Orlando defense shuts down Rush, 55-27
April 2, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Orlando - Chicago's trip to Orlando certainly was not any fun in the sun. The team's offense struggled to move the ball against a dominant Predator defense all afternoon, as the Rush fell to Orlando 55-27 Sunday at the TD Waterhouse Centre.
It was a game that was decided in the second and third quarters - two of the worst quarters the Rush (4-6) has played all season.
After holding a 14-7 lead after 15 minutes of play, Chicago went five-consecutive possessions with out scoring a touchdown. During the span the Rush was stopped on downs three times and was forced to kick two field goals, allowing Orlando (6-4) to go on a 41-6 run.
In the third quarter alone, Chicago was outscored 20-0, turning an Orlando 28-20 halftime lead into a 48-20 rout heading into the fourth quarter.
"We didn't execute in any phase of the game today," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "They are a very talented team and we could not match their intensity of execution.
"We have two more tough road games left at Philadelphia and Arizona before we return home and we are going to have to figure some things out before we play the Soul next week.
Rush QB Matt D'Orazio was just two of five in the third quarter, and 16 of 24 for 143 yards in the game, and was removed in favor of backup Asad Abdul-Khaliq for the final period.
Abdul-Khaliq didn't fare much better, completing just four of 10 passes for 68 yards and leading the Rush to just one TD in three possessions.
Orlando, on the other hand, made big plays when it counted, converting a pair of fourth-down plays to help the Predators keep scoring drives alive and sacking the Rush quarterbacks four times to keep Chicago in long yardage situations.
Orlando Quarterback Joe Hamilton controlled the game with both his arm and his legs, completing 13 of 18 passes for 169 yards and four touchdowns and rushing for 40 yards and two TDs on five carries.
Despite the loss, however, the Rush still is in the thick of the playoff race and, if the playoffs started today, the Rush still would qualify for the postseason.
Chicago looks to bounce back next Sunday, April 9, when it travels to Philadelphia for a noon kickoff against Jon Bon Jovi's Soul.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 2, 2006
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- Gladiators sack Los Angeles 63-49 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- SaberCats topple Rattlers, 61-49 - San Jose SaberCats
- Preds drop Chicago, 55-27 - Orlando Predators
- Orlando defense shuts down Rush, 55-27 - Chicago Rush
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