It is crunch time for the Alliance of American Football season. Only four weeks remain in the regular season, and all teams, with exception of the Memphis Express, have something to play for. A few more wins for the San Antonio Commanders, winners of three straight, can help secure them a playoff berth. For the Salt Lake Stallions, one or two more losses will end their chances of a playoff berth. These teams will meet twice in the last four weeks. Here are the keys to victory in the week seven preview of the San Antonio Commanders-Salt Lake Stallions match-up.
San Antonio Commanders-Salt Lake Stallions Week Seven AAF Preview
Defending the Run
The Salt Lake Stallions boast the best rush defense in the AAF, allowing just 77.5 rushing yards per game. Much of that run stop ability can be attributed to their front seven, especially defensive star Karter Schult. Last week in their win over the Memphis Express, Schult finished the game with five tackles and two sacks, all while earning the Alliance Defensive Player of the Week honors. The Commanders rushing attack has taken a back seat the last few weeks after Kenneth Farrow ran wild on the Birmingham Iron defense three weeks ago. Due to turnovers caused by the Commanders defense, the Commanders offense has not needed to put up gaudy rushing numbers.
Straight to the ?@KarterSchult | #HorsePower pic.twitter.com/Plz8SaKPG0
— Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) March 20, 2019
The Commanders rush defense has been stifling as well. In their last three wins, the Commanders are allowing 87.3 rushing yards per game, dominating the line of scrimmage on defense. On the season, the Commanders are ranked third in rushing yards allowed per game. The Stallions are a balanced offensive attack, thriving when they run the football to set up play action. Running back Joel Bouagnon leads the Stallions in rushing, with 280 yards on 77 attempts, with five rushing touchdowns. Expect a heavy dose of Bouagnon Saturday night.
Offensive X-Factors
Stallions tight end Nick Truesdell is the best non-receiver in the AAF, hands down. Truesdell’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field and knack to find the end zone makes him one of the most dangerous receiving threats for the Stallions offense. On the season, Truesdell is averaging 10.1 yards per receptions on 18 catches, totaling three receiving touchdowns. The Commanders defense struggles against the pass, although they have eight interceptions the last three weeks. The Commanders give up 336 passing yards per game, which ranks second most in the AAF. Expect Truesdell to give the Commanders linebackers and safeties problems all game long.
Stallions score on opening drive?
It’s TRUEsdell. pic.twitter.com/y1itf6w3mH
— Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) March 16, 2019
6 foot 5 and can fly, Nick Truesdell and the @aafstallions are on the run! #MEMvsSL pic.twitter.com/5TcRQc7GjT
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 16, 2019
For the Commanders, receiver/punt returner Greg Ward Jr. is a playmaker. On offense, Ward only has 16 receptions for 153 yards, with no receiving touchdowns. But Ward’s ability to stretch the field, and take punts to pay dirt makes Ward a valuable commodity for the Commanders offense. With quarterback Logan Woodside coming into his own and making better decisions, don’t be surprised if the Woodside and Ward connect on a deep ball touchdown this week against a sub-par Stallions pass defense.
OH. MY.@G_Ward1 looks like a created player as he returns the punt 79 yds. for a TD ? pic.twitter.com/i2pcyPvURm
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 17, 2019
Last Word
The Commanders are on a roll, winning three straight after snapping a prior two-game losing streak. The defense has forced 12 turnovers in three weeks, so expect them to force the Stallions into more mistakes this week. The Commanders return home after a four-game absence, so the energy in the Alamodome will be electric. The Commanders should pull out a victory, 36-24 over the Stallions.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
