The XFL began play last weekend, and it did not disappoint. There was offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and stars budding around the league, With so many games and so much to review, the matches must be recapped to emphasize their value.
Renegade Outlast Vipers, 22-20
The first game of opening weekend was one to remember, where we learned that defense is just as important as offense. The Vipers lost to the powerhouse Renegades, and it was a battle of firepower and lockdown coverage.
Luis Perez of the Vipers started off hot, staying strong and throwing for 249 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was forced to throw the ball, given that the running game was atrocious. However, while his yards and touchdowns were incredible, his interceptions hurt the team the most.
He threw two interceptions, but that is not the worst part. Both of his interceptions were returned for touchdowns. His two pick-sixes made up for Renegades quarterback Drew Plitt’s lack of performance and carried Arlington to a win. The Renegades may be happy that their defense was so productive, but the offense may need to worry.
Roughnecks Demolish Guardians, 33-12
Guardians’ tarting quarterback Paxton Lynch broke records this weekend, but not any good ones. He is the only player to get benched in the NFL, CFL, USFL, and now XFL after an abysmal performance.
Luckily, he looked better than the player behind him, with Lynch throwing for 136 yards, one touchdown and one pick. However, despite both quarterbacks throwing a touchdown, those 12 points would be the only ones scored.
The Roughnecks, on the other hand, were all-around incredible. Brandon Silvers showed flashes of greatness at quarterback, throwing for 272 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. The team would also rush for 2 touchdowns, putting them well ahead of the opposition.
Deontay Burnett and Jontre Kirklin were the best receiving pair this weekend, with a combined 161 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Battlehawks Scrape By Brahmas, 18-15
Although the beginning of this game was not the most exciting, it did not disappoint. The Battlehawks were down big going into the final period, scoring 15 of their 18 points in the fourth.
This was an incredibly hard-fought game, with the Brahmas giving it all that they had. San Antonio’s quarterback Jack Coan played well, with over 200 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 pick. The player who really stole the show for the Brahmas’ offense was Kalen Ballage at running back. He ran for an impressive 84 yards while also receiving 13 more.
However, this would not stop the Battlehawks from performing well, because AJ McCarron had his eyes on a win. His yards may have been lesser than his competition, but he was the only starting quarterback to not throw an interception this weekend. His two touchdowns in crunch time brought the Battlehawks success, with a game-winning drive to end it all.
Sea Dragons Fall to Defenders, 22-18
In an unforeseen series of events, the fan-favorite Sea Dragons fell to the Defenders. Many expected the Ben DiNucci and Josh Gordon connection to be unmatched, but they were defeated.
DiNucci started off strong, throwing a touchdown to Gordon early. Although he did throw for 282 yards, his two interceptions did not bode well for Seattle’s success. Both interceptions were thrown to Michael Joseph of the Defenders, one of which he took to the house.
DC was very inconsistent on offense, with no established passing or rushing game. This was surprising, seeing as the Defender had what should have been the deepest quarterback room in the league with Jordan Ta’amu and D’Eriq King. However, they won, and should carry that momentum into next week.
