Game Report: Atlantic City 7, Hartford 37
Week 1

PLAYER OF THE GAME – P Jermaine Holmes
A Punter was the player of the game. What does that tell you? Holmes had 8 punts with an average of 46.3 yards and net of 42.5. It is only one game but those are all pro stats. More importantly, Holmes was able to keep the field position battle in ACI’s favor (at least for the first half until the wheels fell off).


MISSING IN ACTION – Passing Game
Todd Nelson beat out Rico Firth for the quarterback spot fair and square in the preseason. In week 1, Nelson gave a glimpse of why he has not been a starter in the league. Maybe it is the pressure of being a starter but Nelson had a horrible day with FOUR interceptions. To make matters worse, all four were thrown inside the ACI 30 which means led to short drives for Hartford. Firth replaced Nelson late in the game but early word from the coaches is that Nelson will get one more shot in week 2.


WHAT IF . . .
The halftime score was 10-7 as the ACI defense was doing a great job holding down the potent Hartford offense. In fact, Hartford was forced to punt on their first five drives. It wasn’t until the turnovers in the second half (previously mentioned Nelson INT’s and rookie Justin Hoover’s punt return fumble that was returned for a touchdown) that the game got out of control.


IF YOU MISSED IT
• RB J.R. Brustkern had 12 carries for the day. If that trend continues this is going to be a long season.
• Another example of how scores can be deceiving – total yards were Hartford 311 and ACI 299.
• TE is becoming a bit of a concern in Atlantic City. Brock Bauer was already placed on IR with a broken arm and now Cory Eubanks sprained his ankle in week 1. Eubanks should be OK in a week or two but in an offense where the TE is an important piece, injuries can’t start piling up.


BY THE NUMBERS
6 - ACI turnovers. You can’t win turning the ball over.
105 - Hartford RB Tarzan Hernandez rushing yards.
1 - Red Zone visits for ACI
1- Red Zone touchdowns for ACI


UP NEXT
@ Seattle

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