Football fans were excited to see the rebooted XFL unveil its eight teams. Here are the squads and some key players to watch.
Unlike the NFL, XFL teams can attempt one-, two- or three-point conversions following a touchdown. They can also kick an extra point.
A slew of former NFL players are looking for their first or second chance in the league. Here are five guys to keep an eye on.
1. D.C. Defenders
The Defenders have checked off a lot of boxes for 2023. They have a good mix of young talent with upside and proven veterans, plus they have a solid coaching staff and a stable quarterback situation.
Reggie Barlow was brought in to replace Pep Hamilton as head coach and has been effective. His offense is fast and physical, which has worked well for the team so far.
On defense, the Defenders have a group of physical players who could make an impact in the box or pass coverage. DeJuan Neal and Michael Joseph, both former small-school products, have already shown their ability to play in the judi slot.
LB/S Ferrod Gardner is another player to watch for the Defenders. The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun product is a great tackler in open spaces and brings added juice as a Blitzer. The Defenders also have the best rushing attack in the league, led by RB Abram Smith (791 yards on 158 attempts and seven touchdowns). They host the Arlington Renegades this weekend at Audi Field.
2. Arlington Renegades
The Renegades have a lot to prove on Saturday as they look to bounce back from their loss in the semifinals. The team has a good mix of veterans and newcomers who should make it interesting.
The defensive backfield is scary. De’Vante Bausby is one of the best corners in the league and has been a model of consistency in alternative football from playing with the AAF Commanders to last year’s USFL New Jersey Generals.
The linebacker group is stacked as well. Edmond Robinson, Nick Temple, Isaiah Graham-Mobley, and Colin Schooler all have great skill sets at their positions. Davonte Lambert and Ryan Mueller are both XFL veterans who have shown their worth in the past.
3. San Antonio Brahmas
Hines Ward is making his mark as the first-ever XFL head coach, and the San Antonio Brahmas are one of the league’s top teams. The team has a solid group of players, including quarterback Reid Sinnett and running backs Jon Hilliman and Jacques Patrick.
The defense has some solid pieces, as well. Linebacker Riko Jeffers is a great run defender, and Owen Carney has the potential to become a standout pass rusher with some coaching.
The Brahmas have a lot of tall receivers that can create problems for opposing defenses. Jalen Tolliver and Kalen Ballage are both big targets, while hefty tight end Alize Mack will also be tough to deal with for opposing defenses at slot gacor.
4. Seattle Sea Dragons
The Sea Dragons were one of the most popular XFL franchises during the short 2020 season, and they look to have continued that popularity as their 2023 season begins. Seattle has a strong roster with some notable former NFL players.
WR Josh Gordon is their most notable name, and he will be looking to add to his impressive resume as he looks for a slot online comeback. The Sea Dragons also have a couple of good offensive linemen in Ryan Pope, who won the championship with the Birmingham Stallions, and Jared Thomas, who was an All-USFL center for the New Orleans Breakers.
Defense is a strength for Seattle, led by Kareem Orr and Shabari Davis. Orr is a former Super Bowl champion, and Davis had a monster career at Southwest Missouri State.
