On the Beat with the Chicago Rush at Practice

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend a Chicago Rush practice.  Of course, I jumped at the chance to partake in another aspect of the Rush experience.

I arrived early and was immediately greeted by offensive lineman Steve Edwards.  As documented here previously, Edwards is a fellow Mount Carmel alum and we have talked several times this season.  As I made my way to the practice field, I exchanged greetings with Coach Bob McMillen, quarterback Carson Coffman, receiver Reggie Gray and kicker Jose Martinez.  Upon taking my position at midfield on the sidelines, assistant coach Walt Hausman, Director of Media Relations Jonah Rosenblum and several other players welcomed me.  At the risk of repetition, this is a professional, classy organization.

I watched for two hours, as players warmed up, performed simple drills and eventually had a full 7-on-7 scrimmage.  Being that close to the field always makes me respect the abilities and efforts of these players that much more.

Also, despite being indoors and having huge fans, the temperature was still high, but I did not hear one complaint from anyone.  This team is focused.  Then again, Coach McMillen would have it no other way.

After practice, I joined CBS 2 Chicago's Krista Ruch in a media session with Coach McMillen, Gray, Coffman and quarterback Luke Drone.  The main topics were the big, upcoming game against Arizona, the challenges of the season, the heat and other interesting things.  I admit, CBS Chicago's Krista Ruch asked more questions, but CBS is slightly bigger than JohngysBeat.com.  I had no problem with her taking the lead.  I got my turn every time and together we got some interesting stuff.
The Rush is traveling to Arizona to face the 14-2 Rattlers.  This is a crucial game for the Rush, who are currently tied for 1st in their division, but would lose the tie-breaker at this point.  It is going to be a tough game, but I have faith in the Rush.
I saw the determination from everyone yesterday.  Coach McMillen sets the tone and everyone else is right behind him.  The team looked ready, sharp and confident.
Unfortunately, I will not be in Arizona, but I will be following the game online.  This team deserves our fandom.  They have earned it.  I am in it for the long haul and I encourage everyone to get on the Rush bandwagon now!
Please enjoy the following interviews with Coach McMillen, Coffman, Drone and Gray.  Also, go to ArenaRush.com to follow this team.

On the Beat with the Chicago Rush-Game 9

Because of three road games and one home game that I had to miss, I have not seen the Chicago Rush in over a month.  I was really itching to get back to the action.

A lot has happened since my last game.  The league has taken over the team and the future is a bit cloudy.  I refuse to use "doubtful" for the Rush's future, not with so much positive feelings everywhere I look.

I worked for years for a company with a constant uncertain future.  It is stressful and unpleasant, but that was kept within the confines of our office.  The Rush organization is experiencing the cloudy situation on a big stage in front of everyone and they are all showing their class, grace and professionalism.  Their positive outlook is palpable and contagious.

The game on Sunday promised to be a great one and it did not disappoint.  Tied for 1st in the Central Division, the Rush (4-4) hosted the Arizona Rattlers (7-1), who were in 1st place in the West Division.  This would be a big test for the Rush.  Despite the 56-49 loss, I believe the Rush passed the test.

Arizona jumped out to a 7-0 lead and expanded the lead to 35-21 at halftime.  The lead grew to 21 at various points of the second half, but the Rush kept coming back.  The Rush closed the gap to 56-49 with just under six minutes left in the game.  The Rush actually had a shot at putting the game into overtime, but they fell just short on the last minute drive.

Despite the outcome, there were many positive points.  The Rush got 210 yards on 9 kickoff returns, including Rodney Wright’s 57 yard return for a score.  Several Rush defenders came within inches of interceptions.  The Rush matched up with the Rattlers statistically for most of the categories.  The one big exception was Red Zone production, where the Rush went 2-5 and the Rattlers went 6-6.

This is all even more remarkable considering that quarterback Luke Drone was recently signed and had only one day to practice.  Regular quarterback Carson Coffman is nursing an injured ankle.  Drone hit some big passes and looked sharp all things considered.

The crowd of roughly 5,000 also remained positive.  They cheered throughout and I don’t think anyone left early.  The game was just that exciting.

JohngysBeat.com’s Matt Parker talked to Drone and linebacker Kelvin Morris after the game (see accompanying videos).  They were disappointed with the loss, proud of the effort and positive for the future, as was Coach Bob McMillen in the post-game media session.

The next four games are critical for the Rush playoffs hope.  The Rush head to New Orleans and Orlando, followed by two “home” games in Rockford.  Three out of four will bring the Rush to 8-8, with 5 more games left.

You might want to call me a biased journalist, but I defy anyone to attend a Rush game and not feel the same.  I will be following Les Grobstein’s call for the two away games, but I cannot wait to watch the Rush in person in Rockford in three weeks.  I hope you are enjoying the Rush season with me.