The XFL officially returned over the weekend, providing some post-NFL football for anyone who desired it and, all things considered, their re-launch was relatively successful.
Crowds of around 20,000 lined each stadium throughout the weekend as the XFL out-did the now defunct AAF in ticket sales before a single play had even been run. Meanwhile, the rule changes were intriguing and added to the game, while the football itself wasn’t half bad.
Was it NFL-level football? No, but it was also the first go-around after just a few months of these teams being together.
Ultimately, the XFL may have some staying power and the atmosphere most certainly has something to do with that. That’s good news for football fans who want to enjoy some late-winter, early-spring ball.
Now the question is, how did former members of the New York Giants fare? Let’s take a look.
Dragons vs. Defenders
Six former Giants played in this game — a 31-19 Defenders victory.
Running back Jhurell Pressley led D.C. with 31 yards on 12 carries (2.6 ypc) and added 18 yards on two receptions. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Jay Bromley recorded three tackles, but was also hit with a penalty late in the game.
Offensive linemen James O’Hagan and Malcolm Bunche also saw some snaps, while safety Rahim Moore made his presence felt with three tackles, one pass defensed and one interception.
For Seattle, defensive lineman Stansly Maponga recorded one tackle.
Wildcats vs. Roughnecks
Six former Giants played in this game, while one former Giants legend — Pepper Johnson — got his Wildcats coaching career underway. Unfortunately for Johnson, that came in a 37-17 loss.
Running back Andre Williams had two carries for no yards, adding seven yards on a single reception. Cornerback Charles James did not record any statistics, while punter Austin Rehkow uncorked a few bombs.
For L.A., Josh Johnson did not see any time at quarterback and neither defensive end Devin Taylor nor nose tackle Montori Hughes recorded any stats.
Vipers vs. Guardians
As we wrote earlier on Monday morning, this was a big game for former Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. He and his staff that includes several former Giants picked up their first win in the XFL.
Left tackle Jarron Jones drew the start and reserve offensive lineman Damien Mama earned a few snaps. Tight end Jake Powell hauled in four receptions for 28 yards.
For Tampa Bay, wide receiver Stacy Coley did not factor in and tight end Colin Thompson drew just one target (incomplete). Meanwhile, defensive tackle Josh Banks was credited with a pass defensed and Nikita Whitlock, a former Giants fullback, played the 3-tech and finished the game with three tackles (one for a loss), one QB hit and one pass defensed.
Battlehawks vs. Renegades
St. Louis dropped Dallas, 15-9, in a defensive battle that was capped off with a game-sealing interception courtesy of former Giants safety Will Hill. He also recorded five tackles (one tackle for a loss) and one pass defensed on the game.
But Hill wasn’t the only former Giant to show off in this game. Wide receiver Alonzo Russell hauled in three receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. Offensive tackle Matt McCants also got some reps throughout the game.
On the opposite side of the ball, quarterback Eric Dungey did not play, but running back Austin Walter gained 13 yards on two carries, adding an another eight yards on one reception.
Safety Tenny Adewusi recorded four tackles.
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