Tweet
Week 2 Recaps Of XFL Action:
Los Angeles Xtreme 39 , Chicago Enforcers 32 2OT
Summary: The Los Angeles Xtreme made the return of professional football to LA a successful one by defeating the Chicago Enforcers in 2 OT 39-32. The Xtreme scored two touchdowns in the final 3 minutes of the game to force the overtime periods.
Why the Xtreme Won: The Xtreme finally showed off the high-powered offense that many predicted they would have this season. The Xtreme had 23 more first downs on the night then the Enforcers (34-11) so moving the ball was never a problem. Tommy Maddox didn't let a pair of costly interceptions rattle his cage as he threw 3 touchdowns in the fourth quarter and overtime alone. The Xtreme still need to establish a running game because this team will not have Maddox throwing 65 passes as he did in this game.
The Turning Point: The Xtreme was 1 play away from dropping to 0-2 when Tommy Maddox found Jermaine Copland (one of his new XFL record 17 receptions on the night) for a 23-yard gain that took them to the 1-yard line. Ken Oxindine ran the ball in on the next play to force overtime and give the Xtreme momentum heading in the extra session.
Why the Enforcers Lost: The defense wasn't able to get enough pressure on Maddox late in the game. The Enforcers are 0-2 but are probably better than at least 3 or maybe 4 clubs in this league, but I stated they could not afford to go 0-3 as they had their first 3 games on the road. Tim Lester and John Avery continue to shine and the Enforcers need to hold their heads high. More consistency from the wide receivers would pay dividends as well.
Orlando Rage 26 , San Francisco Demons 14
Summary: The Orlando Rage became the first team in XFL history to record a 2-0 start as they defeated the San Francisco Demons in a game closer than the 26-14 score would indicate. The Demons offense seemed to move the ball better than Orlando but 2 costly turnovers and 13 penalties were just too many mistakes to overcome.
Why the Rage Won: The Rage are fortunate to win the game as comfortably as they did. They took advantage of the San Francisco mistakes and put points on the board as a result. Another important element for the Rage is the ground game, which totaled 139 yards between 3 running backs. The Rage have displayed a tremendous amount of depth in the backfield and Galen Hall and his staff have confidence in all of the running backs. San Francisco is probably the team in the league that most resembles the Rage and they showed them they had some matchup problems especially on 3 step drops by the quarterbacks or when they defended a hurry-up offense.
The Turning Point: Mike Pawlawski threw an interception in the end zone that was very controversial and replays showed it probably should have counted as a San Francisco touchdown. The receiver grabbed the ball and while on his back and already down it appeared that Orlando defensive back Omar Brown ripped the ball from him. The play stood as an interception and ended another Demon drive with a costly mistake.
Why the Demons Lost: Jim Skipper has to be pleased with the effort he is seeing but the lapses in concentration have to drive a coach crazy. This week Jimmy Cunningham and James Hundon emerged as primary targets when last week it was Calvin Schnexader and Brian Roberson. Even tight end Brian Roche caught 5 balls including a touchdown on the day so the biggest problem in the Bay Area might be keeping all of the receivers happy. The defense was solid and I still think this is a team that has rapidly improved since camps opened.
Birmingham Thunderbolts 19 , New York/New Jersey Hitmen 12
Summary: Stepfret Williams was a human highlight reel as he hauled in 8 passes for 134 yards and scored on a 95-yard punt return to lead the Birmingham Thunderbolts over the New York/New Jersey Hitmen 19-12. This game was the sloppiest of the weekend, and that covers the football and the weather.
Why the Thunderbolts Won: This game was about Stepfret Williams making big play after big play. Casey Weldon was getting harassed by the Hitmen defense who were blitzing an awful lot and rushing a lot of Weldon's throws. James Bostic was also able to chew up some valuable clock time as he rushed for 105 yards on the day.
The Turning Point: There was probably a pair of plays that were key in this game with the first being the huge punt return by Williams which broke open a 6-6 tie game in the third quarter. Say what you want about the overall sloppy play of the XFL, the 1-point conversion rule is a hit and it may have decided the game today. After Birmingham scored on the Williams punt return Kaipo McGuire converted the 1-point attempt with a nice sliding grab in the end zone. After New York/New Jersey scored to pull within 1 the conversion was unsuccessful and left Birmingham with a 1-point lead. The last half of the quarter would have been played differently if the game were tied.
