Former Chiefs quarterback Aaron Murray gets his shot in the AAF
By Kody Latham
Former Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Aaron Murray was able to lead the Atlanta Legends to their first win on the season in his first game in the Alliance Of American Football League
Week 4 was an exciting one for the Alliance of American Football. There were only two teams that had yet to tally a win this season and both were able to accomplish that feat this week.
The Memphis Express was the first of the two teams to get into the win column. Last week former second-round pick, Christian Hackenberg threw two interceptions in the first half against the Orlando Apollos and Memphis coach Mike Singletary decided to pull the plug on Hackenberg after his poor performance.
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Zach Mettenberger, the former starter for the Tennessee Titans, took over to start the second half and by his third pass turned into a 30-yard touch down to former Kansas City Chiefs wideout Devin Lucien. Hackenberg who had been the starter since Week 1 had failed to throw a touchdown pass yet this season. Mettenberger came into this week and continued to build off of last weeks performance finishing their first win 18-25, 174 yards, and one touchdown.
As well as Mettenberger played, we are here to learn about former Chiefs. Let’s check in on a few familiar faces including a drafted quarterback that didn’t pan out.
Aaron Murray, QB, Atlanta Legends
The Legends have been a mess since Week 1 due to sudden departures of their former head coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Michael Vick. Atlanta may have finally figured it out as they were able to get their first win. In the first quarter, this past Sunday Matt Simms was sandwiched between three Arizona Hotshot defenders. Simms was unable to continue playing, so former Chiefs backup Aaron Murray was called up.
Murray had yet even to attempt a pass this season when he entered the game, but that didn’t stop him from leading the Legends on a four-minute drive to kick the go-ahead field goal and win the game. He finished the game with 20 completions on 33 attempts for 254 passing yards.
While he didn’t throw any touchdowns in his first real action since his days playing for Georgia, he was able to avoid turning the ball over while completing 60 percent of his passes. Murray’s first game back was not perfect, but he has a lot to build on heading into the halfway point of the season if Simms is unable to play going forward.
Montori Hughes, DL, Memphis Express
While quarterbacks are the main focus for fans, the trenches often play a huge role in whether or not a team will secure a win. Montori Hughes was one of the best players in this facet of the game this week as he finished with an 88.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Hughes was also placed on PFF’s team of the week, continuing the streak of Chiefs players to make the list to four. Hughes was signed by Kansas City in 2017 but did not make the final 53 man roster that season.
Earl Okine, DE, Orlando Apollos
Earl Okine has spent time in a lot of different football leagues. He started with NFL when the Houston Texans signed him in 2013. Okine was cut before the start of the 2013 season, and that’s where he began to bounce around just about every football league available.
From Houston Okine went to the Candian Football League, the Arena Football Leauge, the Fall Experimental League, the NFL, and finally landed with the AAF where he now plays for the Orlando Apollos.
Okine has made an impact all season as well, posting a sack this week to go along with four total tackles. Okine is currently tied for the most sacks on the team with three, on top of having the third most tackles on the team with 13.