Surprise, surprise! Orlando Apollos running back De’Veon Smith wins the award again after helping achieve a 34-31 victory over the Memphis Express. Smith had 10 carries for 27 yards (2.7 YPC), including a game-winning 1-yard touchdown run with 1:51 left in the contest.
HONORABLE MENTION
- Matt Godin, DL (San Antonio Commanders): Godin made 2 tackles in a 23-6 loss to the Arizona Hotshots.
- Ty Isaac, RB (Birmingham Iron): Isaac was a scratch.
- Denard Robinson, RB (Atlanta Legends): Robinson had 1 carry for 1 yard in a 17-9 loss to the Birmingham Iron.
- Channing Stribling, CB (Memphis Express): Stribling made 1 tackle in the 34-31 loss to the Apollos.
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Good to see Deveon doing well. I’m not surprised that he’s a decent back at this level. I AM surprised he’s outperforming Denard Robinson. Maybe it’ll be enough to get him another shot in the NFL.
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Not to bash Smith, but the numbers for him have not been great on a per carry basis, other than one or two games. He’s definitely still a grinder, even in the AAF. The vast majority of his scores have been from 1 to 3 yards out. In fact, off the top of my head, the longest TD run he’s had is from 7 yards. That being said, the run blocking in the AAF is not great in general, and nobody’s putting up great numbers on the ground. I expected one or two guys to emerge as playmakers from the backfield, but they’re all meh.
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Def a grinder, but we knew that. Historically, a lot of guys like that in the NFL too. I don’t know if he offers enough reliable blocking or pass-catching to make that worthwhile at the NFL level but at least his AAF play seems like a better foundation than sitting the bench.
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Yeah, Smith is not doing well – nor is the League
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Called it:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2019/04/02/aaf-alliance-american-football-league-suspends-operations/3342451002/
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