The second XFL game of the weekend has come to an end. Houston hosted LA in this offensive onslaught. From the kick off to the final ticks in the 4th quarter the energy was electric. The Roughnecks ended up on top 37-17 completely shutting down the Wildcats in the second half.
The game started off with a bang. On the third play of the game, PJ Walker tossed a 50 yard bomb to Cam Phillips for the first touchdown in Roughnecks history. Chad Kanoff answered back with a 5 yard scramble to the left pylon with 7:49 left in the first quarter. LA was successful in their 2-point conversion and had a 8-6 lead at the end of the first.
The second quarter picked up exactly were the first left off. Kanoff found Smallwood for a 11 yard TD with 9:26 left in the 2nd quarter.
Walker and the Roughnecks would not let that go unanswered. Walker and company put together a 5 play 73 yard drive that was finished off by a 16 yard screen pass to James Butler for a touchdown. After a 14 play drive by the Wildcats, Nick Novak booted a 35 yard field goal. However, PJ Walker was not done putting on his 1st half offensive clinic. The Roughnecks responded quick with a 39 yard touchdown by Sam Mobley. The Wildcats tried to take the lead with a field goal at the end of the first quarter but penalties ruined their chances.
The second half was all Roughnecks. PJ Walker fired a absolute dime to Nick Holley that set up a Khalil Lewis score from 4 yards out.
The Roughnecks finished off the game with a 44 yard field goal by Sergio Castillo and a James Butler rushing touchdown to help them solidify their 37-17 win.
Now its time for a new segment I like to call The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
The Good
PJ Walker- The man was on fire. He finished the game with 272 yards, 4 TD’s and 1 INT for a QBR of 103.8.
Nelson Spruce- The first WR to get to 100 yard in the XFL. He finished the game with 11 receptions on 15 targets for 103 yards.
James Butler- The only running back that could gain positive yards also finished with 2 touchdowns. One through the air and one on the ground.
The Bad
The Wildcats Defense- They had no answer for PJ Walker. They defended the run game well but June Jones is known for his passing offense.
Sammie Coates- I expected more from him. Granted a few of his targets should have been called defensive pass interference but if you only catch 2 of your 9 targets then something has to change.
The pace of the game- The XFL has branded itself as a face paced game but there were to many times were everyone was just standing around waiting for commercial breaks to end.
The Ugly
Houston’s rushing game- It was beyond terrible. Sure June Jones is known for his pass heavy offense but if they want to have their shot at a championship, they are going to have to utilize the run and utilize it well.
