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The Atlanta Legends were on a hot streak coming into the game versus the San Antonio Commanders. Winners of two straight games, they entered a stretch vs. two of the best teams in the Alliance Football League and wanted to stay hot. San Antonio had different ideas for the game’s outcome.
The Commanders forced four turnovers en route to a 37-6 drubbing of the Legends. San Antonio kept the pressure on Atlanta all day, forcing four fumbles and four turnovers which all three units found the promise land on Sunday.
They scored on an 87-yard interception return by safety Derron Smith, a 79-yard punt return by Greg Ward Jr., and three offensive touchdowns.
Atlanta defensively tried their best but most of the drives started inside their own territory. San Antonio quarterback Logan Woodside seemed to have a guy open right in the middle of the defense on every play.
He feasted on open holes five-to-ten yards downfield and the receivers made a move or two to keep the chains moving.
They allowed 11 first downs on pass plays while only two on rushing plays.
The loss for Atlanta is disappointing especially for quarterback Aaron Murray. His passes seemed to lack some velocity and the three passes that we’re intercepted floated in the air.
He had amassed 598 total yards in the previous two contests and was the driving force behind the win streak.
Murray and the team will have to take care of the ball against their next opponent the Orlando Apollos. Orlando comes to town with the number two scoring defense, allowing a mere 99 points on the season.
They have the leagues best record at 5-1 and they are 3-0 in the eastern conference. Orlando boasts the leagues No. 1 offense averaging 27.6 points per game.
The Legends can’t afford to leave open holes in the middle of their defense vs. Apollos’ quarterback Garrett Gilbert. The favorite for league MVP averages 270 passing yards per game with 10 touchdowns and only one interception.
Its imperative for Atlanta to not turn the ball over, giving Gilbert and company the short field.
League Notes:
Orlando defeated the Legends in week one 40-6, forcing three interceptions and scoring five touchdowns.
The interception return by Derron Smith is his second return for a touchdown in as many weeks.
The punt return touchdown by Greg Ward Jr. Is the second punt return in Alliance Football history.
Atlanta’s game vs. the Orlando will be on Saturday, March 23rd at Georgia State Stadium at 2:00 pm.
