N.Y. Guardians: The Mad Mad World of Matt McGloin

From the desk of: GOTHAM's GARGOYLES OF THE GRIDIRON

XFL

WEEK TWO

Guardians     0

Defenders    27

At no point in time did I feel we were gonna be successful out there today ... No point in time did I feel comfortable ... One of the worst games I've ever been a part of  -  Matt McGloin

A noticeably perturbed Matt McGloin and his quarterback coach G.A. Mangus in the second quarter were observed along the sidelines engaged in an animated exchange.  Shortly thereafter on his way back to the locker room McGloin was asked by a sideline reporter what halftime adjustments did the Guardians need to make.  In what was an obvious jab directed at Coach Mangus, New York's quarterback rather defiantly and to an extent disrespectfully exclaimed the entire game plan needed to change.  Also adding (paraphrasing) there's some embarrassing things going on out there for us as an offense!  None of this escaped head coach Kevin Gilbride whom first imparted some words of wisdom upon his quarterback before benching him later in the second half in favor of back-up Marquise Williams.  However, Gilbride says not to overthink the switch since nothing else was working for them.  In any event McGloin is clearly a flustered quarterback whose game continued devolving throughout Saturday's contest.  His lack of composure and accountability were put on full display, both during and after the game.  McGloin's competency moving forward is sure to be brought into question throughout the upcoming work week leading up to game three, and he has only himself to blame.

All that being said the Guardians offense has more problems than a math book.  Through two weeks they're a futile 2/21 on third down conversions.  Therefore it's no wonder the Guardians sustain their first whitewashing of the season.  Playing minus two starting lineman and two receivers New York generated just 137 yards of offense against the D.C. Defenders.  That gives them just 363 total yards from scrimmage through their first two games.  Against the Defenders the Guardians rushed 16 times for 71 yards.  Through two weeks they have now gained just 115 yards on 32 rushing attempts.  And then there's mad Matt McGloin.  He was 8/19 for a mere 44 yards, with no TDs and two rather inexcusable interceptions.  Through two games he is now 23/48 (48%) for 226 yards, with one TD and two interceptions.

The Guardians defense was simply asked to do too much.  With nothing going on offensively they were made to stay on the field too long.  As a result Defenders quarterback Cardale Jones carved them up.  Jones was 23/37 (62%) for 276 yards with two touchdowns and a pick.  Two D.C. receivers topped 90-yards for the game, and two different receivers caught touchdowns.  New York generated no sacks and just two QB hits.  Meanwhile, the Defenders backfield rushed 27 times for 94 yards.  New York has now allowed 100-yards rushing in back to back games and to date have yielded 778 total yards from scrimmage.