LA Leery of Chicago, Despite 0-3 Record
Steven Herbert
Saturday February 22, 2003
"Coaches will always say, `They`re not an 0-3 team,` but I think this is really the case with Chicago," Hodgkiss said. "They have some guys who are all-star players in this league; No. 1 being OL/DL James Baron, who can take over a game by himself."
Baron was the Arena Football League`s Lineman of the Year in 1998 and 2001, its Defensive Player of the Year in 1999 and an all-league selection in all six seasons he has been in the league.
To put L.A.’s 3-0 record and Chicago`s 0-3 into better perspective, Hodgkiss said he reminded his players the Rush`s three opponents, Orlando, Dallas and Indiana, were a combined 8-1 heading into this weekend`s play, while the Avengers first three opponents, Las Vegas, San Jose and Colorado, were 2-7.
"It`s just a little food for thought to let them realize Chicago is a quality team," Hodgkiss said. "I think we`re also a good team, but I don`t want us to think we`re better than we are. They`re a team that everybody expected to compete for the championship. They`ve had a few breaks not go their way. I know Coach [Mike] Hohensee very well. I know he`s going to get those things squared away. We`re anticipating a very competitive game."
The Rush have scored 96 points entering this weekend`s play, the league`s second-lowest total, ahead of only Carolina`s 80. Hodgkiss said that figure is deceptive because Chicago`s defense relies heavily on zone coverage, forcing opponents into longer drives and decreasing scoring opportunities for both teams. The 121 points the Rush have allowed are also second-lowest, behind Buffalo`s 115.
Los Angeles is the league`s highest scoring team with 192 points, but has given up 173, the second-highest total behind winless New York`s 191.
Hodgkiss said the Avengers defense has "been giving me a heart attack at times."
"Sometimes we don`t execute like we should, and then when we need it, they make a stop and they`ve been consistent with that," Hodgkiss said. "If we do that the whole year long, I`ll be in love with that. They`ve done a great job when they`ve had to."
Steven Herbert began covering Arena Football in 1988, the league’s second season. He has covered the sport for The Associated Press, Arizona Republic, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Providence Journal-Bulletin, Palm Beach Post, Daily Oklahoman and other publications. Herbert has also written on college and NFL football for The Washington Post and spent five years as a Los Angeles Times staff writer.
