Crush 85 San Jose
6. Darren Arbet* San Jose 82 @ Colorado
7. Michael Trigg 80
8. John Gregory 73
* indicates active coach


Darren Arbet (82-34 in 7th year, 82-34 in 7th w/ San Jose):
Now in his seventh season at the helm of the SaberCats, two-time Coach of the Year Darren Arbet became the 7th head coach in AFL history with 80 career victories when San Jose defeated Dallas on April 15, 2005 and surpassed Michael Trigg for 6th place with San Jose's win at Colorado on April 22. His overall winning percentage of .707 (82-34) ranks as one of the best in AFL history.
Last season Arbet led his club to its second league title in three years and the SaberCats tied a league record by winning 10 or more regular season games for the fifth consecutive season. Since the start of the 2000 season, his teams have compiled a 67-23 (.744) regular season record and have set league records for most regular season wins (13 in 2002), most wins in a season (16 in 2002), most consecutive wins in a regular season (12 in 2002), most wins to end a season (11 in 2000) and the longest regular season win streak (15 from 2000-01).





TALE OF THE TAPE: Here's how the Crush and SaberCats stack up (Final Regular Season):
Category Crush SaberCats
Scoring Offense (Rank) 54.6 (3rd) 59.1 (1st)
Scoring Defense 54.4 (13th) 51.3 (11th)
Total Offense 275.2 (11th) 312.4 (2nd)
Total Defense 315.5 (17th) 281.4 (8th)
Pass Offense 263.8 (9th) 296.4 (1st)
Pass Defense 291.3 (17th) 265.4 (10th)
Rushing Offense 11.4 (16th) 15.9 (10th)
Rushing Defense 24.2 (13th) 16.0 (3rd)
Interceptions By 17 (6th) 16 (7th)
Turnover Margin +6 (4th) -1 (T-8th)
Kickoff Return Avg. 17.6 (8th) 21.8 (1st)
Kickoffs–Opp.Avg. Start 11.0 (2nd) 16.4 (T-16th)
Sacks By 21 (3rd) 12 (13th)
Sacks Against 6 (3rd) 19 (12th)
(Top 5 ranks in bold, league leaders in italics)


TOP 5 RANKINGS: 2005 League Leaders entering Postseason
Colorado Crush
Player Rank Category Stat
John Dutton 3rd3rd4th4th4th5th 3rd Down QB RatingPass AttemptsPassing Touchdowns4th Quarter QB RatingPass CompletionsPassing Yards 112.658689117.33674,143
Rashad Floyd 1st2nd5th Solo TacklesTotal TacklesPass Breakups 123129.520
Damian Harrell 2ndT-2nd4th4th4th6th4th 3rd-Down ReceptionsReceiving TouchdownsScoring (Non-kickers)Receiving YardsYards from ScrimmageFirst DownsReceptions 24412461,4861,48686122
Delvin Hughley T-3rd Pass Breakups 21
Willis Marshall 4th5th Kickoff Return Avg.Combined Kick Ret Avg 22.222.0
Saul Patu 3rd Forced Fumbles 5
Clay Rush 1st2ndT-2ndT-3rd4thT-4th TouchbacksPATs madePATs attemptedField Goal AttemptsScoring (Kickers)Field Goals Made 601051183114714


COLORADO CRUSH NEXT WEEK
If the Crush can beat the San Jose SaberCats for the first time in franchise history, they will move one week closer to an Arena Bowl XIX appearance. Because they are in the number one seed in the American Conference, the only time the Crush will travel will be to Las Vegas if they win the American Conference and a spot in the ArenaBowl. They would host the American Conference Championship on Sunday, June 5 at 1 p.m. MT.


INJURY REPORT
Colorado Crush
Player Pos. Injury Status
Maurice Anderson OL/DL Strained left groin on IR (5/12)
Chad Dukes FB/LB Strained right groin on IR (5/12)
Darcey Levy WR/LB Strained rt. hamstring on IR (5/12)



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 49 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 8,414 receiving yards on 609 catches, an average of 13.8 yards/catch, along with 188 receiving TDs (191 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 367-586 passes (62.6 %) for 89 TDs and 13 interceptions in 2005 ... Has 11 career 300+ yard passing games (3 in 2005)... Has thrown for 14,903 yards, 290 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/DB Willis Marshall: A triple-threat as a receiver, rusher and kick returner ... Ranks 4th in the AFL in kickoff return average (22.2), 5th in combined kick return yards (22.0) and 10th in all-purpose yards with 1,887 ... Scored 20 touchdowns this season - 13 receiving, six rushing and one on kickoff return ... Has four games with 100+ yards receiving, three games with 100+ yards on kickoff returns, and two games with 10+ catches ... Caught four touchdowns in the first half of a win at Dallas on 3/25 ... Had 227 kickoff return yards and a touchdown vs. San Jose on 4/22.

