Sunday, February 16th, 2020 3:00 pm EST @ Dignity Health Sports Park
Odds: Dallas Renegades -200 (Bovada.com)
Renegades and Wildcats Look to Get on Track
After a couple of tough losses last week, both these teams are looking for their first win of the season. In week one, Dallas and LA were without their starting quarterbacks, and it looks like the Renegades are getting Landry Jones back here. No word on Josh Johnson yet.
If Johnson doesn’t make it back, LA will have to roll with either Chad Kanoff or Jalan McClendon. Kanoff scored passing and rushing TD’s last weekend, but struggled to move the ball down the field and threw a key interception. McClendon came in in relief and went 1-4 passing for 4 yards.
Key Matchups
T Willie Beavers (70) vs DE Shawn Oakman (77)
Shawn Oakman did well in his pro debut, getting a sack, a tackle for a loss and a batted pass at the line. He displayed the speed and power that had scouts drooling over him after an 11 sack season at Baylor.
He lined up over the left most of the game vs Houston, and LT Willie Beavers will have to neutralize him and give Landry Jones dime to dole out the football. The Renegades O-Line gave up 4 sacks vs the BattleHawks, so working on that unit’s pass protection is crucial.
QB Landry Jones (12) vs HC Winston Moss
Landry Jones is more than likely making his XFL debut, and Dallas fans should be excited. This offense should look a lot more electric under his direction, and Bob Stoops wanted to give him a full week of practice to sync with his guys.
Winston Moss just fired DC Pepper Johnson, and no replacement has been named. A defensive minded coach himself, Moss could very well take over the defensive play calling. He’ll have his hands full with the Renagades offense back at 100%
OLB Hau’oli Kikaha (44) vs T Storm Norton (72)
The former New Orleans pass rusher didn’t make a sack vs the BattleHawks, but the 28 year old has proven moves and could make a comeback appearance in week two.
The Wildcats O-Line struggled mightily against the Roughnecks, giving up 5 sacks a whopping 16 QB hits as the offense sputtered. LT Storm Norton is one of the team’s captains, and his unit has a lot to prove week 2.
Injury Report
Renegades
DAL
Winston Craig
DL
Thigh
Did not participate
—
DAL
Landry Jones
QB
Knee
Limited participation
—
DAL
Hau’oli Kikaha
LB
Wrist
Limited participation
—
Wildcats
LA
Saeed Blacknall
WR
Thigh
Did not participate
—
LA
Chad Kanoff
QB
Shoulder/Head
Did not participate
—
LA
Dujuan Harris
WR
Ankle
Did not participate
—
LA
Harlan Miller
CB
Ankle
Did not participate
—
LA
Jerome Couplin
S
Ankle
Limited participation
—
LA
Josh Johnson
QB
Thigh
Limited participation
—
LA
Kahlil McKenzie
C
Ankle
Limited participation
—
LA
Jack Tocho
CB
Hip
Limited participation
—
LA
Trevon Sanders
DT
Hand
Limited participation
—
LA
Tre Williams
LB
Hand
Limited participation
(Will be updated daily)
Fantasy Preview
The Wildcats secondary got shredded by PJ Walker, so this could be a big day for the Dallas air attack. Guys like Landry Jones, Jeff Badet, Jazz Ferguson and Donald Parham could have big outings.
Look for LA running back Elijah Hood to get some traction against a Dallas defense that gave up 191 yards to the BattleHawks. WR Nelson Spruce should continue to produce in spite of everything.
Preview Summary
If the Renegades offense can get rolling, it’ll be a long day for the Wildcats, but perhaps they’ll find answers of their own. Maybe Winston Moss will gain control of his defense and drill them into shape, but they look to be in a bad way.
There’s the possibility that Josh Johnson returns, but if not the Wildcats should seriously consider starting Jalan McClendon just to see what they have.
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Matt Nagashima has been covering the XFL since before the 2019 Draft, and has witnessed history being made as a Credentialed Reporter for the Dallas Renegades. While he is engrossed with the X's and O's, the roster building and more, it has always been his goal to keep the players first in mind in coverage, showing the human aspect of this sport behind all the action on the field. With Dany Garcia and Dwayne The Rock Johnson now at the helm, he's excited to see all the opportunities that this league will create for players to showcase their talent and make their dreams come true.
1 Comment
1 Comment
Charles
February 14, 2020 at 9:17 am
Both teams had rough week’s last week. However, both teams should have their starting quarterback this week. The air-raid offense of Dallas should see some life this week. LA seems to be still trying to find themselves. Look for the Renegades to go into LA and defeat Wildcats.
Charles
February 14, 2020 at 9:17 am
Both teams had rough week’s last week. However, both teams should have their starting quarterback this week. The air-raid offense of Dallas should see some life this week. LA seems to be still trying to find themselves. Look for the Renegades to go into LA and defeat Wildcats.