Despite Losing Last Week, Orlando still has the best record in the XFL
Orlando – (21 March 2001) — The Orlando Rage lost their first game on Sunday and they also lost QB Jeff Brohm for the rest of the regular season. The Rage, averaging 25 points a game, could only muster 6 points on offense. The Rage was held to a season-low 20 yards rushing on 11 carries, including just 11 yards by leading rusher Derrick Clark.
The thing that hurt the team the most in the loss was at special-teams. Long punt returns by Damon Gibson set up both of L.A’s first-quarter scores.
This loss comes at what I believe to be the right time for the Rage. They no longer have to wear the badge of the only undefeated team in the league, and they can now concentrate on football.
The Rage return home on Sunday to face the New York-New Jersey Hitmen (3-4) in their last regular-season home game at 4 p.m. The determined Hitmen squad is looking to gain the second playoff spot in the east.
“They say a true test of a team’s character is how they handle a setback”. Rage Head Coach Galen Hall said. ” I would hope that we can overcome last week’s game and get ready to play a much-improved New York team.”
Hitmen confidence is running high as they are coming off two big wins, one in the last seconds against the Maniax and the other in the unfriendly confines of the Hell Hole.
The offensive line for the Rage will have to play a step better this week, as Brian Kuklick will get the start. Brian is playing well, he orchestrated a 93-yard scoring drive to avoid the shutout last week.
“The most important thing will be for this team to re-focus and get ready for a good New York team”, OL Sean Love said. “They gave us a tough game up there a few weeks ago and they have been playing better ever since. I really don’t see where any team in this league is a whole lot more talented than any other team. How you approach the game mentally has a lot to do with it.”
For the second straight week we have been held to less than 100-yards on the ground. Once the Rage got behind last week I think They panicked a little and got away from the game plan.
Are the Rage worried this week? Coach Hall said. “The fact of the matter is that we still have the best record in this league and we certainly still control our own destiny”.
A win this week for the Rage would clinch the Eastern Division Title and a first round Home Game. Look for Orlando to bounce back and put the cement boots on the Hitmen and toss ’em into Lake Warren.
