The XFL saw a successful re-launch a week ago, which featured several stadiums that were packed to the max and quality TV ratings to go along with intriguing rule changes and so-so football.
In Week 2, things took a dramatic turn for the worst as poor quarterback play dominated headlines, while chaos erupted for New York in D.C., attendance was down and TV ratings also dropped.
The XFL will have to quickly get a handle on things entering Week 3, but we’ll leave that to them. In the mean time, let’s take a look at how former members of the New York Giants fared in Week 2.
DC Defenders 27, New York Guardians 0
After a successful return to the sidelines in Week 1, former Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and his staff (which includes a few ex-Giants) were subject to complete chaos in Week 2.
Not only were the Guardians the first team to be shutout in the new XFL, but Gilbride’s quarterback, Matt McGloin, shredded the coaching staff during several sideline interviews.
On the field, Jarron Jones didn’t have his best game at offensive tackle and Damien Mama struggled. Meanwhile, tight end Jake Powell was targeted just once for a gain of five yards.
On the DC Side of things, running back Jhurell Pressley gained 32 yards on 11 carries (2.9 ypc), adding nine yards on two receptions.
Offensive linemen James O’Hagan and Malcolm Bunche flew somewhat under-the-radar, while defensive lineman Jay Bromley recorded three tackles (two for a loss) and one sack. Safety Rahim Moore also made a few key plays, recording two tackles, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery (which led to benches clearing).
Seattle Dragons 17, Tampa Bay Vipers 9
Defensive end Stansly Maponga, the only former Giant on Seattle’s roster, recorded four tackles and one QB hit over the weekend. He’s now strung together two quality performances.
For the Vipers, wide receiver Stacy Coley once again did not factor in as tight end Colin Thompson also found himself blanked.
On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Nikita Whitlock was third on the team with six tackles, including one tackle for a loss. Meanwhile, fellow defensive tackle Josh Banks recorded two tackles.
Dallas Renegades 25, Los Angeles Wildcats 18
For the second week in a row, Dallas kept quarterback Eric Dungey on the bench. Running back Austin Walter also did not factor in.
Defensively, former Giants safety Tenny Adewusi checked in with two tackles and a fumble recovery.
For Los Angeles, quarterback Josh Johnson drew the start and completed 18 of his 34 pass attempts for 196 yards and two touchdowns. He added three yards on four carries.
Defensive end Devin Taylor recorded two tackles, while nose tackle Montori Hughes was blanked.
Houston Roughnecks 28, St. Louis BattleHawks 24
Former Giants draft pick Andre Williams had another tough day running the ball, gaining just 12 yards on five carries (2.4 ypc). Meanwhile, cornerback Charles James recorded two tackles and one pass defensed.
Austin Rehkow punted the ball six times, including a 55-yard bomb that was down at the 2.
For St. Louis, offensive tackle Matt McCants saw some time, while wide receiver Alonzo Russell hauled in five of his six targets for 42 yards.
Defensively, safety Will Hill was second on the team with five tackles.
