Game Preview - Blaze vs Rattlers
March 27, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - It's been over eight months since Utah met Arizona in the National Conference Championship, but the Blaze finally have a shot at redemption this weekend as they take on the defending ArenaBowl champion Rattlers on Friday, March 29. The game can be seen locally in HD on KJZZ with Steve Brown, Kevin White and Tony Parks calling all the action. Kickoff from EnergySolutions Arena is scheduled for 7:30 PM MT.
The last time the two teams met, Utah appeared to be just moments away from securing its first ArenaBowl berth before a late touchdown by the Rattlers knocked the Blaze out of title contention. Although this week's matchup lacks the implications of the previous meeting, the outcome will ultimately play a significant role in crowning a champion in the ever-competitive West Division.
During the Arena Football League's opening weekend, the Utah Blaze took to the road for their 2013 debut and pummeled the Pittsburgh Power, 64-33. Meanwhile, the Rattlers defeated the Philadelphia Soul in a rematch of ArenaBowl XXV by a final score of 66-52. Both teams enter the game looking to get a leg up in the division with a 2-0 start.
In the victory over Pittsburgh, Utah showed off a revamped secondary unit that surrendered just 164 aerial yards while forcing three turnovers on downs. Defensive backs David Hyland and Maurice Leggett halted back-to-back drives in the third quarter with interceptions, while Jack linebacker Antwan Marsh returned a fumble three yards for a touchdown in the second frame.
That group will be tested this week as it takes on a Rattlers passing attack that features a decorated receiving corps. Over the past three seasons, Rod Windsor, Maurice Purify and Jared Perry have all earned the AFL's Rookie of the Year Award. Behind that trio sits Tysson Poots, who makes his return to Utah after posting 30 touchdown receptions for the Blaze in 2012.
Rather than focus on shutting down the receivers, the most effective means of stopping Arizona's passing attack may be disrupting Rattlers QB Nick Davila. Although Davila is one of the AFL's most prolific quarterbacks, Utah boasts a relentless group of pass rushers capable of controlling a game. Last week against the Power, defensive linemen Keenan Mace, Caesar Rayford and Mike Alston accounted for four sacks, three forced fumbles and five quarterback hurries. That group could be even stronger this week if Mac linebacker Joe Mortensen returns to the lineup.
By Blaze standards, Utah's passing performance against Pittsburgh seemed pedestrian as MVP quarterback Tommy Grady threw for 190 yards and five touchdowns - a far cry from his average of 326 yards and eight touchdowns a season ago. However, a closer look at the stat sheet reveals the reason for the low numbers. Utah routinely held excellent field position due to turnovers by the defense and electric kickoff returns by wide receiver Brandon Thompkins. In fact, the Blaze executed four scoring drives of 13 yards or less - three of which ended in rushing touchdowns.
Utah was without All-Arena wideout Aaron Lesué last week, but got a boost in the receiving corps from rookie wide receiver Mario Urrutia. Urrutia enjoyed a spectacular outing in his AFL debut, hauling in four touchdown receptions while leading all Blaze receivers with five catches for 76 yards. If Lesué is able return this week, the offense could once again begin to fire on all cylinders.
Defeating the Rattlers defense will begin in the trenches. Arizona's defensive line is composed of massive pocket pushers - all of whom weigh in at 290 pounds or greater - that prefer to use their strength rather than speed. In order to protect Tommy Grady, Utah's offensive front will have to match that strength this week by routinely stalemating defensive ends Cliff Dukes and Marcus Pittman, as well as nose guard Anttaj Hawthorne.
In the secondary, Arizona surrendered 323 yards through the air to the Philadelphia Soul in Week 1 - most in the Arena Football League. Tommy Grady combined to throw for 1,053 yards with 26 touchdowns in three matchups with the Rattlers in 2012; however, he also tossed seven interceptions. With Arizona's starting core of Arkeith Brown, Virgil Gray and Marquis Floyd returning, Grady has a good opportunity to move the football through the air, but will need to maintain efficiency.
Tickets for the Utah Blaze vs. Arizona Rattlers can be purchased by calling 1-888-99BLAZE or online through utblaze.com or smithstix.com. The game can be seen locally in HD on KJZZ with Steve Brown and Kevin White in the booth and Tony Parks reporting from the sideline. The game can also be heard locally on The Zone 97.5FM with Scott Garrard and Riley Jensen calling all the action!
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