Storm vs. Rush - Game Preview

Published on June 18, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - On the tenth anniversary of the Storm's league leading fifth ArenaBowl Championship, the Tampa Bay Storm (7-6, 2-3) will host the Chicago Rush (7-6, 2-2) this Saturday, June 22 on the Amalie Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM.

This will be the sixth meeting between these two teams and the fourth time in Tampa. Chicago leads the overall series 3-2. However, the Storm holds the advantage at home, winning two-of-three and outscoring the Rush by a collective margin of six points.

The Storm is coming into the matchup hoping for a crucial victory after falling in its previous two games, with its most recent defeat coming at the hands of the New Orleans VooDoo by a score of 51-54. While the team is on a two-game losing streak, the team is still only one game behind the Jacksonville Sharks for first place in the South Division.

The game will prove to be a key game for the Chicago Rush as well. The Rush possesses first place in the Central Division but it is only one game ahead of the San Antonio Talons. Chicago hopes to widen that margin with a win in Tampa. With only six weeks left in the regular season, every game is important to solidify a playoff spot. Solid play from team leaders will be vital for success down the stretch.

The Storm will once again rely on quarterback Adrian McPherson to take the snaps. Through 13 games played, the league's rushing leader has accounted for 415 yards and 31 touchdowns on the ground. McPherson is also fifth in the league among passers having thrown for 3,156 yards and 59 touchdowns in 13 games. He and receiver Joe Hills lead the team in scoring with 188 points apiece.

Look for the Storm to use a balanced attack through the air and on the ground. The team leads the league with 37 rushing touchdowns on the season. Its 37 touchdowns have tied last year's franchise record for most rushing touchdowns in a single-season. The team will break the record with its next score on the ground.

Chicago has a few playmakers of its own that the Storm defense will be watching closely. Most notable is receiver Reggie Gray. He is the team's scoring leader with 35 touchdowns and 212 points in 12 games. The receiver also leads the AFL in all-purpose yards with an average of 185.2 per game.

Saturday stands to produce an exciting battle as both teams try to improve their records to 8-6 on the season. Chicago is an impressive 5-1 on the road this season and will bring that confidence into the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Having not seen a win in the previous two games, the Storm will look to right the ship come Saturday night.

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