Arlington Renegades head coach Bob Stoops and quarterback Luis Perez spoke to the media on Wednesday on multiple topics heading into week ten of the XFL season.
Coach Stoops covered his thoughts on Perez’s performance through two games this season. He also spoke on the impressive offensive performance in last week’s 28-26 loss to the DC Defenders. Coach Stoops and Perez spoke about the playoffs and their mentality going into their critical matchup against the Houston Roughnecks.
Coach Bob Stoops & Luis Perez Comments
Renegades Offensive Growth
Last week was the best performance of the season for the offense. A major contributor to that was Perez and the passing attack as he threw for 335 yards. The rushing duo of De’Veon Smith and Leddie Brown helped the run game with 113 yards as well for the contest. Coach Stoops loved the performance of the offense against DC.
“So last week, we had our best offensive production of the year with run and pass, throwing for over 300, rushing for over 100. Had a really good day outside of the one big turnover, and that was really not on Luis. That was more our receiver. Our receiver kind of double crossed them on a choice route and led to the pick six. But outside of that, the offense had a great day.”
Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops
Luis Perez’s Impact on Arlington
Ever since Perez has stepped into the quarterback role for Arlington, there has been a different feel for the offense. There is a lot of confidence in the role as well as the experience that comes with it. Coach Stoops spoke highly of his football IQ as well as his play on the field as a reason for his performing well.
“Incredibly intelligent guy. Understands the game really well, reads defenses really well, and he throws a really good ball. I mean, the arm talent and decision making those two things together make him really a really good football player, good quarterback.”
Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops
The intelligence portion of his game was talked about during the ESPN broadcast of the game where there were moments that seemed as if Perez knew the offense more than his receivers did. He was able to help everyone get lined up correctly and knew where to throw the ball. Playing in multiple different systems played a huge role in Perez being comfortable in this offense
“Well, I’ve been a part of a lot of different systems, and I’ve been a part of a system like this one, so it was a pretty easy transition. Once I came in, I was able to kind of piece together the offense and just study it so I’m ready for game day.”
Arlington Renegades QB Luis Perez
Houston Roughnecks Evaluation
The last time these two teams played was back in week two when the Roughnecks took care of business 23-14. A lot has changed since that game was played back in February, but for coach Stoops, there isn’t anything too different from the team they played.
“Not a lot different. They actually just the last game or two, they played a little bit more with the tight end. That’s about the only thing that’s different from the first time. And other than that, there they look a lot they look the same.”
Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops
This will be the first time this season Luis Perez faces this defense as he was not on the Vegas Vipers when they played a couple of weeks ago. Perez knows how good this Houston defense is and how they can impact the game.
“Yeah, Coach Phillips, they do a good job defensively. They’re a good job. They’re good up front, good in the back end. They have some pretty good linebackers. It’ll be a good test.”
Arlington Renegades QB Luis Perez
Playoff Preparation
Arlington’s playoff situation is pretty clear as it is not as complicated as it is for the Seattle Sea Dragons and St. Louis Battlehawks. If the San Antonio Brahmas lose to the DC Defenders, the Renegades are automatically in. Should the Brahmas pull off the upset, Arlington must win against Houston to be in the playoffs. No matter what happens, Coach Stoops isn’t concerned about the outcome of the Brahmas-Defenders game.
“Yes, we’re just going to do all we can to be at our best on Sunday.”
Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops
On the player side of things, Perez and his teammates will be playing with a sense of urgency as their practice has a different feel this week.
“It’s playoff mentality. It’s a different level of focus and execution. I think people are now taking it as like, hey, do or die type mentality. So there’s definitely you can kind of see it today in practice. Like, we’re antsy and we’re ready to go and we’re excited, we’re locked in. Go out there and show that we’re just going to keep on improving every week.”
Arlington Renegades QB Luis Perez
The Renegades have their last home game of the regular season on Sunday against the Roughnecks. Kickoff for the game at Choctaw Stadium is that 2:00 pm CST.
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