The look in Jason Gesser's eyes told part of the story. The stat sheet told the rest.
Utah's interim starting quarterback had a performance he'd just as soon forget. In fact, it was one that could very well change his career.
With injured starter Joe Germaine still at least two weeks away from returning to action, the Blaze could muster only 169 yards of total offense. Gesser, still struggling to perform on the field despite starting the last four games, managed only 153 passing yards with more than half of those coming in the fourth quarter when Utah suddenly found itself trailing.
"He just is not real confident yet with our offense," Utah coach Danny White said.
Gesser, upset with his own performance, questioned whether or not he'd even be on the team next week. The blame for the 64-52 loss, he said, falls squarely on his shoulders.
"I didn't come through in the clutch for my team," Gesser said. "I had a chance, but I just didn't come through . I've got to get better."
White, after taking an uncharacteristically long time after the game before emerging from the locker room, acknowledged the team is looking at the free agent pool for offensive players that might be able to step in and rescue the Blaze's fading AFL playoff hopes.
Andy Kelly, one of the AFL's all-time leading passers and a 12-year league veteran, was released by Kansas City this week. White broke off his post-game press conference when his cell phone rang and speculation was that the Blaze general manager was talking to an available free agent.
"If we make any (roster moves), we'll probably know tomorrow," White said. "I'm thinking about quarterbacks, but I have not made that decision right now."
After reviewing game film, though, he may feel inclined to pull that trigger.
Utah ran only 33 plays and watched as Arizona enjoyed a whopping 11-minute time-of-possession advantage.
Gesser's bad not was far from the only one. Leading receiver Siaha Burley had only three catches for 41 yards. On a few plays, he appeared to have given up. After a Gesser pass was intercepted by the defender guarding Burley, Utah's offensive leader stopped for a few seconds before remembering to make the tackle.
"This is a game tonight that we all thought we should have," White said. "When we look at the film, there will be six or seven unbelievable things that keep happening. That kind of stuff happens to teams that don't have a lot of confidence."
And right now, riding a four-game losing streak, confidence is in short supply for the Blaze.
E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com