After a stellar start to their season and then a Week 2 lull, the XFL returned over the weekend with a slate of four games — two of which were entertaining, quality contests that represented a major step up from a week ago.
Still, the league saw its smallest crowd size of the year (LA/DC) and some criticism is beginning to mount, but we’ll leave that to those who cover the XFL.
Here’s a look at how all the former New York Giants across the league fared in Week 3.
Houston Roughnecks vs. Tampa Bay Vipers
For the third week in a row, running back Andre Williams saw his carries cut. In the 34-27 victory, Williams gained just eight yards on four carries (2.0 ypc) and that was it.
Punter Austin Rehkow also struggled over the weekend after two solid weeks. His highlights included a 17-yard punt.
Cornerback Charles James recorded two tackles — one of those coming on special teams.
For the Vipers, both wide receiver Stacy Coley and tight end Colin Thompson were blanked.
Defensively however, defensive tackle Nikita Whitlock once again came to play, recording four tackles (one for a loss) and another QB hit.
Fellow defensive tackle, Josh Banks, recorded one tackle (one for a loss) and a QB hit.
Dallas Renegades vs. Seattle Dragons
Dragons defensive end Stansly Maponga, the Giants’ lone representative on Seattle’s roster, recorded two tackles (one for a loss) in defeat.
For Dallas, quarterback Eric Dungey didn’t play and is currently overcoming the loss of his Father. Our thoughts are obviously with him and his family.
Meanwhile, running back Austin Walter did not receive a carry and safety Tenny Adewusi finished the game with three tackles.
New York Guardians vs. St. Louis BattleHawks
After a disastrous Week 2, things didn’t get much better for Kevin Gilbride and his staff, which is made up of several former Giants. They were buried and fell to 1-2 on the season.
Offensive tackle Jarron Jones struggled, while interior lineman Damien Mama eventually took over as the starting center.
Tight end Jake Powell caught two of his three targets for 35 yards.
For the BattleHawks, offensive tackle Matt McCants drew the start and played well, while wide receiver Alonzo Russell led the team with three receptions (on three targets) for 36 yards.
Defensively, safety Will Hill had a big game, leading his team with nine tackles, including one tackle for a loss.
And let us not forget defensive back Joe Powell, who scored the first touchdown off a kickoff in XFL history (the new XFL, anyway). We’ll have more on that later.
DC Defenders vs. L.A. Wildcats
Running back Jhurell Pressley had a solid game for DC, gaining 20 yards on his only four carries (5.0 ypc) and hauling in both of his targets before leaving the game with an injury.
Offensive lineman James O’Hagan also left the game due to injury, while fellow offensive lineman Malcolm Bunche didn’t really factor in.
Defensive tackle Jay Bromley recorded three tackles and a QB hit. Safety Rahim Moore finished the game with two tackles.
For the Wildcats, it was a coming out party for quarterback Josh Johnson, who completed 18 of his 25 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns. He added six yards on three carries.
On the other side of the ball, defensive end Devin Taylor recorded three tackles (one for a loss) and one QB hit, while nose tackle Montori Hughes was blanked.
