Folks, we made it. Pro football is finally here ... again!

Week 1 of the inaugural Alliance of American Football regular season is halfway over as the San Diego Fleet traveled to the San Antonio Commanders, while the Atlanta Legends went to Orlando to take on the Apollos. By the end of the night, there were two dramatically different results. San Antonio needed a strong defensive effort to outlast the Fleet while the Apollos didn't leave any doubt in handling the Legends.

There will also be two more games on Sunday with Arizona, Birmingham, Memphis and Salt Lake City all squaring off (Here's how to watch all of this weekend's games). What should fans expect? It's hard to say, specifically, as there's simply no history from which to derive any kind of expectations, but hopefully, we'll see some good football.

CBS Sports was with you the entire evening as the first two AAF games played out. Here's what went down on Saturday night ...

Scores

Orlando Apollos 40, Atlanta Legends 6

San Antonio Commanders 15, San Diego Fleet 6.

Check these out ...

Terence Garvin should get a call back up to the NFL soon

Orlando Apollos linebacker Terence Garvin was a journeyman in the NFL, but he's already making waves in the AAF. Even though the Apollos 40-6 victory was an offensive display, it was probably Garvin who came away as the most impressive player of the game. He had 10 tackles on the evening, including some in the backfield for negative plays, plus a pair of interceptions, one of which he returned to the house for a touchdown. You don't want to start teasing fate after one game -- Atlanta looks like it has a lot to sort out -- but Garvin did a little bit of everything. He was disruptive, played well in coverage and was all over the field.

San Antonio's defense shines in low-scoring game

You're not going to believe this, but there was yet another interception in the San Diego-San Antonio game. However, the biggest one of the night came courtesy of Commanders defensive back Zack Sanchez, who showed great technique in this game-sealing pick. That helped the Commanders get a 15-6 win in the opener. While it might not have been the offensive showcase many around the AAF thought San Antonio would put on display, it was a good win nonetheless and should give Mike Riley's team confidence in its defense moving forward.

The biggest interception in @aafcommanders history!



What a play by Zack Sanchez! pic.twitter.com/h0OYbyOtPk — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 10, 2019

Commanders, Fleet feasting off of turnovers

San Antonio and San Diego haven't exactly been participating in a barn burner. Both defenses have played well and forced key takeaways, including interceptions by both teams in the red zone. However, perhaps the most impressive interception of the evening came courtesy of San Diego's Ryan Moeller, who picked off a pass without any gloves. San Antonio was holding on to a 12-6 lead at the time, but the Commanders weren't going away.

Ryan Moeller doesn't need gloves to make big plays for the @AAFFleet. pic.twitter.com/N4jgDauXDj — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 10, 2019

The Orlando Special is signature Spurrier

Of course Steve Spurrier ran the "Philly Special" against Atlanta. Of course he did. Except this time it was the Orlando Special. Either way, it worked. Garrett Gilbert handed the ball off to Akeem Hunt, who flipped it to Jalin Marshall, who then hit Gilbert in the end zone for a touchdown to go up 22-6 on the Legends. It's a fun-as-hell play, but the reality is the Apollos have not needed tricks to dominate Atlanta.

Orlando's first touchdown was a close one

The Apollos scored the first touchdown of the night (and for the AAF) when quarterback Garrett Gilbert connected with wide receiver Jalin Marshall on a strike over the middle of the field. Marshall, who was double-covered, came down with a tough catch, but Atlanta coach Kevin Coyle challenged the score. However, after further review, the officials determined that Marshall's elbow was down and he possessed the ball.

"We've got a score."



After some careful consideration, @aafAPOLLOS get the first touchdown in the history of @TheAAF. pic.twitter.com/dCTBYvCEMF — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 10, 2019

Younghoe Koo scores the first points of the AAF

There are two things you can say about Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo: 1) GREAT name. 2) He scored the first points, ever, for the AAF. Koo nailed a 38-yard attempt in the first quarter against the Orlando Apollos to give the Legends a 3-0 lead. The former Georgia Southern player spent one season with the Chargers in the NFL before joining the Legends.

