1. Houston Roughnecks (3-0)
Last Week: Ranked 1
Last Game: def. San Antonio Brahmas 22-13
Next Week: at Orlando Guardians (0-3)
I started off with this and I’ll ask if again. Here’s a question. Have you watched this team play? While the game was within a score at days end, Houston just felt like the better team and looked like the best team for the third week in a row. Brandon Silvers is likely leading the early on MVP race, he finished the evening 24/35, 278 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT.
They are so consistent with who and what they do. Without a doubt, they are the most complete team in the league. While they are not blowing anyone out since Week 1, they just put the pedal to the metal and do not hold back.
2. D.C. Defenders (3-0)
Last Week: Ranked 2
Last Game: def. St Louis Battlehawks 34-28
Next Week: vs Vegas Vipers (0-3)
You know how I mentioned how well this defense was playing last week? This week they were tested and Gregg Williams had them step up when needed.
The Defenders went back to QB Ta’amu who looked like he took the benching personally and played his best game of the season. King did get into the game and drove them down the field for a score.
I’ll be honest it was hard for me not to move them to the #1 spot this week.
This may be the first week we see a double digit spread entering a game. If it won’t be 10 plus, it’ll be very close. The trajectory of D.C. remains to go up.
3. St Louis Battlehawks (2-1)
Last Week: Ranked 3
Last Game: loss to D.C. Defenders 34-28
Next Week: vs Arlington Renegades (2-1)
Game of the week, what a fun game. McCarron had 262 total yards in the air with 4 touchdowns, but had two costly interceptions.
St Louis desperately needs a running game, like yesterday. They have to help take pressure off of McCarron.
Honestly, the Battlehawks are one of the best teams in the league, just came up short against a better team.
This week, they’re finally at home and will be in front of over 30,000 fans. It will be a fun game to watch for sure.
4. Arlington Renegades (2-1)
Last Week: Ranked 4
Last Game: def Orlando Guardians 10-9
Next Week: at St Louis Battlehawks (2-1)
Arlington finally made the switch at quarterback to Kyle Sloter. I was so hyped for this, I’m personally a huge fan. Then yeah, this offense is just bad no matter who’s under center. Chuck Long and Jonathan Hayes (Co-OCs) need to figure this out and fast.
Defensively this team can hang with anyone and keep their offense in the game. I think that’s the most frustrating part with this team, they don’t need DiNucci numbers from their quarterback, but they need the OCs to trust him and let him make some plays down field.
Big game this week and it’s going to be loud, let’s see how they handle the Battle Dome.
5. Seattle Sea Dragons (1-2)
Last Week: Ranked 6
Last Game: def. Vegas Vipers 30-26
Next Week: vs San Antonio Brahmas (1-2)
They finally did it. Sure they won a game, but that’s not it. The Sea Dragons finally put an entire game plan together and executed it for 4 entire quarters. I’ve been one who’s been hard on QB Ben DiNucci, but he straight bailed going 29/37, 377 yards, 4 (yes 4) TDs and 1 INT.
DiNucci is the best QB in the league but his downfall has been closing out games, and well, he did that. WR Josh Gordon finished with 6 catches for 118 yards and 2 TDs, and Running back Morgan Ellison also finished the evening with 118 yards rushing on only 17 carries.
The Sea Dragons defensively have a lot of work to do but let’s see if they can keep the momentum against San Antonio this week.
6. San Antonio Brahmas (1-2)
Last Week: Ranked 5
Last Game: loss to Houston Roughnecks 22-13
Next Week: at Seattle Sea Dragons (1-2)
All you need to know…8/20 64 yards, for an entire XFL game.
I have no idea why Jack Coan remained in the game. The Brahmas came out strong and took an early leas and then just went doormat afterwards. T J Vasher had a nasty shoulder injury late in the game and if that’s a long term concern, this slow offense will continue to struggle. Despite all of that, they were still in a one score game with the best team in the league.
Like others, they need to figure out their quarterback issue and they can compete with this league.
7. Vegas Vipers (0-3)
Last Week: Ranked 7
Last Game: loss to Seattle Sea Dragons 30-26
Next Week: at D.C. Defenders (3-0)
Say what you want about Vegas, their attendance is the lowest in the league (also smallest stadium), they’re winless, BUT making the change to Brett Hundley at quarterback was a fantastic move. While he finished under 50% completion the offense just ran smoothly and looked in sync throughout the game. The Vipers have similar issues to the Sea Dragons and that’s just they can’t close a game out.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t get easier this week as they travel to D.C., but they will get a complete game under their belt sooner than later. Deontay Anderson finished with 9 total tackles for the Vipers and had a forced fumble.
8. Orlando Guardians (0-3)
Last Week: Ranked 8
Last Game: loss to Arlington Renegades 10-9
Next Week: vs Houston Roughnecks (3-0)
I did this last week, and let’s do it again. The positive? They played their best game of the season. Negative? It still wasn’t good enough.
In case you didn’t hear their backup quarterback gave their playbook to opponents at some point this season. Which brings me to my point, I understand why Paxton Lynch is still starting. Because I’m not sure how they stick with him.
He doesn’t really turn over the ball, but he also doesn’t score, it’s just the most basic case of being a manager. The problem, your defense isn’t great and typically you’re not in games and need to score.
It’s not getting any better this week with Houston coming to town, but I don’t see a win in sight for this team at current state.
Editor: Bobby Autin