Game Report: Atlantic City 30, Boise 6
Preseason Week 5
PLAYER OF THE GAME – TE Myron Learned
While most of the focus was on the Nelson – Firth battle for the starting QB spot (more details on that below), it was Learned who stole the show. In the first half, Learned caught 7 passes for 99 yards and 1 touchdown. He didn’t have any catches in the second half as the offense switched to a run the clock mode with a 23-3 lead. Is this a sign that Learned is ready to take the next step in his career? With the ACI two tight end offense, there should be plenty of opportunities.
MISSING IN ACTION – Running Game
Once again, the running game gets the nod here. And once again, J.R. Brustkern sat out the game so take this with a grain of salt. Byron Hutton (19/54) and Justin Hoover (20/51) got the bulk of the carries and didn’t do a very good job in the second half as the Phantoms tried to run the clock down. The most interesting aspect of the running game was that Harvey Engelke didn't get any carries at all. He will likely be looking for a new team very shortly.
WHAT IF . . .
It is preseason. Still no what ifs yet…
IF YOU MISSED IT
• The QB battle seems to have been decided after the final preseason game. Nelson was 11/20 for 199 yards with 2 TD / 1 INT in the first half. Firth played the second half and was 4/9 for 82 yards with 1 TD / 2 INT. The game plan was a bit different in the second half for Firth but Nelson has been the better player during preseason. That being said, there will a short leash if Nelson doesn’t perform well in the first few weeks of the regular season.
• Another battle that was closely watched in preseason was at WLB. Three players were battling for two spots, although the outcome was never truly in doubt. Percy Cooperstein was the incumbent and did nothing to say that he wasn’t the best option of the three (although he is not close to what the team would like to have as the starter). Winfred Henry cost the team a 5th round pick next year so he was likely the backup unless he showed nothing in preseason. In the final game, he was the best pass rusher with 1 sack, 1 hurry and 2 knockdowns. The odd man out is Dustin Bruce, who was inactive for the last two games.
BY THE NUMBERS
6 - ACI sacks
82- Rushing yards allowed
2 - Interceptions by ACI – their first of the preseason
UP NEXT
@ Hartford