Boom.



The first points in the history of @TheAAF belong to the @AafLegends. pic.twitter.com/SJAyWiU40v — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 10, 2019

Shaan Washington brings the boom

Who says the AAF is all about offense? Granted, defenses are pretty much prevented from bringing the house, but that doesn't mean they can't get to the quarterback. Check out San Antonio linebacker Shaan Washington absolutely obliterate San Diego quarterback Mike Bercovici on this sack-fumble. It's sort of astonishing that Washington had that clear of a path fo Bercovici. Either way, what a highlight, and what a start for the Commanders' defense.

Shaan Washington can BRING IT. pic.twitter.com/7VqYNk3DwD — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 10, 2019

Injury updates for Saturday's games

There is some injury news for Saturday's games before things get rolling. Commanders running back Trey Williams (foot) and cornerback Jordan Thomas (thigh) are out for Saturday's game. Fleet cornerback Curtis Mikell (ankle) is listed as doubtful.</s>The NFL is no longer the only professional football league for fans to enjoy. The Alliance of American Football begins its inaugural season Saturday night.

Founded by TV and film producer Charlie Ebersol and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Polian, the league will feature eight teams competing in a 12-week season that wraps up with a championship game the weekend of April 26-28.

“Led by some of the most respected football minds in the game, the Alliance of American Football is high-quality professional football fueled by a dynamic Alliance between players, fans and the game,” the AAF website says.

Nine players with to ties to the Seahawks can be found on the rosters: tackle Terry Poole, linebacker Eric Pinkins, quarterback B.J. Daniels, long snapper Tanner Carew, linebacker Jacob Pugh, linebacker Terence Garvin, center Patrick Lewis, defensive end Damontre Moore and cornerback Trovon Reed.

The first two games of the season will air Saturday on CBS, and two more Sunday on CBS Sports Network and NFL Network. Fans can stream the contests on the CBS All Access app and the AAF app.</s>It’s been only a few days since you last watched a football game — longer if you’re a Saints fan — but there’s no need to go through withdrawal symptoms.

From TV and movie producer Charlie Ebersol and Hall of Fame NFL executive Bill Polian comes a new pro league, the Alliance of American Football, an eight-team outfit making its debut this weekend.

You’ll be introduced to the Atlanta Legends, Birmingham Iron, Memphis Express and Orlando Apollos in the Eastern Conference. The Arizona Hotshots, Salt Lake Stallions, San Antonio Commanders and San Diego Fleet are in the Western Conference.

The Alliance’s inaugural season will run 12 weeks, with a championship game April 27 at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium on CBS.

But I can tell from the look on your face you have some questions about the AAF.

You’re darn right I do. For one thing, I’m confused. I thought the XFL was coming back.

It is. This isn’t it.

But you said Charlie Ebersol is behind this. That’s former NBC Sports boss Dick Ebersol’s son, and Dick developed the XFL with the WWE’s Vince McMahon 18 years ago, right?

Yeah, but this is a different league. The XFL is scheduled to return in 2020. The AAF is here now.

After Saturday’s AAF debut telecast on CBS, coach Mike Singletary’s Express play the Iron on cable’s CBS Sports Network with Ben Holden, Adam Archuleta and John Schriffen as announcers.

You know, I’ve been a Memphis Express fan my whole life. Anybody else of note involved in The Alliance besides the ’85 Bears’ Samurai Mike?

League leaders include Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward, Mike Pereira and Dean Blandino. Charlie’s dad, Dick, is on the board of directors.

Investors include the Chernin Group, which has stakes in Barstool Sports, The Athletic and The Action Network, among other ventures.

What about the players?

Not so well known, though you may spot a few whose names you know at least vaguely.

Well, Birmingham quarterback Scott Tolzien played at Fremd High School and Wisconsin en route to the NFL, where one of his postings included Green Bay as backup to Aaron Rodgers.

Is it going to be good football?

Who knows? But Charlie Ebersol, having learned a lesson from the original XFL, has stressed that he knows how important that is.

Will all the games be on CBS or CBS Sports Net?

