Game Report: Albany 20, Atlantic City 28
Week 8


PLAYER OF THE GAME – DT Darren Richardson

Richardson returned a blocked field goal 65 yards for a touchdown when it appeared that Atlantic City was about to go down 16-7 at the end of the third quarter. Instead, the Phantoms grabbed some momentum and were able to pulled out a game they had no business winning.


MISSING IN ACTION – Rush Defense

For the second straight game, the Phantoms gave up a 100 yard rusher as Crow RB Mickey Mutzel ran for 150 yards on 29 carries.


WHAT IF . . .

There were many reasons why Atlantic City should have lost this game. We have already talked about the blocked field goal return for a touchdown. Another big play was an Albany fumble late in the 4th quarter that sealed the win. The way the Atlantic City defense was playing, who knows what would have happened if Albany didn’t fumble.

Albany: Strong formation, strength is left. The defense is in a 34 with nickel personnel and 2-deep man-to-man coverage, expecting the run.
1-10-ALB24 (4Q: 03:10) Mickey Mutzel ran outside the right tackle for 0 yards. Tackled by DE Edgar Hayes, assisted by ILB Dominic Castillo. The ball was fumbled and recovered by ACI CB Carlton Hucke to the ALB24.



IF YOU MISSED IT

• Atlantic City has three blocked field goals this year

• Brustkern had a poor rushing game but did score three touchdowns (1 on the ground and 2 via the air)

• With RT Carlos Urbanchek out with a groin injury, the Atlantic City offensive line struggled.


BY THE NUMBERS
183 – Rushing yards allowed by the Phantoms defense.
227 – Total yards by Atlantic City
1- Receptions by TE Carlos Polhemus (not nearly good enough)


UP NEXT
Brooklyn (3-4)

_________________

I feel really good about this loss. Stats say we should have won, but things don't often fall that way. Very solid work by the defense for us and happy with no INTs thrown by Whiting. We look like the NFC East in the Great Lakes with no one deserving a playoff spot.