The Columbus Aviators will take on the reigning champs, the DC Defenders, in their first-ever home game. Both teams are coming off a 1-score loss on the road. In a 10-game season, it is imperative for both teams to avoid a 0-2 start.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Friday, April 3 / Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM PT
Channel: FOX
Theme Night: 614 Kickoff feat. Gavin DeGraw Halftime | T-Shirt Giveaway
First 5,000 fans receive an Aviators inaugural season t-shirt (citywide “Aviators Blue Out”)
Odds:
Spread: Columbus +2.5 (-110), DC -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Columbus +114, DC -135
Over/Under: 40.5 (Over -105, Under -115)
Columbus Aviators (0-1):
In their season debut, the Aviators showed flashes of potential but fell 16-23 on the road to Orlando. Jalan McClendon looked solid in his first start, completing 21 of his 32 passes for 212 yards. Running back Zaquandre White had the lone touchdown. Now they come home to Historic Crew Stadium for the franchise’s first-ever home game under head coach Tedd Ginn Jr.
DC Defenders (0-1):
The defending UFL champions opened with a tough 10-16 road loss to St. Louis. Jordan Ta’amu was under heavy pressure all night, and the offense managed just 10 points. Shannon Harris still has the most stable roster in the league and plenty of returning talent on both sides of the ball, so expect the Defenders to come to Columbus hungry to prove they’re still the team to beat.
Aviators Keys to the Game
Faster Start Offensively
Week 1 saw the Aviators enter the 4th quarter trailing 6-23 on the scoreboard and 201 to 353 in yards. Columbus will need to get their offense going earlier this week.
Improvement in Pass Protection
Last week saw Columbus struggle to slow down Orlando’s edge rushers and this will need to improve moving forward.
Win the Special Teams Battle
Columbus started week 1 off with a fumble on the kickoff, putting them on their heels from the start. This week, Columbus should look to win the special teams game.
Get to Ta’amu
The DC Defenders struggled to keep Jordan Ta’amu well-protected in week 1’s loss. Columbus will want to prevent them from remedying this in week 2.
Aviators to Watch
81 WR Tay Martin
Martin was the most targeted receiver for Columbus as he caught 7 of his 8 targets for 86 yards.
4 RB Zaquandre White
White is listed as the starter this week after rushing 3 times for 48 yards and a touchdown last week.
71 C Matt Farniok
Farniok did not allow a pressure in pass protection throughout the game, by my tracking.
11 LB Fred Thompkins
Thompkins led the team in tackles last week with 10 and was in on 2 solo run stops and 4 shared run stops. 4 targets came his way in coverage, resulting in 3 completions for 17 yards and a pass breakup.
9 LB Cam Smith
Smith had 9 tackles in week 1 and was in on 3 shared run stops, by my tracking.
Defenders to Watch
10 QB Jordan Ta’amu
Ta’amu completed 9 of his 16 passes for 123 yards last week with 2 interceptions. His completion percentage was hampered by a pair of drops and a throwaway, but he will be looking to improve on the interceptions and lack of passing production last week.
25 RB Deon Jackson
Jackson rushed 17 times last week for 57 yards (3.4 average) and a touchdown.
19 WR Ty Scott
Scott was DC’s most targeted receiver as he caught 2 of his 7 targets for 35 yards. Seth Williams caught 3 of his 4 targets for 51 yards in week 1.
LB 23 Curtis Jacobs
Jacobs had 7 tackles last week, including 2 solo run stops, 3 shared run stops, and a solo stop against a passing play.
0 CB Gareon Conley
Conley had 1 tackle in week 1, which was a solo stop against the pass. 3 targets came his way in coverage (not counting screen plays), resulting in 0 completions with 1 pass breakup.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
I am predicting the Defenders to win 23-16. With Columbus looking like they are still finding themselves last week, I give the edge to the reigning champs.