In a game they had to have to stay in realistic playoff spot contention, the Columbus Aviators mustered only three points Sunday afternoon in a 14-3 loss to the Birmingham Stallions. Here are our three takeaways from a tough loss:

1. DEFENSE KEPT ‘EM IN IT
The defense gave the Aviators a chance to stay close for most of the afternoon. Columbus kept Birminghan off the scoreboard in the first half and the 14 points allowed for the game was tied for the fewest they’ve given up this season. That’s even better when you consider that the Stallions’ second touchdown was on special teams, coming on a blocked field goal in the fourth quarter. For the game, Birminghan finished with only 144 total yards, just 49 of which came on the ground, and only 11 first downs. Even with the loss, the defense did enough to keep this from turning into a blowout and kept them in it until the final minutes.

2. ANOTHER SUB-PAR OFFENSIVE PERFORMANCE
For as much as the defense deserved a win, the offense deserved the loss. The only points of the game for the Aviators came on a 48-yard field goal by Jonah Dalmas, who made his UFL debut this week after playing his college ball at Boise State. Quarterback Jalan McClendon finished 20-31 for 150 yards and two interceptions, and the running game — the bread and butter of the Aviators’ offense this season — combined for only 61 yards on 25 carries (2.4 ypg). McClendon, who actually led the team with 18 rushing yards, was also sacked five times, with responsibility shared between his inability to move out of the pocket and an offensive line that was just overmatched at times by the Stallions defensive front.

3. THE MARGIN FOR ERROR IS GONE
The Aviators dropped to 2-6 with the loss, and while they’re not mathematically eliminated from a playoff spot, they’re going to need to win their last two games and get a lot of help to have a chance at the final spot. Assuming they don’t make the postseason, the inaugural season for the UFL in Columbus is going to be a frustrating one for their fans. Over 30,000 total fans have shown up for the first three games. Will they do so on May 23 and 31st in the final two games, both of which are at Historic Crew Stadium?