ROSEMONT, Ill. — Newly acquired quarterback J.J Raternik and fullback Johnie Kirton led a balanced Chicago offensive attack as the Rush defeated the Utah Blaze 52-35 to secure a playoff spot for the Rush.
Raternik, who was acquired after starting QB Russ Michna was placed on injured reserve, was resilient in the pocket throughout the game going 19 of 33 and throwing four touchdowns for 281 yards with no turnovers.
Utah was able to tie the game at 28-28 before halftime but it came at a price as quarterback Tommy Grady went down with an injury with 1:47 left in the second quarter, which forced backup Jordan Rasmussen to enter the game.
The absence of Grady allowed the Rush defense to settle in and come up big against one of the highest scoring offenses in the league. Defensive backs Perry Kyles and Jason Simpson came up with two critical interceptions in the second half to allow Chicago to pull away.