No. NFL Network has a slate of AAF games, beginning Sunday night with Salt Lake at Arizona.

Turner Sports’ B/R Live streaming site also will have games, while TNT will have one regular-season telecast and one playoff game. Subscription radio service SiriusXM also will carry games.

And it kicks off this weekend, you say?

Not exactly. The Alliance doesn’t have kickoffs. Teams get the ball on their own 25 at the start of halves and after opponents score. There are no point-after kicks, either. Teams have to go for the two-point conversion.

There’s still some foot in this football, though, thanks to punts and field goals, just not in overtime.

No. Each team gets the ball once in overtime, first-and-goal at the 10. The other team gets a series to tie the other team or win. A lot of league rules, like reducing the play clock from the NFL’s 40 seconds to 35, are meant to speed up play.

They want to trim the length of a typical NFL game by about a half hour and get things wrapped up in about 2½ hours.

Cutting five seconds off the play clock and eliminating kickoffs does that?

There also are no TV timeouts.

Yeah, that’s pretty good. But you have to figure they’ll come up with different ways to get ads into the telecast.

The “no kickoff” thing takes onside kicks out of the mix, I guess.

Yes, but the AAF has what they call onside conversions.

If a team is behind by at least 17 points or the game is in the final five minutes, it can try to retain possession after a score by taking the ball at its own 29-yard line for a fourth-and-12 play.

Pick up the first down and keep going. Fail and give the opposing team great field position.

SkyJudge. In addition to replay reviews, one member of the officiating crew will be up in the press box and empowered to make the obvious calls the folks on the field miss.

Saints fans are going to want that in the NFL, like, a month ago.

No doubt they will, assuming they can be convinced to watch any kind of pro football ever again.

Mike Singletary hired as coach of the Memphis franchise in the Alliance league »

Bears Q&A: Will Ryan Pace be aggressive entering free agency? What are the chances Adrian Amos is re-signed? One position that could be a surprise for upgrades? »

Tracking the Bears' offseason: Matt Nagy named Coach of the Year and a new defensive staff arrives »</s>If your appetite for football is still not satisfied, there's hope: The inaugural Alliance of American Football regular season started Saturday. The San Antonio Commanders topped the San Diego Fleet 15-6, while the Orlando Apollos beat the Atlanta Legends 40-6.

There will also be two more games on Sunday with Arizona, Birmingham, Memphis and Salt Lake City all squaring off. Here's how to watch:

Salt Lake Stallions at Arizona Hotshots

Date: Sunday, Feb. 10 | Time: 8 p.m. ET

Location: Sun Devil Stadium -- Tempe, Arizona

TV: NFL Network | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)

The 10-week season is followed by a four-team playoff in April, with the two highest-seeded teams hosting the semifinal rounds. On April 27, the championship game will take place in Las Vegas.

Here are CBS Sports' highlights: from Saturday's games:

Terence Garvin should get a call back up to the NFL soon

Orlando Apollos linebacker Terence Garvin was a journeyman in the NFL, but he's already making waves in the AAF. Even though the Apollos 40-6 victory was an offensive display, it was probably Garvin who came away as the most impressive player of the game. He had 10 tackles on the evening, including some in the backfield for negative plays, plus a pair of interceptions, one of which he returned to the house for a touchdown. You don't want to start teasing fate after one game -- Atlanta looks like it has a lot to sort out -- but Garvin did a little bit of everything. He was disruptive, played well in coverage and was all over the field.

You're not going to believe this, but there was yet another interception in the San Diego-San Antonio game. However, the biggest one of the night came courtesy of Commanders defensive back Zack Sanchez, who showed great technique in this game-sealing pick. That helped the Commanders get a 15-6 win in the opener. While it might not have been the offensive showcase many around the AAF thought San Antonio would put on display, it was a good win nonetheless and should give Mike Riley's team confidence in its defense moving forward.

