DC Defenders defensive back Michael Joseph is ready to defend against the Vipers. (Twitter)
D.C. Defenders (1-0) at Vegas Vipers (0-1)
Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. ET
Cashman Field, Las Vegas
Broadcaster: FX
Announcers: John Schiffren (Play-by-Play), Tom Luginbill (Analyst), Stormy Buonantony (Field Reporter:), Harry Douglas (Field Analyst)
Odds: Vipers -3, O/U 34.5
On Saturday we get to see the first XFL game in Las Vegas since 2001.
This cross-country matchup of northern division partners might be the spark we need to establish another rivalry within the league when the Vegas Vipers (0-1) host the D.C. Defenders (1-0).
The Vipers had a 14-3 halftime lead in Arlington last week but were outscored 19-6 in the second half in an eventual 22-20 loss to the Renegades. As for the Defenders, they forced three turnovers and presented a balanced offensive attack in their 22-18 win at home over Seattle.
Quarterbacks
Last Sunday, the Defenders used a two-quarterback system against Seattle. Jordan Ta’amu, a holdover from the 2020 XFL St. Louis Battlehawks, completed only 8 of 19 passes for 86 yards and an interception. He did, run for a touchdown and was not sacked. D’Eriq King, a former Miami Hurricane, only completed one pass (for seven yards), but he added 14 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries. The majority of King’s work came in the second half. The Defenders only managed to gain 177 total yards of offence, but they made plays when it mattered and were assisted by a stalwart defense.
Luis Perez, who threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns against Arlington last Saturday, will lead Vegas once again this week. Perez is in his second season with the XFL, having previously played for the Guardians in 2020. He has previously played in the NFL, AAF, The Spring League, and USFL. Perez continued to display the big arm and coolness behind the ball that have earned him opportunities in recent years. He also completed passes to eight different receivers, with Jeff Badet leading the way with six catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns, and averaged 6.9 yards per attempt. However, Perez was sacked three times and threw two pick sixes, so those issues will need to be addressed. The Vipers could benefit from running the ball more to relieve some of Perez’s pressure.
Defense
The Vipers’ defense has some kinks to work out. After holding Arlington to a single field goal in the first half, the Renegades outscored them by 13 points in the second half. Arlington’s offence, in fact, put together two crucial scoring drives late in the game. The Vipers allowed Renegades quarterback Drew Plitt to throw for 172 yards while also allowing 83 rushing yards. They do, however, have some talent in pass rushers La’Ron Stokes (3.5 tackles for loss vs. Arlington), Vic Beasley Jr., and Max Roberts, who combined for three sacks last week. Linebackers C.J. Avery (interception) and D.J. Calhoun (four tackles) also stood out. This game could be decided by whose defense gets the most stops.
In week one against Seattle, the Defenders forced three turnovers, two of which were interceptions by cornerback Michael Joseph, including a pick-six in the third quarter. Linebacker Jamal Brooks, who also had a sack, forced a fumble and recovered it. In fact, the D.C. defense got to Sea Dragons quarterback Ben DiNucci twice. Seattle was held to 5.1 yards per pass attempt and 3.0 yards per run by the Defenders. In addition, the Defenders held Seattle scoreless in the second and fourth quarters. Gregg Williams, the veteran defensive coordinator, demonstrated that he will be aggressive in his play-calling and will not be afraid to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
What to Expect
Even though D.C. won its first game, it could be described as “winning ugly,” and the Defenders only gained 177 yards total, or 3.3 yards per play. The running game only averaged 2.5 yards per carry, with an 18-yard completion being the longest play from scrimmage. Furthermore, D.C. quarterbacks combined to go 9-for-21 passing with an interception (despite neither being sacked the entire game), and the offence as a whole converted on less than 40% of its third-down opportunities. While the defense made the necessary big plays they allowed 331 yards (mostly through the air) and 20 first downs. Seven penalties were also called on the Defenders.
On the other hand, Vegas had success moving the ball (261 yards), but it was almost entirely through the pass, with the ground game totaling 25 yards on 15 carries. The Vipers did not get a single first down on the ground all game. There were also three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble) that resulted in two touchdowns (pick-sixes) and a field goal for Arlington. Vegas was also inept on third down (38.5 percent conversion rate) and was called for eight penalties. The Vipers fared better on defence (246 total yards allowed), holding the Renegades to less than 30% on third down, intercepting a pass, and recording three sacks, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement on that end of the field.
It’s easier to dismiss Week 1 as a case of shaking off the rust and acclimating to game action. The bottom line is that this matchup provides an excellent opportunity for one or both offences to significantly improve their performance.
