Blitz vs. Wranglers: A Second-Round Showdown in the Desert

The stage is set for a thrilling second-round playoff clash between the Chicago Blitz and the Arizona Wranglers on Saturday, June 29, 1985. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 PM ET at the sun-soaked Arizona Stadium in Tucson. Both teams bring contrasting styles and key playmakers to this much-anticipated matchup, promising fans an unforgettable battle.

Chicago Blitz: A Balanced Powerhouse

The Blitz rolled into the second round after dispatching the Michigan Panthers in an impressive first-round performance. Led by veteran quarterback Greg Landry, Chicago’s offense has been among the most balanced and dynamic in the league. Landry’s precision passing (3,534 yards, 26 touchdowns, and a 92.8 passer rating) is complemented by the explosive rushing of Tim Spencer, who racked up 1,212 yards and 17 touchdowns during the regular season.

The Blitz’s passing attack has plenty of depth, with Lenny Willis (814 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns) and Cedric Anderson (524 yards and 3 touchdowns) as top targets. Meanwhile, their defense, anchored by Junior Ah You and sack leader Eddie Lee (20 sacks), excels at pressuring quarterbacks and forcing mistakes.

Arizona Wranglers: Ground-and-Pound Specialists

Arizona leaned on their bruising ground game and opportunistic defense to clinch a playoff berth. The Wranglers are powered by star running back Reggie Brown, who surpassed the 1,000-yard mark with 1,031 yards and 12 touchdowns. While the passing game, led by Vince Evans, has struggled with consistency (48.3% completion and 12 TDs against 16 INTs), Brown’s ability to control the clock has been their offensive backbone.

Defensively, Arizona is spearheaded by Jim Tipton (14 sacks) and linebacker David Clark, who has been a disruptive force with 6 interceptions and multiple deflected passes. Special teams also provide a spark, with Lonnie Harris showcasing his skills in both kick and punt returns.

Keys to Victory

For Chicago:
The Blitz need to establish their passing game early to exploit Arizona’s defensive secondary, which has allowed some big plays despite forcing turnovers. Limiting mistakes and maintaining their high offensive efficiency will be crucial.

For Arizona:
The Wranglers must control the tempo with their ground game and keep the ball out of Landry’s hands. Defensively, pressuring Landry and containing Tim Spencer are critical. Look for Arizona to rely on the clutch kicking of Luis Zendejas, who has been reliable from long range.

Prediction

The Blitz’s balanced attack and ability to score in bunches give them the edge on paper. However, the Wranglers’ rugged defense and home-field advantage could be X-factors. Expect a hard-fought game that hinges on turnovers and red-zone execution.

Final Score Prediction: Chicago Blitz 27, Arizona Wranglers 20.

Will the Blitz continue their march to a championship, or can the Wranglers pull off an upset in the desert? All eyes will be on Arizona this Saturday for what promises to be a playoff classic.