With week one of the XFL season in the books, let’s see how every team fared after an exciting opening weekend of the XFL.
1. Houston Roughnecks (1-0)
Some things never change. Just like how they left in 2020, the Houston Roughnecks are STILL undefeated in franchise history, and are STILL the best team in the XFL. The offense was a well oiled machine, with Brandon Silvers leading the charge, and the defense was outstanding. Coach Wade Phillips, I believe, is the best coach in the XFL. And everyone knows, out of all the major sports, football is where coaching can make or break a team. The Roughnecks are the most balanced team in the league, BUT I still have my doubts about Brandon Silvers. He played well enough Saturday night, but he is going to have to protect the football if they want to be able to be the last team standing in San Antonio. The Roughnecks might be the best team right now, but it’s far from clear cut. But for now, the Roughnecks sit as the best team in the league.
2. DC Defenders (1-0)
The Jordan Ta’amu and Deriq King quarterback combo is going to be a special one as the season continues. Ta’amu is legit, and King gives this offense an explosive wrinkle that no other offense will be able to feature in the XFL. Coach Barlow deciding to go with both quarterbacks paid off in this game, and as long as it doesn’t throw off the offense’s rhythm, it could be something that keeps defenses off balance all season long. But we got to talk about the defense, who kept a very talented Seattle offense in check. They had a total of 3 turnovers, including a game winning fumble recovery near the goal line. They were relentless, and I believe they are the backbone of what could be the best team in the North. The DC Defenders made their mark Sunday night, and they aren’t going away anytime soon. However, they only sit at number 2, because…
3. Arlington Renegades (1-0)
The Renegades are a tricky team. Because on the one hand, they have the talent, they have the coaching, they have a solid roster. But their win against Vegas was not a pretty one. The offense scored no TDs, but they did move the ball consistently well down the field. The defense was good, but not great. However, I do believe that this team will find its footing, and when they do, they should be a Playoff team, especially in the weaker South Conference. Drew Plitt is going to have find a way to get into the endzone though, if they want to compete with the elite teams that we are fixing to get to. But for now, the Renegades sit at 3. Though, this is a team that I could see moving up…or down as the season continues.
4. St. Louis Battlehawks (1-0)
The St. Louis Battlehawks had the greatest, most spectacular comeback in XFL history with their 18-15 come from behind win Sunday afternoon. A.J. McCarron was amazing in the 2nd half, particularly in the 4th quarter, when he threw for 2 TDs, including the game winning TD, after converting on a 4th and 15. This team has fight, and they showed that they are never out of a game, especially with the awesome XFL rules. Their defense played well down the stretch, and this team overall will just better as the season goes along. The Battlehawks are the number 4 team after week 1, but I could definitely see them being higher as the season continues.
5. Seattle Sea Dragons (0-1)
Expect this team to move up as the season goes along. I almost wanted to put them higher, but they did lose in unspectacular fashion Sunday night, so I decided to keep them at 5. But make no mistake about it, this is one of, if not the most, talented team in the league. Sunday night you just got a glimpse of what they could be. But as the season progresses, and they start to find their chemistry, watch out. Ben DiNucci and Josh Gordon will become a thing, and this offense will find its rhythm. An when that happens, the league better watch out, because I could see the Sea Dragons finishing as the number 1 seed in the North.
6. Vegas Vipers (0-1)
Ahh, Luis Perez is back at it again. Starts off a game good, looks like he might be the MVP frontrunner of the league, but as per usual, just can’t seem to close the deal. Now, to be fair, Perez threw 3 TDs, which should be enough to win the game. But it was his ill timed INTs that ended up being the main factor they ended up losing this weekend. Here’s my thing about the Vipers. They actually have the talent I believe to get it together and make a run, but Luis Perez has got to take care of the football. If he can do that, I think the Vipers could make the XFL North Conference Playoffs. But they have a lot of stiff competition. So for now, they sit at 6, and the last team in the North.
7. San Antonio Brahmas (0-1)
The San Antonio Brahmas have some cool uniforms. Their fans are amazing. Their color scheme is awesome. And San Antonio is such an awesome city, that they have the honor of hosting the inaugural XFL Championship. Unfortunately for them, I don’t see them being one of the teams playing in that championship game, at least not at this moment. They have a decent running game, with Kalen Ballage and Jacques Patrick leading the charge, but Jack Coan didn’t really instill a lot of confidence in me at quarterback. Their defense is good, but choking away a 12 point lead, by giving up a TD, a 3pt conversion, a 4th and 15, and then another TD, doesn’t really scream clutch. So for now, the number 7 spot is where the San Antonio Brahmas sit.
8. Orlando Guardians (0-1)
Oof. Now look, it is only week 1. And part of me wants to believe that the 33-12 beatdown they received Saturday night had more to do with who they were playing, and not so much an indication of who they really are. But as of right now, that game is all I have to go off of. Paxton Lynch being benched in the first game of the season was not something I saw coming. Unfortunately for Orlando, Quinten Dormady didn’t fare that much better. This teams needs to figure out their quarterback situation before they do anything else. For now, they look like the 8th best team in the league. When you put it like that, it doesn’t sound that bad.
