XFL Week Four: N.Y. Guardians Defend Their House

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

WEEK FOUR

L.A. Wildcats     14

N.Y. Guardians   17

Coach Gilbride Speaks, and Gotham Guardians Listen

During last week's fight marred and rather embarrassing defeat against the St. Louis BattleHawks, the Guardians for the viewing audience put on full display their lack of discipline, poor effort, and wide spread ineptness.  Beleaguered quarterback Matt McGloin incurred an early injury forcing him out of the game; performance at center continued being a major issue; otherwise everything that could go wrong did.  How bad did it get?  Coach Gilbride on the sideline was overheard suggesting in rather matter of fact manner (paraphrasing) how the team's leadership had effectively checked out.

After winning their inaugural game at home, the Guardians resounding 9-39 defeat at the St. Louis Battle Dome marked their second straight road loss.  And with the visiting Los Angeles Wildcats coming off their big week three victory over the D.C. Defenders, naturally I believed the Guardians troubles were sure to worsen Saturday at MetLife Stadium.  Instead, a resilient home effort against Los Angeles elevates the Guardians back to par with a 2-2 record.

New York's victory over the Wildcats very much resembles their week one victory against Tampa Bay.  A solid defensive effort highlighted by a couple of key sacks, and a game changing interception, complimented by a strong running game, and back-up quarterback Luis Perez' effective game management and overall performance, proved successful.         

Los Angeles quarterback Josh Johnson was 26/40 (63%) for 330 yards, with a pair a TD's and one pivotal INT.  Otherwise the Wildcats had no running game to speak of.  Their backfield was limited to just 38 yards on 12 rushing attempts.

The Guardians on the other hand were able to ride the backs Tim Cook and Darius Victor whom joined for 114 yards yards on 26 rushes. Victor carried the load with 18 rushes for 82 yards, and Cook followed with an effective 32 yards on eight attempts.

Making his first start for the Guardians, Luis Perez despite being sacked three times was an efficient 18/26 (69%) for a modest 150 yards, with a touchdown connection to Mekale McKay, and no interceptions.  It bears mentioning that with 5:40 left in the fourth quarter the two missed on a potential 32-yard connection when a well placed pass by Perez simply slipped through a wide open McKay's fingers.

Marquis Williams gets an honorable mention for his five yard QB sneak and successful two-point conversion, as does special teams whom also played a pivotal role in Saturday's victory.

After the game Coach Gilbride further elaborated about needing to adjust his team's attitude coming off last week's performance.  For now it seems to have worked.  They responded with a victory over the team whom dumfounded Cardale Jones and the previously undefeated D.C. Defenders.

The Guardians certainly dodged a third straight loss thanks to a Wildcats missed field.  But chalk one up for coaching and corrective mood management as well.