Defense must step forward

Scoring points has never been a problem for the Utah Blaze.

Utah was a .500 team and a first-round playoff loser in 2007, primarily because of a defense that struggled — and that was with a defense that was still vastly superior to the 2006 version.

The Blaze scored 133 touchdowns a year ago, third-best in the league. Unfortunately, they gave up 131 scores, the second-most in the AFL.

"Last year was a trial for me, being a defensive coordinator without having a helmet on and being able to go out there and help," said Blaze assistant Hunkie Cooper, one of the all-time great AFL players before going into coaching.

It wasn't a total loss, however.

Late in the season, the Blaze had two brilliant defensive games. Utah held high-scoring Colorado to just 14 points at EnergySolutions Arena in the third-to-last game of the season, and then had six straight defensive stops in the season finale at Los Angeles to help the Blaze clinch a playoff berth.

"We were still able to move up in the defensive standings (from the previous year) even though we had young guys and lots of changes to the roster," said Cooper.

But with the offseason acquisitions of defensive linemen E.J. Burt, Dwayne Missouri and Rob Schroeder, the Blaze figure to be vastly improved in getting pressure on the opposing quarterback.

"Our defensive line is one of the best in the league," said Blaze line coach Ron James. "I can honestly say right now that our second group on the defensive line is better than our starters were last year."

New linebacker Liam Ezekiel and veteran defensive back Reggie Doster add experience and talent to the team.

"We've really strengthened our defense," said Blaze coach Danny White.

Added Cooper, "This time we have a set group of guys and, barring a lot of injuries, we are going to be good."

Burt is a sack specialist and a former All-Arena player. Missouri had seven sacks a year ago for the Philadelphia Soul. Doster is a six-year veteran who had a combined six interceptions last year for the Grand Rapids Rampage and Georgia Force.

Of course, prior credentials don't always mean success with a new team. Last year the Blaze were excited about defensive newcomers like Frank Carter, Steve Konopka and Clarence Lawson. None of them worked out the way the coaches had hoped.

"Frank Carter got hurt. Konopka just wasn't what we thought he was," said White. "We've got to have E.J. Burt be what we think he is. Dwayne Missouri has got to be what we think he is and Reggie Doster. Then the younger guys will make a difference."

Cooper likes his group of young defensive backs that includes Jacoby Shepherd, Terrance Sanders and Carlton Brown.

"We have a young group that can do it all. They are coachable and don't blow coverages," said Cooper. "They are a close-knit group without any superstars. They are going to play the game the right way and are going to keep getting better."

And this season they Blaze defensive backs will have some help.

"With that pass rush, we shouldn't have to cover long," said Cooper.

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E-mail: lojo@desnews.com