This weekend’s games featured some good matchups and fans were treated to four very close games loaded with turnovers, drama, and comebacks. Across the league there was competition and break out performances by individuals and teams jockeyed back and forth creating a high level of entertainment that will only draw more eyes to this new league. Here we go!

#1 – Orlando Apollos (2-0). The most explosive offense in the AAF was on full display as the Apollos showed why they are the best team in the league. The Apollos came into a tough atmosphere and willed a comeback against a top team by scoring 17 fourth-quarter points. The Commanders on several times pulled ahead and dug in on defense but the Apollo offense could not be stopped. The passing game 362 total yards (highest in AAF) and playmakers Jalin Marshall, Charles Johnson, and Chris Thompson all had plays over 50+ yards. Under Head Coach Steve Spurrier we knew that the team was going to have some explosive passing game with pass concepts that exploit the defense but what’s the most interesting is how poorly the Apollos have been able to run the ball. Four different running backs only managed 66 yards rushing on Sunday. However, the mixture of the run game is just enough to keep defenses honest.

The key play that solidified the win for the Apollos was an interception of Keith Reaser. Reaser makes an outstanding break from his drop to undercut a back shoulder throw, intercepting the ball and taking it all the way back for a touchdown to break a 29-29 tie with seven minutes left to seal the victory. While the Apollos have shown that they are the most explosive offense (classic Spurrier) they left much to be desired in the run game and on defense at times. Next Opponent: at #7 Memphis Express (0-2)

#2 – Arizona Hotshots (2-0). The Hotshots did not start the game very well and had to rally back from a 12-0 deficit at the half to win the game 20-18. Widely predicted as a blowout win throughout the AAF community the team struggled early against a formidable Memphis defense and a stout run game. It was evident early that without both starting tackles, Malcolm Bunche and Brant Weiss, the pocket collapsed frequently and quarterback John Wolford was pressured and forced to throw quickly and ineffectively. Unable to generate any significant offensive production the Hotshots shifted their gameplan to feature running back Tim Cooks, a big bruising back that wore down Express defenders and finished with 73 yards on the ground.

The Hotshots are a dangerous offense but appeared overwhelmed at times but managed to dig deep to and overcame real adversity. The Defense found a way to capitalize on the ineptitude of Express QB Christian Hackenberg and slow down the run game. Despite a bit of a nail biter for Hotshot fans the Hotshots still look like a top team in the AAF but the hiccup in Memphis definitely hurt that reputation. Next Opponent at #6 Salt Lake (0-2)

#3 – Birmingham Iron (2-0). In back to back weekends at the “Old Grey Lady” (Legion Field in Birmingham) the Iron were victorious. However, this victory was not nearly as convincing as the previous one. The Iron struggled to move the ball effectively on offense putting up only 216 yards of total offense. Early on the wide receiving core of the Iron struggled with keep drops and running back Trent Richardson did not gain traction from the outset. Quarterback Luis Perez looked good but the continued drops and inconsistent rhythm in the offense led him to frequently use his check downs or scramble. The Iron also increased the involvement of Richardson in the passing game, getting the ball to their star back in the open and turning him loose upfield.

However, it wasn’t until Jamar Summers ripped the ball out of the hands of Salt Lake returner De’Mornay Pierson-El on a punt return in the third that the Iron was to get on the board. While the Iron did not look overly impressive, a win is a win. Regardless if they matched the Stallions in turnovers (three) and Stallion’s kicker Taylor Bertolet missed 3 field goals, including a key one late… One thing of note is the fact that the “Iron Curtain” defense has given up only 9 points in two home games. The Iron offense seemed a shadow of itself from week one and escaped out with a win only to the failings of the Stallions kicker. Next week at #8 Atlanta Legends (0-2)

#4 – San Antonio Commanders (1-1). The first quarter was all San Antonio as they marched the field and forced a key three and out. San Antonio attempted to keep the Apollos’ offense off the field by continuing to work their ground attack. The offensive line is capable of opening space through a zone blocking concept and allows running backs Kenneth Farrow II and David Cobb to find success early. The Commanders defense has shown well in rushing the quarterback as collectively they’ve combined for ten total team sacks including four sacks (from four different players) against the Apollos. Backed by the 29 000+ fans that were in attendance it made it tough for the Apollos to communicate, Apollos HC Spurrier mentioned in the post-game that it rivaled the atmosphere of the University of Tennessee for what its worth.

Another highlight is that the Commanders also have two of the better receivers in the league in De’Marcus Ayers and Mekale McKay that flashed spots of game-changing ability. Ayers, who missed last week, finished with a monster 192 yards and a touchdown catapulting him into leading several receiving stat categories. Quarterback Logan Woodside also had a good game but threw a late interception that helped the Apollos pull away and solidify a win. San Antonio is among the best in the west and we could have very easily witnessed a sneak peek preview of a championship game. Next Opponent at #5 San Diego (1-1)

#5 – San Diego Fleet (1-1). Football returned to San Diego on Sunday night with just over twenty thousand in attendance and they would not be disappointed. The overcast and casual rains of San Diego could not hold back the fans from coming out in droves to support the return of the Fleet from a tough first loss on the road. The Fleet did not get off to a hot start and had to settle on two field goals in the first half largely due to being unable to manufacture points on a few sustainable albeit fruitless drives. The Fleet started Philip Nelson at quarterback but featured the run game and running back Ja’Quan Gardner as the focal point of the offense. Gardner found ways to break through the line and made some key situational runs to extend drives.

