(Above Image Source: Deseret News)
Week three of the XFL is here, and some teams look to continue making statements while others continue looking for a winning path. Here are this week’s matchups:
Seattle Sea Dragons (0-2) vs. Vegas Vipers (0-2)
Where: Cashman Field (Las Vegas, NV)
When: Saturday, March 5, 7:00 PM EST
Channel: FX (check your cable listings)
Both teams are still looking for their first win in the XFL. By the end of this week, someone will finally obtain it, and the other will drop to 0-3.
The Vegas Vipers haven’t found their one strong quarterback so far. Brett Hundley will start for the team this Saturday. He had his first taste of action last week when he and Luis Perez took turns in the first half. He took over for the rest of the game after Perez was benched. Both men struggled to score again after the team’s only touchdown in the first quarter of the game. Hundley had a 61.1 completion rate last week, but he was overwhelmed by the pressure from the Defenders defense. He was sacked four times. A performance like that would question the state of the Vipers and how long they will last this season.
On the other hand, the Seattle Sea Dragons do not have that kind of problem. One problem they do have is maintaining the lead when their opponents start to fight back. Ben DiNucci is a good quarterback, and I believe this matchup will help him improve his game and prepare him for the rest of the challenges awaiting him. The rest of the offense is gradually improving as well, so look for them to try and tower over a weakened Vipers defense.
St. Louis Battlehawks (2-0) vs. D.C. Defenders (2-0)
Where: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
When: Sunday, March 6, 1:00 PM EST
Channel: FX (check your cable listings)
The meddle of two great quarterbacks will be tested when A.J. McCarron and the Battlehawks face Jordan Ta’amu and the Defenders. The winner of this game will have control of the XFL North division.
So far, the Battlehawks have developed a reputation for comeback wins. McCarron is one of, if not, the most popular quarterback(s) in the league. However, one thing he should really do is show strong performances in all quarters. If he intends for his team to remain undefeated, he must lead the charge for the offense against a team with both a strong offense and defense.
The Defenders have been impressive in their XFL run so far. They pulled a come-from behind win against Seattle in week one and dominated Vegas last week. Ta’amu looks to be a specialist at rushing the ball, but now he will have to be able to pass the ball on the same level as McCarron, if not at a higher level. He’s the strongest in the Battlehawks offense so far, so the Defenders defense will have to put every ounce of pressure to keep McCarron down.
Orlando Guardians (0-2) vs. Arlington Renegades (1-1)
Where: Choctaw Stadium (Arlington, TX)
When: Sunday, March 6, 4:00 PM EST
Channel: FX (check your cable listings)
Orlando hopes to get themselves a win against Arlington, but that will be easier said than done.
Honestly, I don’t know what’s harder for the Guardians right now: the fact they haven’t won a game yet or dealing with the drama involving Quinton Dormady. For now, they have to get it together and focus on Arlington. Quarterback-wise, they will have to take turns with Paxton Lynch and Deondre Francois and hope that either one or both can improve for the long run. As for the offense and defense, you will have to leave it up to fate because neither side is doing too well now.
The Renegades defense will make things hard for Orlando. Their defense leads in fumbles, so a fumble any time in the game will be an opportunity for either Josh Hawkins, LuJuan Winningham, or Jamal Carter to turn the tide. This game will also be a great opportunity for their offense to increase their numbers and perform even better than last week because they are a little inconsistent so far.
San Antonio Brahmas (1-1) vs. Houston Roughnecks (2-0)
Where: TDECU Stadium (Houston, TX)
When: Sunday, March 6, 8:00 PM EST
Channel: ESPN (check your cable listings)
Houston looks to stay on top while San Antonio plays catch up.
San Antonio had their best game of the season with a 30-12 win over Orlando last week. QB Jack Coan made 16 completions out of 25 for 165 yards and three touchdowns. After two games, he holds the highest completion rate in the league (68.3 percent). However, he will have to watch himself as he faces the toughest defensive team in the league. One small mistake will cost the statement win that San Antonio will need.
Houston has been on the right track thanks to the guidance of head coach Wade Phillips. Their defense has been the biggest threat so far. They lead in sacks and total interceptions, which poses a problem for their opponents. They also have top ranks in the offense. This game could be what the Roughnecks need to show everyone that they can’t be stopped.
