Post by MGB01 on Jul 5, 2005 0:32:24 GMT -5
BIRMINGHAM BOLTS (2-4, T-2nd XFL South)
PASSING: Ken Dorsey 129-202-1643-10, 6 TD
RUSHING: Tony Hollings 115 car 360 yds, 3 TD
RECEIVING: Darnay Scott 27 rec 350 yds, TD
TACKLES: Rahim Abdullah 38
SACKS: Anttaj Hawthorne 2
INTERCEPTIONS: Kelly Herndon/Ahmad Hawkins/Jeremy LeSueur 1 each
KICKING: Todd Sievers 12/12 XP, 15/20 FG
PUNTING: Donnie Jones 42.2 avg, 34.2 net
KICK RETURN: Lamont Brightful 24 ret, 24.4 avg
PUNT RETURN: Brightful 12 ret, 11.2 avg
SUMMARY: Dorsey actually is having a decent season outside of a career-worst five interceptions two weeks ago, and that includes his four-game trial as a rookie in 2003. Yet that, by Dorsey's own standards, isn't good enough, especially just last week he threw more than one touchdown pass for the first time all year (two) in a 30-24 loss to Dallas. Hollings hasn't been the answer in finding a replacement for Rashaan Shehee and Cedric Cobbs (22 carries for 204 yards) will likely get the shot in the second half of the year. The Bolts are on pace defensively to match the 2004 Pittsburgh Ironmen for defensive futility with just five sacks overall, a second-worst 139.2 yards rushing given up, and league-worst 5.2 yards per carry allowed. Conversely (and miraculously), the Bolts are second in pass defense behind Las Vegas (192.2 per game) and a league-best 10.1 per completion. Also wowing is the fact that the Bolts have a league-low three interceptions yet a +4 turnover ratio.
CAROLINA COLONELS (0-6, 4th XFL East)
PASSING: Kyle Orton 64-115-802-6, 5 TD
RUSHING: Troy Fleming 51 car 180 yds, TD
RECEIVING: Terrence Edwards 34 rec 436 yds, TD
TACKLES: Lee Jackson 45
SACKS: George Gause 4
INTERCEPTIONS: Kim Herring/Jarrell Weaver 2 each
KICKING: Michael Husted 11/11 XP, 9/11 FG
PUNTING: Tim Parker 38.1 avg, 33.2 net
KICK RETURN: Zack Abron 31 ret, 19.7 avg, TD
PUNT RETURN: Edwards 13 ret, 11.6 avg
Orton became the starter in week four and actually has a better passer rating as a starter than opening-day starter Jason Fife (77.1 to 71.1), the running game seemed to awaken too little too late, when T.A. McLendon ran for 108 yards on 16 carries in a 23-20 overtime loss to the Chicago Enforcers on June 25. The offensive line is still a work in progress, far below the team's expectations. Gause got off to a flying start with three sacks in Washington in a 20-10 loss May 29, but has only one since, nevertheless he's second among rookies in sacks to Attiyah Ellison of Kansas City. The trio of Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery, and Jason Geathers' 84 catches is second to the Enforcers' threesome of Kelley Washington, David Boston, and Luke Leverson (87) among wideout trios.
CHICAGO ENFORCERS (5-1, 1st XFL North)
PASSING: Ricky Ray 133-192-1734-7, 13 TD
RUSHING: John Avery 94 car 287 yds, 3 TD
RECEIVING: Luke Leverson 39 rec 392 yds, TD
TACKLES: Kiah Johnson 72
SACKS: Bryce Fisher 6
INTERCEPTIONS: Jamie Baisley 2, TD
KICKING: Mike Nugent 17/17 XP, 10/11 XP
PUNTING: Brooks Barnard 43.3 avg, 34.1 net
KICK RETURN: Dan Sheldon 26 ret, 18.6 avg
PUNT RETURN: Justin Miller 16 ret, 13.6 avg, TD
Until the Enforcers turned a 14-6 second quarter deficit into a 40-17 rout of the Washington Glory last Sunday, it wasn't your usual 4-1 start for the Enforcers. Their 28-27 loss in Detroit in week two was their earliest in a season since 2002 (21-17 to Los Angeles in week two), Ray threw four interceptions and the Enforcers looked on the verge of an embarrassing season-opening shutout loss to the New York Hitmen at home no less before a furious fourth-quarter rally, the Enforcers have also played two overtime games (Los Angeles in week three and Carolina in week five), Avery clearly looks to be on the downside. But the defense has held up their end, as they have every year since Mark Criner became head coach in 2002, and Ray has shaken off his rusty opener, throwing just three interceptions since. Kelley Washington (23 catches) stepping up in a crucial year for him has been a plus too.
