The DC Defenders look to rebound from an ugly loss against the LA Wildcats, While the Tampa Bay Vipers desperately hunt for their first win.
The DC Defenders showed some clear weakness in their armor, last week traveling to the West Coast. The LA Wildcats not only beat them, but blew the Defenders out. Cardale Jones, who through 2 weeks was looking like an MVP possibility, threw 4 interceptions and barely broke the 100 yard mark. The DC Defenders clearly need to have a strong performance against the Vipers to return themselves to the top 3 conversation of best teams in the XFL.
Opposite, the Vipers showed some heart against the Houston Roughnecks, arguably the best team in the league, keeping it close for the entirety of the game. The Vipers, however, are caught up in a burning dumpster fire of drama, with fan favorite QB Quinton Flowers leaving the team for “personal reasons”, some speculating he’s angered by his lack of an opportunity to start. The Vipers need some momentum moving forward if they want to have any chance of recovering this season and Head Coach Marc Trestman wants to pull himself off the hot seat.
In the closest timeslot we’ve had to a Primetime match up this season, expect a rowdy game between two teams that desperately need this win.
Defenders vs Vipers Key Matchups
LB Anthony Johnson (#97) vs Tampa Bay Vipers Offensive Line
In his first week with the Defenders, after virtually no sleep, Johnson made a clear impact with 1.5 sacks. In his second week against his former team, Johnson had a rough game, with little impact in the pass rush. The Defenders, who have somewhat struggled getting to the QB this season, need Johnson’s production to make an impact.
QB Cardale Jones (#12) vs Tampa Bay Vipers Defense
QB Cardale Jones obviously needs a bounce back performance after an ugly 4 interception day against the Wildcats. With only 14 starts under his belt between college and the professional ranks, Jones can’t afford to be this inconsistent.
WR Rashad Ross (#15) vs CB Tavarus McFadden (#20)
Ross is one of the key figures of the Defenders offense and when he’s on, it all flows. Ross had a rough week against the Wildcats last week and had to take some punishment from XFL social media. A big day against the Vipers will go a long way towards silencing the haters. It’s up to McFadden to shut him down.
Injury Report
TEAM
PLAYER
POS.
INJURY
PRACTICE STATUS
GAME STATUS
DC
Tavaris Barnes
DE
Thigh
Limited participation
Questionable
DC
Elijah Campbell
DB
Abdomen
Limited participation
Questionable
DC
Donnie Ernsberger
TE
Shoulder
Full participation
Probable
DC
Jhurell Pressley
RB
Shoulder
Full participation
Probable
TB
Quinton Flowers
QB/RB
Left Team
Did not participate
Out
TB
S.J. Green
WR
Knee
Did not participate
Questionable
TB
Nick Truesdell
TE
Knee
Did not participate
Doubtful
TB
Jalen Collins
CB
Ankle
Full participation
Probable
TB
Martez Ivey
OT
Knee
Full participation
Probable
TB
Aaron Murray
QB
Foot
Full participation
Probable
TB
Ricky Walker
DT
Ankle
Full participation
Probable
Fantasy Preview
Starts:
Defenders: RB Donnel Pumphrey, WR Rashad Ross, QB Cardale Jones
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Konnor Fulk excelled in the Sports Management Program at Georgia Southern University. He spent several seasons working with the Washington Redskins in fan engagement, strategy, and sales strategy. Additionally, Mr. Fulk continues consulting services across the sport of NASCAR. Konnor has a longstanding obsession with the concept of Spring Football and is looking forward to sharing his expertise and opinions about the XFL relaunch. Connect with Konnor on LinkedIN or give him a follow on Twitter @KonnorFulk_XFL
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