ATLANTA IS STEAMING TOWARD PLAYOFF RUN, BEATING AUSTIN 67-31

In one of the highest scoring and entertaining games of the season, the narrative that Austin is a contender and Atlanta is amongst the elite, was solidified. However, calling Austin a contender should be done so with an asterisk, why? Simply because to be a contender, you need to play defense alongside your electrifying offense.

Austin and Atlanta racked up a combined total of 98 points and nearly 600 yards of offense.

Head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Olvera has done one of the best turnaround jobs in the league, inheriting a team in chaos with new clear identity. Entering the Atlanta game, the identity is set for this Texas offensive machine, that of being an offensive passing team that hopes to outscore you.

For Atlanta, they look more poised in 2017 than ever before to finally dethrone the Chicago Bliss in the Eastern Conference, why? Because they are finally a truly balanced offensive attack. On this night, accruing 180 yards rushing and 145 yards passing. Jesse Locklear seems to have emerged as the No.1 running back and Dakota Hughes continues to impress, throwing for 4 touchdown passes against Austin.

Hughes is often regarded as a Top 3 quarterback in the LFL, however, Austin’s Teshay Winfrey is starting to make a good case to be considered amongst the league’s elite signal-callers. Winfrey completed 13 of 21 for over 200 yards and also threw for 4 touchdowns.

Austin now has to figure a defensive scheme and personnel package that can provide them an opportunity to win. Perhaps building around safety Kendria Robinson, who has instantly stood out as potentially a dominant defender.

On this night, despite the final score, Austin had multiple opportunities to perhaps not win the game but make it far more competitive. However, the Acoustic just make the crucial mistake or sustain an injury at the most inopportune time. Now matter what happens over Austin’s final two games of 2017, having a full off-season under coach Olvera and getting healthy, will make this roster an immediate threat to Seattle and Los Angeles in the Western Conference.

The season does not get easier for Austin, next the Acoustic heads home to Texas to battle the powerhouse Los Angeles Temptation on June 24.

Atlanta next host the Los Angeles Temptation in a potential meaningless game for Atlanta on August 5, as the Steam have all but locked up the No.2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Keys to Austin improvement: Get more aggressive on defense and get back to the basics of tackling.

Keys to Atlanta improvement: Continue the growth of balance on the offensive side of the ball. Develop more of an attacking defensive scheme to take advantage of the athletic personnel on the defensive side of the ball.

The post ATLANTA IS STEAMING TOWARD PLAYOFF RUN, BEATING AUSTIN 67-31 appeared first on LFL360.