The Houston Roughnecks hit the road in Week 8 to take on the San Antonio Brahmas in a divisional matchup. Both teams lost their last game, and Houston has dropped three games in a row after opening the season with a four-game winning streak.
This will be the second meeting all-time between the two teams. In Week 3 of the season, the Roughnecks took down the Brahmas by a score of 22-13 at TDECU Stadium in Houston. The Brahmas look to even the series in this game, and continue winning through the remainder of their three-game homestand that ends their regular season at the Alamodome.
Here are some connections between these two Texas opponents. Both Wade Phillips and Hines Ward are first-year XFL head coaches. Brothers and fellow DBs Raleigh (HOU) and Ranthony (SAN) Texada will face off against each other this week. A combined 14 players between the two teams hail from the state of Texas. Just 200 miles separate the two teams’ home stadiums, the shortest distance in the league between opponents.
What should we look for?
Statistically the Roughnecks have the edge in many categories of play. In scoring they are 25.3 PPG, which is 2nd in the XFL. They have 23 total touchdowns (1st in the XFL), 14 touchdowns through the air (2nd in the XFL), 9 touchdowns on the ground (2nd in the XFL), 8 passing plays of +40 yards (1st in the XFL), and 5 rushing plays of 20+ yards (2nd in the XFL). On defense they are also dominant only allowing 19.6 PPG, racking up 23 sacks (1st in the XFL), 9 interceptions (1st in the XFL), 2 fumble recoveries for a touchdown (1st in the XFL), and 37 tackles for a loss (4th in the XFL). If the Roughnecks are able to play up to their potential on both offense and defense the Brahmas stand no chance of winning this game.
Where the Brahmas may have something to say about the Roughnecks offensive stats is with their defense. Entering week eight, the Brahmas have surrendered only 114 points on the season and lead the XFL in scoring defense. Through seven weeks, San Antonio has allowed an average of only 16.3 points per game and is leading the XFL in tackles for loss with 52. The Brahmas defense has also compiled 15.0 sacks so far this season, third-best in the league. Last week against Vegas, the Brahmas managed to rack up 9.0 tackles for a loss. Tackles for loss have become a staple of the San Antonio defense as they lead the XFL in this category. Linebacker Jordan Williams is tied for the league lead in tackles for loss (10.0) while defensive end Delontae Scott is ranked third (8.0). Williams is also the XFL’s overall leading tackler with 65 total tackles thus far.
There are some questions surrounding the starting quarterback for both teams. Last week, Roughnecks starter Brandon Silvers was not dressed for the game leaving the pivot duties to backup Cole McDonald. At this week’s practices, Silvers has been “limited,” meaning we may see McDonald get his second start of the season. The Brahmas have had a revolving door of quarterbacks lately. Last week Kurt Benkert started for San Antonio, but he suffered fractured ribs and was placed on injured reserve. To fill the gap, Paxton Lynch was claimed off waivers from Orlando. He’ll probably not play this week, leaving this week’s starting duties to Jack Coan.
Last week, Brahmas receiver Fred Brown made history against Vegas when he returned a kickoff 96-yards for a touchdown. Brown’s electric return was the first kickoff return for a touchdown in XFL history. Brown was responsible for all 12 of San Antonio’s points in week seven, as he also hauled in a one-yard TD reception in the first quarter. Look for Brown to attempt to continue where he left off last week.
This game has significant playoff implications for both teams. The Brahmas are very much alive in the South Division playoff race. In addition, a Brahmas win would move to San Antonio to 1-1 against the Roughnecks, which would give the Brahmas a win over each team in the division with just one division game against Orlando remaining. Meanwhile, Houston has the chance to clinch a spot in the South Division Championship Game with a win this week.
Conclusion
Look for the Houston Roughnecks to reclaim their winning ways this week and blow past the spread of 5.5 points. The Brahmas may have one of the best defenses in the league, but they have a huge weakness at quarterback. This deficiency should show up on the scoreboard.
