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The Minnesota Monsters have discovered something through four games of the Arena Football One season that much of the league still seems reluctant to fully accept: You can still win football games by running the football and playing defense.
Minnesota enters the second month of the season riding a three-game winning streak and building its identity around a bruising rushing attack led by fullback Shannon Brooks, timely special teams and one of the league’s most opportunistic defenses.
The Monsters are averaging 62.5 rushing yards per game — one of the strongest rushing outputs in AF1 — while also generating 92 solo tackles and multiple defensive takeaways through four games.
Brooks has emerged as the centerpiece of Minnesota’s offense, rushing 32 times for 130 yards and three touchdowns. The former Minnesota Gophers running back is averaging 32.5 rushing yards per game and has quickly become one of the league’s most physical offensive weapons.
Quarterback Ja'Vonte Johnson has directed an offense that is still developing consistency through the air but continues producing enough explosive plays to complement the ground game. He has completed 52 of 100 passes for 495 yards and eight touchdowns, though his seven interceptions reflect some of the volatility that has accompanied Minnesota’s aggressive offensive style.
Minnesota is completing 51 percent of its passes while averaging 362.3 offensive yards per game and 114.3 receiving yards per contest.
Johnson also has contributed as a runner with 28 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Monsters’ receiving corps has rotated heavily during the opening month, but several targets have emerged. Ledarian McAllister leads the team with 98 receiving yards, while Tyron Laughinghouse has added 59 yards and a touchdown. Jamal Couch has caught 10 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown, and Moe Strong has added two touchdown receptions.
The defense has quietly become one of the league’s biggest strengths. Defensive back Delvon Randall has been one of AF1’s most disruptive defenders, recording 23 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown through four games.
Fellow defensive back Javonte Haynes has added 17 tackles and an interception, while linebacker Chei Hill has produced three sacks in only three games. Defensive lineman Claude Davis has added two sacks and a defensive touchdown, helping anchor a front that has steadily improved against both the run and pass.
Kicker Aeden Johnson also has provided stability on special teams, converting 3 of 4 field goals and 9 of 10 extra points while adding a deuce.
At 3-1, the Monsters have positioned themselves among the early contenders in the nine-team AF1, doing so with a formula that looks noticeably different from many of the league’s more pass-heavy offenses. Minnesota has leaned into physical football, defensive pressure and ball control — and through four games, it has worked.
The Monsters will host the Nashville Kats (3-1) on May 22 at Amsoil Arena.
