The XFL gave us a preview of week one with a single set of preseason games. The Defenders came out on top with a 21-16 win, featuring a beautiful touchdown connection from Cardale Jones to Jordan Westerkamp and a pick-six by Tyree Kinnel.
Maybe a preseason game isn’t enough to judge a teams ability, so lets break down some of the important players and coaches that are going to make this season great:
Cardale Jones (QB): Maybe this is an obvious one, but it’s impossible to deny that Jones has more proven ability at quarterback than most of the league. At Ohio State, Jones worked his way up from the third string and proved himself as a starter. He didn’t put up groundbreaking stats, but he was an instrumental part of the Buckeyes undefeated 2015 regular season. With the speed at Wide Receiver and two solid running backs, this offense can be electrifying.
Jhurell Pressley and Donnel Pumphrey (RB): The XFL Website lists the player(s) to watch from every team in the league. Pressley and Pumphrey were the only two chosen from the Defenders roster. They noted that these two, combined with the talent of Cardale Jones and the receiver core, could make the Defenders “one of the most diverse offenses in the XFL.” Cardale Jones has absorbed most of the media attention, but he isn’t the only star on this team. One of the few weaknesses on offense is the offensive line, but this is a pretty common trend across the league.
The Secondary (DB): In a league filled with quarterbacks that have been out of practice, the Defenders are primed to take advantage. They have created a balance of experience, age, and speed that has already proved successful in the Defenders preseason match up. Jalen Myrick recorded a stunning 4.28 40 yard dash at the 2017 NFL Combine before getting drafted in the seventh round to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In discussions for the best team in the XFL, the Defenders tend to be left in the middle of the group behind the Tampa Bay Vipers and the Dallas Renegades. The Defenders have put together a surprisingly well-rounded roster that I believe will take them into the XFL postseason.
The DC Defenders are built to last.
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