The XFL is becoming increasingly more entertaining and the football more competitive, but that’s not going to be the takeaway from Week 5. Unfortunately, a blown call in the Seattle Dragons-Houston Roughnecks game and the immediate reassignment of the game supervisor will dominate the headlines.
That’s an early black eye for the XFL, but one they are likely to survive given their impressive transparency and immediate action (take notes, NFL). But that’s not what we’re here to discuss today.
Let’s take a look across the league and see how former members of the New York Giants fared in Week 5.
Houston Roughnecks 32, Seattle Dragons 23
Running back Andre Williams had his best game of the season for Houston over the weekend, gaining 54 yards on 10 carries (5.4 ypc), but couldn’t find the endzone. His teammate, James Butler (not that James Butler), scored twice.
Meanwhile, cornerback Charles James recorded four tackles and then got tabbed “the man of few words” after the game, which is a hilarious mischaracterization of the guy.
Austin Rehkow punted just once for 40 yards.
For the Dragons, defensive end Stansly Maponga recorded three tackles (one for a loss) and one QB hit.
New York Guardians 30, Dallas Renegades 12
Former Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and his staff of several ex-Giants picked up win No. 3 on the season and seem to be hitting a stride.
Offensive lineman Damien Mama continues to perform at a high level, but it wasn’t a great day for tackle Jarron Jones, who was ejected after a late hit. Meanwhile, tight end Jake Powell caught two passes (two targets) for eight yards.
For Dallas, quarterback Eric Dungey again rode the pine despite increasing calls for him to play on social media, while running back Austin Walter gained just six yards on two carries (3.0 ypc).
On the defensive side of the ball, safety Tenny Adewusi checked in with nine tackles (one for a loss) and two QB hits.
D.C. Defenders 15, St. Louis BattleHawks 6
D.C. running back Jhurell Pressley stole the show on Sunday, gaining 107 yards on 15 carries (7.1 ypc), adding three receptions for an additional 12 yards. He also had a tackle on special teams.
Offensive tackle Malcolm Bunche also played well and has quickly become a fan favorite for the Defenders.
On the defensive side of the ball, lineman Jay Bromley recorded two tackles, while safety Rahim Moore checked in with five tackles and one pass defensed.
For St. Louis, wide receiver Alonzo Russell hauled in three receptions for 27 yards, but it was fellow wide receiver L’Damian Washington who had the big day with five receptions for 114 yards.
Matt McCants again drew the start at tackle and played well.
On the other side of the ball, safety Will Hill went wild, recording 12 tackles (two for a loss) and three QB hits.
Defensive back/return man Joe Powell did not factor in.
L.A. Wildcats 41, Tampa Bay Vipers 34
Quarterback Josh Johnson had another huge day for the Wildcats, completing 20 of his 36 passes for 288 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He also added a team-leading 19 yards on seven carries.
Defensively, lineman Devin Taylor was inactive. Nose tackle Montori Hughes had previously been waived.
For the Vipers, wide receiver Stacy Coley and tight end Colin Thompson did not factor in, but defensive every-man Nikita Whitlock certainly did, recording four tackles (two for a loss) and two QB hits. He also recorded one special teams tackle.
Finally, defensive tackle Josh Banks recorded two tackles and one QB hit.
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