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Week Four AAF Power Rankings

AAF Power Rankings

Week Four of the Alliance of American Football inaugural season took an unexpected turn. There are no longer any winless teams in the AAF. And only one team remains unbeaten, the Orlando Apollos. In the Commander’s victory over the Iron, head coach Mike Riley said it best in the post-game press conference: “Week to week, anybody can beat anybody or you can lose to anybody”. Riley’s comments accurately summarizes what happened in Week Four. With that being said, let’s take a look at the week four AAF power rankings.

AAF Power Rankings: Week Four

8. Atlanta Legends (1-3)

Last Week: 8

It finally happened! Not only did Aaron Murray finally get an opportunity, but the Legends won! This game was easily the most shocking result. Coming off a bad home-opening loss to the Iron, the Legends looked dead in the water. But somehow, someway, the Legends put together a full 60-minute performance for the victory.

But let’s not get carried away. As impressive as the win was, the Legends still have a lot to prove. The Hotshots did not help themselves either with their recent ineptitude. The Legends can add forcing a safety to the list of things they accomplished first in the history of this league. It will be interesting going forward how effective the Legends offense can be if Murray stays behind center.

7. Memphis Express (1-3)

Last Week: 7

The Express also found the win column this weekend. After nearly knocking off the best team in the AAF last week, Memphis was due for a big-time win. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger put forth a solid game, going 18 of 25 for 174 yards and a touchdown. After knocking Fleet quarterback Philip Nelson out of the game, the Express defense forced two turnovers from former third string quarterback Alex Ross.

Despite the big win for the Express, they are in the same dilemma as the Legends. One win does not cure all its problems. There is still room for improvement, but the Express are certainly starting to trend upwards.

6. Arizona Hotshots (2-2)

Last Week: 4

The Hotshots are fizzling out like a flame. The once prohibited preseason favorite to make it to Las Vegas look in disarray. After a disappointing loss to the Stallions last week, the Hotshots looked to get back on track against the lowly Legends. The Legends not only shocked the Hotshots, but shocked the world with their win against the Hotshots. John Wolford looked uncomfortable in the pocket, despite throwing another touchdown to Rashad Ross.

The Hotshots were simply outplayed by the Legends. Hungry teams will continue to win, and right now, the Hotshots don’t look hungry. The Western Conference is up for grabs at this point.

5. San Diego Fleet (2-2)

Last Week: 3

This is a fluid ranking for the Fleet. The Fleet could easily be the number four team right now, but the severity of Philip Nelson’s injury needs to be considered. Nelson and the Fleet offensive were in a nice groove until a shoulder injury knocked him out of the game. Nelson finished the game 9 of 12 for 110 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, backup quarterback Alex Ross could not hold on to the ball, fumbling twice and throwing an interception. The loss to the Express stings for a team who looked like a formidable championship team.

Should Nelson make an immediate return, the Fleet will rise again in the rankings. But should Nelson not come back healthy, the Fleet could be in trouble. This week is a perfect example of how to stop the Fleet offense: key in on their star, Ja’Quan Gardner. Without Nelson at quarterback and no running game, the next few weeks could be rough for the Fleet.

4. Salt Lake Stallions (1-3)

Last Week: 5

Week in and week out, the Stallions hang tough with each and every team. After an embarrassing loss week one against the Hotshots, the team has settled in nicely. Don’t let the record fool you, this team is much better than their record. Despite a tough loss to the Apollos this weekend, the Stallions continue to show promise. Quarterback Josh Woodrum put together another solid day, going 16 of 22 for 161 yards, and running backs Branden Oliver and Joel Bouagnon put together solid days on the ground.

The Stallions need to finish games better. The last two losses have come down to fourth quarter battles, each time not falling in their favor. If you want to be a serious contender in this league, you have to finish games strong. The Stallions pass rush needs to be more prominent in big moments, especially for their star pass rusher, Karter Schult.

3. San Antonio Commanders (2-2)

Last Week: 6

This Commanders could easily be 3-1 right now. The Commanders had the best team in the AAF on the ropes week two against the Apollos before folding in the fourth quarter. Logan Woodside may not be developing into the star potential he has, Woodside finally dialed back his reckless throws in a win over the Iron. Woodside did not have a pretty day throwing the ball, going 11 of 25 for 106 yards. But Woodside did not turn the ball over this week, something he did too much of in the loss to the Fleet last week.

However, the story of the game for the Commanders was Kenneth Farrow. Farrow absolutely balled, running for a league-high 142 yards on 30 attempts. Farrow continuously gashed a dominant Iron defense and help the Commanders control the clock. The win wasn’t pretty for the Commanders, but a win is a win.

The Commanders defense showed up big in the win over the Iron. Three Iron turnovers translated into nine points for the Commanders, proving the difference in the game. The defense will need to continue their opportunistic play.

2. Birmingham Iron (3-1)

Last Week: 1

Let’s call it what it is. The Iron defense is carrying this Iron team in every sense of the phrase. Every single week, this Iron defense puts on a clinic, especially in goal-line situations. In their loss to the Commanders Sunday, the Commanders had an opportunity to go up by at least 12 points. For six straight plays inside their own two-yard-line (due to a questionable pass interference call in the end-zone) the Iron defense stood their ground. Beniquez Brown and those guys on defense are absolute monsters.

However, this offense continues to be pedestrian. The two games the Iron scored more than 20 points were against the Express and Legends, the two bottom teams on this list. Luis Perez simply needs to do more, if possible. Perez made errant throws all game and is lucky to only have thrown two interceptions Sunday.

The only bright spot offensively for the Iron Sunday was the running back group. Trent Richardson picked up his 7th touchdown of the season and newly acquired running back Brandon Ross rushed for 64 yards on 9 attempts. The Iron offense will need to show up at some point if the Iron expect to win a championship.

1. Orlando Apollos (4-0)

Last Week: 2

The Apollos are simply the best team in the AAF. There are little to no flaws with this football team. With former NFL players on their roster like Will Hill, Charles Johnson and Garrett Gilbert, the experience is unlike any other team in the league. Not to mention HBC, aka Steve Spurrier leading the way for the Apollos.

The Apollos simply find ways to win. Whether if its in a tough snow game, a comeback victory against the Commanders, or a nail biter against the Express. Great teams know how to find ways to win.

Garrett Gilbert is putting together an MVP campaign. In the win over the Stallions, Gilbert completed 68 percent of his passes for 244 yards and a touchdown. His receiver, Charles Johnson, continues to impress, adding another 100-yard game to his bag. Their offense is so explosive that the defense can play freely and only needs to make a handful of stops to win a game.

Last Word on Rankings

Like Commanders coach Mike Riley said, anybody can beat anybody. No team is truly safe in this league. The match-ups this upcoming week will be intriguing. Just when things seemed clear in the AAF, chaos ensues. Let the fun continue!

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Devin Jackson

Devin Jackson

My name is Devin Jackson, and I will be writing about my favorite NFL team, the New Orleans Saints. I am an aspiring sports reporter and look to use LWOS as a platform to practice and grow my connections. Do not hesitate to contact me via Twitter, @RealD_Jackson.

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