Desperados' D Overwhelms The Rush
Published on March 5, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Dallas Desperados News Release
The Dallas Desperados began their longest road trip of the season on the right foot Sunday, dominating the dangerous Chicago Rush, 59-42, in suburban Chicago at Allstate Arena.
The Desperados (5-1) have matched their best start in franchise history, and in doing so snapped Chicago's three game winning-streak, dropping the Rush to 3-3. The victory allows the Desperados to remain in first place in the Eastern Division and tied for the best record in the Arena Football League.
Dialleo Burks, named Ironman of the Game, led the Desperados with three touchdown catches while Will Pettis had five catches for 68 yards. Quarterback Clint Dolezel completed 25-of-32 passes for 221 yards, with five touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown. He was named offensive player of the game.
But the real story of the game was the Desperados defense and play of their line.
Desperados head coach Will McClay called the pressure applied by the Desperados defensive line the best he's seen all season. Led by Colston Weatherington's two sacks for minus-eight yards, the Dallas Cowboys battered Chicago quarterback Matt D'Orazio for the majority of the game. For his effort, Weatherington was named defensive player of the game.
The Desperados line played a large part in forcing seven stops. The line picked up three sacks, caused two forced fumbles and had a fumble recovery. The defense also nullified Chicago's running game, which was the second-best in the AFL coming into Sunday's game.
"We didn't give easy throws," McClay said. "Our coverage was pretty good until late and we were able to get to the quarterback. Guys protected well. Clint got rid of the ball well and the guys ran the routes well to get open. We mixed in some runs as well, so I'm pleased with it."
The Desperados had one of their best rushing games of the season. Six players were involved, gaining 38 yards and scoring two touchdowns on 12 attempts. Chicago had two players rush the ball six times for 17 yards.
This was not a good day for the Chicago line. The Rush lost two linemen during game, John Moyer going down with an MCL sprain and D.J. Bleisath breaking his leg in the third quarter. Chicago only dressed four linemen, and fullback Bob McMillen was forced to play right end.
D'Orazio finished the game with 233 passing yards, completing 20-of-32 attempts, but was replaced in the game's final minute by Asad Abdul-Khaliq, who threw one touchdown pass.
Receiver C. J. Johnson was Chicago's main offensive weapon, catching 12 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw a touchdown pass to Buchie Ibeh, who had three touchdown catches.
Pettis opened the scoring for the Desperados with a 23-yard touchdown pass on their first drive. His double-move beat Ibeh down the right side, where he was wide open for the touchdown. He also had a touchdown catch late in the first half to restore the Desperados' nine-point lead.
Burks also had a first-quarter, 13-yard touchdown catch, helping the Desperados to take a 14-10 lead at the end of the first quarter. They have led at the end of the first quarter in every game this season.
The Desperados started to pull away early in the second quarter when the Rush fumbled the ball away deep in its territory. It was Weatherington sacking D'Orazio to knock the ball loose. McMillan knocked the loose ball into the back wall of the end zone, thinking it would be a touchback. But this season in a rule change that's a live ball, and Duke Pettijohn picked it up for the touchdown.
Weatherington gave the Rush life at the end of the third quarter, when he had the ball knocked out of his hands by Denni Robinson after a reception. But Weatherington forced a D'Orazio fumble on the ensuing drive that the Desperados recovered at midfield.
Backup quarterback Chris Greisen made his first appearance of the season for the Desperados, replacing Dolezel with two minutes left in the fourth quarter. He did not throw a pass as the Desperados ran four straight rushing plays.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 5, 2006
- Crush turns back Rampage - Colorado Crush
- Desperados' D Overwhelms The Rush - Dallas Desperados
- Gladiators find rhythm against Soul, 67-49 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Avengers no Match for Predators - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
- Brigade offense comes alive in thrilling 69-59 loss to Tampa Bay - Kansas City Brigade
- Rampage downed by champs, 66-52 - Grand Rapids Rampage
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