Just two games into the XFL season, the D.C. Defenders, led by former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones look like one of the teams to beat. The former Buckeye gunslinger with the big arm might not quite be MVP worthy despite way too early chants calling for him to be, but he’s been awfully close.
Jones has passed for almost 300 yards in both games separately, has shown a flair for the dramatic, and has even had a few rushing yards and successful trick plays thrown in for good measure. Heck, he’s even made a busted and chaotic fumble look spectacular.
Here’s what USA TODAY’s Lorenzo Reyes says about the Defenders’ play behind 12-gauge.
“Cardale Jones has been pretty solid,” said Reyes. “I don’t think he’s necessarily done what we’ve expected him to do, because he came in out of Ohio State and went to the NFL, and everyone knew about his big arm, the big presence, but he’s been able to throw short to intermediate routes. He’s been quite efficient, and he has the Defenders really just moving the chains and a big reason why, don’t sleep on the DC offensive line. They have allowed just one sack in two games. Which, for a league that has struggled with its offensive line play, that’s saying something.”
It’s obviously still very early in the season, but it’s not hard to see the Defenders have what it takes to compete for a title. If they do, Jones, his big arm, and wide smile will have a lot to do with it.