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 ... Crush's 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 (8 in 2005) ... Made second-most tackles AFL with 129.5 to pass his own AFL single-season record of 122.0 tackles set in
2004... Named to All-Arena Second Team in 2004.




RECENT CRUSH TRANSACTIONS
Date Transaction
5/12/05 Activated OL/DL Donny Klein and FB/LB Rich Young ... Placed OL/DL Maurice Anderson (strained left groin), WR/LB Darcey Levy (strained rt. hamstring) and FB/LB Chad Dukes (strained rt. groin) on injured reserve.
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.






CRUSH NOTABLES

2005 CENTRAL DIVISION CHAMPIONS
With the Crush's last-second 52-49 win over Nashville on 5/13 coupled with Chicago losing 51-40 to Grand Rapids, and the Crush clinched their first Central Division title. Thanks to L.A.'s loss at Grand Rapids in the regular season finale, the Crush earned the top seed in the American Conference and own home-field advantage throughout the playoffs leading up to ArenaBowl XIX in Las Vegas on June 12. Should the Crush defeat San Jose, they will host the American Conference Championship Game on Sunday, June 5 at 1 p.m. MT.

THE TIES THAT BIND
There are several ties between the Crush and ‘Cats:
· Crush QB John Dutton began his AFL career with San Jose, playing there from 2000-02, leading the SaberCats to the ArenaBowl XVI title where he was named the game's MVP.
· Crush WR/LB Kevin McKenzie played for San Jose in the 2003 season. He appeared in 11 games for the SaberCats, but really made his presence felt in the postseason. He scored 10 touchdowns in just two playoff games for the ‘Cats, totaling 203 receiving yards on just nine catches (22.6 avg). He tied an AFL record by scoring six TDs (3 receiving, 2 rushing, 1 KO return) in a Quarterfinal win vs. Georgia on 5/31/03.
· SaberCats FB/LB Joey Dozier played for the Crush during their inaugural 2003 campaign. Dozier led the Crush in rushing with 92 yards on 22 carries (4.2 avg) and five touchdowns in 13 games. He also made 14.5 tackles.
· San Jose defensive coordinator Michael Church served as defensive line coach under Craig Morton for the old Denver Gold of the United States Football League (USFL).

BUILDING A WINNING TRADITION
The Crush are the winningest team in the AFL since Coach Dailey's arrival, having tied for the league's best record in 2004 (11-5) and finishing with the American Conference's top seed in 2005 (10-6)

Team 2004 W 2005 W Total
Colorado 11 10 21
San Jose 11 9 20
Chicago 11 9 20
New Orleans 11 9 20
Orlando 10 10 20
Los Angeles 9 10 19
New York 9 10 19
Tampa Bay 9 10 19


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 10-6
Points/Game 46.8 49.6 54.6
Points Allowed/Game 59.9 46.5 54.5
Turnover Margin -26 +14 +6
Fumbles Lost 22 10 7
Sacks 12 15 21
Sacks Allowed 14 4 6

A TALE OF TWO TEAMS
The Crush do it big. Whether it's win or lose, Colorado played in decisive games throughout the regular season. In six losses, Colorado lost by nearly 20 ppg, while winning by an average of 11.0 ppg in ten wins. Below is a statistical comparison of the ten wins and six losses:

Statistical Comparison 10 Wins 6 Losses
Points/Game 61.7 42.7
Points Allowed/Game 49.7 62.3
Turnover Margin +11 -5
Fumbles Lost 4 3
Interceptions Thrown 6 8
Interceptions 13 4
Sacks 12 9
Sacks Allowed 2 4
Defensive Stops 43 13
Returns for TDs 9 2
Yards/Play Allowed 6.3 8.1
Yards/Game Allowed 305.4 330.0

YARDS ALLOWED
In six losses, the Crush gave up 330.0 yards per game and allowed 8.1 yards per play, nearly a first down on each play. On the other hand, Colorado gave up 305.4 yards per game and an average of 6.3 yards per play in ten wins. Only Austin allowed more yards per play than the 6.9 by the Crush (and Rampage) this season.

Statistical Comparison Plays Yards Average/Play
Ten Wins : 483 3,054 6.3
Six Losses: 244 1,980 8.1


ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
After finishing their inaugural season 0-8 at home, the Crush are now 13-3 under Mike Dailey at the Pepsi Center. Two of the three losses consist of an overtime field goal by Indiana's kicker
Clay Rush (now with Colorado) last season, and a 51-48 Chicago win this season on a field goal with 3 seconds remaining.



