Two weeks into the inaugural AAF season and the Memphis Express are still searching for their first win. In a season that is sure to be filled with firsts and worsts, the Express find themselves in a precarious situation with their starting quarterback. Memphis isn’t a perfect roster, but their problems start with quarterback Christian Hackenberg.
Memphis Express Struggles Personified by Christian Hackenberg
Through the first two weeks, Christian Hackenberg is near the bottom of the quarterbacks in the league in multiple categories. His 189 total yards ranks seventh among the position and he has yet to throw a touchdown. His 50% completion percentage is also near the bottom of qualified signal-callers. Needless to say, the 24-year-old is drawing the ire of newly christened Express fans and lowly football writers alike.
Questions remain as to whether or not the struggles all be placed at Hackenberg’s feet, or how much of the blame rests on the offensive side of the ball. Despite AAF rules that only allow five defensive players to rush the passer, the offensive line has struggled in protection. Hackenberg absorbed two sacks in week one and was nailed four times for a loss of 41 yards in week two.
Despite the shoddy offensive protection, Hackenberg showed some signs of improvement in a week two home game against the Arizona Hotshots. He failed to throw a touchdown but did score on a four-yard scamper. His ability to scramble and turn it into positive yardage on the ground was a reason to remain hopeful of him under center. In that game, he finished with 14 completions for 102 passing yards. Hack added 39 yards and one score on seven carries. Again, some passes were plain and simply dropped by his receivers while others were poorly timed or off target. It is on the cusp of becoming a chicken-or-the-egg question.
Looking forward
Head coach Mike Singletary has been fairly supportive of Hackenberg thus far. Hackenberg himself has said all the right things in press conferences concerning the need to improve. The question remains as to whether or not Hackenberg shoulders the bulk of the responsibility or if it’s more evenly distributed across the offense as a whole. Between poor protection from the offensive line and multiple dropped passes by the receiver core, there’s plenty of blame for the offense as a unit. Either way, the rough start for the Express has put the former NFL second-round pick squarely in the hot seat.
Last Word on Hackenberg
This week the Express travel to Orlando to face the Apollos and their 2-0 record. Apollos quarterback Garrett Gilbert leads the AAF in most statistical categories and will test the Express defense. The Apollos will be applying constant pressure on the Express defense, therefore forcing pressure on the offense. Despite a good defensive team, the Express are going to find themselves behind early. With an expected deficit on the board, the run game will become more of an afterthought. It should still remain viable as an extension of the passing game. This game may get out of hand early on if the Express have to rely on Hack and the clumsy hands of his receivers.
If Hackenberg’s struggles continue, it will not be a surprise – or unwarranted – to see Zach Mettenberger step in. Hackenberg has shown glimpses of ability but is too prone to panic at the first sign of pressure. It might be time for a change under center. If for no other reason than to see what they have in Mettenberger.
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