This is the second half of a home-and-home series between these teams, where Arlington won the first game on the road in San Antonio’s Alamodome. Although they got the win, the Renegades did not run roughshod over the Brahmas. With a relatively low 12-10 score, both teams were either very successful on defense, or pathetic on offense.
Arlington wants to win this game just to keep pace with the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL Southern Division. For the Brahmas, winning this game is practically essential for them to obtain a playoff berth. Losing this game not only puts them further behind the Renegades, but it also gifts the season series to the Arlington squad.
What should we look for?
In addition to making Jimmie Johnson the new offensive coordinator, the Brahmas will also have a new pivot. With their starting quarterback Jack Coan listed as doubtful with an ankle injury and Reid Sinnett placed in a walking boot in the previous game, third string quarterback Jawon Pass has been elevated to starter and new arrival Kurt Benkert will be on the roster. Benkert has only arrived with the Brahmas on Thursday, so there are doubts he will be ready.
Not helping matters is how the Brahmas no longer have a running game, and with Kalen Ballage also out injured there doesn’t seem to be a chance to get back to the run this weekend. Before he was injured, Ballage was among the XFL’s top rushers.
Arlington’s defense might feast upon the Renegades in this game. Considering they limited the Brahmas to only 181 total yards, only 3.6 yards per play, in last weeks game, there does not look like anything will stop them from repeating that feat. Arlington has a powerful defense with linebacker Donald Payne, the league’s No. 2 tackler with 38, and Willie Taylor who is tied for fifth in sacks with 3.
The Renegades carried the ball 33 times for 119 yards against the Brahmas last week, improving on their combined total of just 113 running yards from the previous two games. Running back De’Veon Smith had a great game with 19 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown, which turned out to be the winning score. The Arlington running game was relatively anemic, only managing to gain about three yards per carry, but it kept the Arlington offense on the field and made San Antonio stay on their toes.
Arlington quarterback Kyle Sloter took advantage of the running game to take pressure off his passing game, which was perfect since he committed four interceptions in the previous three games. Sloter is struggling as a passer, only registering one touchdown pass in his three starts. He ranks tenth overall with 55 completions for 477 yards, giving the Renegades the worst passing offence in the XFL with 136.8 yards per game. The Renegades must be aware of the Brahmas’ weakness in defending the run. Look for Sloter to be handing the ball to De’Veon Smith in his first offensive series.
Arlington plays well at home. This will be the Renegades’ first home game since their win over Orlando in Week 3, a game that made them 2-0 at home. The Brahmas’ lone victory so far this season came away from home, but it came against the winless Orlando Guardians.
Conclusion
Since Seattle knocked Houston down from their unbeaten pedestal, the Arlington Renegades can smell blood in the water. They are looking forward to a win this week to close the gap, and are clearly hoping for the unbeaten DC Defenders to knock Houston down another notch on Monday. On the other hand, a Brahmas’ win means Arlington drops to the .500 mark and puts San Antonio within their grasp.
This game has huge playoff implications, but it is the Renegades game to lose. With their current offensive issues the Brahmas are ripe for the picking. If the Renegades don’t get it done they will have squandered a huge opportunity.
