Defensive excellence helps Rush win opener
Last year, the Rush defense set a franchise record by forcing 44 turnovers.
After the way the defense performed Monday in the season opener against the San Jose SaberCats, that mark might be in serious jeopardy.
The Rush forced 5 turnovers on its way to a 70-47 victory over the defending ArenaBowl champions before 15,409 at Allstate Arena.
"Anytime you turn the ball over like that you're going to lose the game," San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb said. "Part of that was their defense and part of it was our execution."
With the new-look offense still finding its way, linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo knew it was on the defense to come up with big early-season performances.
"We started off just like we finished last year," he said.
Dennison Robinson had 2 interceptions, while Alfonzo contributed 1 pick. Robinson also forced 2 fumbles. The Rush recovered 2 of San Jose's 5 fumbles.
"The defensive line kept coming; they're probably in better shape than we are," Robinson said with a smile. "There were some loose balls flying around. The second guy comes in trying to get the strip; we're ballhawks out there."
The Rush limited the SaberCats to 1 touchdown for the first 26 minutes of the second half. In his first game back with the Rush, defensive lineman James Baron had 2 sacks and forced a fumble. Throughout the game, his quick push disrupted the exchange between center Dan Loney and Grieb.
The game began with the Rush's two big free-agent acquisitions on offense, quarterback Sherdrick Bonner and offensive specialist Damian Harrell, connecting for a 29-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage.
"They like to jump the short routes, and we figured if we protected we could take advantage of it," coach Mike Hohensee said. "We knew we would have something."
On San Jose's second play, Grieb fumbled and the ball went right to Alfonzo. He scooped it up and ran 20 yards untouched for another score. Less than three minutes into the game, the Rush led 14-0.
San Jose responded with 21 unanswered points, but the Rush still led 28-27 at halftime. The Rush dominated the second half and led 56-34 with 5:42 remaining.
Bonner completed 14 of 24 passes for 261 yards. He had 6 touchdowns and 1 interception. He spread the wealth, throwing 2 touchdowns each to Harrell, Donovan Morgan and Travis LaTendresse.
"He stood in there and made some spectacular throws," Hohensee said.
The Rush did take a hit on the injury front, losing fullback Matt Kinsinger to a season-ending knee injury. The Rush plays host to Philadelphia at noon Sunday.