First Take: Rush vs. Brigade

By: Jerome Cusson

Tonight’s game was certainly one for the books. In a game that featured a lot of penalties, some questionable calls, a poorly played defensive effort by the Rush, and a mistake by quarterback Russ Michna that would make Rex Grossman blush, the Rush moved to within one game of clinching homefield throughout the playoffs.

It wasn’t always pretty, but Donovan Morgan certainly had a game that he’ll never forget. Not only did he have 14 catches for over 150 yards, but he got himself an unsportsmanlike conduct for interfering with a ball while sitting on the bench. Troublemaker.

The AFL recently decided to institute replay. Unfortunately, they need to also institute some new referee too based off their performance tonight. These guys seemed incapable of controlling the game. Brigade players were allowed to push, pull, and hold the Rush without much consequence. The lack of pass interference calls were particularly disturbing since it seemed Damian Harrell, Travis LeTendresse, and Morgan were having Brigade d-backs on their backs the whole night.

Since the San Jose Sabercats already won tonight, the Rush still have work to do. A win next week in Cleveland will do the job. The sooner this can get done, the better so some guys can be rested and maybe Sherdrick Bonner can get some game action so he could potentially take over if needed far easier during the postseason.

Special props to Sun-Times Lacy J. Banks for making it out to the game. If you haven’t been following his blogs, Banks is very sick with a number of medical problems. Just seeing him is an inspiration for all young journalists out there.