Jared Perry dodging Talon defenders earlier in the year - photo by Alfredo Vazquez

NOT WANTING TO BE THE FIRST

No one around the Chicago Rush office wants to speak about it, hear about it or think about it. Now in their eleventh year the Chicago Rush sit three weeks away from a position they have never faced, missing the playoffs.

Therefore, mum is the word when the 6’2” 254 pound head coach rumbles through the office door. Extra days, holidays, longer meetings fill the already stressful mind of Bob McMillen. Consumed with shaping twenty-four minds around winning each of the last three games becomes harder when a mind can’t help but wonder if the Utah Blaze or San jose SaberCats are falling behind this weekend (they didn't) to keep the Rush playoff hopes afloat.

However it’s where the embodiment of McMillen’s coaching challenges the stereotype. He’s far too consumed and involved with keeping the little things in line for Sunday’s game than cringing on every second of a game that doesn’t involve him. 

Case and point is judging it off the eye flutter from the coach as he is seated at his desk during weekday afternoons. It isn’t as if the words one is saying don’t matter, as it’s more of a signal his mind is somewhere else. No matter the good gracious in the people who stop in to remind him of interviews, travel, tickets, etc. the man can’t help but constantly feel as if it all comes secondary to the game Sunday against the San Antonio Talons.

Regardless of the outcome from here until the end of July he’ll be trying to extract every last minute of the days to make sure the Rush finish out with maximum effort, pride and a responsibility to the loyal fans of the Chicago Rush.

Johnie Kirton wristbands for purchase at Allstate Arena Sunday

Set up between section 112 and 113 during the Chicago Rush home game today the Fan Club will be selling Johnie Kirton wristbands for $6 with proceeds benefiting his daughter. Kirton was a 2011 member of the Chicago Rush and recently passed away days after suiting up for the San Jose SaberCats in a victory over the Rush on May 26th.

To purchase the wristbands outside of the game Sunday, mail $6 to:
Chicago Rush Fan Club

1146 Waukegan Rd
 PMB 223 

Waukegan, IL 60085

NBA Legend to be on the concourse prior to the 3 PM game

DePaul basketball legend Emmette Bryant will return for one day to the building that his former program now calls home. Prior to kickoff this Sunday against San Antonio, Bryant will be signing autographs and taking pictures for free at his table on the north concourse of the arena. He’ll then be cheering on the Rush as they hope to top the Talons in a pivotal central division showdown.

Game Predictions

It will be interesting to see how the Rush reacts after their first home loss of the season. A win is needed in order to remain in the hunt for the playoffs. The San Antonio Talons have played very well this season (12-3) and head coach Lee Johnson mixes up his defenses very well. Keep in mind, the Rush only had one turnover last week on offense and have been playing lights out and scoring almost at will. Quarterback Russ Michna has not thrown an interception in his last five games. After a good two weeks, the Rush defense slipped back into matador mode last weekend and could not stop the San Jose Sabercats. Talons quarterback Aaron Garcia has the ability to pick defenses apart also. It will take more than one stop to get the job done. This one may actually be sloppy, but the Rush come out with a win and keep playoff hopes alive.
Rush 63, Talons 59 - Jeff Sims, ArenaFan.com

The playoffs begin right now for the Chicago Rush.  We cannot lose any more games, and we'll need some help down the stretch.  I can't say that I'm real thrilled about Aaron Garcia, Jomo Wilson, and the rest of the Talons bringing their 9-game winning streak to town, but as the saying goes, you have to beat the best to be the best.  With only one victory against a winning team this season, it's time for the Rush to stand up and show what they're made of in front of their home crowd.

Rush 58, Talons 56 - Eric Ivie, Red Zone Writing and Area 44

Both teams know what is at stake heading into this game.  For the Talons a possible division title, and The Rush fighting for their playoff lives cannot afford to lose this game.  Mayhem and the offense will be looking to silence the talented Talons defense early.  Defensively look for a better output from the secondary to keep the Rush a step ahead of Aaron Garcia and the Talons offense.  The Rush cannot afford to hit the field flat like they did against the Sabercats last week, and they won't.  The Rush will win a see-saw battle to improve to 10-6 in front of the home fans celebrating Mohawk Madness.

Rush 62, Talons 59 - Matt Gabrielson, Sports Page Magazine

Let's cut to the chase, it's do or die for the Rush this Sunday. Their season is on the line, their playoff appearance streak is on the line, and the history that has defined this franchise is on the line. It's the final home game for the Rush and they have a huge challenge ahead of them. Former Rush Lineman Mark Weivoda and future hall of fame Quarterback Aaron Garcia won't make it easy. But I think that the advantage of being at home, with the Rush fans, and the energy from those fans gives the Rush advantage.The Rush perform at their best when their backs are against the wall. And this Sunday will be no different. The Rush will finish their 2012 home schedule with a bang and a victory over the Talons. This team is driven to succeed....

Rush 58, Talons 55 - Gabe Salgado, Chicago Now and Q101 Sports

 
To purchase tickets to today's game visit the Allstate Arena Box Office beginning at 12 p.m. The box office is walk-up service only and can be found at 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL 60018. For more information contact 847-635-6601 on the day of the game.