This…. is…. the… XFL…….again.
That’s right y’all, almost 20 years after the XFL’s first season, it’s back for round two, and it’s showing some promise. This will look to be a great alternative to the NFL, and an opportunity for those who flamed out in the NFL, like Cardale Jones, Sammie Coats, and Kony Ealy. With the demise of the AAF still looming large overhead, there are millions of fans who both have their doubts of this league lasting, as well as hope that this league survives as well as thrives. Here are my picks for the inaugural week of the XFL’s comeback season.
Seattle Dragons (0-0) @ Washington D.C. Defenders (0-0)
This should be an interesting matchup as the Seattle Dragons head on over to Audi Field to take on the Defenders. I have a good feeling about Seattle. I don't know why, but I think they could be a good team this year. I just hope that Jim Zorn does a better job in the XFL than he did as the Redskins’ coach. The Defenders, I’m not so sure. It’s hard for me to get a read on them. But I’m hoping that they’ll be a decent team this year. Anyway, I’m picking the Defenders to win a close game.
Prediction: Defenders
Los Angeles Wildcats (0-0) @ Houston Roughnecks (0-0)
The Roughnecks have Connor Cook as their QB? I’ll level with you guys and say that I completely forgot about him after that playoff game in 2016. Now he gets a chance to really prove himself in the XFL on the Houston Roughnecks. They host the LA Wildcats, headed up by former Packers linebackers coach Winston Moss and led by former AAF #1 pick and ex-Redskins quarterback Josh Johnson. They also have former potential #1 overall pick, Shawn Oakman. How is Shawn going to do in this league? I don’t really know, but I’m sure that offensive lines are going to focus on him. I’m going to take the Houston Roughnecks in this game, but it’ll be a close one.
Prediction: Roughnecks
Tampa Bay Vipers (0-0) @ New York Guardians (0-0)
Does anyone remember Aaron Murray? Well, we’re going to get a good look at him as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Vipers. Speaking of the Tampa Bay Vipers, they have one of the more accomplished coaches in the XFL in former 3x Grey Cup winner Marc Trestman, who is known for famously flopping as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. They’re traveling to the Meadowlands to take on the New York Guardians, headed up by long-time Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. Outside of Matt McGloin, there aren’t any players that we’d know by name. I’m sure this will be an entertaining game, and I’m taking the Guardians.
Prediction: Guardians
St. Louis BattleHawks (0-0) @ Dallas Renegades (0-0)
Globe Life Park has life once again. The abandoned home of the Texas Rangers will now play host to the Dallas Renegades, headed up by former Oklahoma Sooners coach Bob Stoops. Stoops is reunited with his former quarterback in Landry Jones, as they get ready to host the St. Louis BattleHawks. Before I get into further analysis, does anyone know what a BattleHawk is? Like, when I googled it, I found an old anime from the eighties and a helicopter. The logo doesn’t really represent either of those. Anyway, St. Louis has a professional football team once again and will be playing in the Rams’ old stadium, and I’m sure that they’ll be welcomed back with open arms. I can’t really say much of anything on the rosters, because there hasn’t really been much seen of the XFL in terms of scrimmages, or training camp outside of clips on Instagram. I’m going to pick the Renegades because I think that since Bob Stoops has chemistry with his quarterback, that’ll give them the advantage to pick up the W.
Prediction: Renegades
What are your thoughts on the revival of the XFL? Let us know in the comments!