Even in the midst of a bye week, the undefeated Chicago Rush keeps winning. Based upon their performance in last Friday's 63-40 win over Utah that helped Chicago improve to 4-0, Rush defensive back Nygel Rogers has been named the Arena Football League's Riddell Defensive Player of the Week and FB/LB Clifton Smith has been named the league's JLS Ironman of the Week. Rogers enjoyed one of his best all-around games of the season last Friday, recording eight tackles, his league-leading fifth interception and two passes broken up. Smith was equally impressive, recording two tackles, his league-leading third sack, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal on defense. As if that wasn't enough, Smith also scored a rushing touchdown that put Chicago up 14-7, giving the team a lead it would not relinquish. "I could not be happier for Nygel and Clifton because this is an acknowledgement of how hard they have worked to help make our defense strong," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "Clifton has been exactly what we expected coming to Chicago after winning an ArenaBowl title with the Philadelphia Soul in 2008, and Nygel might be the team's biggest surprise of the year. We knew he was talented and had good ball-skills, but he has elevated his game to the next level this year." The undefeated Chicago Rush enjoys a bye this week before returning to action Friday, May 7, at Milwaukee. The team then returns home Saturday, May 15, to host the Iowa Barnstormers. Kickoff at Allstate Arena is set for 7 p.m. Good seats for the game remain available.