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 San Jose will mark his AFL record 174th 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 158 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.)* 158 15 173
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 1,252
3. Remy Hamilton 1998-pres. L.A. 1,063
4. Clay Rush 1999-pres. Colorado 919
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 158
3. Remy Hamilton 1998-pres. L.A. 133
4. Kenny Stucker 1994-99, 2003 n/a 118
5. Clay Rush 1999-pres. Colorado 111
6. Daron Alcorn 1997-04 n/a 100

Rush's leg has been a big boost for the Crush this season. He led the league in touchbacks with 60, eight 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 in the league except Chicago, based on their average starting field position.

TOUCHBACKS ON KICKOFFS
Rank Player, Team TB
1) Rush, COL 60
2) Bironas, NYD 52
3) Dodson, Aus.-NAS 46
4) Garner, Geo. 41
5) Hamilton, LAA 37

KICKOFFS (Kicking Team)
Rank Team TotKO AdjKO TB OB I10 Avg.Strt
1) Chicago 133 121 36 9 74 10.8
2) Colorado 146 136 60 5 81 11.0
3) Austin 134 119 43 4 72 11.1
4) New York 144 134 52 20 74 12.0
5) Nashville 118 105 33 2 61 12.6



TACKLING MACHINE
After setting an AFL record with 122.0 tackles in 2004, Rashad Floyd smashed his record while recording the second most tackles in the league, 129.5, for the 2005 regular season ... Floyd made a league-leading 123 solo tackles ... 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 also 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 - Indiana's Anthony Derricks (93.0).

AFL Record - Most Tackle in a Season
Player Team Year Total Gms Avg.
Damon Mason Orl/GRR 2005 133.5* 17 7.85
Rashad Floyd Colorado 2005 129.5 15 8.63
Rashad Floyd Colorado 2004 122.0 16 7.63
Cornelius Coe Indiana 2001 121.5 14 8.68
Damon Mason Orlando 2000 108.0 14 7.71
Damon Mason Orlando 1999 103.0 14 7.36
Damon Mason Orlando 2001 101.0 14 7.21
* After being released by Orlando at the midway of the point of the season, Mason joined Grand Rapids for the team's final nine games. Mason missed both teams' bye week, therefore, he played in 17 games. Typically, regular season statistics are based on a 16-game season.



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 six sacks in 2005, which includes an unforced fumble by QB John Dutton that the Crush recovered, on the opening play vs. Los Angeles on 2/27/05. After holding 10 opponents this season sackless, the Crush have now allowed just those six sacks in their last 24 games (total of 1,152 plays).

Fewest Sacks Allowed (2005)
Team Games Sacks Attempts Sack/Play
Austin 16 4 622 0.64
Las Vegas 16 5 623 0.80
Colorado 16 6 608 0.98
New Orleans 16 8 714 1.11
Chicago 16 8 556 1.42


SPREAD THE WEALTH
John Dutton got 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 Dutton's 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 25 313 12.5 5 45 19.6
Damian Harrell 122 1,486 12.2 41 43 92.9
Willis Marshall 79 890 11.3 13 35 55.6
Kevin McKenzie 69 736 10.7 14 43 46.0
Andy McCullough 71 740 10.4 11 43 46.3


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 Chicago's
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 team's 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), Game – 42 by Rashied Davis (7 TD), San Jose @ Colorado, 4/22 (tied)
· Most Passing Yards, Game – 409 (30-45) by Raymond Philyaw, Chicago @ Colorado, 2/13
· Most Receptions, Game – 15 by Thabiti Davis (140 yds, 3 TD), @ New Orleans, 5/8 (tied)
· 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)

Based in part because of they lead the league in touchbacks and rank second in opponent starting field position, the Crush also set an AFL record for both total yards and passing yards allowed in a season. Seven of the top 10 marks all came this season.:

AFL Record - Most Total Yards Allowed in a Season
Team Year Total Yds Games Yds/Gm
1. Colorado 2005 5,046 16 315.4
2. Los Angeles 2005 4,921 16 307.6
3. New York 2005 4,872 16 304.5
4. Austin 2005 4,866 16 304.1
5. Philadelphia 2005 4,778 16 298.6
6. Los Angeles 2003 4,766 16 297.9
7. Georgia 2005 4,704 16 294.0
8. Los Angeles 2004 4,665 16 291.6
9. Dallas 2003 4,661 16 291.3
10. Chicago 2005 4,651 16 290.7

AFL Record - Most Passing Yards Allowed in a Season
Team Year Total Yds Games Yds/Gm
1. Colorado 2005 4,661 16 291.3
2. Los Angeles 2005 4,581 16 286.3
3. Los Angeles 2004 4,553 16 284.6
4. Los Angeles 2003 4,526 16 282.9
5. New York 2005 4,483 16 280.2
6. Austin 2005 4,476 16 279.8
7. Georgia 2005 4,415 16 275.9
8. Indiana 2003 4,386 16 274.1
9. Dallas 2003 4,316 16 269.8
10. Chicago 2005 4,285 16 267.8


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 road 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.

