For the first time all season, the Utah Blaze are winners of back-to-back games. But looking down a gauntlet of a schedule, they aren't patting themselves on the back too much.

Saved by a blocked kick by defensive lineman Caesar Rayford last week, Utah (7-7) has no time to relish its 61-60 win over Kansas City. Up next is the Chicago Rush (10-4), a team that boasts one of the AFL's best defenses.

"They're physical, and they run the ball, which is almost counterintuitive in our league, but they do it well," said Blaze coach Ron James. "They're a tough bunch, and we definitely have our work cut out for us."

There have been promising signs in the past two weeks. The Blaze offense has been expertly efficient, failing to score a touchdown on only one of its drives in its two wins. And while the defense hasn't been perfect, it's been forcing turnovers, creating pressure in the pocket and coming up with key plays, such as Rayford's block.

Part of that has been team chemistry, which quarterback Tommy Grady says is at a season high.

"We're having a lot of fun out there," he says. "Winning cures everything. We've been focusing better. Especially on offense, we've gotten back to getting what the defense gives us."

But looking ahead, Utah won't be getting many breaks at all.

The easiest matchup appears to be playing a woeful New Orleans team at home. But after Chicago, the Blaze have two more big road games: at the Cleveland Gladiators, who demolished San Jose last week, 82-21, and at the Spokane Shock, the defending AFL champs who are battling Utah for a playoff spot.

Compounding the problem of the tough schedule is the Blaze's track record away from home. The team has been far from brilliant on the road this year, going 1-5. Three more tough games on the road will be daunting for the Blaze, who still are trying to prove they belong among the AFL elite in the postseason.

"We have to be effective and keep our opponents behind our pace," James says. "We've been making good plays, but we're leaving the door open. When we play tougher opponents, that won't be good enough."

kgoon@sltrib.com

Twitter: @kylegoon —

Utah Blaze at Chicago Rush

P At Allstate Arena, Chicago

Kickoff • 6:30 p.m.

Records • Blaze 7-7; Rush 10-4

TV • None

Radio • 1280 AM, 104.7 FM

Online • NiftyTv.com

Briefly • Utah attempts to defend its hold on a playoff spot by taking on the Rush in Chicago.