The Guardians and Matt McGloin come into this season without expectations. But so do eight other teams/players.
With Matt McGloin at quarterback in coach Kevin Gilbride’s offense, the team has an overwhelming amount of experience and character. McGloin, who was a standout at Penn State, and even a competent quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, offers a talent that can be found on any NFL roster. A system quarterback, with some athleticism, but most importantly a strong-armed slinger with great pocket awareness. While he doesn’t offer elite talent in any specific area, he will more than thrive in an offense with Kevin Gilbride, who coached Eli Manning to a Superbowl.
Manning as a quarterback was nothing short of OK, but his career was legendary. While this may be a hot take, realistically Manning did not do anything but throw the ball where he had to, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Gilbride put Manning into the position to make easy throws, with routes that streaked across the middle, that broke down defensive schemes. The ball would be lofted into pockets of empty space where the receiver would do the rest. Considering the Guardians have six above-average receivers, and poster boy DeAngelo Yancey on the IR, McGloin will have more than enough talent to work with, similar to what Eli did in his prime. Also, note that McGloin is in a system that benefits him, which many QB’s in the league could only dream of having. As the season will near closer more and more Guardians predictions will come out, but there will only be one lock; Matt McGloin will be very good.
In a season filled with uncertainty and anxiety, quarterbacks like McGloin will be worshiped by fans and analysts. Personally, I predict McGloin will lead the XFL Guardians to the league’s playoffs, making a miracle run with plenty of press and attention behind it. From that McGloin will land a contract with a team in the NFL as a solid backup.
