For the majority of the first half of the 2026 UFL season, the Orlando Storm built momentum towards the top of the UFL standings. Heading into Week 5, the Storm were the last undefeated team in the UFL this season, but despite their 4-0 record, they had some efficiency issues they had to overcome to win week in and week out. While winning tends to cover up those issues, the Storm found themselves being hit hard by the Saint Louis Battlehawks in the first half of their Week 5 matchup. Those Orlando Storm problems included inconsistent pass protection, poor efficiency on 3rd down, and a bad habit of failing to finish drives with touchdowns in the red zone. However, those issues gave the Battlehawks a 25-0 lead before the Storm made adjustments, enabling them to mount a comeback. What the Orlando Storm should have learned is that they cannot afford a slow start against a good team, because their offense is built on a ground-and-pound mentality that does not lend itself to mounting a double-digit comeback. This week, the Orlando Storm need to bounce back and get back on a winning track to start the second half of the 2026 season, which means they need to solve their efficiency problems.
Cure the First-Half Blues on Offense
During the first 5 weeks of the 2026 UFL season, the Storm struggled to get into a rhythm on offense in the first half. Most weeks, their slow starts were offset by opponents' inefficiency, giving Orlando a larger margin of error. However, this approach hurt the Storm against the Battlehawks, as multiple mistakes forced Orlando to change its game plan. The result was a Storm offense that had balanced its passing and running games but became one-dimensional. Forced to go pass-heavy, the offensive line's protection issues were exposed. Storm quarterback Jack Plummer faced much more pressure than normal. This pressure forced Plummer to check down or run, removing the Storm's big-play potential.
Solve Offensive Struggles on 3rd Down
A part of the Storm's slow starts in the first half is directly related to Orlando's inefficiency on 3rd down. For an offense built on a balanced attack, efficiency is critical to sustainable success. In Week 5, the Storm converted only 3 of 14 3rd-down attempts, which made it impossible to extend drives and put the Orlando Storm defense back on the field. To address 3rd-down issues, the Storm should focus on winning 1st down by either running the ball or using short passes to targets like Chris Rowland. This keeps them ahead of the chains, allowing the run on manageable 3rd downs. Avoiding 3rd-and-long gives the offense more options, making it easier for the line to protect Jack Plummer, since the defense must honor both run and pass threats.
Improve Red-Zone Efficiency
Another issue that set the Storm up for failure in Week 5 was their inefficiency in the red zone. That inefficiency included three red-zone turnovers that not only gave the ball back to the Battlehawks but also left points on the field for Orlando. In the second half, the Storm mounted a big enough surge to make the game competitive in the 4th quarter, which magnified the Storm's red-zone failures. To get back to winning games, the Storm need to be able to finish every drive with points, especially when they reach the red zone. Earlier this season, the Storm benefited from opponents turning the ball over, but when they also turn it over, Orlando's advantages are negated. To get back to winning football games, the Storm must play aggressively enough to get to the red zone, but they must finish those drives with points. Ideally, Orlando will finish those drives with touchdowns; however, that is not always possible. The Storm must still get some points on those drives into the red zone.
Protect Quarterback Jack Plummer in the Pocket
It is not a surprise that Storm quarterback Jack Plummer is far more efficient with a clean pocket. He thrives on timing and rhythm, especially with solid pass protection and play-action to open targets downfield. When the Storm falls behind, they must abandon the running game. This forces Plummer into clear passing situations, inviting blitzes and pressure schemes from defenses. That does not play to Plummer's strengths as a rhythm passer and limits his ability to keep the offense moving. For Orlando to succeed offensively, they must lean on the run and create explosive plays through play-action. While Plummer is mainly a pocket passer, he is forced to scramble when his line can't handle opposing pressure. This week, the Storm should emphasize a balanced attack against a Birmingham Stallions front seven vulnerable to a strong run game.
For more football content, check out Football Scientific
Follow me on X: @AaronSauter7