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 year's 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.


FLEW THE COOP
With Coach Dailey's 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.

THEY'RE BACK
After 2004 saw a brand new coaching staff and only five returning
players on the opening day roster from 2003, this year's 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

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.

DOWNRIGHT OFFENSIVE

LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD
The Crush are scoring 54.6 points per game, third 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............ 16 137 109 3 2 1 945 59.1
DALLAS.............. 16 121 111 3 13 3 888 55.5
COLORADO............ 16 120 105 1 14 2 873 54.6
NEW YORK............ 16 123 99 2 7 0 862 53.9
LOS ANGELES......... 16 112 98 1 29 1 861 53.8


THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER
The Crush are third in the league in third-down conversions, converting 54.9% of their opportunities into first downs. Not surprisingly then, John Dutton has the third-highest quarterback rating in the league on third down. Damian Harrell has the second-most catches on third downs in the league.

GETTING DEFENSIVE

AFL LEADERS: TAKE-AWAYS/GIVE-AWAYS
The Crush are fourth in the league in turnover margin, trailing only Los Angeles, Nashville and New York. They also are tied for the league-lead in interceptions returned for a touchdown with five, three by Kevin McKenzie, and are tied for second in fumbles returned for a touchdown. McKenzie has more INTs returned for TDs than every other team in the league except for Dallas and is tied with L.A.

SACK HAPPY
After totaling just 15 sacks in 16 games in 2004, the Crush easily passed this mark. The Crush recorded 21.0 sacks in the 2005 regular season. In addition, the D forced 27 turnovers (17 interceptions, 10 fumbles). Rich Young 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 16 24 553 4.16
2) Los Angeles 16 23 585 3.78
3) Colorado 16 21 590 3.44
4) Orlando 16 19 613 3.01
5t) New Orleans 16 18 559 3.12
Arizona 16 18 598 2.92


STOPPED IN THEIR TRACKS
The Crush finished the regular season at 10-6 and the defense has made big plays at big times. The Crush have held their opponent scoreless on 56 drives, including 29 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 rank third in sacks (21) 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 -----------
NAS 1 Missed FG Col 14-7 Touchdown
NAS 2 End of Half 21-21 -----------
NAS 4 Downs 35-35 Touchdown
@ NYD 1 Fumble 0-0 Touchdown

DAMIAN DYNAMITE

A BROKEN RECORD
Damian Harrell has caught a TD pass in an AFL record 49 straight regular season games, including all 46 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 second-longest streak of consecutive games with a TD ... Harrell's 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) --- 49
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
Damian Harrell (Tor/Col) 2002 (Wk 12) --- 49
Chris Jackson (LA) 2000 (Wk 1) 2003 (Wk 14) 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 – 6,795 107 – 1,366 587 – 8,161
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 462 – 6,566 122 – 1,486 584 – 8,052
Mike Horacek (NY) 399 – 5,248 93 – 1,210 492– 6,535
Greg Hopkins (LA) 466 – 5,633 81 – 891 547 – 6,524

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). Harrell's 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(S)?
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) 43 (258) 89 (558)
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 43 (258) 41 (246) 84 (504)
Chris Jackson (Geo.) 45 (272) 35 (214) 80 (486)
Siaha Burley (Ari.) 28 (168) 46 (278) 74 (446)
Aaron Bailey (NO) 34 (204) 39 (234) 73 (438)
Cory Fleming (Orl.) 35 (210) 33 (198) 68 (408)
Etu Molden (Chi.) 32 (198) 30 (186) 62 (384)


Most Receiving Yards (2004-05)

Player (pres. team) Rec. Yds TD Yd/Catch
Marcus Nash (LV) 285 3,540 87 12.4
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 236 3,201 84 13.6
Chris Jackson (Geo.) 232 3,169 73 13.7
Aaron Bailey (N.O.) 235 3,058 69 13.0
Siaha Burley (Ari.) 220 2,743 69 12.5
Cory Fleming (Orl.) 227 2,709 66 11.9
Jason Shelley (Dall.) 203 2,571 51 12.7
Thabiti Davis (N.O.) 240 2,552 45 10.6
Etu Molden (Chi.) 197 2,438 48 12.4

