We’re halfway through the AAF season. Here’s where I see things standing and where things may settle at season’s end.
The Alliance of American Football (AAF) is doing pretty well, picking up steam after a dicey start on the field. Across the league, the biggest problem for every team (except for Orlando) has been Red Zone offense. Schemes don’t seem to be working and defenses are. So rather than getting TDs, fans often watch teams settle for field goals.
Still, though, we need to give the AAF some slack. The most recent reincarnation of spring pro football is just getting off the ground. With that in mind, I give the AAF a B+ as its midseason grade.
Here’s where the teams stand going into Week 7 of play.
Eastern Conference
- Orlando Apollo’s (5-1)
- Birmingham Iron (4-2)
- Atlanta Legends (2-4)
- Memphis Express (1-5)
Western Conference
- San Antonio Commanders (4-2)
- San Diego Fleet (3-3)
- Arizona Hot Shots (3-3)
- Salt Lake Stallions (2-4)
Playoff Picture (at the end of Week 6)
- Orlando Apollos (5-1)
- Birmingham Iron (4-2)
- San Antonio Commanders (4-2)
- San Diego Fleet (3-3)
Now, let’s take a look at the teams.
Orlando Apollos (5-1)
Without question, the Apollos are the best team in the league. The offense Steve Spurrier installed is working. It’s led by arguably the best quarterback in the AAF, Garrett Gilbert, who looks to be the runaway choice for league MVP. Through the air, Gilbert is hitting on nearly 70% of his passes for 1,625 yards and 10 TDs.
Grade – A
Birmingham Iron (4-2)
The Iron started hot and then cooled off. I think it’s because they started playing better teams. Thank goodness for the defense! That’s why this team is above .500. The offense needs to catch up. For that to happen, QB Luis Perez needs to be more consistent with downfield throws. When Birmingham gets in the Red Zone, it has a reliable force–running back Trent Richardson–who has punched it in nine times this season.
Grade – B-
Atlanta Legends (2-4)
The spark for Atlanta came when it switched QBs. Aaron Murray picked up the team dramatically … and, boy, did the Legends need it! Starting the season 0-3, Atlanta had nowhere to go but up. 1-1 since then, the team is getting better and could even make the playoffs.
Grade – C-
Memphis Express (1-5)
Coach Singletary has the worst offense in the whole league. Period! QB play has been average, at best, both at the starting position and at back-up. That’s where Johnny Manziel comes in. The Express needs a spark in the worst possible way. Can Johnny provide it? We’ll know very soon.
Grade – F
San Antonio Commanders (4-2)
The Alamodome is home to the largest crowds in the league, and fans are getting a look at a potential league champion. With relative balance on both sides of the ball, this team has a chance to give Orlando a run for its money. For now (at least), San Antonio is the second best team in the league.
Grade – A
San Diego Fleet (3-3)
The problem with this team is that it’s an up and down squad. The Fleet has won some of the most exciting games played this year, and they’ve lost a few heartbreakers. That flip-flopping needs to change if San Diego is to keep pace with the Commanders and stay ahead of the Hot Shots.
Grade – C+
Arizona Hot Shots (3-3)
Arizona may be the AAF’s mystery team–good on both sides of the ball, but with a record of only 3-3 for the year. A mistake here and there is costing this team. The Hot Shots can compete for the championship if the team finds a way to get its act together.
Grade – B-
Salt Lake Stallions (2-4)
You can take the Stallions nickname out of Salt Lake because they certainly don’t play like it. A generally unentertaining club, Salt Lake needs to be more creative on offense. And if that doesn’t happen soon, this team can kiss the season goodbye.
Grade – D
Mid-Season Championship Prediction
Orlando 27, Arizona 33
