The third week of the XFL, saw some of the more dynamic quarterback play from all iterations of the XFL. While some Quarterbacks regressed from their previous rankings, others rose, and the league is beginning to see which Quarterbacks are in the elite category of the XFL. With Week 3 in the books, let’s take a look at the newest batch of rankings for XFL News Hub’s weekly Quarterback Rankings.
Honrable Mention:
Cole McDonald is the lone honorable mention in week 3. While his statistical presence was limited, anytime McDonald comes on the field opposing defenses have to take into account his rushing ability, which has opened up Roughnecks RB Max Borghi to become one the XFL’s top Rushers. McDonald only managed 5 rushing yards on 7 carries, however, did complete his first pass in the XFL for 3 yards.
9. D’Eriq King DC Defenders Previous Ranking Honorable Mention
Stats: 3/3 14 Passing Yards 1 TD 2 Rushing Attempts 9 Rushing Yards
Though it appeared for the first 3 quarters, King was a nonfactor however, he was able to put together a decent passing performance, with limited opportunities. King connected for his first passing TD in his professional career, finding Chris Blair from 4-yards out. With Ta’amu’s passing attack seemingly improving the Defenders Offense, looks more balanced moving forward into the season.
8. Jack Coan San Antonio Brahmas Previous Ranking #3
Stats: 8/20 64 Passing Yards 1 TD 1 INT 9 Rushing Attempts 27 Rushing Yards
Coan was this week’s biggest faller, in our rankings. After leading the Brahmas to an opening scoring drive, Coan became extremely ineffective for the rest of the game. Between the dynamic playmaking ability of the Roughnecks Defense, and injuries on the Offensive Line, Coan clearly regressed coming from his “get right game” against the Guardians in week 2. While Coan’s job seems secure going into week 4, in a Ten game season, don’t be surprised if Head Coach Hines Ward, makes a switch to the more experienced Reid Sinnett, with the playoffs on the line.
7. Brett Hundley Vegas Vipers Previous Ranking #8
Stats: 13/28 224 Passing Yards 2 TD 8 Rushing Attempts 66 Rushing Yards 1 Rushing TD
In his first full week as a starter Hundley looked comfortable, and in control of the offense. While I was prompted to move Hundley up a spot, I felt that in order for Hundley to have a higher ranking he’ll need to perform on a consistent basis. Hundley is still learning the system, and with another week with the team could make another jump forward, but with the Vipers 0-3, Hundley may be asked to do a bit more than his fair share to keep the Vipers in the playoff hunt.
6. Kyle Sloter Arlington Renegades Previous Ranking Unranked
Stats: 18/23 124 Passing Yards 1 TD 4 Rushing Attempts -2 Rushing Yards
Sloter was my #2 Quarterback on my preseason rankings, opened the season as Drew Plitt’s backup for the Renegades during the first two games of the season. While Sloter didn’t wow anyone with his play, he managed the game well-enough and played turnover free football, enroute to the Renegades 10-9 win over the Guardians. Sloter didn’t take any risk and worked his check-downs finding his old Sal Cannella for 5 receptions and 33 Receiving Yards. With another week under his belt as the QB1, hopefully for Sloter he’ll be able to get more comfortable and open the passing game up for his Arlington Receivers.
5. Paxton Lynch Orlando Guardians Previous Ranking #6
Stats: 19/31 219 Passing Yards 10 Rushing Attempts 43 Rushing Yards 1 TD
Lynch has continued to improve over the past three weeks, making the dysfunctional Guardians a bit more competitive against the Renegades in week 3. Despite being plagued by drops by the Guardians Receivers Lynch showed command and consistency behind an ineffective Offensive Line. With Lynch seemingly the de facto QB1, and a QB rotation going to the back burner for the Guardians, look for Lynch to come into his own in the next couple weeks and remain a mid-tier QB in the XFL for Guardians for the remainder of the season.
4. Jordan Ta’amu DC Defenders Previous Ranking #7
Stats: 11/20 196 Passing Yards 1 TD 10 Rushing Attempts 22 Rushing Yards 1 TD 1 Fumble
Ta’amu made major strides in week 3, airing the ball effectively downfield and completing over 50% of his passes for the first time this season. While it wasn’t pretty at times, Ta’amu took the majority of the snaps at QB, which allowed him to get into a groove, and get comfortable. While the Offensive Line of the Defenders still is dealing with injuries and the Defenders TE Ethan Wolff is now out for two weeks, Ta’amu has managed to utilize his rushing ability to lead DC to a 3-0 record, and first place in the Northern Division.
3. AJ McCarron St. Louis Battlehawks Previous Ranking #1
Stats: 26/42 262 Passing Yards 4 TD 2 INT 2 Rushing Attempts 6 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
Despite his first three turnovers of the season, McCarron still put together a solid performance, and almost put together his 3rd consecutive come from behind victory. While the Offensive Line has improved, McCarron was still sacked 4 times losing 23 yards during the Battlehawks week 3 matchup vs the Defenders. McCarron was also plagued by some miscommunication with Mateo Durant, and an interception due to a receiver slipping that led to a pick-6 for the Defenders. While it wasn’t McCarron’s most dynamic performance, McCarron still has produced at a high enough level to be one of the Top-3 Quarterbacks in the XFL and doesn’t look like he’ll be dropping lower than 3 for the rest of the season.
2. Ben DiNucci Seattle Sea Dragons Previous Ranking #4
Stats: 29/37 377 Passing Yards 4 TD 1 INT 6 Rushing Attempts 32 Rushing Yards 2 Fumbles
DiNucci took a major step forward in week 3, essentially putting the Sea Dragons Offense on his back, and delivering a strike to Josh Gordon on 4th down, to give the Sea Dragons their first victory of the 2023 season. DiNucci, for the past three weeks has been a turnover or two away from being the Top QB in the league, but his late game mistakes have held him back. Leading the league in passing, DiNucci coupled with June Jones, will fight AJ McCarron and Brandon Silvers for the MVP come seasons end.
1. Brandon Silvers Houston Roughnecks Previous Ranking #2
Stats: 24/35 278 Passing Yards 3 TD 1 INT 1 Rushing Attempt -1 Rushing Yards
I think it’s fair crown Brandon Silvers as the Spring King, with the benching of Alt-Football Favorite Luis Perez in Vegas. After a hot start it appeared the Roughnecks pumped the breaks a bit during their week 3 victory, and it seemed that Silvers could of threw for at least 100 more yards with a TD or two. With the amount of weapons that Houston has, it only seems that Silvers will continue to progress under the familiar tutelage of AJ Smith, aided by the likes of Max Borghi, Deontay Burnett, and the rest of that dynamic set of Houston Skill Positions.
For a more in-depth breakdown check out my video below:
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