It is week three and we’ve already got the first rematch! The San Diego Fleet traveled to the Alamodome to take on the San Antonio Commanders to kick off one of the first games of the AAF. The Commanders took the first game, but come in at 1-1 after losing in a shootout against the Orlando Apollos. San Diego avoided an 0-2 start by rallying at home in the fourth quarter to beat the Atlanta Legends. With both teams fighting to go over .500, it is anyone’s guess who will come out victorious.
San Antonio Commanders at San Diego Fleet: AAF Week Three Preview
The Fleet Through the Air
By now, San Diego Fleet fans are probably tired of hearing about how head coach Mike Martz was the offensive coordinator for the Greatest Show on Turf era St. Louis Rams. Still, many, and probably the coach himself, expected the Fleet offense to be built in this vein – chucking the ball downfield. However, things have not played out that way.
The cracks in Martz’s philosophy showed during the Fleet’s week one matchup against the Commanders. The offensive line struggled, giving up six sacks. Quarterback Mike Bercovici was under pressure right from the word go – absorbing a vicious hit that welcomed him – and fans – to the AAF.
Welcome to the AAF … where this is a legal hit ?
(via @TheAAF) pic.twitter.com/DpNGFgHC18
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 10, 2019
Bercovici couldn’t handle the pressure, throwing two interceptions, and eventually getting benched for Philip Nelson. While Nelson’s mobility helped him out, he didn’t fare much better, throwing a pick of his own that sealed the Fleet’s loss.
The Fleet on the Ground
Next week against the Atlanta Legends, Nelson got the starting nod. However, he had to play in less than ideal conditions. It was a downpour of rain most of the entire game, and his wide receivers just couldn’t hold onto the ball. Down at home in the fourth quarter, San Diego finally found its identity.
It came through running back Ja’Quan Gardner. Gardner and fellow running back Terrell Watson carried the rock 15 times in the fourth quarter, compared to just five passes by Nelson. In fact, not counting the two-point conversion by the Fleet, where they were forced to pass the ball due to a false start, the Fleet’s last ten plays of the game were runs.
Even though the Legends knew what was coming, they still couldn’t stop it. Gardner ended up becoming the second running back in AAF history to total more than 100 yards on the ground. Undoubtedly, he will be heavily leaned on in the rematch against San Antonio.
The Commanders Air Attack
On the other side of the ball, San Antonio’s passing game has looked solid. Logan Woodside has been mostly effective throwing the ball, but he just needs to work on his decision making. Through two games, he has almost 500 yards passing, but also three interceptions to just one touchdown pass.
There is a lot to like in the wide receiving corps. Mekale McKay is Woodside’s undisputed favorite target. The talented wideout has over 100 yards combined in the last two games and a ridiculous 21 targets. The problem is that McKay has only been able to turn those targets into seven receptions. The two should be working hard in practice all week to improve their chemistry. If they get it right, it could lead to both of them having huge games.
The Commanders Run Game
Kenneth Farrow has been the main ball carrier for the Commanders. He did not look great week one when these teams met the first time, managing just 37 yards on 14 carries. He did score the lone touchdown of the game though. However, last week he played much better. Against the Apollos, Farrow ran for 74 yards and another touchdown on just 13 totes. Which version of him will we see this week?
The more likely outcome is week one’s output. The Fleet still have not allowed a team to rush for over 100 yards, or a single running back to go over 50 yards. Look for the Commanders to switch things up and use a variety of runners to keep the Fleet on their toes as to who is getting the ball.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