DALLAS VIPERS (3-3, 1st XFL South)
PASSING: Kurt Warner 150-220-2009-12, 13 TD
RUSHING: Anthony Thomas 36 car 151 yds TD
RECEIVING: Rashaun Woods 42 rec 702 yds 6 TD
TACKLES: Corey Moore 53
SACKS: Cory Redding 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Lawrence Flugence/Siddeeq Shabazz 2 each
KICKING: Josh Brown 16/16 XP 12/13 FG
PUNTING: Micah Knorr 36.8 avg, 32.5 net
KICK RETURN: Will Pettis 28 ret, 27.9 avg
PUNT RETURN: Kevin Swayne 10 rer, 6.7 avg
Warner's report card reads straight schizo, three losses: five touchdowns, ten interceptions, 67.8 passer rating; three wins: eight touchdowns, two interceptions, 124.7 passer rating, and as you would have guessed, the Vipers' first half of the season reads loss-win-loss-win-loss-win. Outside of a 21-carry, 99-yard outing in week two against Jacksonville, Jarrett Payton has had a miserable enough year that he was mentioned in possible moves before a sprained ankle in week four. The defense is having a schizo season too, solid against the run at just 90 yards per game, but allowing 285 yards per game passing, third from the bottom in the league. The XFL South being what it is, wouldn't you know it, the Vipers are a first-place team, although Tom Coughlin would prefer merely the term a team in first place.
DETROIT MUSTANGS (4-2)
PASSING: Ryan Clement 66-111-664-3, 9 TD
RUSHING: Cedric Houston 70 car 309 yds TD
RECEIVING: Justin Gage 23 rec 336 yds 3 TD
TACKLES: Bryan Hickman 38
SACKS: Michael Boley 4
INTERCEPTIONS: Ernest Shazor/Bryant McFadden 2 (TD) each
KICKING: Brent Smith 19/19 XP, 8/11 FG
PUNTING: Rodney Williams 38.1 avg, 29.2 net
KICK RETURN: Iheanyi Uwaezuoke 29 ret, 25.6 avg
PUNT RETURN: Damon Dunn 13 ret, 6.9 avg
The Mustangs are the only winning team in the XFL that is being outscored (166-157), having the league's worst defense will do that to you. If this team can wind up in the playoffs it'll further cement why Al Lugenbill should strongly be considered for the next round of NFL coaching vacancies. The Mustangs' playmakers on the defensive side of the ball aren't on the defensive front four, and the ones that are there don't really have the size to combat offensive lines. The Mustangs made a mistake with Randall Gay last year as an undrafted free agent, and five months ago he was starting in the Super Bowl as a result. They wisely did not repeat it with Shazor, who will have a chance to move into the starting lineup as he was making the most of the PT he was getting with Johnny Anderson out and with Anderson likely to be moved because of his injury frequency over his two years with the Mustangs, Shazor will battle former prize free-agent signing J.T. Thatcher for the free safety spot. Clement returns to the Mustangs this week in Birmingham, with the Mustangs in the midst of a pivotal midseason roadtrip.
JACKSONVILLE PREDATORS (4-2)
PASSING: George Godsey 145-239-1733-6, 7 TD
RUSHING: Saladin McCullough 97 car 478 yds 8 TD
RECEIVING: Jeremaine Copeland 47 rec 664 yds 6 TD
TACKLES: Erik Flowers 51
SACKS: Chauncey Davis/Flowers 4
INTERCEPTIONS: Adrian Singleton 5
KICKING: Andy Crosland 15/15 XP, 7/10 FG
PUNTING: Tyler Fredrickson 41.9 avg, 33.5 net
KICK RETURNS: Willie Ford 24 ret, 28.0 avg
PUNT RETURNS: Tony Okanlawon 4 ret, 7.8 avg
For the first time that Dennis Green or anybody else can remember, Godsey doesn't have a high number of touchdowns or interceptions at this point in the season, although there is some concern in Godsey becoming too dependent on Copeland, the league leader who also leads the next closest Predator (McCullough) by 22 receptions. Some outside the team have privately grumbled about Copeland trying to pad his numbers for free agency, and some inside have conceded that if the Predators weren't 4-2 and tied with Orlando for first place that would be more of an issue. The other big story on the team has been as it's been for the franchise's entire history: injuries. LB Courtney Watson, OG Matt Miller, DE Jamaal Green, and CB Joseph Jefferson have been the most prolific Predators to miss time this season, and with the exception of Jamaal, "Big Green" Dennis gets all of them back this week at Washington. John Leake has played very well and rewarded the Predators after they let steady veteran Ryan Phillips go in March. Michael Nattiel isn't quite breaking out as much as he did his first year-plus in the league with the New York Hitmen but has been a solid contributor. While Vincent Fuller was drafted to eventually bump Tony George from the starting lineup, Brett Hudson, an undrafted free agent in 2004, has played well enough in 2005 to do just that.
