Chicago – (12 March 2001) — As should be expected in the XFL, the Enforcers – Maniax battle lived up to it’s billing. From the very first drive, we laid witness to a scoring onslaught. Teams were throwing the ball downfield and scoring at will. Big play after big play moved both teams.
Again, Kevin McDougal had an impressive game connecting with Junior Lord, Luther Leverson, and John Avery for big gains. However, for the second game in a row, he couldn’t punch into the endzone. But, he didn’t have to because LaShon Johnson and John Avery were on a mission. Two TD’s from Johnson and a 25-yard TD sprint around the Memphis defense by Avery put up most of Chicago’s points. Add 2 of 3 in conversions and an Andy Crosland field goal to cap off the Enforcers scoring at 23.
All that scoring would normally warrant a victory in any football league, especially with Memphis’ starting running back, Rashaan Salaam, and back-up, Rafael Cooper out for at least the remainder of the game. And with two Memphis turnovers inside the redzone, it looked as if Chicago was about to put this game away. But, like the Chicago offense, Memphis came to play. Druckenmiller, practically guaranteeing himself XFL Offensive Player of the Week, tossed for over 400 passing yards through a “which one will show up today” Chicago secondary, with 240 of those yards going to Charles Jordan.
With just 20 seconds left, the Enforcers tried to pull-off another come from behind victory, but multiple receivers in the endzone couldn’t grab onto a Hail Mary attempt by McDougal.
Although, we walk out of The Asylum with a loss, I am very relieved to see the offense back in form. John Avery busting through defenses, receivers making the big plays, and Lashon Johnson making it happen inside the red-zone.
In a week East Division, with a little tweaking in the defensive strategy, I am still looking at the Enforcers in the play-offs against Orlando. I am sure Ron Meyer, Tony Lombardi and Chicago secondary will be focusing on the defensive play this week.
Fellow Enforcer fans, imagine an offense of this caliber with a stingy defense. Is this a dream? We’ll find out this Sunday, March 18, as the pass-happy San Francisco Demons come to Soldier Field. Can the Enforcers make this two in a row at home? Be there to find out!
