The first position brought up when discussing the Alliance of American Football is the quarterback position. And rightfully so. It is the most important position on the field. Right behind team power rankings, is the weekly QB rankings, which is hotly debated. But what about the one position that helps keep the chains moving? Great quarterbacks make their receivers better, but in a “developmental” league such as the AAF, play-makers are needed. While there are eight AAF teams, only three receiving corps stand out through two weeks of play.
Three AAF Receiving Corps Above the Rest
Charles Johnson, Apollos Cream of Crop
While it came down to only three receiving corps, there is none better than the tandem of Charles Johnson, Jalin Marshall and crew. There might not be a more explosive duo than Charles Johnson and Jalin Marshall right now. Apollos quarterback Garrett Gilbert tore up the Commanders secondary in week 2 in large part by Johnson and Marshall. The tandem combined for 276 of the 393 yards Gilbert threw for. Somehow, Johnson and Marshall continued to be on the receiving end of Gilbert’s deep throws.
Jalin Marshall was the star of week one for the Apollos. Marshall accounted for two of the four offensive touchdowns scored against the Atlanta Legends, including the first-ever touchdown scored by the Apollos. Marshall is an electrifying athlete, dating back to his days at Ohio State. With more opportunities to showcase his receiving talents, Marshall has proved his worth and potential to make the jump to the NFL.
An absolute dime from Garrett Gilbert to @JalinMarshall.
?#TakeAim | #ORLvsSA pic.twitter.com/EiLuyJN9qu
— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) February 17, 2019
.@JalinMarshall finds paydirt and we are tied!@aafapollos | #ORLvsSA pic.twitter.com/d8qYAtnAa1
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) February 17, 2019
But the star of the show in week two belonged to Charles Johnson. Johnson put forth a record-breaking day (even though it was only week two) catching 7 passes for 192 yards, and a touchdown. Johnson put himself in a class of his own, alongside Hotshots receiver Rashad Ross, who is arguably the best receiver thus far. While Johnson enjoyed a brief NFL stint, Johnson’s recent play will certainly send NFL scouts his way.
A bomb.
?#TakeAim | #ORLvsSA pic.twitter.com/BL3o2gYsT6
— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) February 17, 2019
— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) February 17, 2019
Ross Superb Play Gives Hotshot the Edge
Arizona Hotshots receiver Rashad Ross is a special talent. Not only is Ross a major deep threat, but Ross can make something out of nothing. In the Hotshots’ recent win against the Memphis Express, Ross takes a simple slant route, makes a few moves and hit pay-dirt. While the Commanders have a bevy of even-leveled receivers, Ross’ presence and production alone is deserving of the number two spot.
Hey @RocketRoss_19, have we told you that we like your moves? ?? #GoShots #AZvsMEM pic.twitter.com/xCeb2AfpF2
— Arizona Hotshots (@aafhotshots) February 17, 2019
Can we talk about @RocketRoss_19?? #GoShots pic.twitter.com/9oFZ8klInO
— Arizona Hotshots (@aafhotshots) February 11, 2019
While Ross receives most of the attention, Hotshots receivers Josh Huff and Richard Mullaney continue to find success. Huff is coming off a game where he led the Hotshots in receiving yards with 84. Although Mullaney put forth an 11-yard effort against the Express, Mullaney did have 67 yards on seven catches in game one. If the Hotshots want to become an unstoppable offense, more production will be needed from Huff and Mullaney.
Commanders Receivers Round Out List
When receivers have a quarterback like Logan Woodside, who can let it fly, deep ball opportunities won’t be hard to come by. Just ask any receiver on the Commanders roster. Receivers Mekale McKay and Greg Ward Jr. were on the receiving end of two bombs from Woodside in game one. In game two, it was all about the Woodside-Demarcus Ayers connection.
Only one hand in the Ayers. ?#TakeCommand⚔️ pic.twitter.com/KyX1COANHb
— San Antonio Commanders (@aafcommanders) February 17, 2019
Once a quarterback now starring at wideout, @aafcommanders @G_Ward1 is wowing in The Alliance.
? | https://t.co/Ivv5ZUsZ4T pic.twitter.com/n6fx1DeAYp
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) February 14, 2019
Woodside launches it to Moore! The @aafcommanders are in business. #SDvsSA pic.twitter.com/IYIufVfxBQ
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) February 10, 2019
The talent in the Commanders receiving room is unquestioned. Expect other names like Josh Stewart and Alonzo Moore to factor more in the offense throughout the season. However, the number three ranking is due to no alpha dogs being in the group. Every great receiving corp has a top dog. Despite the Commanders receiver lacking one stand out guy, it is a problem worth having. Although quarterback Logan Woodside spreads the wealth, Woodside will eventually need a go-to target in clutch situations.
One receiving corp to keep an eye on is the Birmingham Iron. Although the Iron receivers just missed out on the top three, the emergence of Luis Perez as a quarterback will certainly benefit the group.
Main photo:
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