Game Report: Atlantic City 22, New Orleans 0
Week 4
PLAYER OF THE GAME – NT Darren Richardson
The story entering the game was the benching of QB Todd Nelson and Rico Firth taking back the reigns of the offense after an 0-3 start. Versus New Orleans, the defense made sure that it didn’t matter who was running the offense as they thoroughly shut down the Raging Horde. Leading the attack was Richardson, who recorded 4.5 sacks. Oh, and he also knocked down 3 passes. More on the once in a lifetime defensive performance below.
MISSING IN ACTION – Third Down Conversions
Third down conversions still seems to be the Achilles heel of the offense even with the QB switch. The Phantoms were 2/13 on third down, which led to five field goals by Dixon Finch.
WHAT IF . . .
The Atlantic City front office computer hadn’t crashed shortly before kickoff? Would they have messed this game up? For better or worse, the computer is working and that Beyer character is back in control.
IF YOU MISSED IT
• QB Rico Firth was 14/22 for 164 yards. He threw 1 TD with 0 interceptions for a rating of 101.3. THAT is what the offense needs from the signal caller.
• An overlooked aspect of a great defensive performance is the work of the punter. Jermaine Holmes had an incredible game vs. New Orleans. His average was 49.0 with a net average of 48.2. Throw in a 63 yard punt and FIVE kicks inside the 20 and you have what has to be one of the best single game punting performances in league history.
• RB J.R. Brustkern has yet to break 100 yards rushing but his last three games have been very consistent: 91, 99 and 95 yards.
BY THE NUMBERS
47 – Total yards allowed (league record). The second best mark is 90, by the Tucson Toros in 2031. Wow!
9 - ACI sacks. Five different players recorded sacks.
4.5- Sacks by Richardson, which is the tied for third all time.
UP NEXT
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