Week 2 in the XFL might not have had as much offense as Week 1, but it didn’t lack intrigue and drama. The Defenders and Roughnecks both look strong through two games, with the Vipers continuing to disappoint and a quarterback meltdown in New York.
Here are some of the things we learned after Week 2.
Defense reigns in D.C.
Cardale Jones played well in D.C.’s game against the Guardians but the real story was their strong defense. Some of the stats are truly impressive – they limited New York to 166 yards of offense, averaging just 2.9 yards per play. Matt McGloin had only eight completions and the Guardians managed only five first downs all game. The Defenders added two interceptions and a fumble recovery, giving their defense six turnovers in just two games. None of New York’s drives got further than D.C.’s 47 yard line as they forced the XFL’s first ever shutout. This level of performance is clearly not going to be replicated every week but the Defenders are quietly stating their case as the best all-around team in the XFL.
Tampa Bay offense is absent
Tampa Bay are without doubt the most disappointing team in the XFL so far. In their two games they have managed a paltry 12 points and haven’t scored a single offensive touchdown. In Week 1 they showed flashes of offensive talent but couldn’t convert in the red zone. Against Seattle in Week 2 they were leading 9-0 in the third quarter but the Dragons then put up 17 unanswered points to win 17-9. In both games they have outgained their opponents in terms of yards but have had nothing to show for it. Their lack of consistency at quarterback is a problem, with their starter Aaron Murray ruled out for Week 2 and Marc Trestman rotating between Taylor Cornelius and Quinton Flowers against Seattle. With a game against the in-form Roughnecks coming up in Week 3 their poor start looks likely to continue.
P.J. Walker is a cut above
Offense struggled throughout Week 2, with three of the four games finishing under the Vegas total. The Roughnecks quarterback however continued to impress in Week 3, with 170 yards and three touchdowns in their 28-24 win over the BattleHawks. Over the first two games he has thrown for 442 yards with seven touchdowns and one pick, adding a further 53 yards on the ground. His mobility and arm talent are resulting in comparisons with Patrick Mahomes and although that may be something of an exaggeration, his first quarter touchdown throw to Cam Phillips certainly had echoes of the Kansas City quarterback. We are only two weeks in but Walker already looks to be the best quarterback in the league by some margin and is making a strong case for being the eventual MVP.
Matt McGloin’s meltdown
New York’s 27-0 loss to D.C. was ugly but Matt McGloin’s meltdown both on and off the field became the real talking point. New York’s offense struggled all game, with McGloin being benched in the fourth quarter after putting up just 44 yards passing with two interceptions and a Passer Rating of 10.1. He made his frustrations known at halftime, saying that the team needed an entirely new game plan and continued to call out his teammates after he was benched for Marquise Williams. The unprecedented media access in the XFL was always likely to create this kind of drama but given his dire performance and questionable attitude, don’t be surprised if McGloin is on the bench for their Week 3 game against the BattleHawks.