KANSAS CITY MONARCHS (2-4, T-2nd XFL South)
PASSING: Anthony Calvillo 105-167-1407-9, 12 TD
RUSHING: Rashaan Shehee 92 car 390 yds
RECEIVING: Mike Williams 28 rec 519 yds 5 TD
TACKLES: Adalius Thomas 52
SACKS: Attiyah Ellison 7
INTERCEPTIONS: Fred Vinson/Nathan Vasher 2 each
KICKING: Cary Blanchard 11/11 XP, 7/9 FG
PUNTING: Travis Dorsch 39.9 avg, 29.9 net
KICK RETURN: Antwaun Rogers 34 ret, 21.6 avg
PUNT RETURN: Rogers/Lincoln Dupree 7 ret, 3.0 avg
You might notice that Shehee doesn't have a touchdown yet, had Pittsburgh's Keyaron Fox not been able to pry the ball loose from him late in the fourth quarter last Sunday night at Arrowhead, not only would that not be the case but the Monarchs might, for the first time in their history, be .500 past the first fortnight of the season and also be tied with Dallas for the top spot in the porous XFL South. Drowning out the calls to Ted Cottrell for Richie Anderson or rookie Darren Sproles to start at halfback next week, the Monarchs have bigger problems. They've been without their two rookie Kevins, Everett and Burnett, still waiting on Tim Euhus to see if he's recovered from offseason knee surgery yet, and still will be without Tyrone Carter for a few weeks. Despite the attractive pass rush (25 sacks, second in the league to Las Vegas), Eric Mangini's defense is still just a middle-of-the-road tenth and the defense has created a league-low six turnovers--plus a league-worst -11 turnover ratio. Their special teams might warrant another look, especially punt and punt returns. They began with David Leaverton at punter, who wasn't real inspiring, and replaced him with Dorsch, and he hasn't been much better. It might also be worth it to move Vasher, who averaged a whopping 15.1 per return and had three touchdowns, back into that role. On the up side they might have their second straight rookie of the year, only this time on the defensive side of the ball with Ellison, Peter Boulware has played very well in his return to football after a knee injury, and perhaps most importantly, they don't play in a particularly strong division, so staying in contention is not out of the question although it's not realistic.
LAS VEGAS OUTLAWS (5-1, 1st XFL West)
PASSING: Jason Gesser 120-213-1712-7, 9 TD
RUSHING: Hodges Mitchell 90 car 293 yds 4 TD
RECEIVING: Nate Burleson 27 rec 382 yds 2 TD
TACKLES: John Norman 47
SACKS: Tommy Kelly 7
INTERCEPTIONS: Joey Thomas 7 (2 TD)
KICKING: Kris Stockton 17/17 XP 19/21 FG
PUNTING: Mat McBriar 46.0 avg, 36.1 net
KICK RETURN: Troy Mason 21 ret, 26.5 avg
PUNT RETURN: Jerome Riley 24 ret, 11.1 avg
Mitchell is averaging an average 3.3 yards per carry and the Outlaws are managing just over three per as a team, but with a top-ranked defense which has a league-best 27 sacks and has created 20 turnovers, and Gesser excelling (although he's been off the last couple weeks, but wins nonetheless), the Outlaws can afford a slight malfunction on offense as long as Mitchell, who has put up 1000-yard seasons in each of the last two, picks up the pace. Stats-wise, MLB Richard Seigler is having a sophomore slump, but don't tell his opponents that. All that's done is open up the door for Norman, seemingly the forgotten man of the Outlaw defense who led the team in tackles in both 2002 and 2003. OLB Ryan Claridge has had a solid run as a rookie. First-round pick Brandon Browner has come on with two interceptions in the last three games, as the Outlaws will most likely move him into the starting lineup in 2006 replacing Brian Williams, a free agent at the end of the season. Defensive line coach Ty Parten knew one of his 2004 line draftees--Kelly, Dave Ball, and Matthias Askew--had a huge year on tap, but not Kelly to the extent he's made an impact.
