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PHOENIX (Ticker) -- For the second consecutive week, the Detroit Fury have their backs to the wall as they travel to Phoenix to take on the Arizona Rattlers in the opening round of the playoffs. Detroit needed a 66-58 victory over Indiana and losses by both Buffalo and Florida last week to reach the postseason in its first year. Scott Semptimphelter completed 26-of-39 passes for 302 yards and eight touchdowns and Robert Gordon had 13 receptions for 185 yards and six scores in the win. The Fury have been anchored by their defense all season, giving up just 47.6 points and 252.4 total yards per game, ranking fifth and fourth in the league, respectively. Despite those solid numbers, Detroit has given up at least 57 points five times, including last week. When the defense comes to play, it's been stingy, holding opponents under 40 points on five occasions. Offense has been the problem for the Fury, who rank 15th in the AFL at 45.6 points per game. That does not bode well against Arizona, which may be one of the league's most balanced teams. The Rattlers are seventh in the league at 53.4 points per game while allowing just 46.0 a game, fourth-best in the AFL. Arizona stumbled down the stretch but enters the postseason on the heels of last week's 64-47 victory over the Milwaukee Mustangs. Shedrick Bonner was held in check, completing just 12-of-19 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns. But he got help from the defense, which recorded two sacks, an interception and recovered three fumbles, including a 33-yard return for touchdown by Randy Gatewood. After losing consecutive games for the first this season, Arizona needed a strong effort to secure a home playoff game. The Rattlers held an opponent under 50 points for the first time since Week 10, when they gave up 49 to Tampa Bay. Offense was not the problem for the Rattlers down the stretch as they averaged 61.5 points over the last seven games. Arizona struggled defensively, giving up 51.1 points per contest. The Rattlers are 11-5 all-time in postseason play and 8-2 at home. They have reached the playoffs each of the last nine years.
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