Vipers head coach Mark Trestman has some decisions to make. (Credit: XFL.com)
As the Tampa Bay Vipers’ buses pulled out of CenturyLink Field in Seattle, after the Vipers dropped to 0-2 courtesy of a 17-9 loss to the Seattle Dragons, many questions lingered about the team. Many of those questions revolved around the quarterback position.
Over the past two weeks, Marc Trestman and the offensive staff of the Vipers have been unable to get any type of meaningful offense generated in its last two games. After their original starter Aaron Murray struggled in game 1, and then was declared unable to play in game 2 due to a foot injury, they looked to Taylor Cornelius to provide a spark and take over.
Taylor Cornelius, an Oklahoma State product who was with the Green Bay Packers for rookie mini-camp this past summer, proved ineffective as well. Cornelius got a majority of the snaps in yesterday`s game and posted a 59% completion percentage, going 16 for 27, and throwing for 154 yards. He also threw 2 interceptions and was unable to put together a drive that ended in a touchdown.
The Vipers other option at quarterback, former USF signal caller, Quinton Flowers posted a 43% completion percentage, going 3 for 7, throwing for 18 yards. He threw an interception as well, and was also unable to put together a touchdown ending series.
Coach Marc Trestman addressed the quarterback issues after yesterday’s loss saying, “We haven’t had the play at quarterback that we need, and we’re still working through that.”
Is the fourth quarterback on the Vipers’ depth chart Chase Litton the next option? The former Marshall quarterback spent two seasons in the NFL, one with the Kansas City Chiefs and other with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He began his XFL career with the Seattle Dragons, and then made his way to Tampa Bay shortly afte.
Another option for the Vipers is XFL Team 9. Team 9 is a team located in Dallas and serves as a practice squad for the entire league. According to XFL rules, after week 2, teams are required to fill an open roster spot with a Team 9 player. Could the Vipers release a player to make room for a Team 9 Quarterback? There are currently 4 on the Team 9 roster.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who Marc Trestman and the Vipers coaching staff decide on as their QB, they just need to find one fast before the season truly gets out of hand.
