Must-Win Game for the Fury
Neal Ruhl
Friday March 26, 2004
“It’s no secret that this week is big,” said Fury head coach Tom Luginbill. “If you don’t understand how big this one is, then you must be pretty stupid. I’m stupid, and I understand. At 2-4, there’s not a moment to lose.”
The Fury have the second ranked offense, and the sixth ranked defense, yet they sit tied for last in turnover margin. “If you look, we haven’t been blown out in any games despite the fact that we have turned it over at least four times in four games. We are a good football team, but we can’t continue to turn the ball over. I don’t know what else to say.”
Practice on Thursday featured a lot of work to prepare for the Rush’s vaunted running and screen pass game. “You see we prepared for it today,” said Luginbill. “They are going to do a lot of three-step drops as opposed to five-step drops to stay away from our pass rush, but we got a lot of work in today against the running game and screens.” Chicago features the league’s second ranked ground attack, and had yet to allow a sack on QB Raymond Philyaw.
At 2-4, the playoffs almost start Sunday for the Fury. With only eight teams qualifying for the playoffs, every game will start to become a must win. Another loss, and the Fury could be out of it. With back-to-back west coast games looming on the schedule, the next three games are vitally important for this squad. Look for the veteran leadership of this team to stand up and make some plays. QB Andy Kelly is playing well, and although banged up, look for a big play from both Ron Carpenter and Thabiti Davis. PREDICTION: Fury 62, Rush 56.
Rumor Mill
With the recent struggles of the Orlando Predators, and the injury situation at the QB position, don’t be surprised to maybe see a return of current coach Jay Gruden to the team. The Predators are coming a blasting from the Rush last week, and without Joey Hamilton, he may be the only one that can save their season.
Unleash the Fury
Fury WR/DB Herman Bell’s wife gave birth to their fourth child this week. After having three daughters, Herman and his wife had their first son, Jalen… Kelly has thrown for over 300 yards in each of the last three games…Dustin Keith will make his AFL debut this week for the Fury after being sidelined for the first half of the season with a broken thumb…
On the Air
Catch Arenafan’s Neal Ruhl on the Fury pre-game show on Sunday on WDFN Sports radio 1130 AM the Fan.
Neal Ruhl lives in the Metro Detroit Area where he has covered the Detroit Lions as well as the Motor City Bowl.
