The San Antonio Brahmas enter XFL week nine with an outside chance of still playing for the South Division Championship. With two weeks left to play, the Brahmas sit two games back of the second place Arlington Renegades (4-4). If San Antonio manages to secure wins over Orlando in week nine and D.C. in week 10, and the Renegades lose in weeks nine and 10, there is postseason possibility. Seriously, the best opportunity for the Brahmas to make it into the playoffs was swindled away from them last week when they lost to the division leading Houston Roughnecks, 17-15, in overtime.
Orlando’s playoff chances also left last week. This week they are playing for pride, and with it, a chance to spoil the Brahmas slim playoff hopes. Neither team has had what could be considered a successful season, both ranking at the bottom of the XFL standings.
What should we look for?
The San Antonio Brahmas’ record is only slightly better than the Guardians. Both teams have had some great opportunities this season, and the Guardians showed incredible prowess in a win over league leading DC Defenders two weeks ago. The worst teams in a league often have the best performances when put on the spot. One of these two teams might have one of the best games of their season in this matchup.
It should be noted how the Brahmas and Guardians have already met this season, meeting on February 26 in Orlando, with that game handed to San Antonio 30-12.
The Orlando Guardians had high hopes last week against the Arlington Renegades, especially while coming off an impressive victory over the Defenders. Unfortunately, the Guardians suffered another loss, reducing their record to 1-7. Now that they are out of the playoffs, the Guardians hope to salvage their season and play their final two games with pride. Might this be enough to buoy the Orlando squad to a 2nd victory?
The XFL South Division leading Houston Roughnecks, triumphed over the Brahmas, but they only eked out the win in overtime. Where the Brahmas could have defeated their divisional rivals, and then they did not, must weigh heavy on the San Antonio squad. This may motivate them to a victory. Will they be more motivated than the Vipers?
Despite the loss against the Roughnecks, the Brahmas are showcasing some real talent. Running back Jacques Patrick rushed for a season high 96 yards on 16 carries while adding his second rushing TD of the season. In addition, kicker Parker Romo was money when he pegged a 49-yard field goal in the final seconds of regulation to send the game into overtime.
The San Antonio defense has plenty to be proud of. At the end of the first half in San Antonio’s week eight game against Houston, defensive back Jack Koerner intercepted Houston QB Brandon Silvers and nearly had himself a pick-six, returning the interception 51-yards as time expired. With the interception, Koerner became the fifth Brahmas defender to earn an INT this season. Tenny Adewusi, Kameron Kelly, Ranthony Texada and Luq Barcoo each have at least one INT. In addition, the Brahmas are the only team in the XFL to have multiple players with 10+ tackles for loss. Linebacker Jordan Williams is tied for the league lead in tackles for loss (11.0) while also leading the league in total tackles (71). Meanwhile, defensive end Delontae Scott is ranked third in the XFL in both sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (10.0).
At quarterback, with the Brahmas looking to start Jack Coan for the second week in a row, arguably the Guardians have a better starting pivot with Quinten Dormady. Former Orlando starter Paxton Lynch is now scrimmaging with the Brahmas. He never played last week, but he might be ready to take some snaps this week. Ironically, he has had the opportunity to enlighten the Brahmas with the Guardian’s offensive scheme. It is questionable as to whether any of this would give San Antonio a leg up in this match.
Conclusion
These two teams have only won three games combined this season, and have had trouble most of the way through this inaugural XFL season. We give the Brahmas an edge in this game mainly due to their chance to still make the playoffs and their advantage of playing at home. However, San Antonio needs to be aware of how the Guardians put it together to beat the Defenders, and they need to be careful that they do not end up as another casualty of a Guardians squad that just might put it all together again just for their date at the Alamodome.
We pick the Brahmas to win, and a score that is below the over/under of 39.5.
