Memphis lost again.

But the Express threw a touchdown pass for the first time in three games this season. In fact, they threw two. And neither one came from Christian Hackenberg.

The 24-year-old former Penn State star was yanked after two first-half interceptions in Saturday’s 21-17 loss to the Orlando Apollos, and former Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger came on in relief.

The high-powered Orlando offense did just enough to escape with a victory. Quarterback Garrett Gilbert threw for a touchdown and scored one on the ground, and running back D’Ernest Johnson also added a rushing touchdown for the Apollos.

Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s game.

The Mett Show

Hackenberg’s struggles through two games as Memphis’ starter were well documented.

That trend continued Saturday at Orlando, when the former New York Jets second-round pick threw two interceptions in the first half – one on his first pass attempt of the game.

The Express allowed Hackenberg to finish the first half but turned over the reins to Mettenberger in the third quarter. All the former LSU star did was toss two touchdowns on 9-of-12 passing without an interception.

“It certainly wasn’t an easy decision,” Express coach Mike Singletary told team reporter Dylan Rubino. “It was really difficult to take him (Hackenberg) out. Coming out in the second half, we needed to push the ball downfield vertically, and we felt Zach gave us the best chance to do that.”

Mettenberger’s third pass attempt of the season was a 30-yard touchdown to Devin Lucien. Mettenberger threw a 40-yard scoring strike in the fourth quarter to Gerrard Sheppard, and added a 2-point conversion toss to Anthony Manzo-Lewis, to cut the deficit to 21-17.

But the Apollos played keep-away on their final drive to hold on for the win.

“You definitely have to be supportive of your guys. I’ve been in his shoes before, and it’s not easy,” Mettenberger said. “You have to be ready to roll. The reason why I got to play is unfortunate, but I’m definitely excited to be playing again.”

Defense wears down again

The Memphis defense has allowed an average of 10 points per game through the first three quarters this season.

In the fourth quarter, the Express loses steam. It happened again versus Orlando.

Gilbert’s 21-yard touchdown scramble put the game out of reach with 8:58 left in the game.

In three games, Memphis’ defense is giving up 12.3 points per fourth quarter.

“We have to develop our identity in terms of finishing games. It doesn’t matter whether our offense scores or doesn’t score points,” Singletary said. “Our job is to try and shut the other team down and create turnovers. I think we’re thinking too much, and we need to correct that.”

New weapon?

Sure, Mettenberger appears to be the man at quarterback.

But what about running back Sherman Badie.

The former Tulane athlete was signed by the Express this week. In his debut, Badie rushed for a team-high 59 yards on eight carries and had one catch for 16 yards.

So far this season, Memphis has not provided starter Zac Stacy with a reliable complement. Badie could be the answer there.

Up next

The Express returns home to face the San Diego Fleet at 3 p.m. Saturday.

More AAF coverage from The CA

SCHEDULE:Memphis Express 2019 opponents, radio, TV, game times

AAF:Winners, losers: Steve Spurrier sets tone with his team and mouth, Memphis Express stumbling

MEMPHIS EXPRESS:AAF: Express' Zac Stacy: 'It's gut-check time for us'