San Antonio and San Diego haven't exactly been participating in a barn burner. Both defenses have played well and forced key takeaways, including interceptions by both teams in the red zone. However, perhaps the most impressive interception of the evening came courtesy of San Diego's Ryan Moeller, who picked off a pass without any gloves. San Antonio holds on to a 12-6 lead, but at the rate these two are picking off passes, one might go back to the house.

Of course Steve Spurrier ran the "Philly Special" against Atlanta. Of course he did. Except this time it's probably the Orlando Special. Either way, it worked. Garrett Gilbert handed the ball off to Akeem Hunt, who flipped it to Jalin Marshall, who hit Gilbert in the end zone for a touchdown to go up 22-6 on the Legends. It's a fun-as-hell play, but the reality is the Apollos have not needed tricks to dominate Atlanta. If the Legends can't make some halftime adjustments, this one could get out of hand.

Younghoe Koo scores the first points of the AAF

There are two things you can say about Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo: 1) GREAT name. 2) He scored the first points, ever, for the AAF. Koo nailed a 38-yard attempt in the first quarter against the Orlando Apollos to give the Legends a 3-0 lead. The former Georgia Southern player spent one season with the Chargers in the NFL before joining the Legends.

Who says the AAF is all about offense? Granted, defenses are pretty much prevented from bringing the house, but that doesn't mean they can't get to the quarterback. Check out San Antonio linebacker Shaan Washington absolutely obliterate San Diego quarterback Mike Bercovici on this sack-fumble. It's sort of astonishing that Washington had that clear of a path fo Bercovici. Either way, what a highlight, and what a start for the Commanders' defense.</s>The Alliance of American Football is the latest attempt to feed the massive appetite for football in the spring.

The AAF kicks off Saturday with two games (both being televised by CBS) at 8 p.m. ET: Atlanta Legends at Orlando Apollos and San Diego Fleet at San Antonio Commanders.

In all, there are eight teams playing a 10-game regular-season schedule. The league championship game will be held on April 27, which also happens to be the final day of the 2019 NFL draft.

The new pro football league features a number of familiar names to NFL fans. Former NFL GM Bill Polian is the league's head of football. Former Pittsburgh Steelers players Troy Polamalu and Hines Ward are head of player relations and head of football development, respectively. Former NFL vice presidents of officiating Dean Blandino and Mike Pereira are officiating consultants. Charlie Ebersol, son of retired NBC Sports executive Dick Ebersol, is co-founder and CEO of the AAF.

AAF: New league offers timely change in wake of NFL's no-call

WHERE OTHER LEAGUES FAILED: The AAF thinks it will succeed

COULD KAEPERNICK FACTOR IN? AAF could be million-dollar opportunity

Some major rules differences from the NFL include:

♦ No kickoffs or extra point attempts. Teams must attempt two-point conversions. Possessions will start at the 25-yard line. There also are no onside kicks; instead, a team can attempt a play from scrimmage from their own 28-yard line and need to gain at least 12 yards.

 ♦ No television timeouts.

 ♦ A 35-second play clock (the NFL employs a 40-second play clock).

 ♦ Coaches get two challenges; no challenges, however, in final two minutes of each half.

 ♦ Overtime will be one possession for each team from their opponent's 10-yard line. No field goal attempts can be made.

SKYJUDGE AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW: AAF's notable rule differences

GAMBLE FROM YOUR PHONE? Ebersol details plans for mobile app



 Atlanta at Orlando, 8 p.m. (CBS) 

 San Diego at San Antonio, 8 p.m. (CBS)

 

 

 Memphis at Birmingham, 4 p.m. (CBS Sports Network) 

 Salt Lake at Arizona, 8 p.m. (NFL Network)



 Arizona at Salt Lake, 3 p.m. (B/R LIVE) 

 Memphis at Orlando, 8 p.m. (NFL Network)

 

 

 Birmingham at Atlanta, 4 p.m. (CBS Sports Network) 

 San Antonio at San Diego, 8 p.m. (NFL Network)

If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our new Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders.</s>TYLER, Texas — The Alliance of American Football's inaugural season starts tonight on CBS19, the home of Super Bowl LIII.

The eight-team league was founded in 2018 by Charlie Ebersol and Bill Polian.

