It's not often the league's all-time leading passer is looking for work. And after Saturday night's performance in front of 15,642 fans in the Delta Center, Andy Kelly probably won't be unemployed again for a while.
"It was fun," Kelly, signed as a free agent last weekend by the Utah Blaze, said after leading his new team to a thrilling 63-61 win over Los Angeles. "For me, I was out of a job last week. So, it was good to be out there playing. But it was great to get a win like this."
Kelly had a debut like few others.
The 13-year Arena League veteran got a simplified game plan from coach Danny White and responded with a heads-up performance that saw him throw for eight touchdowns and 285 yards on 21-of-33 passing.
His lone mistake was an interception in the end zone on a missed timing route just before halftime that turned what could have been a 42-27 lead into a slim 35-34 advantage.
Other than that, Kelly could easily be the guy that leads the Blaze into the AFL playoffs in their expansion season.
"That was part of the reason for bringing him in," White said. "We needed to win now. Andy provided a spark and that's what we needed."
Regular starting quarterback Joe Germaine is still out of action as his broken finger heals. Now, however, the Blaze won't be tempted to rush him back into action. Kelly, who owns league records in passing yards and completions, needed just one game to establish himself as a dependable thrower.
The difference between Kelly and Jason Gesser — who started, and lost, the previous four games — according to offensive specialist Siaha Burley, is quickly evident.
"The man has 13 years of experience in this league," Burley said. "He's exactly what we needed. I think Jason can still be a great quarterback, but Andy has been around a long time. Tonight, he made some tight throws and we were able to make plays."
Burley, who had struggled with Gesser under center, emerged as the receiver of old. He snared 11 passes for 152 yards and five touchdowns.
"From Day One," Kelly said, "the guys made me feel at home. I felt real comfortable."
With performances like the one he had in his Utah debut, Blaze fans could get real comfortable with Kelly, too.
E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com