Off-field issues continue as Gilbert, Richardson, and Carter star in Week 3 games.
After three weeks, AAF game attendance isn’t great, but the TV ratings are doing ok.
From Week 1 to Week 3, overall paid attendance dropped78k to 56k–a 28% decline–and only 14k fans (on average) attended Week 3 games. Things look better on the home viewing front, though. In Week 2, AAF’s ratings were about equal to ESPN’s basketball coverage and slightly ahead of NBCN’s NHL coverage.
On the field, here’s an analysis of what happened in Week 3.
Arizona Hotshots vs. Salt Lake Stallions
Week 3 kicked off with a Week 1 rematch. The Hotshots came in undefeated at 2-0, while the Stallions had yet to win a game. But this time the Stallions got revenge, gaining a much-needed victory, 23-15. The Hotshots played without starting QB John Wolford, and it showed. The Stallions shutdown the Hotshots in the second half. QB John Woodrum starred for the Stallions, throwing 22/31 for 178 yards and a TD.
Memphis Express vs. Orlando Apollos
The Apollos’ offense was finally stifled as Mike Singletary’s defense showed up to play. But it wasn’t enough. Orlando beat the winless Express in a low-scoring game, 21-17. The outcome may be telling us that Steve Spurrier’s squad is separating itself from the competition, showing that it can win in different ways. QB Garrett Gilbert was consistent again, completing 14 of 28 passes for 207 yards and a TD. Without question, Gilbert is in the running for league MVP.
Birmingham Iron vs. Atlanta Legends
This match-up was a ‘Tale of Two Cities.” The undefeated Iron are having success on both sides of the ball, while the winless Legends are struggling. And this game went according to that script: Birmingham won, 28-12. A rejuvenated Trent Richardson rushed for 46 yards and three touchdowns.
San Antonio Commanders vs. San Diego Fleet
This game was a Week 1 rematch when the Commanders beat the Fleet, 15-6. The score was different this time: the Fleet bested the Commanders, 31-11. Last week, the Commanders were in an offensive battle with the Apollos. This week was different, perhaps because it was the team’s first road game. The Fleet was in command, especially JaQuan Carter, who rushed 12 times for 122 yards and a TD. He torched San Antonio’s defense, which is one of the league’s best.