LOS ANGELES XTREME (3-3, t-3rd, XFL West)
PASSING: Woodrow Dantzler 117-184-1333-6, 7 TD
RUSHING: Sultan McCullough 105 car 592 yds TD
RECEIVING: Kareem Kelly 37 rec 480 yds 2 TD
TACKLES: Damen Wheeler/Carlos Timmons 42 each
SACKS: Lonnie Ford 9
INTERCEPTIONS: Wheeler/DeShaun Hill 2
KICKING: Billy Bennett 13/13 XP, 13/13 FG
PUNTING: Nate Fikse 44.5 avg, 36.4 net
KICK RETURN: Brian Poli-Dixon 28 ret, 18.9 avg
PUNT RETURN: Poli-Dixon 4 ret, 8.8 avg
The Xtreme offense isn't quite what they were four years ago with Al Lugenbill calling the plays and Tommy Maddox, Darnell McDonald, and Jeremaine Copeland making them, but they're still efficient. Dantzler doesn't quite have the numbers he had in 2003 and 2004, but is a very accurate passer (63.6%) and is a dual threat (second on the team behind McCullough with 164 yards rushing. Kelly has become one of the best receivers in the league (you'd think that of a guy who played ahead of Mike Williams in college). The only problem is the Xtreme's woeful pass defense which yields almost 300 yards per game, which after losing Reggie Durden in free agency, Jason Sehorn to retirement, and Will Poole (for this year) with a torn ACL, you'd almost expect that with youngsters Marcell Allmond and Derrick Johnson learning on the job. Mel Mitchell, the Xtreme's other free-agent pickup besides Wheeler, has been a bit of a disappointment--satisfying critics of the signing that pointed to his attitude problems in Pittsburgh and led to his dismissal. Bennett has now gone the longest without missing a field goal in XFL history, maybe Maddox would have liked him better.
MEMPHIS MANIAX (1-5, 4th XFL South)
PASSING: Bart Hendricks 120-203-1406-8, 9 TD
RUSHING: Eric Shelton 95 car 676 yds 3 TD
RECEIVING: Latef Grim 37 rec 414 yds 6 TD
TACKLES: Reggie Durden 42
SACKS: Cols Colas 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Durden 3
KICKING: Dan Nystrom 18/18 XP, 7/9 FG
PUNTING: Jason Baker 44.0 avg, 37.7 net
KICK RETURN: Charlie Rogers 31 ret, 19.8 avg
PUNT RETURN: Aaron Lockett 18 ret, 3.0 avg
At least the Maniax can crow about Shelton and his aweing 7.1 yards per carry. But a current four-game slide has no one on Beale Street in a bragging mood. But even bigger than the losing streak is the number of players on the injured list: RB Travis Stephens, DT Johnny Mitchell, LBs Anthony Sessions and Dwayne Rudd, and TE Antoine Harris have missed multiple games already (Stephens and Mitchell are still hurt), and DE Antwan Odom has been banged up, hurting his chances at following up a solid rookie campaign. The team monumentally struggled in the preseason just to talk third round pick Michael Munoz out of a shocking sudden retirement. The season looks as much of a disaster as 2002, which followed the same pattern in the first half of the year (Maniax lose the opener, win game 2, then lose four straight). The Maniax aren't likely to post their first winning record in franchise history despite having four of their last six at home, although it'll be interesting to see whether they can inexplicably upset Chicago again like they did two years ago at the Liberty Bowl when they meet in week nine.