Some things never change. Just like how they left in 2020, the Houston Roughnecks are STILL undefeated in franchise history, and are STILL the best team in the XFL. The offense was a well oiled machine, with Brandon Silvers leading the charge, and the defense was outstanding. Coach Wade Phillips, I believe, is the best coach in the XFL. And everyone knows, out of all the major sports, football is where coaching can make or break a team. The Roughnecks are the most balanced team in the league, BUT I still have my doubts about Brandon Silvers. He played well enough Saturday night, but he is going to have to protect the football if they want to be able to be the last team standing in San Antonio. The Roughnecks might be the best team right now, but it’s far from clear cut. But for now, the Roughnecks sit as the best team in the league.
The Jordan Ta’amu and Deriq King quarterback combo is going to be a special one as the season continues. Ta’amu is legit, and King gives this offense an explosive wrinkle that no other offense will be able to feature in the XFL. Coach Barlow deciding to go with both quarterbacks paid off in this game, and as long as it doesn’t throw off the offense’s rhythm, it could be something that keeps defenses off balance all season long. But we got to talk about the defense, who kept a very talented Seattle offense in check. They had a total of 3 turnovers, including a game winning fumble recovery near the goal line. They were relentless, and I believe they are the backbone of what could be the best team in the North. The DC Defenders made their mark Sunday night, and they aren’t going away anytime soon. However, they only sit at number 2, because…
The Renegades are a tricky team. Because on the one hand, they have the talent, they have the coaching, they have a solid roster. But their win against Vegas was not a pretty one. The offense scored no TDs, but they did move the ball consistently well down the field. The defense was good, but not great. However, I do believe that this team will find its footing, and when they do, they should be a Playoff team, especially in the weaker South Conference. Drew Plitt is going to have find a way to get into the endzone though, if they want to compete with the elite teams that we are fixing to get to. But for now, the Renegades sit at 3. Though, this is a team that I could see moving up…or down as the season continues.
The St. Louis Battlehawks had the greatest, most spectacular comeback in XFL history with their 18-15 come from behind win Sunday afternoon. A.J. McCarron was amazing in the 2nd half, particularly in the 4th quarter, when he threw for 2 TDs, including the game winning TD, after converting on a 4th and 15. This team has fight, and they showed that they are never out of a game, especially with the awesome XFL rules. Their defense played well down the stretch, and this team overall will just better as the season goes along. The Battlehawks are the number 4 team after week 1, but I could definitely see them being higher as the season continues.
Expect this team to move up as the season goes along. I almost wanted to put them higher, but they did lose in unspectacular fashion Sunday night, so I decided to keep them at 5. But make no mistake about it, this is one of, if not the most, talented team in the league. Sunday night you just got a glimpse of what they could be. But as the season progresses, and they start to find their chemistry, watch out. Ben DiNucci and Josh Gordon will become a thing, and this offense will find its rhythm. An when that happens, the league better watch out, because I could see the Sea Dragons finishing as the number 1 seed in the North.
Ahh, Luis Perez is back at it again. Starts off a game good, looks like he might be the MVP frontrunner of the league, but as per usual, just can’t seem to close the deal. Now, to be fair, Perez threw 3 TDs, which should be enough to win the game. But it was his ill timed INTs that ended up being the main factor they ended up losing this weekend. Here’s my thing about the Vipers. They actually have the talent I believe to get it together and make a run, but Luis Perez has got to take care of the football. If he can do that, I think the Vipers could make the XFL North Conference Playoffs. But they have a lot of stiff competition. So for now, they sit at 6, and the last team in the North.
The San Antonio Brahmas have some cool uniforms. Their fans are amazing. Their color scheme is awesome. And San Antonio is such an awesome city, that they have the honor of hosting the inaugural XFL Championship. Unfortunately for them, I don’t see them being one of the teams playing in that championship game, at least not at this moment. They have a decent running game, with Kalen Ballage and Jacques Patrick leading the charge, but Jack Coan didn’t really instill a lot of confidence in me at quarterback. Their defense is good, but choking away a 12 point lead, by giving up a TD, a 3pt conversion, a 4th and 15, and then another TD, doesn’t really scream clutch. So for now, the number 7 spot is where the San Antonio Brahmas sit.
Oof. Now look, it is only week 1. And part of me wants to believe that the 33-12 beatdown they received Saturday night had more to do with who they were playing, and not so much an indication of who they really are. But as of right now, that game is all I have to go off of. Paxton Lynch being benched in the first game of the season was not something I saw coming. Unfortunately for Orlando, Quinten Dormady didn’t fare that much better. This teams needs to figure out their quarterback situation before they do anything else. For now, they look like the 8th best team in the league. When you put it like that, it doesn’t sound that bad.
