No late comeback this week as Kansas City loses 58-30 to Chicago

Thomas Campbell
Tuesday June 7, 2011

So much for that two game winning streak.  The visiting Chicago Rush allowed the Command to hang around for three quarters.   Less than inspired play from the visitors did give hope to the home team.   But another late comeback was not to be.    Entering the final quarter with a seven point lead, the Rush stepped on the gas and pulled away to a comfortable 58-30 victory.

The Chicago defense took control early.  Although Kansas City was to end the day with more total  yardage than Chicago (287 to 264)  it was to no avail as the red zone did not see much action from the home team.  Kansas City could only convert 3 of 10 first down opportunities and was 2 of 4 on fourth down chances.  Conversely, the Rush only had two fourth down situations all day.  Everything else was clicking just well enough to maintain possession and keep the Command flustered.  Rush quarterback Russ Michna finished 20 of 28 for 243 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions.  His eight scoring passes were more than enough to destroy any Command hopes of a comeback.

Kansas City quarterback JJ Raterink's effort showed 20 of 39 passing for 244 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.  Backup QB Steve Wasil got in late and completed all four passes attempted.  Unfortunately, only three went to his teammates.  One was picked off by Vic Hall on his way to a three interception day.  This gives Hall  the AFL season record with 14 total.   Kansas City had no answer for his style of play.

One of the Command's few bright spots of the day was their first successful on-side kick recovery in franchise history.  But even that play came too late to make a difference.

With only a seven point deficit after three quarters the Command had hopes of another comeback victory.  Chicago had other plans as they clearly recalled the week seven loss (58-51) the Command put on them in that NFL Network spotlight.  Michna hit three of his eight scores in the last period.  Together with the Vic Hall TD return and another two point safety, they easily offset Raterink's final TD pass (15 yards to Smith) to produce the final 28 point deficit.

In post game comments Coach Danton Barto did not shirk from the truth.    He readily acknowledged disappointment in leaving so many points on the field.   When the head coach is saying "we were out of synch" and "we stunk in the red zone" the upcoming trip to Milwaukee begins to look like less than a sure thing.    Lack of consistency and only averaging 36 points a game the last month puts the whole team under a microscope.

Chicago, now 9-3  just played much better than did Kansas City.  The Command fall to 4-8, as realistic playoff hopes are fading fast.