Heating Up: Blaze Defense Finding Its Stride
Published on May 23, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - Defense is often an afterthought in Arena Football. After all, the game features an inherent offensive focus and is engineered to be a high-scoring affair. But it was the defense that stood its ground three weeks ago when the Utah Blaze earned a last-second victory over the Spokane Shock. It became apparent in that game that Utah had disregarded the notion that defense is a mere technicality in the Arena Football League.
Spokane entered the game boasting the AFL's second-ranked scoring offense. The Shock had been stopped just three times all season and had become accustom to finding the end zone, posting over 60 points in each of their first six games. But the Blaze ignored the statistics and devised a game plan designed to halt the high-flying Shock. Utah went on to stun Spokane in the contest, stopping the offense on six drives while holding the opponent to a season-low 48 points.
Utah's victory over Spokane is a snapshot of the past four games. The Blaze defense has come on strong over the last month, forcing 19 turnovers while holding opponents to just 223.3 yards in total offense per game. Head Coach Ron James attributes the success to a new mindset and an emphasis on preparation.
"It starts with the focus they have during the week and I think that's really starting to come together," said James. "I think they understand now that it takes hard work all week long to be able to be ready for the game. They've adopted a never-stop mentality."
"We spend so much in meetings and evaluating film - breaking it down and studying our opponents - that when you get out there, you feel like you've already played the game in your head," said defensive back David Hyland. "We've gone through so many different scenarios and situations that could unfold throughout the game. We're just getting ourselves in the right place at the right time and making some plays."
The shift in attitude is a process that dates back to the 2012 season. Midway through the year, the Blaze offense was hitting on all cylinders while lighting up the scoreboard on a weekly basis. On the other side of the ball, Utah's defense struggled to keep pace, surrendering an average of 64 points over the first 10 games. Facing a crossroads, Coach James elected to hire defensive guru Rob Keefe.
In his playing days, Keefe was well-known for his all-out style of play and his energetic personality. As a coach, he brings the same qualities. Keefe can routinely be seen jumping up and down and sprinting across the field on game days. If not for the lack of shoulder pads and a helmet, he could easily be mistaken for a player.
"It's like having a ninth guy out there," said defensive back David Hyland. "He puts in a ridiculous amount of time and he wants success for all of us. It's really easy to play for a guy that's that dedicated and willing to work for you."
Like most coaches, Keefe brought new schemes and strategies upon his arrival. The X's and O's were an important aspect of the process, but his top priority - one that continues to this day - was integrating a new train of thought. Keefe regularly preaches the importance of playing like a "dog."
"I think mentality you have to be a tough person and physically you have to be a tough person," Keefe explained. "No matter what the situation is, you're not going to complain. You're not afraid to get out there and challenge the best. Dogs are what is needed for this defense to work and the dogs are starting to show."
That persona is beginning to reflect on the field. "They're getting after the quarterback, they're breaking on the football, and they're getting eight helmets around the ball as much as possible," James stated. "That's big with any defensive group."
Despite the recent success, the staff maintains there is still work to be done. With 10 games remaining on the schedule, the defense will continue evolve down the stretch as the team makes its push towards the postseason.
"We won't be at the peak of where we want to be until the end. There's always room to grow," said Keefe. "As long as the guys understand that we're always going to expect more from them, I think the sky's the limit."
Arena Football League Stories from May 23, 2013
- Barnstormers Add Familiar Face to Roster - Iowa Barnstormers
- Talons JLB Ransom Voted Week 9 AFL MVP - San Antonio Talons
- Heating Up: Blaze Defense Finding Its Stride - Utah Blaze
- Shock on road for National Conference showdown - Spokane Shock
- Jacksonville looks to extend recent dominance over in-state rival - Jacksonville Sharks
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