Rush Tue May 20 2008

What's The Rush? Team Clinches (Early) AFL Playoff Spot

By Ken Green

Even after more than 20 years of existence, Arena Football is regarded as something of a freak show by football purists, what with all the near-continuous passing and the net-rebounding and almost-triple figure scores. Sure John Elway is involved, but so is Jon Bon Jovi, so how serious can it be?

But there’s no denying the strong presence of the Chicago Rush in the AFL, who became the first team to clinch a playoff berth this season with a 72-28 victory over the Los Angeles Avengers Monday night, the fourth AFL Central Division title in their seven-year history.

Of course, for the most part the accomplishment is going unnoticed, with nary a word on the morning newscasts’ sports segments. When it comes to the hierarchy of Chicago sports, the Rush are somewhat lower than the disheveled Bulls, probably on an even plane with their Allstate Arena roommates the Wolves (who themselves are embroiled in their own title chase), but slightly higher in profile than the Fire, Sky, or any of the other minor league baseball, lacrosse or women’s softball teams floating around. Which all means that short of winning the league championship (which the Rush did in 2006), they’re pretty much assured of being last on the sports recap. This, despite the presence of owner Mike Ditka, who still has guys in Zubaz genuflecting at the mere mention of his name, and exposure on national AFL broadcasts.

Still, that hasn’t stopped the Rush from simply going out and doing their job. After seven playoff appearances in their seven year history, they narrowly missed the Arena Bowl last season, losing to eventual champion San Jose. Currently, the Rush (9-2) are tied for the second-best record in the league with the Dallas Desperados. The Philadelphia Soul, owned by the aforementioned Bon Jovi, own the best record at 10-2.

While they don’t have a lot of statistical stars, the Rush do have quarterback Rush Michna, second in the league in passing. In only his second season with the team, Micha (from Western Illinois University) has thrown 32 passes with only four interceptions. Not the best numbers in the league, but a good enough ratio to put him in front of some of the league's QB stars.

So to what does the Rush owe its quick claim to a playoff spot? Their defense, which is first against the pass, third in stopping the run and has given up the fewest TDs (which makes sense, given that most AFL scoring comes through the air).

The Rush begin the home stretch of their season when travel to Utah to face the lowly Blaze (2-10), then face the equally dismal Kansas City Brigade (2-9) at the Allstate Arena on May 31. They close out the season against at Cleveland (7-4), hosting Dallas (9-2) on June 22 and at Georgia (6-5).