Rush's Michna putting up big numbers
With a defense that ranks among the Arena Football League's worst in most major categories, the Rush have to rely on their offense to win games.
Quarterback Russ Michna is meeting the demand for points, proven by Sunday's 73-62 home win over Spokane which saw him complete 32-of-38 passes for 412 yards and nine touchdowns. He'll have to keep doing it Saturday night at Utah in a battle of Western Conference playoff contenders.
Michna has been highly efficient for the 7-4 Rush in 10 games, completing 70 percent of his 333 passes for 3,060 yards. He missed a 77-43 loss last month at Phoenix with the blessing of Rush management for personal reasons.
Michna broke the franchise record for most passing touchdowns in a game against Spokane, tossing his ninth with nine minutes left to Jared Perry.
"This offense reacts so well on the run it becomes an easier game," Michna said. "There are only so many things a defense can do."
The lefty passer helps hamstring opposing defenses with his quick decision-making and accuracy under pressure. It helps that he has three receivers -- Perry, Reggie Gray and Terrance Turner -- who have caught at least 13 scoring strikes apiece.
Because of Michna's production, the offense has been held under 50 points in a game only twice this year and has scored at least 60 in seven games. What's more, Michna has tossed 62 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. Only Iowa's J.J. Raterink has thrown fewer picks (six).
