After explosive start, San Antonio Commanders routed by San Diego Fleet

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After San Antonio cornerback De’Vante Bausby hauled in an interception down the left sideline, Commanders quarterback Logan Woodside hooked up with Mekale McKay for a 47-yard touchdown on the team’s first offensive snap.

Following a successful two-point conversion, San Antonio had an eight-point lead just 19 seconds into Sunday’s Alliance of American Football game. But the San Diego Fleet responded, ripping off 28 unanswered points en route to a 31-11 win at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego and wiping away memories of the Commanders’ early spark.

“That was well done,” Commanders coach Mike Riley said, “and, of course, kind of overshadowed by other things that took place shortly after that.”

The Fleet (2-1) avenged a 15-6 loss to the Commanders (1-2) in Week 1.

After the Commanders yielded 393 passing yards in a 37-29 loss to the Orlando Apollos last week, Bausby intercepted Sunday’s first pass attempt.

San Antonio Commanders defensive lineman Arthur Miley (93) makes a diving tackle attempt at San Diego Fleet quarterback Phillip Nelson (9) in the first half during a San Antonio Commanders at San Diego Fleet AAF football game, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit) less San Antonio Commanders defensive lineman Arthur Miley (93) makes a diving tackle attempt at San Diego Fleet quarterback Phillip Nelson (9) in the first half during a San Antonio Commanders at San Diego Fleet ... more Photo: Peter Joneleit, FRE / Associated Press Photo: Peter Joneleit, FRE / Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close After explosive start, San Antonio Commanders routed by San Diego Fleet 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

San Antonio’s offense wasted no time, as Woodside faked an end-around handoff and found McKay behind the defense on a post route. Tight end Evan Rodriguez hauled in the two-point conversion pass.

San Antonio’s defense then forced a three-and-out, and the Commanders appeared to build on their lead. Woodside connected with Greg Ward Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown pass, but the play was nullified by a holding penalty on lineman Cyril Richardson.

After another 10-yard penalty, an incomplete pass and a sack, Woodside threw an interception as he heaved a desperation pass toward the end zone on third-and-35 from San Diego’s 39-yard line.

“We threw a touchdown pass that got called back and could’ve gone up 16-0,” Woodside said. “I don’t think we were able to recover from that. That’s on me. Being the quarterback, I have to rally the guys and go make plays.”

Fleet quarterback Philip Nelson rebounded from his early misstep, completing 17 of 25 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns against the one interception.

He connected with Nelson Spruce for a 3-yard touchdown late in the first quarter to put San Diego on the board.

San Diego tallied again in the second quarter, when Woodside threw his second pick-six in as many weeks.

Attempting to find De’Marcus Ayers on a curl route, Woodside stared down his receiver and missed his mark on the throw, allowing A.J. Tarpley to step in front for an interception. After a 27-yard return, San Diego had a 14-8 lead.

The Fleet extended their advantage before halftime. San Diego drove 84 yards in 11 plays, capped by an 18-yard touchdown pass from Nelson to Spruce for a 22-8 lead.

San Diego continued to roll in the second half, as Ja’Quan Gardner broke loose for an 83-yard touchdown run up the middle to give the Fleet a 28-8 lead midway through the third quarter.

The Fleet ran for 202 yards in the game, including 122 on 12 carries from Gardner.

The Commanders allowed 165 rushing yards during their first two games but were playing Sunday without two injured starters: defensive tackle Matt Godin and linebacker Shaan Washington.

Woodside finished 12-of-23 passing for 151 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions; Marquise Williams was 4-for-4 passing for 21 yards and ran five times for 33 yards.

San Antonio’s quarterbacks were under consistent pressure, as San Diego racked up five sacks.

“Some of that is on me, for sure,” Woodside said. “I have to get the ball out of my hands.

“They made it tough. They were coming all four quarters. Definitely took some big hits, but trying to get up and do the best I could to make plays and help our team try to come back and make a run at it.”

Riley said San Antonio’s offense struggled to flow consistently after the opening two drives. The Commanders finished the game 1-of-12 on third-down conversions.

Riley also pointed to penalties; San Antonio was flagged nine times for 80 yards.

“We have played a preseason game and two other games, and we didn’t have our moments where it looked like we didn’t have any rhythm at all offensively,” Riley said. “I haven’t seen that from our team, until tonight.

“So we’ll get back at that, and I expect us to really bounce back from all of that.”

San Antonio was flagged for four false starts, and Woodside said San Diego’s crowd, announced at 14,789, made an impact.

“We had some communication issues up front,” Woodside said. “I have to be better for the flow. It’s not all (the offensive line). It’s mostly me.”

Commanders running back Trey Williams, playing for the first time after missing the season’s first two games with a leg injury, ran seven times for 75 yards.

“We all saw what he is capable of and what he can add to our offense,” Riley said. “It was good to see him play and to make some plays like he did. I'm excited to continue with him.”

Home teams are 9-3 through three weeks of the Alliance of American Football. Sunday’s game was the first of a four-game road trip for San Antonio, which travels to face the Birmingham Iron at 3 p.m. Sunday.

“We haven’t had a ton of time together,” Woodside said. “Playing against really good talent on defense, it’s tough. I think we’re doing a good job. There’s always room for improvement, and we’ll be better.”

greg.luca@express-news.net