Utah Looks to Rebound against Tampa Bay in Week 3

April 3, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - Execution and discipline was constantly emphasized throughout the week of practice as the Utah Blaze look to bounce back in an out-of-conference matchup with the Tampa Bay Storm this Saturday, April 6 at EnergySolutions Arena.

Turnovers and miscues plagued Utah (1-1) last Friday as the team fell at home 77-49 to division rival Arizona. On the same weekend, Tampa Bay (1-1) notched a 69-47 victory over the Cleveland Gladiators behind a 10 touchdown performance by Storm quarterback Adrian McPherson.

The Utah Blaze versus Tampa Bay Storm can be seen live and locally in high-definition on KJZZ, featuring Steve Brown and Aaron Boone in the booth with Alema Harrington reporting from the sidelines. The game can also be heard on The Zone 97.5 FM with Scott Garrard and Riley Jensen calling all of the action. Kickoff from EnergySolutions Arena is scheduled for 8:00 PM.

Tampa's offense is predicated on the dual-threat ability of McPherson, who is as talented with his legs as he is with his arm. Through two games, McPherson has thrown for 580 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 89 yards and seven more scores on the ground.

The task of stopping McPherson will require a disciplined performance by the Blaze defensive front, as the group must pressure the quarterback while also containing his scrambling ability. Utah's front four failed to get to the passer last week against Arizona, but notched four sacks the previous game against another dual-threat quarterback in Pittsburgh's Jordan Jefferson.

Utah's secondary unit ranks third in the Arena Football League having allowed an average of just 224 passing yards per game. Defensive backs David Hyland and Maurice Leggett have accounted for four turnovers as each player has notched two interceptions on the year. Their main assignment will be shutting down big-bodied wideouts Greg Ellingson and Joe Hills. Hills and Ellingson each measure in at 6-4 and have combined to reel in seven touchdowns as McPherson's top targets.

In the matchup with the Rattlers, Blaze quarterback Tommy Grady struggled to get in sync with a new group of young receivers and ended the night with five interceptions. However, that could all change this week with the reinsertion of first-team All-Arena wideout Aaron Lesué. Although his return is still questionable, Lesué would give Grady a legitimate go-to target. While Utah is far from lacking in talent at the wide receiver position, Grady and Lesué have spent the past two seasons developing a rapport and combined for a total of 64 touchdowns in 2012. Lesué could be just the cure for an offense that is in the process of developing chemistry.

One of the bright spots on offense in last week's outing was the Blaze offensive line. The combination of tight end Yoshi Hardrick, guard Shannon Tevaga, center Antonio Narcisse and fullback Ben Stallings consistently stifled the pass rush of a strong Arizona front, providing a clean pocket throughout much of the night.

Over the first two weeks, the Storm defense has forced eight takeaways with three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two turnovers on downs. However, Utah will have the opportunity to compete against a young group, as Tampa features five rookie starters on defense. To this point, the Storm defensive line has yet to record a sack on the year.

With great protection and a familiar face at receiver, Tommy Grady has an excellent opportunity to get back on track this weekend if the offense can begin to jell and maintain efficiency.

Witness all of the action of Arena Football in person this Saturday, April 6th. Tickets for the Utah Blaze versus Tampa Bay Storm are still available for purchase by calling 1-888-99BLAZE or online through SmithsTix.com! Kickoff from EnergySolutions Arena is scheduled for 8:00 PM.



Arena Football League Stories from April 3, 2013


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