Week 8 in the XFL saw the starting debut of Nick Tiano, who led the Battlehawks to a thrilling come behind victory in addition to Jordan Ta’amu, showcasing one of his best performances of the season in a shootout with Ben DiNucci. Week 8 also saw large regression from Quinten Dormady who went from totaling six touchdowns in week 7, to being responsible for five turnovers in week 8.
9.Jack Coan San Antonio Brahmas Previous Ranking Unranked
Stats: 23/41 190 Passing Yards 0 TDs 2 INTs 2 Rushing Attempts 14 Rushing Yards
The regression of Coan continues despite getting “healthy” over the past couple of weeks. Coan who was one of our mid-tier Quarterbacks in the beginning of the season, has yet to show actual growth over the past couple of weeks, and has found himself as one of the XFL’s worst Quarterbacks. Despite the Brahmas having some strong pieces, at WR like TJ Vasher, and Landen Akers Coan has struggled the whole year to effectively move the ball behind a weak and injured Brahmas Offensive Line. With the recent signing of Paxton Lynch, it may be possible to see Coan have to wait till the 2024 XFL season, to get another shot at a starting opportunity.
8. D’Eriq King DC Defenders Previous Ranking #6
Stats: 0/2 0 Passing Yards 3 Rushing Attempts -1 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
Despite not putting out a dynamic performance, King’s presence on the field continues to allow, Ta’amu, Armstead, and Abram Smith an opportunity to strengthen the Defenders Rushing attack. King saw an increased amount of playing time in week 8, contributing to the Defenders ground game that seemed stifled at times. Regardless of his statistical output King is always a factor when on the field for DC.
7.Nick Tiano St. Louis Battlehawks Previous Ranking Honorable Mention
Stats: 19/34 194 Passing Yards 1 TD 2 INTs 8 Rushing Attempts 51 Rushing Yards
Tiano time has ended as quickly as it started. On April 13th, the Battlehawks announced that Tiano would be placed on IR due to a foot injury that will sideline him 4-6 weeks. Tiano did manage to lead some impressive drives including a dynamic 2-pt conversion, on the Battlehawks first drive. With McCarron not listed on this week’s injury report, it appears that Tiano will spend the next couple weeks resting up while the Battlehawks make their playoff push.
Final Stats: 20/36 199 Passing Yards 1 TD 2 INTs 8 Rushing Attempts 51 Rushing Yards
6. Quinten Dormady Orlando Guardians Previous Ranking #3
Stats: 28/43 303 Passing Yards 1 TD 2 INTs 5 Rushing Attempts 17 Rushing Yards 1 TD 3 Fumbles
A major regression for Dormady happened in week 8. After accounting for six touchdowns in the week prior, Dormady totaled five turnovers against Arlington. Dormady was forcing throws, under pressure, and battling a makeshift Offensive Line. With the Guardians now eliminated from playoff contention, we could see a “freer” Dormady who is now playing to up his “stock” for NFL teams for the rest of the 2023 XFL season.
5. Brandon Silvers Houston Roughnecks Previous Ranking Unranked
Stats: 17/36 146 Passing Yards 2 TDs 2 INTs 1 Rushing Attempt 1 Rushing Yard
Despite the victory Silvers may have played his worst game of the season coming off an injury that forced him to miss his week 7 game vs the Battlehawks. Silvers looked extremely sluggish in the Roughnecks win, however, has able to do enough to keep Houston competitive. With WR Jontre Kirklin out Silvers looks to be still finding his “go to guy” and was dealt another blow last week with Ben Putnam inactive. While Silvers has put together a nice season for Houston his regression for the past month has put him out of the conversation for the MVP of the XFL in 2023.
4. Luis Perez Arlington Renegades Previous Ranking Unranked
Stats: 16/25 190 Passing Yards 0 TD 0 INTs 2 Rushing Attempts 0 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
Slow and steady wins the race for the “spring king”. After being traded to the Arlington Renegades, Perez was called into action to keep the Renegades playoff hopes alive for the 2023 XFL season. While it wasn’t a dynamic performance, Perez took care of the football, and systematically allowed the Renegades to efficiently defeat the Orlando Guardians. Aided by another stellar performance by the Renegades Defenders which forced 5 turnovers against Quinten Dormady, the Renegades are now sitting nicely in 2nd in the South Division with Plitt on IR, and Kyle Sloter released.
3. Jalan McClendon Vegas Vipers Previous Ranking #5
Stats: 13/23 159 Passing Yards 1 TD 0 INT 13 Rushing Attempts 52 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
Even with the loss, McClendon continued to progress giving the Vipers a fighting chance at beating the Battlehawks. McClendon who’s making only his 2nd career pro start, continued to utilize his legs to give the Vipers a “burst” on the Offense, however, could not overcome a stingy Battlehawks Defense, that definitely held the mantra of bend don’t break.
2. Ben DiNucci Seattle Sea Dragons Previous Ranking #4
Stats: 28/42 301 Passing Yards 3 TDs 1 INT 4 Rushing Attempts 23 Rushing Yards
Despite the loss, DiNucci continued to make NFL level throws, and for him limited his turnover output. DiNucci, who leads the XFL in Passing Yards, has also led the league in turnovers as well. The Sea Dragons who boast one of the best WR rooms in the XFL, continue to assist DiNucci, in some of his questionable throws, that look a bit better on the stat sheet than they do on film. Regardless, with AJ McCarron on the sideline in week 8, and some weak QB play from several other teams, DiNucci kicks up to #2 for week 8, going into week 9.
1. Jordan Ta’amu DC Defenders Previous Ranking #2
Stats: 17/26 247 Passing Yards 4 TDs 0 INTs 8 Rushing Attempts 13 Rushing Yards 2 Fumbles
Finally, Ta’amu made the jump to #1. It’s been a rocky road for Jordan despite the Defenders 7-1 2023 record. After coming into the season as the Top QB on our list, Ta’amu at one point was ranked last and took several weeks to get comfortable in Fred Kaiss’ Offensive System. With Ta’amu now comfortable, and playing at his highest level as a passer, look for Ta’amu to be receiving more consideration for MVP by season’s end.
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