In the midst of a historic night that saw the Fleet take on the San Antonio Commanders in the AAF’s first-ever week of football, there seems to already be debate in San Diego: who
While it’s typical to not jump to conclusions after only one game, the Fleet wasted little time announcing week 1 backup Philip Nelson the starter heading into the home opener against the Atlanta Legends next Saturday after Bercovici ended the night 15-25 for 176 yards and 2 INT’s.
After losing quarterback Josh Johnson to the NFL before the season started, the Fleet were left scrambling to find their starter going into the season. The Fleet ultimately gave the week 1 nod to former Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici, who spent some time with the San Diego Chargers in 2016-17.
While neither quarterback’s final stat line on Saturday was impressive, it’s worth note that the Fleet’s offensive line didn’t do either quarterback any favors. Bercovici was sacked 6 times (including this vicious hit 5 minutes into the game).
But is a decision to already change quarterbacks the right call or did the team jump the gun too quickly? Comment below what you think!
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| Taken by San Antonio Express News |
Philip Nelson:
Nelson took over for Bercovici in the 4th quarter and helped lead the team into the red zone after a great 30-yard strike to WR Brian Brown. But on the very next play, Nelson tried lobbing the ball to Nelson Spruce in the corner of the end zone and was easily intercepted by the Commanders’ Zack Sanchez.
Nelson’s final passing statline was similar to Bercovici, finishing 5-10 for 68 yards and an INT. However, Nelson was perhaps most effective with his legs, rushing for 20 yards (second most on the team just behind RB Ja’Quan Gardner) on just three attempts. He also gave the team a much-needed jolt late in the game before throwing the late interception.
An up-and-down college career, which included being kicked off the Rutgers football team following assault charges, Nelson briefly played in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Following the end of the game, Coach Martz stated, "Mike's just not ready,” he said. “Mike is going to be a really good player. Mike has not been in this system. Phil has."
Mike Bercovici:
It wasn’t a good birthday for Mike Bercovici. On the day Bercovici turned 26, the former Arizona State quarterback didn’t manage to get the team in the end zone and was benched in the 4th quarter.
The good: Maybe my favorite throw of the night was in the second quarter when Bercovici scrambled to his right and while on the run, lobbed a great pass over the defender to TE Gavin Escobar for 25 yards.
The bad: Shortly before one of his best throws of the night, Bercovici threw a terrible interception into double coverage that helped set up a Commander’s field goal. On 3rd and 20, Bercovici tried going deep to Francis Owusu, but it was easily picked off in the end zone and returned all the way to the Fleet 30 yard line.
Verdict:
As underwhelming of a performance as it was, Bercovici was constantly under pressure and never had much of a chance to get comfortable in the pocket. Both of his interceptions were not excusable, but the same can easily be said for the bad end zone interception Nelson threw late in the game also.
While I appreciate Martz trying to give the team a spark heading into week 2, making a change at quarterback after only one game could potentially have bad drawbacks. Not only does it put more pressure on the team that one bad performance could have them benched, but what happens if Nelson gets injured or struggles next week against Atlanta? Flip-flopping between quarterbacks is not good for either player and does little to ensure confidence moving forward.
Let’s hope the quick trigger finger from Martz pays off next week against an Atlanta team that got blown out 40-6 in week 1 against the Apollos.
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