Atrocious QB play. No touchdowns scored. Six offensive turnovers combined. Those are a few statements that sums up the offensive ineptitude put forth by the Atlanta Legends and the San Diego Fleet in their inaugural Alliance of American Football games. Each team mustered six points in game one. One team will fall to 0-2 and will continue looking for answers. The other will move to 1-1, putting the week one loss behind them. So, who will take a step forward in this match-up this coming Sunday?
Is This A Must-Win for the Legends or Fleet?
Passing Games
Neither teams’ quarterback looked good. Atlanta Legends quarterback Matt Simms finished his first start completing 15 of 28 passes for 126 yards and two interceptions. He was benched in favor of hometown star Aaron Murray, who didn’t look much better. Murray completed 50% of his passes for 38 yards and an interception of his own. All three interceptions were easy reads for the Apollos defense, especially for Apollos linebacker Terrance Garvin. He read Matt Simms’ eyes twice, recording two ints, including a pick-six. Therefore, it is clear the Legends cannot fall behind and rely on their passing game to jump-start their offense.
Apollos LB @T_Garvin28 is @TheAAF Defensive Player of the Week!
?#TakeAim | ?: https://t.co/mZHxg3l9PX pic.twitter.com/RdhvAgy7AC
— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) February 12, 2019
However, the Fleet quarterback situation is just as troublesome. Former Arizona State standout Mike Bercovici finished the game going 15-25 for 176 yards and two interceptions. His lone highlight of the night was a bone-crushing sack seen around the world. Fleet head coach Mike Martz benched Bercovici in favor of Phillip Nelson, who rattled of 68 yards and an interception of his own.
This isn’t supposed to happen to an offense lead by play calling guru Mike Martz. He was the offensive coordinator for the “Greatest Show on Turf” for crying out loud. Coach Martz has quite the douse on his hands trying to figure out how to kick start his offense.
Shaan Washington can BRING IT. pic.twitter.com/7VqYNk3DwD
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 10, 2019
“We call ourselves Area 51 because that’s just somewhere you don’t want to go,” – @aafcommanders safety @OStewBU
?| https://t.co/tqi7d4tMVJ pic.twitter.com/vRr62sP2Cs
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) February 13, 2019
Poor Offensive Line Play
A huge reason the Fleet and Legends struggled offensively was the lack of push from the hogs in the trenches for each team. Neither team netted over 100 yards rushing. Every winning team this past weekend had a well balanced attack. With relatively balanced rosters across the league, becoming a one dimensional team has proven problematic. The Fleet and Legend front 5 struggled to contain the oppositions front 7, leaving in question whether or not Simms and Bercovici will have adequate time to throw and make decisive throws.
Importance to Fan Base
Historically, football has not thrived in Atlanta. And if we are being honest, sports in general have not had a reputable history within the city. However, only the soccer team, Atlanta United, has delivered a championship the city desperately yearned for years. If the Atlanta Legends want history on their side, their best bet is to win Sunday against the Fleet. A team full of hometown Georgia college stars, such as Aaron Murray and Justin Thomas, simply isn’t enough to attract a steady fan base. With a home game looming next week, the interest in the Legends will plummet if the team puts together another poor showing. This is starting to become a must-win for a team desperately trying to find their identity.
San Diego hosted the Chargers for 55 years, before the team was ripped right out of the city. The city lived, breathed and slept football, showing out for their beloved Chargers. With a hole left in their hearts by the departure of the Chargers, the Fleet have a wonderful opportunity this weekend. The Fleet do not have as much pressure as the Legends to win, because their defense at times looked dominant against the Commanders. But should the Fleet put together a weak showing against the Legends this weekend, expect the fan base to wain as well. A must-win situation is in order for San Diego as well.
Expect a low scoring slug fest on Sunday. Both defenses are extremely talented. The difference in the game will come down to the QB position. Whichever QB makes the least amount of mistakes, will be in the driver seat to win the game.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