Tonight's contest features ex-Los Angeles Rams head coach Mike Martz and the San Diego Fleet taking on the San Antonio Commanders, led by former Oregon State University head coach Mike Riley.

Pregame begins at 7 p.m., with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m.</s>Although it’s the Alliance of American Football, a Canadian athletic apparel brand will be playing a strong role in newly formed professional football league

TORONTO, ON, CANADA, February 8, 2019 / EINPresswire.com / -- Although it’s the Alliance of American Football, a Canadian athletic apparel brand will be playing a strong role in the first year of the newly formed professional football league.The Alliance of American Football takes its historic first snap this weekend in the same coveted time slot and on the same network as the Super Bowl did only days before, with eight teams playing a 10-week season. Toronto-based sportswear company Levelwear will be a key business partner of the league moving forward.There is a ton of momentum behind The Alliance as football fans that previously looked at the week following the Super Bowl as a time of emptiness are feeling rejuvenated with the ability to follow a new league.Levelwear will be a big apparel partner of the league. It will provide premium sportswear, on-trend and fashionable t-shirts, polo shirts, pullovers, and outerwear for men, women, and children.“The Alliance of American Football partnership is an exciting new venture for Levelwear,” said Hilton Ngo, the Chief Executive Officer of the company. “We have built a healthy licensed sports business with many of the other professional leagues already, but we really like the new way of thinking the AAF has embraced.”Teams are mostly in non-NFL cities, with the exception of Atlanta and Tempe, Arizona (the other cities include: Birmingham, Memphis, Orlando, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, and San Diego) and notable past NFL stars make up some of the front office of the league.The league’s main objective is to complement the NFL – there is an NFL-out clause in every contract for players who get signed by an NFL franchise to be free to leave before or after their Alliance season starts or ends to showcase local, developing talent.But that’s not all. The league is set to shake up the game as audiences have come to know it.There are no extra-point kicks, for example, and the play clock is only 30 seconds as compared to 40 in the NFL. There is a refreshed payment structure for its players where everyone gets paid the same, and bonuses are based on social media interaction as well as on-field performances. There will be integrated gaming for fans to watch and play along during Alliance matchups.Part of the reason Levelwear has decided to partner with The Alliance is to propel both brands forward.While Levelwear will remain a key partner of the Canadian Football League – Levelwear, in fact, just re-upped with the CFL in 2018 – it has agreements in place with many individual clubs and athletes across the football landscape.The other apparel licensee for The Alliance is mostly in the on-field wearables space, so Levelwear will be expanding its presence in football, and professional sports in general, with this new agreement.“As one of only two licensed apparel partners for The Alliance, we will work closely together to bring unique, different, and premium products to the fans, players, and coaches alike,” said Ngo.Levelwear has licenses with the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, the National Hockey League Players Association, 20 European soccer clubs and has a large presence at PGA TOUR events. It also sponsors PGA TOUR winners like Adam Hadwin, Emiliano Grillo, and Ted Potter Jr.Levelwear has partnerships with teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL amongst others.The inaugural season of The Alliance begins February 9, and games will be shown on CBS.The Alliance apparel collection from Levelwear will be available in stadiums, online at www.aaf.com , and at select Dick’s Sporting Goods locations nationwide.



 EIN Presswire does not exercise editorial control over third-party content provided, uploaded, published, or distributed by users of EIN Presswire. We are a distributor, not a publisher, of 3rd party content. Such content may contain the views, opinions, statements, offers, and other material of the respective users, suppliers, participants, or authors.</s>Folks, we made it. Pro football is finally here ... again!

Week 1 of the inaugural Alliance of American Football regular season is underway, tonight, with two games that will keep your hunger for pro football satisfied. At 8:30 p.m. ET, the San Diego Fleet travel to the San Antonio Commanders, while the Atlanta Legends head to Orlando to take on the Apollos. Both be broadcast on CBS, with regional coverage. You can stream these games on CBS All Access.

