Silvers shines at Express beat Birmingham in overtime

Silvers shines at Express beat Birmingham in overtime

Former Heisman winner, NFL QB Manziel makes Memphis debut in win

Alliance of American Football MEMPHIS — This truly was a tale of two quarterbacks, Johnny Manziel and Brandon Silvers of the Memphis Express.

Manziel heard the chants of his name loud and clear all Sunday evening in the Express’ overtime win against the Birmingham Iron. But more important to him was the ovation Brandon Silvers got for leading Memphis to the first overtime win in Alliance of American Football history with a touchdown drive in the 3125 victory.

Silvers went 24-for-35 passing for 266 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner to wide receiver Dan Williams on a 10-yard slant.

The Memphis Express are home again this Saturday, March 30, to face the Orlando Apollos. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. local) and will be televised on TNT. Get tickets here.

Manziel came into the game in the second quarter and made his official debut for the Express and The Alliance. Manziel finished the game 3-for-5 passing with 48 yards and 20 yards rushing on two carries, while also playing in two possessions in the second half.

Manziel was glad he got the opportunity to play Sunday night, but made sure the attention was focused on starting quarterback Silvers. Manziel was the first player out on the field to celebrate with Silvers after he threw the game-winning touchdown pass.

“What a job by Brandon Silvers, he earned every single thing that he got tonight,” Manziel said after the overtime win. “I’m proud of him. That was awesome. Clutch. With all the pressure on, we came back and won this game and that’s all that matters.”

After the game, it was clear to head coach Mike Singletary that Silvers earned the opportunity to play in the future.

“Right now, Brandon is our quarterback,” Singletary said. “I’m very excited about what Johnny does and what he brings to the team, but Brandon is our starting quarterback.”

The stardom Manziel brings is well-noted, but the popularity hasn’t affected the chemistry in the quarterback room at all as Manziel had high praise for the position group.

“There are three guys in that quarterback room every day helping each other out,” Manziel said.

“This is the best quarterback room I’ve ever been in. I’m proud of that.”

On his first ever play for the Express, Manziel avoided a sack and dashed up the middle between his offensive line for 13 yards. His first completion came on a 36-yard seam route down the left sideline to Alton “Pig” Howard to put Memphis in the red zone.

Manziel said he felt comfortable in his first appearance, but there is room for improvement.

“I was emotional before the game today. This was a big deal for me,” Manziel said. “I was excited to get back on the field and it took me a couple of plays to get it going. I missed some plays I shouldn’t have. I just had to settle down a little bit and get it going.”

The former Heisman Trophy winner has only been in Memphis for one week and dealt with a quick turnaround.

The chance to get back on the field was well worth it for Manziel.

“It was great just getting back to football again,” Manziel said. “This is what I’ve done my whole life. It was a great feeling.”

Next up for the Express?

None other than the league-leading Orlando Apollos (6-1), with head coach Steve Spurrier’s high-octane offense led by quarterback Garrett Gilbert.

Dylan Rubino covers The Memphis Express for The Alliance of American Football. Follow him on Twitter @ DylanJRubino.

By Dylan Rubino