Written by Erik Slaby
Orlando, FL – At Spectrum Stadium on Saturday night, one could feel the nervous yet excited energy that filled the press box. Staffers were moving at a fast, almost frantic pace at times, double checking and making everything was prepared. There was a bit of that same energy down on the concourse level of the stadium as fans walked in, but there was also a hint of curiosity that surrounded them. In the inaugural game of the new Alliance of American Football league season, the Orlando Apollos won in convincing fashion, defeating the Atlanta Legends 40-6.
With this being the first game of this new professional football league, many did not know what to expect. There were several intriguing factors about the AAF such as former National Football League front office members and players like Bill Polian, Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu, who are key members in the creation and operation of the league. Former players like Jared Allen and Justin Tuck are also advisors in the league.
While the league adopted many of the NFL rules, there are a few tweaks and changes. Some of those changes are that there are no kickoffs or extra points – teams must always go for two after a touchdown- the play clock is 35 seconds instead of 40 seconds and there are no television timeouts. Perhaps most interestedly though, there is a “sky judge” official in the press box that has the authority to reverse an on-field officials’ call, or make a call that wasn’t made on the field. Atlanta Legends head coach Kevin Coyle spoke about some of these rule changes after the game.
“Well, it is a little unusual when you go out there to get ready for the opening kickoff and there is no opening kickoff,” said a smiling Coyle. “But at the same time, I think everyone is working their way through the new rules to a degree. We certainly did as a staff, and I would say the Apollos had the same situation, and the officials did as well. I think there will be some growing pains, but it will all sort its way out.”
Despite on-and-off rain throughout the entire evening, there was an announced crowd of 20,191 in attendance. They stuck around for the majority of the game too, with most leaving with a few minutes left to play in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand for the Apollos. Apollos head coach Steve Spurrier spoke about the crowd after the game.
“I think the rain deterred the crowd a little bit,” said a grinning Spurrier. “I think we had a pretty good crowd, 20,000 wasn’t bad. I think in a few weeks we’ll maybe have a little better weather forecast and maybe get a few more out. I think the fans had a good time tonight. They saw enough good plays after the first quarter when we finally put on a good show.”
After a bit of a slow start from Orlando, which led to Atlanta scoring the first points in league history on a 38-yard field goal from kicker Younhoe Koo and taking a 3-0 lead, Orlando was eventually able to get in rhythm offensively. The touchdown in AAF history was a beautiful 26-yard dart into traffic from Apollos quarterback Garrett Gilbert to wide receiver Jalin Marshall. The score was initially ruled incomplete but with the sky judge reviewing the play, the call on the field was reversed. Orlando converted the two-point conversion attempt to take an 8-3 lead and they never looked back.
Offensively, Orlando was led by Gilbert who completed 15-25 passes for 227 yards and two touchdown passes. He also caught a touchdown pass from Marshall on Orlando’s own version of the famous “Philly Special.” Wide receiver Charles Johnson led all receivers with four catches for 60 yards. Marshall had three catches for 51 yards, one touchdown and a touchdown pass. Running back Akeem Hunt had 10 carries for 73 yards to lead the team in rushing.
Defensively, Orlando dominated Atlanta. Legends quarterback Matt Simms was under duress the entire night, often not having any time at all after receiving the snap to make his reads. The right tackle and left tackles seemed to be trying to hold on for dear life at times, leading to Atlanta having to chip the Orlando edge rushers with a tight end or running back. Orlando finished with four sacks, seven quarterback hits and seven tackles-for-loss. They also had three interceptions with linebacker Terence Garvin having two of them and returning one 51-yards for a touchdown.
Overall, this game was a promising start for the league and Orlando. Even though it was a blowout victory for Orlando, the level of play by both teams on the field felt like an NFL game. That, combined with the rule tweaks and innovations from the AAF, will determine if fans will continue to stay interested or will become interested in this league after this initial game.
The Legends will head back to Atlanta to regroup before heading out next week to play the San Diego Fleet on the road. Orlando will be able to enjoy this victory for a day or two before starting to prepare for a road game against the San Antonio Commanders. That game will be played on February 17th at 4PM EST. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
