The Houston Roughnecks took firm control of the South this weekend after defeating the San Antonio Brahmas 22-13 improving to 3-0 on the season, and they now stand alone atop the South. The Brahmas had momentum coming into Houston after defeating the Guardians 30-12 in Orlando, but that momentum was halted by a brick wall, also known as the Houston Roughnecks.
Let’s start with the defense. They were outstanding once again, creating pressure, causing turnovers, and stifling a talented Brahmas offense, who just could not really get going all game. But the highlight of the game, was their game saving goal line stand on the 1 yard line, in which Houston just outmuscled the competition. The game was 22-13, which in the XFL, as Coach Wade Phillips pointed out in the post game press conference, is a one score game in the XFL. All San Antonio had to do was get in the endzone from the 1, and they would have had an opportunity to tie this game, and possibly take it to overtime. But Houston’s defense had other plans. They pushed hard, and never let San Antonio get in, thus clinching their spot atop the South. The Roughnecks D weren’t the sack machine they had been all season, only recording 2 half sacks, but they had Coan under pressure all night long, and never allowed him to get comfortable. However, they did have a takeaway, and man, it was a beauty. Ajene Harris made an incredible catch for the INT. The defense continues to be the best in the XFL, but honestly, what do you expect? It’s a Wade Phillips coached defense. This man won a Super Bowl for crying out loud.
But now, I have to give credit where credit is due. Mr. Brandon Silvers looked good. He looked really good. He had some amazing throws in this game, and he put up some impressive numbers. Especially in the 1st half. He was 24/35 for 278 yds and 3 TDs. He did a great job of spreading the ball around, passing it to 9 different receivers on the day. He made some high quality throws that made me think, maybe just maybe, he is a good enough quarterback to win a Championship. His reads were a lot better this week. His decision making was night and day. And his accuracy was on point. But Silvers wasn’t the only star shining Sunday night. Jontre Kirklin continues too impress. He was phenomenal once again, going for 6 rec for 77 yds and 2 TDs. And man, he made some incredible catches. Deontay Burnett also chipped in with a TD, and the receiving core continues to be one of the best in the league. Max Borghi was impressive on the ground with 15 carries for 74 yds, and this offense continues to have a balanced attack both on the ground and through the air. Most importantly, other than 1 INT by Silvers, they did a much better job this week of protecting the football. This offense, much like all the other offenses in the XFL, is starting to find its rhythm. If they can continue to keep a balanced attack and protect the football, they will be just fine.
The Houston Roughnecks are STILL the best team in the XFL, and that can not be disputed at this point. BUT, if week 3 is anything to go buy, other teams are coming, ad they are coming quickly. But for now, Houston stands on top. And until someone knocks them off, that’s not changing anytime soon.
