Season Over
The Chicago Rush had their season ended at home Sunday by the Grand Rapids Rampage, 58-41. No matter how hard the Rush worked or how many injuries they had, the Rush lost because the Grand Rapids Rampage wanted this game on this day more.
A second quarter touchdown by Rampage receiver Kenny Higgins just about said it all. Quarterback James MacPherson was almost on the ground when he threw a flailing desperation pass that was batted by Higgins and Rush defensive back Jeremy Unertl before Higgins recovered to make an improbable catch. Maybe Unertl didn’t know where the ball was, but a simple shove could have prevented the Rampage from scoring on that play.
Despite some questionable officiating and a game that seemed to get out of control with constant pushing, shoving, and a couple of times where a fight seemed ready to break out, the Rampage showed why they might be the rising team in the American Conference.
MacPherson was as close to perfect as you could possibly get, going 33-39 for 326 yards – a far cry from his first time against this Rush team where he couldn’t buy a completion. Two of his receivers also played the games of their lives. Kenny Higgins was consistently great the whole game on post routes, catching 14 balls for 167 yards and three touchdowns. Cole Magner had a very good second half and finished with 15 catches and 117 yards and two touchdowns.
“Grand Rapids came out and played a great game,” Hohensee said.
Hohensee went on to say this is the most fun he had ever had coaching. He then continued to talk about the importance of the game the Rush has just lost.
“It was an emotional game,” Hohensee said. “There was a lot on the line. Guys were chomping at the bit and they played extremely hard… We just didn’t play well enough to win in all phases of the game.”
Russ Michna had his first season as a starter end unceremoniously. He was 19-32 with 252 yards and five touchdowns. His best receiver on this day was Travis LeTendresse, who had seven catches for 115 yards.
“So much is based on the way the ball bounces,” Michna said. “And the ball just didn’t bounce our way a few times.”
Despite the disappointment, the Rush still have potential next season. With a young receiving core and quarterback, the Rush offense could be even more explosive next season.
“We need to be more efficient offensively,” Michna said. “We weren’t good enough. We’re strong at every position, and we just got to put it together.”
Defensively, the Rush will have to consider some upgrades too. Injuries to DeJuan Alfonzo, James Sadler, and Joe Peters for this game didn’t help. But with Jeremy Unertl beginning to show signs of slowing down and Jonathon Ordway never being the best cover defensive back, defense should be at the top of the board for free agency and also looking at the top players in af2.
No matter what anyone says, this wasn’t the same team that destroyed the Los Angeles Avengers 72-28 just six weeks ago to capture their second straight division crown. A team full of veteran players that have playoff experience let a dirty, do-anything to win Grand Rapids team get under their skin. This wasn’t the team that took the field and went 7-1 at home during the regular season, and here’s to hoping it won’t be the same team that takes the field in 2009.
The Commissioner Speaks
Commissioner David Baker spoke on a few topics during halftime of the Rush/Rampage game. His best line may have been to a journalist who hadn’t covered the AFL before. “Arena football is football for fans with ADD.”
Baker discussed how successful the league has been this year despite the tough economy. He cited an increase in attendance, merchandise, and television ratings for ESPN. There is some validity to the ratings comment since the Cleveland Gladiators/Orlando Predators game was the highest rated game on ESPN since their new deal was signed back in 2007.
As far as expansion goes, Baker said South Florida, Boston, and Pittsburgh have all filed applications to become the next AFL city. In an interesting twist, Baker has also had interest expressed from London. After a series of successful international exhibitions and a number of arenas being built in places from Berlin to Madrid, Baker believes international expansion is possible.
check out Jerome’s blog for more on the Rush
Tags: Arena Football League, Chicago Rush, David Baker, expansion, Grand Rapids Rampage, James MacPherson, Jeremy Unertl, Kenny Higgins, Russ Michna, Travis LeTendresse