XFL POWER RANKINGS WEEK 2
1.Houston Roughnecks (2-0)
The Roughnecks are the real deal. PJ Walker is definitely an early favorite for XFL MVP as the Roughnecks took down the previously undefeated St. Louis BattleHawks 28-24. PJ Walker threw for three touchdown passes including a Patrick Mahomes like ball for a first half touchdown. The defense was able to withstand the second half push from the BattleHawks and had a late interception to all but seal the win. With PJ Walker playing at this level, the Roughnecks hold on to the top spot in this week’s power rankings and have a chance to hold on to it for a long time.
Early candidate for throw of the XFL season 🎯
(via @XFLonFOX)pic.twitter.com/dWvM6LKZuO
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 16, 2020
2.DC Defenders (2-0)
The Defenders took care of business at home against the New York Guardians, rattling Matt McGloin to the point that he called for the entire offensive game plan to be completely changed at halftime. The Defenders then scored on a pick six on the first Guardians’ possession ending McGloin’s day. The defense held New York to 137 yards of offense and five total first downs. Cardale Jones had another stellar week throwing for 276 yards and two scores as the Defenders cruised to a 27 point win. Everything went right for the Defenders on Saturday as evidence by this play by Cardale Jones.
.@CJ1two is a cheat code.
📺: @ABCNetwork
🖥: https://t.co/FrdxO87WYd pic.twitter.com/KkSsArclpc— DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) February 15, 2020
3.St. Louis BattleHawks (1-1)
The BattleHawks suffered their first loss of the season in Houston this weekend. Jordan Ta’amu had another solid day throwing for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions, and one costly pick in the fourth quarter. He also made some big time throws to get the BattleHawks back into the game after trailing 21-6 at the half. The defense also stepped up in the second half holding the Roughnecks and PJ Walker to only 7 points. The BattleHawks also got some much needed help in the backfield with the addition of Matt Jones who rushed for 44 yards and also caught a screen pass for the score in the first quarter. The BattleHawks host the Guardians in The Dome next Sunday in the first professional football game since the Rams moved to LA.
4.Dallas Renegades (1-1)
Dallas got itself in the win column and finally got its Air Raid offense going in the fourth quarter. After scoring 3 points through three quarters and seeing Landry Jones throw two interceptions in his debut, the Renegade offense exploded for 25 points in the fourth quarter, finally scoring their first touchdown in franchise history. In Jones’ return to the field he threw for 305 yards and a score but the real star of the offense was Cameron Artis-Payne who had 14 carries for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Dallas defense held the LA offense to 18 points and only 57 rushing yards. If the Renegades offense can consistently play like it did in the fourth quarter, they can play with anyone in the league.
The first Touchdown in Dallas Renegades history belongs to Cameron Artis-Payne:#RaisingHell | #XFLFootball pic.twitter.com/KFUxhfRvbQ
— Theo ✭ (@TheoMelillo) February 16, 2020
5.Seattle Dragons (1-1)
The Dragons were also able to get in the win column with a win over the Tampa Bay Vipers. Although it wasn’t the prettiest win offensively, the defense was able to turn the Vipers over three times and scored on an interception returned for a touchdown. The offense was stagnant all day outside of a 68 yard touchdown catch by Keenan Reynolds. In order to stay in the win column the Dragons need to get the offense going, especially against the Renegades in week 3.
6.LA Wildcats (0-2)
The Wildcats had a tough week 1, they were without their starting quarterback Josh Johnson, they lost by 20 to the Roughnecks, allowed 37 points and fired their defensive coordinator. Week 2 didn’t result in a win but the Wildcats showed a lot more heart on defense and a lot more promise on offense. While they only scored 18 points, the offense scored 12 points on two scores in the fourth and Johnson seemed to settle into the offense and being back on the field. Although the defense allowed 25 points in the fourth quarter, they played very well for three quarters. If they can put together a full game on offense and defense, the Wildcats will be in the win column soon.
7.New York Guardians (1-1)
Not much to say here, the Guardians were terrible. Matt McGloin was terrible. The defense was bad. Even the social media team got crushed by the Defenders. All around it was a trip to DC to forget for the Guardians. Matt McGloin called out the offensive game plan at halftime only to throw a pick six on his first possession of the second half. The Guardians have to play better and it starts under center with McGloin.
Sending you home with the L and an english lesson.
Capitol: The building
Capital: Washington, D.C. https://t.co/ro2QUwIpFW— DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) February 15, 2020
8.Tampa Bay Vipers (0-2)
The Vipers fell to 0-2 with a loss in Seattle this weekend. In back to back weeks they failed to score double digits. One of the favorites when the league started is having trouble holding on to the ball on offense and might have a quarterback problem on their hands. With Aaron Murray injured neither Flowers or Cornelius could get rolling offensively and both had costly turnovers. The Vipers have a lot to fix and don’t have any favors with the schedule as the have the Roughnecks coming into town next week.
GAME OF THE WEEK: Dallas Renegades @ Seattle Dragons Saturday 5pm EST on FOX
PHOTO: Si.com
TWEETS: @XFLDefenders, @brgridiron, @TheoMelillo