2023 XFL Week 1 Recap
XFL 3.0 got kicked off last week and the action was great. Just like the first revival, it brought a lot of innovative ideas to football and made the viewing experience on TV wonderful. Much like the CFL, USFL, the defunct AAF and AFL, the XFL gives a second-chance to some really good football players and it is great to see. It also gives football fans a chance to keep watching football even though the NFL isn't playing right now. There was some uncertainty with some of the starters in Week 1 and I think we’ll see some changes in Week 2 as well. The teams didn’t really have a lot of time to practice and get acclimated, but they will likely figure things out as they go through the season. In these recaps, I hope to break down each game and things are kind of tough right now, because the XFL doesn’t really keep track of statistics that well. Even though I watched the games, will be tough to judge how well defensive players do without watching every play. With that being said though, XFL prides itself on offense. They want to do everything in their power to make the game exciting on the offensive side of the ball. The rules lean more in the offense’s favor, but that isn't to say that defense matters. They came up big in a couple matchups already. I’ll not waste any more time though. Let’s dive in.
- Vegas Vipers 20 at Arlington Renegades 22
In the first half, it appeared that the Vipers were going to walk away with a victory, but they simply were outplayed by the Renegades in the 2nd half. Mostly, the defense of the Renegades showed up. The Bob Stoops led Renegades pick up their first win of the season largely because of two defensive scores coming from pick-6’s. One of those interceptions was from Defensive Lineman, Tomasi Laulile, the other was from CB, De’Vante Bausby. Those two scores didn’t contribute to the win alone, but their offense was pretty much stagnant. On the other hand, the Vegas Vipers offense looked pretty good. Especially Luis Perez at QB. Perez has had success at pretty much every level he has played on, but hasn’t really gotten a chance in the NFL. I think we’ll definitely see more from Perez even though Brett Hundley is waiting in the wings for the Vipers.
- Orlando Guardians 12 at Houston Roughnecks 33
Out of the gate, the Guardians looked really good, but it kind of went downhill after that. They simply had no answer for the Houston Roughnecks in their first contest. Paxton Lynch and Quinten Dormady shared the QB role for the Guardians, but nothing really seemed to click for them. As for the Roughnecks, they were rolling from the start. Brandon Silvers looked great other than the 2 INTs. Max Borghi ran the ball well. Deontay Burnett and Jontre Kirklin looked settled in as well. Things clicked for the Roughnecks and it appears that they are going to be the team to beat in the XFL. The Guardians will have some time to redeem themselves, but they looked out of sorts in Week 1.
- St. Louis Battlehawks 18 at San Antonio Brahmas 15
This game’s momentum turned from pure San Antonio dominance for nearly 4 full quarters to a last-minute surge from the AJ McCarron led Battlehawks. Hines Ward made his head coaching debut for the Brahmas on Sunday and it appeared that a win was locked away with about 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter, but that was not to be. The XFL rules allow for an exciting 15-point turnaround for the Battlehawks within the last 3 minutes of the game. The Battlehawks got the ball back after a San Antonio field goal to make the game 15-3 at 3:02. The Battlehawks storm down the field for a TD at 1:25. They decide to go for 3 and successfully convert. The score is now 15-12 in favor of the Brahmas. In the XFL, they do have onside kicks, but you have the option to convert a 4th &15 play from your own 25-yard line. The Battlehawks decided to go with that option and successfully converted. They marched down the field yet again and won the game. It was definitely one of the more exciting games of the week and it will be interesting to see these unique rules executed moving forward. Also, it is worth noting the workhorse performance of former Miami Dolphin and LA Charger, Kalen Ballage. He rushed 24 times for 84 yards and also had 3 catches in the losing effort.
- Seattle Sea Dragons 18 at DC Defenders 22
Here was another game where it looked like the game was locked up for the eventual losing team. I wouldn't say the Dragons played a great game, but I definitely thought they would win. Ben DiNucci looked decent, but not great. They were going pass-heavy on offense, but they could leave DC with a win. Josh Gordon and Jahcour Pearson both looked great on the receiving end and will be forces for the team moving forward. On the winning side, the Defenders lived up to their name. Their defense came alive and won them the game. Former NFL Head Coach, but more known as a Defensive Coordinator, Gregg Williams called the defensive plays that led to the victory. I think Seattle will be one of the better teams in the league, but they needed a game to shake off the jitters. I expected Jordan Ta’amu to play better in this game. I remember him from the 2020 XFL playing with the Battlehawks. I thought he was one of the better QBs in the XFL at that time. I expect him to bounce back from this bad performance.
Yacs