XFL Week Two: N.Y. Guardians Rivalry With D.C. Defenders Awaits

From the desk of: Gotham Gargoyles

XFL

WEEK ONE

Tampa Vipers         3

N.Y. Guardians     23

Yeah, I'm back.  And I'm actually excited about something for a change.  The XFL is also back and I like what I see!  Last weekend was time very well spent.  All four opening day games were quite enjoyable if not down right entertaining.

Emphasizing talent and committing money in the position of quarterback is clearly paying instant dividends.  Otherwise, the XFL in just one week demonstrated at least to this fan a league wide competency worthy of serious attention.

Week One Recap: Opening Day Victory

Tampa amasses almost 400-hundred yards of offense, including 150 yards rushing on 30 attempts.  Yet they manage only three points.  I'm sure having one of their starting offensive lineman ejected for throwing a punch doesn't help.  But the Vipers true undoing is a pair of first-half Aaron Murray INTs, a fourth quarter fumble returned for six, and an otherwise swarming Guardians pass rush.  On first and goal from the Guardians six yard line, Murray lofts an errant pass attempt into the back of the end zone which gets batted and intercepted by safety Andrew Soroh.  Then with 0:41 remaining in the first half and the Vipers threatening once again in Guardians territory, Aaron Murray is picked off by cornerback Bryce Jones at the New York ten.  Three minutes into the fourth quarter, Murray's completion to Nick Truesdell is fumbled and recovered by linebacker Jamar Summers whom returns the ball 13-yards for another New York touchdown.  A third quarter sack causes Murray to fumble but Tampa recovers, if only momentarily.  In all New York records five sacks, with three coming in the fourth quarter.  Safety Wesley Sutton accounts for two, and the guys up front grab up the rest.

On the other side of the ball, Matt McGloin and the Guardians offense is limited to 45 plays from scrimmage versus 74 for Tampa.  They generate just 226 net yards against the Vipers defense, with 16 rushing attempts going for just 44 yards.  McGloin, a former Oakland Raider, goes 15/29 for 182 yards, connecting with Colby Pearson for a touchdown, and rushing for another.  

SATURDAY

New York Guardians (1-0)

vs.

D.C. Defenders (1-0)

The Guardians defense will no doubt be tested by the Defenders.  Last week D.C. quarterback Cardale Jones threw two touchdown passes, and the Defenders rushed for two more en route to a commanding 31-19 home victory over the Seattle Dragons.  Jones was 16/26 for 235 yards, and was sacked only once.  Last week the Guardians offense sputtered but Matt McGloin made big plays when needed.  This week he must sustain drives in order to keep Cardale Jones off the field.  The Guardians last week had ten possessions against Tampa and punted seven times.  McGloin did well in the way of moving the pocket and throwing on the run, and did not get sacked.  However, at some point the offensive line must ultimately settle in and go about creating daylight for Darius Victor and Tim Cook.

Defenders fans went all out last week in support of their team.  Made for a great watch on the television.  I expect no less from them this week.

Go Guardians..!


Stats: XFL.com