Renegades Coach Bob Stoops on QB Changes, QB Luis Perez’s Status, Preparation for Seattle Sea Dragons, And More

Just one day after making a big trade for quarterback Luis Perez, Arlington Renegades head coach Bob Stoops speaks on the move and other topics during media availability Wednesday.

Coach Stoops answered questions on a multitude of topics as he commented on the quarterback situation and why the move was made. He also spoke about the preparation of this week being a shorter week and playing the Seattle Sea Dragons. The defense’s consistency was also a topic he covered giving credit to certain players and coaches for the job they have done.

Key Takeaways from Coach Bob Stoops Media Availability

QB Changes With Sloter Out, Perez In

The big story this week was on Monday the team released quarterback Kyle Sloter. That move led to the trade for Luis Perez from the Vegas Vipers. Coach Stoops spoke about what went into the decision to make a change with four games left in the regular season.

“Just the next day, the day that it happened. We just talked through it as a staff and felt this was the best direction to go.”

Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops

A short meeting between Coach Stoops and Perez did occur. High regard for Perez came from the head coach thanks to his meeting with him as well as the reputation Coach Stoops heard about Perez.

“He’s an awesome guy to be around, really enjoy him. I’ve heard a lot of our coaches, though, have worked with him and been on teams with him and just really speak to what a positive, good person he is and a great teammate, all of that stuff. He’ll help with that experience.”

Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops

As for the status of Friday night, it does not appear that Perez will be ready to go for the Seattle Sea Dragons game.

“No, not likely. We’ll start Drew Plitt and Kevin Anderson will be our backup.”

Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops

The Model of Consistency: Defense

Offense is always the name of the game, but the defense doesn’t get enough attention for the job they have done. They are second in the league in total turnovers created with 13. Arlington is also second in the XFL in points allowed per game with 16.8. Coach Stoops contributes that success to certain leaders on the defense as well as the coaching staff.

“Well, I think first, it’s a great group of guys that are really great to coach, like, just guys like Donald Payne and Will Clarke, Joe Powell, Will Hill. there’s a lot of experience with those guys. They keep the energy up and take a lot of pride in it. And then you got to give the coaches credit, too. Coach Jay Hayes and Tim Lewis as the coordinators, but all of the guys do. Bill Sheridan and Marvin Sanders. All these guys really work hard.”

Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops

One of the players he brought up was linebacker Donald Payne who has dominated since joining the league. Payne is second in the XFL in tackles with 48. Along with that has a half-sack, three tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and one interception on the season. Coach Stoops compared Payne to a former Oklahoma star linebacker.

“Yeah, it’s hard as all these guys are unique in their own ways. He just got great explosiveness and quickness and then a strong tackler. I don’t know who to compare him to the guys I had, but overall, again, just a really smart player and talented with his speed and quickness to go with it. Maybe a guy like Curtis Lofton for me was similar type player.”

Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops

Preparation for Friday’s Game Against The Seattle Sea Dragons

This week will be different from other weeks for Arlington as they play on a Friday night instead of Saturday or Sunday. The team practiced on Monday the day after their 15-9 loss to the San Antonio Brahmas. It was a walkthrough practice as the coaching staff is focused on protecting the players from injuries.

The team is getting ready to play the Seattle Sea Dragons who are the top passing offense in the XFL. They are also fourth in the league in rushing yards. Seattle has the leading passer and receiver on their team as well as the third-leading rusher in the XFL as well. Coach Stoops knows the June Jones-coached offense is going to be tough to defend.

“Yeah, they do a nice job of just watching them spread the ball around. Much like Houston. They’re the same kind of offense and they just get that ten personnel and spread the ball around. And they’re sneaky effective running the football, which makes it a little bit aggravating without any just being with their got four wides out there all the time, sometimes five wides. So anyway, they do a nice job using the entire field stretching you and using all their different receivers.”

Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops

Players to Watch Out For Arlington

Fans were excited about the move Arlington made last week to bring in wide receiver Victor Bolden to the team. Bolden was only targeted once and had one punt return for -2 yards in Sunday’s game against San Antonio. While being one of Coach Stoops’ players to watch for, he also hopes for him to be more impactful this week.

“Well, hopefully, he’ll be out there rotating in with the guys, and hopefully we can find someplace for him.”

Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops

The receiving core has seen its fair share of changes to the lineup. A few players have been added on to bring some deep threats to the team including Bolden and JaVonta Payton who was traded a few weeks ago to the team. Payton and some of the other weapons at the receiver are some of the players’ Coach Stoops recommended to watch out for to step up.

“Yeah, some guys that are showing up. JaVonta Payton, the guy that has a chance to help a little bit more. Guys like Rannell Hall. Also, those two receivers we’re hoping can add to what we’ve already been doing probably those guys a little bit more.”

Arlington Renegades Head Coach Bob Stoops

The Arlington Renegades face the Seattle Sea Dragons at home in Choctaw Stadium Friday night at 6:00 pm CST.