With seven games left, the Utah Blaze haven't picked an opportune time to drop their first two games in a row. Don't worry — they know it, too.

"We just keep getting these slow starts on both sides of the ball, and it's killing us," defensive back Brandon Taylor says. "We've been coasting a little in the first half, and by the time we get to our game, it's too late."

Although they might not think of themselves as a losing team, the Blaze (5-6) dipped below .500 for the first time this season in unsettling fashion. A 72-37 clobbering at the hands of the Arizona Rattlers was a painful reminder that Utah is far from elite as it heads into the final stretch.

But there are other challenges for the Blaze that are even more troubling: Without some of its prime playmakers on offense and defense, the team is still searching for a rhythm. It's an issue compounded by the absence of coach Ron James, who didn't travel with the team this weekend while recovering from an unspecified medical procedure.

"The challenge last week was definitely greater," says offensive coordinator Matt Sauk, who has taken over head coaching duties. "When you enter a game without the mindset that you're the head coach and things change suddenly, you're not always prepared. And everything that could go wrong went wrong last week."

The team hopes that with Sauk assuming the head coaching role from the start of the week, things will go a bit smoother.

But that's hardly the only problem: Special teams was abysmal against the Rattlers, giving up three touchdowns in the first half. Offensively, quarterback Tommy Grady and his receivers appeared to not be on the same page. Regardless of record, Utah won't beat Tulsa (4-7) this week with a similar effort.

"You just gotta roll with the punches," receiver Ernie Pierce says. "Every game takes on a lot more meaning, especially after you lose. We've got to keep gaining ground in the playoff race and keep our spot."

kgoon@sltrib.com

Twitter: @kylegoon —

Utah Blaze at Tulsa Talons

P Saturday, 6 p.m.

Radio • 1280 AM/104.7 FM

Online • NiftyTV

Records • Utah 5-6, Tulsa 4-7