Shock rely on defense

It’s only two games, but the statistics are still hard to ignore. Particularly this one: The Spokane Shock are plus-10 in turnover margin – 13 takeaways, three giveaways.

Those figures best explain the Shock’s 2-0 record and average winning margin of 37 points as they prepare for Sunday’s road game against Tri-Cities. Spokane’s defense has scored four touchdowns, three on interception returns and one via fumble recovery. When they’re not scoring, they’re setting up the offense. Spokane’s average starting field position against Stockton was the Lightning’s 15-yard line.

“We’re more athletic on defense than any team I’ve coached,” said Shock head coach Adam Shackleford. “I think our pass rush is better than any team I’ve coached as well. When that quarterback has 1.5 seconds (to throw) instead of 2.5 seconds, there’s a big difference. When you get pressure on the quarterback, they’re going to force a lot of mistakes.”

In several arenafootball2 defensive statistics, Spokane ranks in the middle of the pack. But in turnover margin, Spokane is first and No. 2 Peoria is next at plus-4. The Shock rank third in sacks and tops in pass efficiency defense, thanks in part to nine interceptions.

“It’s like these guys say, the defensive linemen are up there cooking and the DBs are eating,” defensive coordinator Alex Sirianni said.

Spokane starts six af2 rookies on defense. Only Nygel Rogers and Devon Parks are back from the 2007 Shock.

“We’re still young and at some point we’re going to see some adversity,” Sirianni said. “But from what I saw in the first two games, I know we’re going to be all right when we come to that point. … I knew with the caliber of players we brought in we were going to be athletic. I think we’ve just learned the scheme and these guys have picked up the arena game a little faster.”

Offense makes progress

Shackleford said the offense has earned passing grades. Quarterback Jason Murrietta has completed 50 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

“Our defense is getting us the ball back a lot,” Shackleford said. “The goal is to get 3-4 stops a game, but obviously we’ve superseded that and it’s allowed our offense to come along and not have to feel like we have to score every time. Jason’s progress has been outstanding. He’s led his team to two victories and we absolutely made the right decision on our quarterbacks. We have the right two here and Nick (Davila) has proven he can play in this league, too.”

On the road again

Spokane plays four of its first five games on the road. While Sunday’s game requires only a bus ride, the season opener at Green Bay, Wis., and the May 3 visit to Lubbock, Texas, will take the Shock halfway across the country.

“We’re on the road a lot early but come playoff push time, hopefully those home games at the end are huge for us,” Shackleford said. “Our fans are going to be excited to see us in a month and we’ll probably take 500 this week (to Tri-Cities).”

Four of Spokane’s last five games are at the Arena.