Michna Earns AFL Spalding Highlight of the Week
Published on June 6, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
CHICAGO, Illinois - Russ Michna garnered the AFL Spalding Highlight of the Week award for his 11-yard touchdown pass at the 9:55 mark of the fourth quarter against the Spokane Shock last Sunday. The touchdown toss was his ninth of the game and placed him first on the Chicago Rush all-time list for most passing touchdowns in a single game.
Normally a quick starter, Michna admitted the offensive game plan quickly switched after the first possession drive stalled due to two incomplete passes.
"I have a lot of respect for (Spokane's) defense. They have some of the best cover corners we've seen so far this year and we kind of changed our plan a little bit coming out after that (first drive)."
Whatever the changes were, they saw immediate results. Throughout the rest of the game Michna only threw four incompletions on way to completing a franchise single-game record of 32 passes. His 412 passing yards were also a franchise single-game record for the Chicago Rush.
However, his performance went a step further by throwing a 9th touchdown pass, this one to Jared Perry giving the Rush a 66-55 lead. As the touchdowns began to pile up midway through the third quarter, Michna reacted after the game as to when he thought Sunday's game was going to be a special one.
"You know I feel that way every week. I'm scared to get excited like that =8A we have to work too hard to score every time. I'm thinking about what we're going to do on the next possession every time."
Being able to use a multitude of wide receivers has allowed the offense to constantly place pressure on the entire field. 2011 receiving leader Reggie Gray leads the team in touchdowns for 2012, but it's rookie Jared Perry who holds the most receptions so far this season. Even rookie Terrance Turner has grabbed the spotlight to be the catch leader in certain games, forcing teams into a guessing match as to which Rush receiver to roll coverage to.
"I keep talking about these receivers. It is amazing to me what we are able to do with them. The things that we do on the fly and what we see; we are playing the game after the ball is snapped. That makes the game so easy for a quarterback," stated Michna.
Easy is right. In the last five games Michna has thrown 32 touchdown passes to just one interception. The streak has catapulted him to lead the AFL in passing efficiency with a 128.3 quarterback rating.
Keep pace with Michna and the Rush as they travel out west this Saturday, June 9th, to square off against the Utah Blaze (7-5) at 8 p.m. CST live on ustream.tv/chicagorush.
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