Colorado Crush owner John Elway hasn’t found any reason to have his name stricken from the new free substitution rule in the Arena Football League this season.
Talking on a conference call with Philadelphia Soul owner Jon Bon Jovi to promote tonight’s Crush-Soul game in Philadelphia, Elway said the so-called “John Elway rule” he backed on the rules and competition committee has made arena football a better game.
“It has made it a more competitive game and opened our league up to more players,” Elway said. “I think it especially has been evident at the receiver positions.”
With the free substitution rule, fewer players in the arena league are required to play both offense and defense.
Comparing statistics through the first three weeks of this season with the first three weeks of last season suggests the new rule is creating more efficient scoring.
According to figures from the league office, total points per game are up by a touchdown, 104-98. Total plays per game are the same at 92 while total penalties per game are up 17-14.
“We still have a few players who play both ways because of the size of our rosters,” Elway said. “That still gives us the Ironman thing.”
Turning his attention to his team’s fourth game, Elway said it is the biggest test of the young season for the 2-1 Crush. The Soul is 2-0 and is Colorado’s first road opponent.
“It looks as if Dallas and Philadelphia are the top two teams in the league right now,” Elway said. “We haven’t played anybody in their caliber. We’re anxious to see where we are against that kind of competition.”
Crush tonight
Who: Colorado Crush (2-1) vs. Philadelphia Soul (2-0)
What: Arena Football League game
When: Today, 5 p.m.
Where: Wachovia Center, Philadelphia
TV/Radio: ESPN2/KKZN 760 AM
Irv Moss can be reached on 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