Why the Hitmen Lost: The first half it looked the same old Hitmen we saw against Las Vegas. I cannot believe Charles Puleri didn't get the hook in this game, in the third quarter he was 3-10 for 12 yards and had an interception. But coach Rusty Tillman stuck with Puleri and he started to move the ball late in the game as the Hitmen ended the game missing on a fourth down pass inside the Birmingham 20 yard line. The play of the offensive line was better but it still isn't where it needs to be. The Hitmen improved from last week but let's face I, how could they have been worse.
Las Vegas Outlaws 25, Memphis Maniax 3
Summary: In what can best be described as the shocker of the weekend, the Las Vegas Outlaws easily disposed of the Memphis Maniax 25-3. The Las Vegas defense pitched a shutout last week so they have only surrendered a field goal in 2 games and haven't allowed a touchdown. Staring quarterback Ryan Clement went down with an injury, this is a team already missing their starter in Chuck Clements.
Why the Outlaws Won: This game was about defense and limiting the mistakes the offense made and both tasks were accomplished. Las Vegas cannot rest easy especially if the injury to Clement is as bad as feared. Brandon Sanders continues to lead a secondary that hasn't allowed many completions and Kurt Gouveia looked like he was 26 instead of 36 out there on the football field. The real test for this defense will come next week as they host the high powered Los Angeles Xtreme offense.
The Turning Point: In the second quarter of a 3-3 game, Memphis brought in Beau Morgan to run the option on a short 3rd down play just outside the red zone. Morgan fumbled the ball and Las Vegas defender Jason Kaiser went 80 yards for the touchdown to give Las Vegas a 9-3 lead. Memphis never got another point on the night and they were knocking on the door before the turnover. The play made by Kaiser completely drained the life out of the Memphis offense.
Why the Maniax Lost: The biggest reason was the battle at the line of scrimmage was won by Las Vegas. Marcus Crandell did not have sufficient time to throw and when he did he misfired anyway. Rashaan Salaam was held in check and aside from a long bomb to Kevin Prentiss that set up their field goal, there were no big plays for the Memphis offense.
THE FANTASY LEADERS:
1ST: Twizza80 87.5%
2nd: Corky 81.2%
2nd: Value 81.2%
Hey Twizza, that was a SWEET call Vegas and under 37! The Bolts was a hard pick, but you were RIGHT ON!
-SportsKing
Los Angeles Xtreme 39 , Chicago Enforcers 32 2OT
Summary: The Los Angeles Xtreme made the return of professional football to LA a successful one by defeating the Chicago Enforcers in 2 OT 39-32. The Xtreme scored two touchdowns in the final 3 minutes of the game to force the overtime periods.
Why the Xtreme Won: The Xtreme finally showed off the high-powered offense that many predicted they would have this season. The Xtreme had 23 more first downs on the night then the Enforcers (34-11) so moving the ball was never a problem. Tommy Maddox didn't let a pair of costly interceptions rattle his cage as he threw 3 touchdowns in the fourth quarter and overtime alone. The Xtreme still need to establish a running game because this team will not have Maddox throwing 65 passes as he did in this game.
The Turning Point: The Xtreme was 1 play away from dropping to 0-2 when Tommy Maddox found Jermaine Copland (one of his new XFL record 17 receptions on the night) for a 23-yard gain that took them to the 1-yard line. Ken Oxindine ran the ball in on the next play to force overtime and give the Xtreme momentum heading in the extra session.
Why the Enforcers Lost: The defense wasn't able to get enough pressure on Maddox late in the game. The Enforcers are 0-2 but are probably better than at least 3 or maybe 4 clubs in this league, but I stated they could not afford to go 0-3 as they had their first 3 games on the road. Tim Lester and John Avery continue to shine and the Enforcers need to hold their heads high. More consistency from the wide receivers would pay dividends as well.
Orlando Rage 26 , San Francisco Demons 14
Summary: The Orlando Rage became the first team in XFL history to record a 2-0 start as they defeated the San Francisco Demons in a game closer than the 26-14 score would indicate. The Demons offense seemed to move the ball better than Orlando but 2 costly turnovers and 13 penalties were just too many mistakes to overcome.
Why the Rage Won: The Rage are fortunate to win the game as comfortably as they did. They took advantage of the San Francisco mistakes and put points on the board as a result. Another important element for the Rage is the ground game, which totaled 139 yards between 3 running backs. The Rage have displayed a tremendous amount of depth in the backfield and Galen Hall and his staff have confidence in all of the running backs. San Francisco is probably the team in the league that most resembles the Rage and they showed them they had some matchup problems especially on 3 step drops by the quarterbacks or when they defended a hurry-up offense.