CRUSH NOTABLES
TEAM
· The Crush enter the 2005 postseason as the number one seed in the American Conference. If they win their first playoff game (at home), they are assured a second home game when they will play for the American Conference championship.
· The Crush scored a franchise-low 28 points in the losing effort to New York on 5/21.
· The Crush won the first Division title in franchise history on 5/15. With the Central Division title, the Crush secure at least one home game in the 2005 postseason.
· The Crush will be hosting their first-ever AFL playoff game in Denver. The Denver Dynamite appeared in four playoff games, including winning ArenaBowl I in Pittsburgh and even playing a neutral-site playoff game in Sacramento, but never hosted a game. The Crush played in two postseason games in 2004, but both were on the road.
· The Crush have never scored in the first quarter of a playoff game, getting shutout in the opening period at New Orleans and Arizona last season.
· Colorado finished the season 6-2 at home. After going 0-8 at home in the inaugural 2003 campaign, the Crush are 13-3 under Coach Dailey at Pepsi Center.
· The Crush finished the regular season with 17 interceptions, good for sixth in the AFL. However, after intercepting a pass in each of the first 11 games, but went without a pick in the final six games of the regular season.
· After taking a 21-14 lead with 8:21 remaining in the second quarter, the Crush were shutout until backup QB Jose Davis hit Damian Harrell for a touchdown with 7:12 left in the loss at New York.
· The Crush were only shutout in a quarter twice all season, both times in the third quarter (@ Arizona, 2/19 and @ New York 5/21)
· The 89 points allowed to San Jose were 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.
· 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 year's 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 followed up a franchise record seven-game winning streak with their first three-game losing skid since Mike Dailey became head coach. Despite winning the top seed in the American Conference, the Crush lost 4 of their last six games.
· 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 Crush were 3-4 on Sundays and 8-1 on all other days in 2004. They are 5-3 on Sundays and 5-2 on Fridays and Saturdays in 2005.

INDIVIDUAL
· Rashad Floyd bested his own AFL single-season tackle record (122.0 in 2004), finishing with 129.5. Grand Rapids' Damon Mason made 17.0 tackles in his season finale vs. L.A. to pass Floyd and finish with 133.5. However, Mason played in 17 games since he missed the bye week with both Orlando (before being waived) and Grand Rapids. Floyd played in just 15 games.
· Damian Harrell is now second in AFL history in consecutive games (49) with a touchdown on 5/13. He passed Georgia's Chris Jackson (47 consecutive games with a TD) for second place all time.
· Damian Harrell extended his AFL record for consecutive games with a TD reception to 49. He broke the record earlier this season in the win over Las Vegas in 4/3/05. He broke the former record held by Albany's Eddie Brown (41) set 1997-2000.
· 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.
· Harrell has also surpassed 110 receptions in two straight years.
· John Dutton threw for a season-low two touchdowns in the loss at New York.
· John Dutton set a new career-high for pass completions for the second straight week, completing 31 passes vs. Nashville on 5/13. His previous career high was 30 passes at New Orleans on 5/8/05
· Dutton also reached a new career high for touchdown passes with 87, with one game remaining. His previous high was 77 set in 2003.
· The game at New York will extend his AFL-record mark to 173 straight games for Kyle Moore-Brown – every game in his 11-year career.
· 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.
· Nearly half of John Dutton's 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.
· John Dutton tied a career-high with 8 touchdown passes at New Orleans, the fourth time in his career and third time this season he accomplished the feat. Prior to this season, he had only accomplished the feat 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 Angeles's Kevin Cobb on 6/23/00 vs. Houston.
· Clay Rush's 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 Jose's 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
Fewest points scored in a game – 28 @ New York, 5/21 (34 twice, last @ Los Angeles, 5/10/03)
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


MILESTONES REACHED
· Rashad Floyd made a league-leading 123.0 solo tackles for the 2005 regular season.
· Rashad Floyd made the second-most tackles in the AFL, finishing the season with 129.5 tackles.
· Willis Marshall reached the 4,000 career receiving yards mark vs. Nashville on 5/13.
· Kevin McKenzie reached the 2,500 career receiving yards mark vs. Nashville on 5/13.
· 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)
16 vs. Nashville Damian Harrell (COL) John Peaua (COL) Willis Marshall (COL)
17 @ New York Aaron Garcia (NYD) Billy Parker (NYD) William Holder (NYD)


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

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