Football fans across the nation have their eyes on the XFL’s first game of the 2023 season, as the Arlington Renegades are set to take on the Las Vegas Vipers. With the game fast approaching, the question on everyone’s minds is who has the upper hand?
The Renegades have the advantage in several key areas. For starters, the Renegades have the more experienced head coach in Bob Stoops, who has a successful track record of leading teams to victory. Stoops has won 177 games across his college coaching career and has been to ten bowl games, winning eight of them. He’s also assembled a team of experienced coaches, such as Jonathan Hayes, whom he’s worked with at the University of Oklahoma and Iowa, and Tim Lewis, who has a wealth of coaching experience across several leagues.
The Renegades also have the better quarterback in Kyle Sloter, who had a successful 2020 season leading the USFL’s Breakers to the playoffs. His skillful and accurate passing, along with his experience in the league, gives the Renegades an edge over the Vipers’ quarterback, Brett Hundley. Hundley was recently acquired, and I think it is going to take him a game or two to get acclimated. The former NFL QB will be a strong impact, but not just yet. The Renegades also have the dependable tight end Sal Canella, who was unstoppable in the Breakers’ playoff loss to the eventual USFL champion Stallions, catching 12 passes for 154 yards.
On the other hand, the Vipers have a few things going for them. They have a solid quarterback in Brett Hundley, who has spent time with the Packers and potentially offers the Vipers a different kind of offensive threat. The Vipers also have a few former NFL veterans, such as Vic Beasley, Matt Jones and Martavis Bryant. However, with a first-time head coach in Rod Woodson and an inexperienced quarterback room, it’s hard to see the Vipers matching the Renegades’ success.
Ultimately, the Renegades have the edge when it comes to their matchup against the Vipers. With an experienced head coach, a standout USFL quarterback and a reliable tight end, the Renegades have the talent and experience to come out on top.
Battlehawks are armed with quarterback AJ McCarron. (Twitter)
Armed with AJ McCarron at QB, Marcell Ateman at WR, and the experienced coaching of Jim Haslett, the St. Louis Battlehawks look primed to take down the San Antonio Brahmas in their first XFL game.
The St. Louis Battlehawks have a quarterback with a ton of experience in AJ McCarron. During his time at Alabama, he won two national championships and nearly led the Bengals to a playoff win over the Steelers as a rookie. His leadership and passing ability will be an asset to the Battlehawks. With the addition of veteran head coach Jim Haslett, who boasts a Super Bowl ring, McCarron will have a capable mentor to help him on the field.
Marcell Ateman will be a key target for McCarron in this game. Ateman is a veteran receiver with stints in the NFL with the Raiders and the Cardinals. He has excellent hands and will be a reliable target for McCarron.
The St. Louis Battlehawks have a clear advantage in this matchup with their experienced QB, veteran coaching staff, and talented pass-catchers. With McCarron at the helm and Ateman as his go-to target, the Battlehawks have the potential to be the XFL’s surprise team this season and have a great chance of winning this game against San Antonio.
