San Jose Suffers First Loss of the Season in 54-41 Loss to Chicago
Published on March 25, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE - In a slugfest between two of the AFL's most storied franchises, Chicago defeated San Jose by a score of 54-41 as the SaberCats fell to 2-1 on the young season. SaberCats QB Mark Grieb finished with 279 passing yards and three touchdowns, but was disappointed with the loss and believes that his team can correct the execution mistakes they made in tonight's game.
"We didn't execute today," said Grieb. "We need to look at all of our mistakes, see what we did wrong and get better because we're not where we should be."
The Rush were led by QB Russ Michna, who totaled seven touchdowns (five passing, two rushing) and 229 yards passing for Chicago. The Rush proved to be effective on the defensive side of the ball, forcing the SaberCats into three interceptions on the night.
San Jose got off to a slow start with Chicago scoring on their opening drive. On the ensuing extra point, DB Dwight Mclean returned a botched kick 49 yards for San Jose's first two points of the game. QB Mark Grieb steadied the ship, throwing his first touchdown of the game to OL Mark Lewis followed by two touchdowns from FB/LB Chad Cook to put the SaberCats up 21-13. The Rush struck back quickly with a 39-yard touchdown pass by QB Russ Michna to WR Reggie Gray to close the Rush to within one, 21-20 at the half.
Chicago started fast in the third stanza, scoring 13 unanswered points before WR/DB Rodney Wright hauled in a five-yard pass from Grieb to make the score 28-33. Wright has notched three consecutive games with at least 10 receptions, 100 yards and a receiving touchdown, totaling 15 receptions, 143 receiving yards and one touchdown on the night. Michna followed the San Jose touchdown grab with one of his own to WR Charles Dillon to put the Rush up 40-28.
Needing a play, San Jose got one from the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year DL Gabe Nyenhuis who caught a tipped pass and returned it seven yards for his first career interception and return for a touchdown. The Rush answered back with a quick touchdown following an onside kick to put Chicago up 47-35 until QB Mark Grieb connected with WR/DB Samora Goodson for a 10-yard touchdown pass to pull the âCats to within six at 47-41. Chicago put together a long drive that ran 5:30 off the clock to seal the victory for the Rush by a final of 54-41.
The SaberCats (2-1) return to HP Pavilion next Friday to take on the Iowa Barnstormers (1-1).
Arena Football League Stories from March 25, 2011
- San Jose Suffers First Loss of the Season in 54-41 Loss to Chicago - San Jose SaberCats
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