Depending on who you ask, there are two reactions when you mention the XFL:
“I’m excited for more football!”
“Let me know when NFL Free Agency starts.”
No sports fan can deny, though, that football is the new national pastime and it’s currently a year-round sport because it dominates the sports news cycle. So, for now, the XFL is here to stay. Here’s what I’ve learned over the past two weeks of watching the XFL.
What I’ve Learned #1: P.J. Walker is a FREAKING Cheat Code
Walker set numerous records at Temple, including passing yards, touchdowns, and wins. Little was known about the former Indianapolis Colts practice squad QB heading into Week One. After Week One, we found out and after Week Two, Walker has become arguably the best QB in the XFL. The Houston Roughnecks QB has flourished under head coach/GM June Jones’ offensive system. Walker is among the league leaders in passing yards (442) and leads the league in total touchdowns (7). He’s also lit up the highlight reel with some astounding passes, like this physics-bending sidearm touchdown throw.
What I’ve Learned #2: DC’s Defense is Ballin’
Through the first two weeks of the season, the DC Defenders defense has arguably been the best in the league. In Week One against Seattle, the Defenders defense picked off Dragons QB Brandon Silvers twice (including a Pick Six) and had nine passes defended. In Week Two, the Defenders defense took advantage of a thin-offensive line and sacked New York QBs Matt McGloin and Marquise Williams three times.
They also had another Pick Six and held the Guardians to one-of-11 on third down. Granted, the Guardians’ offense has been highly inconsistent, but the Defenders’ front seven were licking their chops all game long. DC is quickly establishing itself as the best defense in the XFL.
What I’ve Learned #3: Quarterback Play has Been So-So
In the first two weeks of XFL action, three quarterbacks have pulled away as the league’s elite: the aforementioned Phillips, Defenders QB Cardale Jones, and Battlehawks QB Jordan Ta’amu. We know about Phillips; Jones was steady against Seattle but was brilliant against New York. Ta’amu has emerged as a threat with both his arm and his feet in his first two games. Other QBs have struggled, though; Guardians QB Matt McGloin had an okay game against Tampa Bay but withered against DC.
Dallas QB Landry Jones and Los Angeles QB Josh Johnson each needed a half to get warmed up in Week Two. Seattle QB Brandon Silvers has thrown Pick Sixes in both games. And to say that the QB situation in Tampa Bay has been ugly is an underestimation. But in the weeks ahead, I expect that play at the position will get better. The future of the league might depend on it.
What I’ve Learned #4: Attendance Has Been Promising
There was an uncertainty and skepticism of whether or not football fans would need a break after the Super Bowl. The opposite has actually come true: in Week One, 69,694 fans paid to attend all four games, an average of 17,424 per game. In Week Two, 76,285 fans attended all four games for an average of 19,071. Those numbers were bolstered by the Seattle Dragons’ home opener which saw 29,172 pack the lower bowl of CenturyLink Field. Two more teams have yet to make their home debuts: one of those teams is St. Louis, which has almost sold out the lower bowl of The Dome at America’s Center.
That’s just a short list of what I’ve learned so far through two weeks of the XFL. What have you learned about while watching the XFL? Let me know on Twitter (@whoisryanmcc).
And make sure you check out all of our other XFL coverage.
