Game Report: Arizona 6, Atlantic City 34
Preseason Week 2


PLAYER OF THE GAME – QB Rico Firth

Every season, the Phantoms bring in a QB to unseat Firth as the starter. This year is no exception with Howie Boyd and Monty Lynch (acquired via trade just hours before this game) providing the competition. Boyd got the start this week but it was Firth who excelled in his 3 quarters of work as he was 14/16 for 157 yards with 1 TD pass and a 128.4 QB rating.


MISSING IN ACTION – TE Carlos Polhemus

At first glance, it would appear the Polhemus was a bust in the first preseason game as he had no catches or targets. However, he was a bit dinged up early in the game (strained rotator cuff) and only played a few snaps. He will likely be inactive for the next two games but should be ready for the last preseason game.


WHAT IF . . .

It is preseason so no what ifs yet.


If YOU MISSED IT

• RB Mark Picchietti was brought in to be the backup for J.R. Brustkern and actually outperformed him vs Arizona (74 yards vs 69 yards). Brustkern is still the franchise back but it is nice to see Picchietti provide some quality depth.

• There were some anxious moments in this game as not only did Polhemus have an injury but center Roosevelt Shepard went down as well. Shepard suffered a strained calf muscle but should be ok for the regular season.

• While Firth was winning player of the game honors, Boyd had a nice outing going 4/6 for 57 yards with a touchdown pass and a 136.8 rating. Add Lynch to the mix this week and what was a questionable position may become a strength.

• When Shepard went down, backup Clyde Gonzalez was called into action and he had a very good game with 3 key run blocks.


BY THE NUMBERS

7 - Catches by Myron Learned, who really likes the two TE offense
77- Rushing yards allowed
5 – Turnovers forced which led to a +4 day for ACI

UP NEXT
Santa Cruz

_________________