XFL Week 1 Preview: LA Wildcats @ Houston Roughnecks

On Saturday, February 8th the LA Wildcats will travel to Houston where they will take on the Roughnecks. The game will kick off at 5 PM EST and air on FOX. It will be the 2nd game of the XFL’s opening day preceding the Defenders-Dragons game (2 PM EST on ABC).  

QB Situation

The main storyline heading into this game is the Wildcats quarterback situation. Josh Johnson, the Wildcat’s #1 guy has been dealing with a thigh injury. Johnson was held out of practice enterally both Wednesday and Thursday. In the case that Johnson can not go Saturday, the starter will most likely be  Chad Kanoff although Jalan McClendon could get the nod under center. Kanoff went to Princeton where he was Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year and broke numerous records. Kanoff was acquired when the Wildcats traded Luis Perez New York Guardians in exchange for Kanoff back on January 20th. Even if Johnson is forced to sit the Wildcats opener against the Roughnecks, the Wildcats will be in good hands with Kanoff. 

Moss v. Jones

One matchup to watch is one that once is throwing passes or running, but will actually be on the sidelines. June Jones, Head Coach for Roughnecks, is an offensive mind. Jones was at one point the HC of the Atlanta Falcons and most recently was an HC in the Candian Football League.

Jones has the ability to light up the scoreboard with points. Moss, on the other hand, has always been a defensive guy. He was the linebackers coach and Mike McCarthy’s right-hand man with the Packers. Moss has molded the Wildcats defense so it will be very interesting to see how they face up with the Roughnecks offense. 

Injuries: 

LA: 

QB: Josh Johnson; DNP Thursday at practice (questionable) 

WR: Tre McBride; limited Thursday at practice (questionable) 

DE: Devin Taylor; limited Thursday at practice (questionable) 

OT: Dwayne Wallace limited Thursday at practice (questionable) 

Hou:

None.