AAF Week 2 Review: Several former Steelers among the standout performers once again

The second week of viewing figures for the new Alliance of American Football might not turn out to be quite as impressive as they were for opening weekend, but those who failed to tune in would have missed out on a better standard of play in Week 2. While turnovers and penalty numbers were still higher than the league would like, it would be fair to say that most teams looked more cohesive in only their second ever game together.

Three teams remain undefeated in the Arizona Hotshots, Birmingham Iron and Orlando Hotshots, while the Atlanta Legends, Memphis Express and Salt Lake Stallions are all still looking for their first win.

Week 2 results:

Orlando Apollos 37 @ San Antonio Commanders 29

San Diego Fleet 24 vs. Atlanta Legends 12

Birmingham Iron 12 vs. Salt Lake City Stallions 9

Arizona Hotshots 20 @ Memphis Express 18

For the second week in a row, several former Pittsburgh Steelers players were among the standout performers, while another was forced from the field on a cart after suffering a leg injury. Safety Jacob Hagen spent time with the Steelers in 2016 and 2017 during training camp and was a member of the practice squad each year, but may have seen his debut season with the Iron end prematurely on Saturday after being hurt on a fake punt in the game against the Stallions.

Allowing just one reception from the five pass thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus, cornerback Jamar Summer was another former member of the Black and Gold who once again stood out for Birmingham. As did defensive tackle Casey Sayles who recorded a tackle for a loss and two quarterback hits. Sayles was in camp with the Steelers last year.

Pro Football Focus

Having failed to feature on the stat sheet in Week 1, Demarcus Ayers led the Commanders in receptions and yards on Sunday with 5 catches for 80-yards, a performance that included a notable one-handed over the shoulder catch in the first quarter. Ayers was drafted by Pittsburgh in the seventh-round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Former Steelers linebacker Steven Johnson led the Hotshots in tackles for the second week in a row, recording six solo stops including four for a loss. He was also responsible for a forced fumble coming from a big hit on a scrambling quarterback.

Only three running backs in the league carried the ball more times than the 14 carries Terrell Watson saw in Week 2, and the former Pittsburgh team member from 2017 recorded 49-yards on the ground for the Fleet against the Legends.

Highlights:

Orlando Apollos 37 @ San Antonio Commanders 29

San Diego Fleet 24 vs. Atlanta Legends 12

Birmingham Iron 12 vs. Salt Lake City Stallions 9

Arizona Hotshots 20 @ Memphis Express 18