On Friday night, the Memphis Showboats were victorious on the road against the San Antonio Brahmas in a thrilling 24-22 overtime battle.
Friday’s night’s victory was the Showboats second victory this season, the team’s second road win, and their second overtime game. Perhaps we’re seeing a pattern emerge. Nonetheless, here are five takeaway’s from Friday’s thrilling game.
The Defense Put It All Together
In a season where Memphis sacks and takeaways have been scarce, DC Jarren Horton’s defense played brilliantly on Friday night. The Showboats defense came up with three interceptions, including a pick-six off Kevin Hogan and two sacks. DeVere Levelston and Dillon Faamatau recorded the sacks.
Cornerback Cameron Dantzler got the stunning 43-yard pick-six early in the game to open the scoring for Memphis. Josiah Bronson and Andrew Dowell snatched the other two interceptions off Hogan. The late season acquisition of Dowell has been a revelation for the Showboats. Appearing in only four games, Dowell, the former UFDA Michigan State product, has the fifth highest number of tackles with 30, a sack, and a forced forced fumble this season in addition to the interception.
Steele Chambers continues to lead the team with 64 total tackles this season (37 solo) and safety Eli Walker is second with 47 total (37 solo). While we have seen a steady improvement throughout the season, the Showboats defense put it all together on Friday night in a tremendous show of force, looking like one of the better defenses in the league.
Troy Williams Inconsistent At Quarterback
When interim head coach Jim Turner opted to start quarterback Troy Williams this week, OC Noel Mazzone designed a game plan that relied on Williams’ rushing ability. He contributed six carries for 29 yards and two of his runs equalled 20 of the 29 yards. However, with a talented receiving unit at his disposal, Williams passing game was lacking. He finished the night completing 5 of 11 passing for 36 yards.
In overtime, Williams made two clutch throws in overtime to Daewood Davis and Kai Locksley. Although he had the opportunity to close out strong with a game winning throw, instead the pass got picked off by Jordan Moseley. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Williams make poor decisions in game-ending scenarios. Williams’ comfort level in the pocket is suspect. He is guilty of holding onto the ball for too long. On Friday night, looking indecisive, Williams became vulnerable to the Brahmas defense, succumbing to sacks by Isiah Suggs and Jacob Sykes.
The Quarterback Carousel Continues
Coach Turner wanted to ensure that each of his three quarterbacks have an equal opportunity to prove themselves as starters. However, out of the three rostered Memphis quarterbacks, UFL rookie Dresser Winn provides the team with the most complete skill set. Winn should be named the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.
Although both Williams and Perry have more rushing yardage, Winn has been just as effective scoring on the ground as the other two with fewer opportunities. His passing game has been superior to Perry and Williams and he gives the Showboats the best opportunity to close out the season with a show of strength. Completing 61.2% of his passes for 638 yards with three touchdowns, Winn tops Perry’s output of 509 yards with two touchdowns in five games, and Williams’ total of 216 yards passing.
In addition, Winn has been successful on the ground, rushing for another 38 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries. Perry has 17 carries in five games for 74 yards with one touchdown. Williams has 68 yards with one touchdown in 11 carries.
Jalen Jackson Led the Memphis Ground Game
Getting the start on Friday night in place of the injured Wes Hills, Jalen Jackson made the most of his opportunity. Jackson led Memphis with 76 rushing yards on 7 carries with one touchdown. In a two play scoring drive, it was all Jackson. He delivered an electrifying 54-yard gain that set up his 12-yard touchdown run the very next play.
Running back Deneric Prince contributed 45 rushing yards on 12 carries. The Showboats ground game accounted for a season high total of 160 yards on 26 carries with one touchdown. Mazzone’s offense appears to be moving in the right direction and the Showboats should capitalize on this going forward.
Showboats Talented Receiving Corps.
Former All-UFL Team wide receiver Daewood Davis made a critical catch to score the first points in overtime. With Williams’ passing game almost non-existent, Jonathan Adams emerged as the team leader with two catches for 11 yards. The league leader in receiving with 418 yards on 32 catches, Adams was targeted only three times. With an offensive weapon like Adams in the receiving unit, the Showboats’ game plan needs to take advantage of his talent and capitalize.
Next week, the 2-6 Memphis Showboats return home to host the Arlington Renegades on Saturday, May 24, at 11:00 a.m CDT at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
