Three Alt-League QBs took the field in week 10 for NFL teams while two led their team to victories John Wolford lost for the Rams against Colt McCoy and the Cardinals. The significance of these men taking the field is a positive omen as the XFL 3.0 sets to launch on November 15-17th, as it proves the need for alt-leagues as a way for players to continue to showcase their skills in an effort to earn a place at the NFL table.
PJ Walker managed to lead the Panthers to their 3rd win of the year (his 2nd) and keep them alive in the putrid NFC south. While not the sexiest performance Walker rebounded and played a clean turnover free game on Thursday Night Football. However, it didn’t come without sacrifice as Walker injured his ankle and will be replaced for week 11, by Baker Mayfield against the Ravens. Ironically, the Panther brought in D’Eriq King the rumored DC Defenders QB to hold down the fort, while Walker recovers from injury. Walker is now 2-3 on the season throwing for 731 yards and three touchdowns to 3 interceptions.
John Wolford made his second career start since joining the NFL, after leaving the AAF as the 2nd best QB in the defunct 2019 league (see Garrett Gilbert for AAF MVP). Wolford threw for 212 yards, a touchdown (1st career) and an interception, with three rushing yards. Unfortunately, Wolford couldn’t rally the struggling Rams as his second career start led to his first career loss. With Matthew Stafford still in concussion protocol it’s unclear if Wolford will see the field in week 11.
The real charm of this trifecta of Alt-League QBs is Taylor Heinicke this week. Heinicke earn his third pair of Jordans for the Commanders as they took down the undefeated Eagles. Heinicke threw for 211 yards, while adding 10 on the ground as the Commanders evened their record back to .500 at 5-5. Heinicke improves his season record as a starter to 3-1 and 10-9 as the starting Quarterback for the Commanders. Despite his un-sensational stint as the backup quarterback for the Battlehawks, since making his Commanders debut Heinicke has become a staple of the Alt-League specifically the XFL, as the need for another avenue of sourcing talent from other leagues to transition tot he NFL.
As XFL draft week is upon us, the successes of Wolford, Walker, and Heinicke bode well for draft hopefuls. In addition to the three starters that took the field this weekend, Logan Woodside (AAF), Josh Johnson (XFL/UFL), and Garrett Gilbert (AAF) all remain on NFL pay-rolls with all alt-league QBs being active at least for one game this season. As QB selection for the XFL starts on the 15th, it’s only a matter of time before we see the next wave of PJ Walkers, and Taylor Heinicke’s to grace the NFL through a different route.
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