There will also be two more games on Sunday with Arizona, Birmingham, Memphis and Salt Lake City all squaring off (Here's how to watch all of this weekend's games). What should fans expect? It's hard to say, specifically, as there's simply no history from which to derive any kind of expectations, but hopefully, we'll see some good football.

Let's start with that. But be sure to check back with us throughout Saturday night as we bring you extensive coverage of both games, from scores to highlights and storylines.
• None Power ranking all eight teams ahead of Week 1
• None Atlanta deals with coaching changes before first game 



Who says the AAF is all about offense? Granted, defenses are pretty much prevented from bringing the house, but that doesn't mean they can't get to the quarterback. Check out San Antonio linebacker Shaan Washington absolutely obliterate San Diego quarterback Mike Bercovici on this sack-fumble. It's sort of astonishing that Washington had that clear of a path fo Bercovici. Either way, what a highlight, and what a start for the Commanders' defense.

There is some injury news for Saturday's games before things get rolling. Commanders running back Trey Williams (foot) and cornerback Jordan Thomas (thigh) are out for Saturday's game. Fleet cornerback Curtis Mikell (ankle) is listed as doubtful.</s>Football is back! Wait… football is back? Already?

Later this afternoon, the eight-team Alliance of American Football kicks off its inaugural season. Founded by Charlie Ebersol and Bill Polian, the ten-week regular season will conclude on Sunday, April 14, followed by a four-team playoff which culminates with a championship title game on Saturday, April 27. Featuring notable former NFL players and coaches like Steve Spurrier, Mike Martz, Mike Singletary, Trent Richardson, Christian Hackenberg, Denard Robinson, and more, the new league will feature no kickoffs, no extra points (teams will go for two after every TD), and teams can only rush five players and are prohibited from blitzing from the secondary. If you’re looking for a way to watch the Alliance of American Football online, Decider is here to help.

What’s the Alliance of American Football schedule? How can you find an Alliance of American Football live stream? Here’s everything you need to know.

Depending on your location you’ll see one of two games on Saturday night (February 9): Atlanta Legends vs. Orlando Apollos or San Diego Fleet vs. San Antonio Commanders. Both games will air at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS. ESPN reports that most of the country will see San Diego @ San Antonio.

Memphis Express @ Birmingham Iron — 4:00 p.m. ET on the CBS Sports Network

 Salt Lake Stallions @ Arizona Hotshots — 8:00 p.m. ET on the NFL Network

The CBS SportsNetwork will televise one game a week, while the NFL Network will show a total of 19 games. TNT and B-R Live will also begin streaming games in Week 2. The full ten week schedule (which consists of four games a week) can be found on the AAF website.

HOW CAN I FIND AN ALLIANCE OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL LIVE STREAM?

Saturday night’s Alliance of American Football games will air on CBS, which means you can find an Alliance of American Football live stream on CBS All Access. All-Access is available for as little as $5.99, but football fans looking for a way to watch the Alliance of American Football for free online can sign up for a free trial of CBS All Access.

Looking for another CBS live stream option? Depending on your market, you can also find an Alliance of American Football live stream if you’re a YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, fuboTV, DIRECTV NOW, or PlayStation Vue subscriber. Not only do all of those services currently have CBS, but they all offer free-trials to new subscribers.

HOW CAN I WATCH THE ALLIANCE OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL ONLINE?

You can stream Sunday afternoon’s Express/Iron matchup on CBS Sports Network’s website (proper cable login required) or via CBS All Access. Finally, you can live stream all Alliance of American Football games that air on the NFL Network via the NFL Network website and NFL app. Additional information on NFL Network live streaming options can be found on their website.

You can also find an NFL Network live stream if you’re a fuboTV, Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, or DIRECTV NOW subscriber.</s>The Alliance of American Football is a brand new football league that begins on Saturday.

The AAF has been several years in the planning but will now look to fill the void of football in the spring.

The opening games will see the San Diego Fleet at San Antonio Commanders and the Atlanta Legends at Orlando Apollos.

The AAF consists of an eight-team league that kicks off on Saturday and runs until the championship game in Las Vegas on April 27.
The Alliance of American Football kicks off its first season with two games.