The Turning Point: Mike Pawlawski threw an interception in the end zone that was very controversial and replays showed it probably should have counted as a San Francisco touchdown. The receiver grabbed the ball and while on his back and already down it appeared that Orlando defensive back Omar Brown ripped the ball from him. The play stood as an interception and ended another Demon drive with a costly mistake.
Why the Demons Lost: Jim Skipper has to be pleased with the effort he is seeing but the lapses in concentration have to drive a coach crazy. This week Jimmy Cunningham and James Hundon emerged as primary targets when last week it was Calvin Schnexader and Brian Roberson. Even tight end Brian Roche caught 5 balls including a touchdown on the day so the biggest problem in the Bay Area might be keeping all of the receivers happy. The defense was solid and I still think this is a team that has rapidly improved since camps opened.
Birmingham Thunderbolts 19 , New York/New Jersey Hitmen 12
Summary: Stepfret Williams was a human highlight reel as he hauled in 8 passes for 134 yards and scored on a 95-yard punt return to lead the Birmingham Thunderbolts over the New York/New Jersey Hitmen 19-12. This game was the sloppiest of the weekend, and that covers the football and the weather.
Why the Thunderbolts Won: This game was about Stepfret Williams making big play after big play. Casey Weldon was getting harassed by the Hitmen defense who were blitzing an awful lot and rushing a lot of Weldon's throws. James Bostic was also able to chew up some valuable clock time as he rushed for 105 yards on the day.
The Turning Point: There was probably a pair of plays that were key in this game with the first being the huge punt return by Williams which broke open a 6-6 tie game in the third quarter. Say what you want about the overall sloppy play of the XFL, the 1-point conversion rule is a hit and it may have decided the game today. After Birmingham scored on the Williams punt return Kaipo McGuire converted the 1-point attempt with a nice sliding grab in the end zone. After New York/New Jersey scored to pull within 1 the conversion was unsuccessful and left Birmingham with a 1-point lead. The last half of the quarter would have been played differently if the game were tied.
Why the Hitmen Lost: The first half it looked the same old Hitmen we saw against Las Vegas. I cannot believe Charles Puleri didn't get the hook in this game, in the third quarter he was 3-10 for 12 yards and had an interception. But coach Rusty Tillman stuck with Puleri and he started to move the ball late in the game as the Hitmen ended the game missing on a fourth down pass inside the Birmingham 20 yard line. The play of the offensive line was better but it still isn't where it needs to be. The Hitmen improved from last week but let's face I, how could they have been worse.
Las Vegas Outlaws 25, Memphis Maniax 3
Summary: In what can best be described as the shocker of the weekend, the Las Vegas Outlaws easily disposed of the Memphis Maniax 25-3. The Las Vegas defense pitched a shutout last week so they have only surrendered a field goal in 2 games and haven't allowed a touchdown. Staring quarterback Ryan Clement went down with an injury, this is a team already missing their starter in Chuck Clements.
Why the Outlaws Won: This game was about defense and limiting the mistakes the offense made and both tasks were accomplished. Las Vegas cannot rest easy especially if the injury to Clement is as bad as feared. Brandon Sanders continues to lead a secondary that hasn't allowed many completions and Kurt Gouveia looked like he was 26 instead of 36 out there on the football field. The real test for this defense will come next week as they host the high powered Los Angeles Xtreme offense.
The Turning Point: In the second quarter of a 3-3 game, Memphis brought in Beau Morgan to run the option on a short 3rd down play just outside the red zone. Morgan fumbled the ball and Las Vegas defender Jason Kaiser went 80 yards for the touchdown to give Las Vegas a 9-3 lead. Memphis never got another point on the night and they were knocking on the door before the turnover. The play made by Kaiser completely drained the life out of the Memphis offense.
Why the Maniax Lost: The biggest reason was the battle at the line of scrimmage was won by Las Vegas. Marcus Crandell did not have sufficient time to throw and when he did he misfired anyway. Rashaan Salaam was held in check and aside from a long bomb to Kevin Prentiss that set up their field goal, there were no big plays for the Memphis offense.
THE FANTASY LEADERS:
1ST: Twizza80 87.5%
2nd: Corky 81.2%
2nd: Value 81.2%
Hey Twizza, that was a SWEET call Vegas and under 37! The Bolts was a hard pick, but you were RIGHT ON!
-SportsKing