Orlando Holds on to Beat Columbus 23-16

In their home opener, the Orlando Storm debuted on the UFL stage with a 23-16 win over the visiting Columbus Aviators. The Storm got out to a big lead in the third quarter, but their offense stagnated in the fourth quarter as the Aviators’ offense got rolling, but Orlando was able to hold on for the win.

Head Coach Anthony Becht is a UFL veteran, but is in his first year with the new franchise in Orlando. His team dominated for three quarters, and quarterback Jack Plummer played well. Plummer was a surprise selection to be the starter, as many thought Dorian Thompson-Robinson would guide the Storm’s offense. Orlando was efficient offensively all day, with only two drives really stalling out. None of their drives gobbled up a large amount of time, but they did have four drives go for 60+ yards (one was 58 yards, but that is close enough).

Columbus ran hot and cold offensively all game. They stretched out two drives to double-digit plays and 7+ minutes of time chewed off the clock. One of these generated a touchdown, but the other ended on downs at the Orlando two yard line. If the Aviators were able to convert from that close, this game could have been incredibly different. Many were skeptical of Tedd Ginn Jr. as a head coach, but his offense had its moments, and the team looks like it has the start of something with quarterback Jalan McClendon leading the way.

Storm Put the Pressure on Early

Plummer and the Storm offense started strong, and he was surgical with his passing. He finished the game 17/22 for 240 yards and a touchdown. His 77% completion percentage is tops in the UFL so far, and as the season goes on, he will be a quarterback to watch. He showed escapability under pressure and was able to deliver strikes when needed.

Making Plummer’s life easier was star running back Jashaun Corbin. Corbin ran the ball 15 times for 66 yards and two touchdowns, he also caught both targets for seven yards. His 73 yards and two touchdowns were an explosive fantasy day, and he showed that he will maintain his role as the bell cow in Orlando. Throughout the game, backup Elijah Dotson saw work, but his inefficient 9 rushes for 30 yards won’t threaten Corbin’s bell cow role, but his three catches for 46 yards will certainly keep him on the field. He was an expert at making guys miss and turning nothing into something, as he had 46 yards after the catch. Scoop up Dotson and have him earmarked as a solid flex play.

Catch and run after the catch was a theme for the Storm offense, which could be a little concerning. 183 of their 240 receiving yards came as yards after the catch. Elijah Badger caught all four of his targets and turned them into 127 yards, but 90 of those came after the catch, and 79 of them came on one play. KJ Hamler and Chris Rowland were the top targets for Plummer through the air, with five and six targets, respectively. They each had 28 receiving yards though, and more than half of those were after the catch for both of them. Rowland also added one rush for 28 yards, and one of his four catches was for a touchdown. Hamler, Badger, and Rowland appear to be the top targets in the passing game and should all be rostered for fantasy purposes.

Aviators Struggle Early

McClendon struggled at times, but he found his stride later in the game as the Aviators moved into the hurry up offense. He finished with 212 yards through the air and 30 on the ground, and his 66% completion percentage helped Columbus find their stride in the fourth quarter.

Columbus did not have a ton of fantasy production out of their offense beyond McClendon. Running back Toa Taua did not have the amazing day many thought, but his ten carries for 30 yards, and two catches for 12 yards were okay, but did not rise to his lofty draft stock. At first glance, Zaquandre White outperformed Taua, but his day was largely because of one 42 yard rush and a three-yard touchdown rush in the fourth qurter. He had a respectable day, with three carries for 48 yards and two catches for eight yards. White may get more work on early downs, but Taua should still see a chunk of the goalline work.

The Aviators’ receiving corps was supposed to be sparked by Keke Chism, but he did not rise to the occasion in Week One. He was targeted five times, but only brought in two of them for 14 yards. Tay Martin was explosive for Columbus, and his eight targets paced the Aviators’ aerial attack. He brought in seven of those for 86 yards, and he should be targeted in all leagues as it looks like he will be the lead receiver.

No one else in Columbus stepped up in a big way, but it will be interesting to see if anyone can step up in Week Two. Avoid the rest of the Aviators’ pass catchers outside of Chism and Martin until they step up.

What’s Next

Columbus heads home to host the DC Defenders as both teams are seeking their first win. Head Coach Ted Ginn should spend time finding out how to unleash the dynamic and electric McClendon through the air and on the ground. He has shown flashes of brilliance before, but with Chism, Martin, and a solid running game, he should be able to grow this season.

Orlando stays home in Week Two for a showdown with the Louisville Kings, and it remains to be seen if Plummer’s Week One performance was an anomaly or if he is that good. Head Coach Anthony Becht has the chops to keep this offense on track and turn Plummer into a spring football success story. He has to find a way for Plummer to push the ball downfield more and take advantage of his escapability.