Game Report: Fargo 9, Atlantic City 3
Preseason Week 4
PLAYER OF THE GAME – QB Amos Bradford
With most of the offensive starters getting a week off (including fellow quarterbacks Rico Firth and Todd Nelson), Bradford and Kent Kampman were given a chance to show what they could do. Kampman played the first 3 quarters and played OK (11/21, 141 yards) but it was Bradford who gave a glimpse into what he may provide in the future. The final stats for Bradford were average (9/18 for 84 yards) but it was the second to last drive that had fans in ACI excited. Trailing 9-3 with 6:39 left in the game, ACI started with the ball on their own 3 yard line. Bradford then completed 5 straight passes (around a scramble for 4 yards) to put the Phantoms in great shape at the Fargo 28 yard line with 2 minutes left. Unfortunately, four incompletions (including a drop on 4th down) ended the drive. In a few years this kid could be something special.
MISSING IN ACTION – Running Game
While not a total surprise when you rest your #1 and #2 running backs, the running game was non-existent. Newly signed Byron Hutton showed some ability outside the tackles but finished with 26 yards on 13 carries. Rookie Justin Hoover did a bit better with 5 carries for 30 yards but will be remembered for his drop of the 4th down pass late in the game. Chants of “We Want J.R.” could be heard in the stadium throughout the game.
WHAT IF . . .
It is preseason. Still no what ifs yet…
IF YOU MISSED IT
• For the first time this year, injuries hit ACI. TE Brock Bauer broke his arm and is out 8 weeks. There is a good chance he will go on IR as he was the 4th TE on the depth chart. Also getting injured was veteran Johnnie Kelly with a broken jaw. He is listed as out 6 weeks but may also be a candidate for IR or release when he gets healthy as his ratings have plummeted this offseason.
• OLB Winfred Henry was given his shot at the pass rushing outside linebacker spot this week and was not very effective with 1 hurry. However, he wasn’t the only ineffective pass rusher as ACI had only one sack on the day.
• On a day when the rookie offensive linemen were given more playing time, ACI allowed only 2 sacks. Interestingly enough, they were allowed by two starters – K.C. Norton and Gabe Burdick – and not the rookies.
BY THE NUMBERS
9 - Passes thrown to rookie WR Donald Kruger. He only caught 3 of them but this shows how important he will be to the offense.
125- Rushing yards allowed – first opponent over 100 yards
0 - Interceptions thrown by ACI. A very good thing when you play your young QB’s
UP NEXT
@ Boise
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