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The Atlanta Legends Take Down Arizona Hotshots for First Win

The Atlanta Legends have actually - finally - won a game, defeating the Arizona Hotshots 14-11 with quarterback Aaron Murray under center.
Aaron Murray Atlanta Legends

Yes, you read correctly. The Atlanta Legends have actually – finally – won a game. The team managed to overcome the Arizona Hotshots on the road to win 14-11. While this was a sorely needed win for the team, the Legends are still in last place in the AAF‘s Eastern division. So how’d they do it? What changed this week? Hint: His name is Aaron Murray.

Arizona Hotshots Fall to Atlanta Legends

Murray Makes Case for Starting Role

After quarterback Matt Simms exited the game early with a hand injury, Legends fans everywhere were treated to something they’ve long asked for. Aaron Murray, who was widely believed to be the team’s original starter before the season started, finally got his chance to lead the team.

And lead the team he did. Murray completed 20 of 33 passes for 254 yards throughout the game. In addition to that yardage, he also ran the ball seven times for an additional 54 yards. Not only is he a (mostly) accurate passer, he’s also deadly efficient on his feet. While the team was still only able to score a single touchdown – a rushing score from Denard Robinson – the fact that Murray was able to lead the Legends downfield as often as he did was impressive in comparison to Simms’ six interceptions throughout the season.

Legends Defense Was (Almost) Legendary

For most of the game, the Legends were able to stop the Hotshots from making much progress. Hell, at halftime they had kept the score at a relatively low 8-3. Throughout the game, the Legends held the ball for nearly 38 minutes while the Hotshots only possessed the ball for 22 minutes. The Legends defense was able to come off the field quickly with some valuable stops, while the Hotshots defense just looked gassed after having to stand out there for as long as they did.

The Legends defense – specifically Tavaris Barnes, Doran Grant and Tracy Sprinkle – recorded three sacks on Sunday night. J.T. Jones was also responsible for a forced fumble, though it was recovered by Arizona.

Arizona Hotshots Didn’t Look Too Hot

For a team that was once considered to be one of the best in the league, tonight was not a good showing. Quarterback John Wolford, who left last week’s game early with a back injury, returned this week but oftentimes looked uncomfortable in the pocket. Wolford completed just 17 of his 31 passes and threw for just one touchdown to receiver Rashad Ross.

Of course, Ross had his own issues this week as well. He was able to reel in two-thirds of his targets, but he was also responsible for the league’s first safety. Ross made the ill-advised choice of running back through the end zone, was tackled, and lost the ball. He was ruled down before fumbling, which resulted in the safety – ultimately putting the Legends up 2-0 by the end of the first quarter.

Last Word on Week Four: Atlanta Legends at Arizona Hotshots

No one really expected the Legends to win. We sure didn’t. But then again, now there are no team’s with zero wins. After the Memphis Express managed to sink the San Diego Fleet this weekend, they’ll head to Atlanta where the two worst teams in the league (statistically speaking, of course) will go head-to-head in what will ironically end up being one of the season’s most exciting games. Bet on it.

Meanwhile, the Hotshots will step back to examine what went wrong this weekend before they take on the San Antonio Commanders, who themselves defeated the Birmingham Iron in Week Four.

Hey, any given Sunday, right? Isn’t that what we all love about football? Who knows, maybe the Legends aren’t the team we thought they were.

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Embed from Getty Images

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