On Sunday afternoon, the Atlanta Legends travel to Alabama to take on the Birmingham Iron. Atlanta was dominated by the Orlando Apollos this last weekend, scoring just six points in a 36-6 loss. It was the second straight week and third this season that the team has been held to just six points. Birmingham blue and 11 point fourth quarter lead, then lost in overtime to the Memphis Express, 31-25. Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 4:00 ET at Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
These two teams met in Week 3 of the AAF season, a 28-12 victory by Birmingham in Atlanta.
Legends Humbled by Apollos, 36-6
After pulling within two points just a few seconds into the second quarter, the Atlanta Legends would be totally dominated, giving up 28 unanswered points to the Orlando Apollos on their way to a 36-6 humbling. It is the sixth time in the team’s seven games that they have been held to 14 points or lessthis season.
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Quarterback Aaron Murray completed 16 of 22 passes for 135 yards. He threw a touchdown and two interceptions. TareanFolston carried the ball eight times for 37 yards. Malachi Jones led the team with six catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. The lone sack came from Dylan Donahue.
Murray continues to struggle since taking over the quarterback position. He has completed 66.4% of his passes for 948 yards, but has thrown six interceptions against just three touchdowns. Folston leads the team in rushing with 206 yards and a touchdown off 46 carries. The combination of Malachi Jones and Seantavius Jones have 41 catches combined for 547 yards and two touchdowns.
The defenses led by Graham, Jr. who has 37 tackles, and interception, and a fumble recovery. J.T. Jones and Tracy Sprinkle lead the team with four sacks apiece.
Iron Melt Late Allowing Express to Ride to 31-25 OT Victory
The Birmingham Iron held a commanding 25-14 lead about six minutes into the fourth quarter after Luis Perez connected on his second touchdown pass of the game. However, the defense could not hold the lead, giving up 11 points to the Memphis Express in the final 4:16 of the regulation before falling in overtime, 31-25.
Perez threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns, but completed just 16 of 37 passes and was sacked three times. Trent Richardson gained 56 yards and a touchdown off 16 carries and Quinton Patton led the team with five receptions for 46 yards.
Perez has completed 53.4% of his passes for 1395 yards. He has thrown for five touchdowns against six interceptions the season. Richardson leads the team with 283 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns, but has just a 2.6 yards per carry average. Patton has 30 catches for 351 yards to lead the team in receiving.
The defense has struggled to generate pressure against opponents, recording just 11 sacks with just 10 turnovers.
The Winner Prediction
The Birmingham Iron are coming off a tough loss, but the truth of the matter is that there is no sense putting any faith in Atlanta until they are able to start producing some points. The Iron should easily be able to put up at least 20 points in this contest so, even with their flaws, it makes sense to take them to win.
The Pick:Birmingham Iron (-6.0) (-110)
The Total
The total is set at 38.0 for this contest. Atlanta has gone under in every one of their three games on the road this season while Birmingham has gone under in three of their four home contests. Considering that the Legends are averaging about 10 points per game, the under looks like the smart bet. Look for Orlando to win, 27-10, so take the under.
The Pick:under 38.0(-110)