The Fleet would hand the ball off 30 times in a rainy affair and Gardner had a great game with 15 carries, 104 yards, and two touchdowns. Defensively the Fleet were more disruptive than last game and prevented the Legends from any substantial gains on offense. In fact, the Fleet only gave up two plays (out of 53) that resulted in gains of 20 yards or more. The lone interception (by Ryan Moeller) ended a five-play drive and sparked the team leading into the half. Overall the Fleet showed that they have a capable run game and a respectable defense but the passing game; more specifically the wide receiver core needs improvement in order to be ranked higher after two weeks. Next Opponent vs. #4 San Antonio (2-0)

#6 – Salt Lake Stallions (0-2). The Stallions played the early game this past Saturday and showed well early on defense and struggled in the other two phases of the game. This team could very have won. Despite having Matt Linehan come in to replace starting quarterback Josh Woodrum in the last game, the Stallions used Austin Allen as their starter. Allen appeared shaky and did not complete a pass in the first eleven plays over three drives, finishing the game 15 for 31, totaling 115 passing yards. Due to a light mist/rain, the Stallions primarily let the ground game do the talking as Joel Bouagnon had some effective runs, finishing with 70 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Defensively, the Stallions Karter Schult was a standout (again) due to his disruption to the pocket of Iron’s Luis Perez, compiling four QB hits and two sacks. Schult’s first sack caused Perez to fumble (Iron would recover) and continued his pursuit throughout the game. In the greater picture, the Stallions defense kept the team in the game and furthers my perception that this defense is among the more under-rated D corps in the league. In a game that featured low scores and three turnovers on each side, the deciding factors came off the foot of Taylor Bertolet, who missed THREE field goals. In a league that does not feature kickoffs or point-after kicks, it’ll be hard for Bertolet to make a case to remain employed. Despite being 0-2 the Stallions have shown to be the better of the losing teams and have had the unfortunate schedule of playing Ariz/Birm/Ariz in the first three weeks… Next Opponent vs. #2 Arizona Hotshots (2-0)

#7 – Memphis Express (0-2). The Express looked very dominant early as the defense brought pressure consistently and did a good job of mixing up the pairing of rushes and coverages downfield. The defense capitalized on the Hotshot’s offensive line injury woes as the defensive line was active early and created a rushed rhythm for Wolford. While the boxscores show no indication, the Express played some dominating defense in the first half and focused on a strong run game on offense. Running back Zac Stacy was a force on the ground and was a key feature due to the struggling play of Hackenberg. Stacy would “pop” off for 101 yards and a touchdown becoming the first 100+ yard rusher in AAF history.

The second half featured an Express squad that continued with dropped passes and errant throws, meaning that without a strong passing game the team struggled to put points on a down opponent. The Express focused on a power run game and a tough defense to keep the Hotshots subdued but again struggled to compliment the run game with an adequate passing game. Mike Singletary is a very strong motivator and oozes the very definition of intensity but appears to have struggled in terms of innovation and creativity in the passing game. Hackenberg at times (putting it nicely) does not look like an adequate enough passer to lead a drive down the field for the winning score. This exact situation came up as the Express took the ball on the MEM-14 with 1:40 left to march the field and failed. Memphis, despite some bright spots of success drop to 0-2. Next Opponent at #1 Orlando Apollos (2-0)

#8 – Atlanta Legends (0-2). The Legends took to the road in search of their first win and traveled over 2100 miles to play in a on-again-off-again rainy environment with over twenty thousand Fleet devotees. The Legends played well in the first half and were effective in manufacturing drives down the field in the first half. The front seven mixed in different looks in pressure and disrupted the Fleet offensive rhythm. Quarterback Matt Simms found Malachai Jones for a touchdown near the end of the first quarter to put the Legends up 9-0. This, however, would be the last touchdown the Legends would put on the board as they came out in the second half and could not get anything going. There were times that the offense struggled to even get the play in under the 25-second play clock…

The other question raised was the usage of the running backs, as they seemed to be rotated to try and find a spark throughout the game but each back was unable to sustain any substantial gains. Lawrence Pittman and Tarean Folston alternated at that position. The bright spot on offense was the versatility and explosiveness of Akrum Wadley as he caught 8/8 passes for 70 yards and was given the ball four times on the ground late for 12 yards. The Legends have looked the worst out the 0-2 teams and this could be a direct result of several coaches changes and rumors that surrounded the Legends coming out of training camp. But after a long ride back to Atlanta, the Legends look to re-group and put preparations in place for success next week. Next Opponent vs. #3 Birmingham Iron (2-0)