NEW YORK HITMEN (3-3, T-3rd XFL North)
PASSING: Couch 59-114-785-0, 6 TD
RUSHING: Brookins 83 car 442 yds 2 TD
RECEIVING: Copper 31 rec 485 yds TD
TACKLES: Merkerson 52
SACKS: Shantee Orr 6
INTERCEPTIONS: Lamont Reid 4
KICKING: Tyler Jones 12/16 FG
PUNTING: Kyle Larson 42.0 avg, 33.7 net
KICK RETURN: J.J. McKelvey 32 ret, 23.6 avg
PUNT RETURN: Ty Law 24 ret, 10.5 avg
Michael Bishop performed very well in his first start since being benched after an embarrassing week 2 performance, going 24 of 42 for 309 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-14 romp over the Rage last Saturday, but Couch is almost certain to return as the starter in week eight against Detroit when he returns from a shoulder injury. It was the week three matchup, a 38-23 win over the Mustangs at Giants Stadium which Couch was installed as the starter, that may have saved the Hitmen's season and definitely turned it around, they've won three of four since and are a close miss on fourth down in Jacksonville from possibly making it four in a row. When Hitmen GM Jeff Madigan rolled the dice and traded Tully Banta-Cain to San Francisco in February 2004, he was banking on the emergence of another solid pass rusher opposite Tim Beauchamp, it might have come a bit later than he wanted but he got it in Orr, who already has more sacks at the midway point this year than in his rookie year and 2004 combined. Reid has come up big after a slow start to his rookie year and very much needed for the Hitmen, who released Dennis Weathersby in March after it became apparent that he may never play football again.
ORLANDO RAGE (4-2, T-1st XFL East)
PASSING: Matt Mauck 155-248-1758-13, 11 TD
RUSHING: Lionel Gates 53 car 183 yds TD
RECEIVING: Tracey Wistrom 42 rec 413 yds 2 TD
TACKLES: Tim Cheatwood 39
SACKS: Kevin DeRonde 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Clevan Thomas 4
KICKING: Jay Taylor 14/14 XP, 16/18 FG
PUNTING: Noel Prefontaine 40.1 avg, 31.2 net
KICK RETURN: Reynaldo Hill 25 ret, 21.3 avg
PUNT RETURN: Antwone Savage 12 ret, 7.3 avg
Mauck has thrown five interceptions in each of the Rage' two losses, masking an otherwise solid, Jeff-Brohm-in-his-prime-like season. While Gates hasn't done nearly as well as his former Louisville teammate up in Memphis, he's still done well in Black's stead (we're assuming he also likes first place as opposed to the cellar) and will likely get more carries as the season wears on with Black (the 2003 rushing champ) beginning to wear down. Charles Lee was develping into that long-needed second wideout before a knee injury in week four--he should be back for the Pittsburgh game in week nine. The defensive front has been bolstered by the play of a couple of fourth-year Ohio State Buckeyes, Cheatwood and DT Mike Collins, playing well in his first year as a starter. With three interceptions, Hill has developed into another playmaker in the secondary, where corners Thomas and Roosevelt Williams and safteies Muhammad Abdullah and Quentin Harris have been all the rage (no pun intended) for the last couple years.
PITTSBURGH IRONMEN (3-3, T-3rd XFL North)
PASSING: Marcus Crandell 108-191-1169-11, 6 TD
RUSHING: Maurice Clarett 83 car 382 yds
RECEIVING: Johnnie Morant 26 rec 425 yds 3 TD
TACKLES: Dwayne Levels 42
SACKS: Curtis Holden 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Hank Poteat/Darius Clark 2
KICKING: Nate Kaeding 10/10 XP, 15/17 FG
PUNTING: Dustin Colquitt 46.5 avg, 35.2 net
KICK RETURN: Keron Henry 27 ret, 20.2 avg
PUNT RETURN: Kelly Campbell 23 ret, 14.3 avg
Among Dave Wannstedt's first hires on his staff, former Orlando Rage defensive coordinator Charlie Bailey, whose defenses in Orlando weren't particularly great but grew playmakers like Clevan Thomas, Rick Crowell, Kevin DeRonde, Tim Cheatwood, and Tank Reese. Wanny was hoping for the same impact on a defense that was lifeless in 2004, and it's paid off as the Ironmen have moved all the way up into the top five defensively, and it's a good thing they have too because the offense has plodded along in the first half. Their nine offensive touchdowns are second worst to Carolina, they're above only Washington offensively. Among current starting QBs, Crandell has a better passer rating than only Michael Bishop (with an injured Tim Couch) and the two-headed Joe Hamilton/Chris Redman monster that scares no one except Glory fans in Washington. Worse yet Kelly Campbell has just 19 catches through six games (and this after inexplicably not making a catch in week one) and it'll be a miracle if he nabs 40 at this rate. In a 46-0 win in New York in week two, the Ironmen only had one offensive touchdown. With road games at Chicago and Orlando in the next three weeks, the Ironmen will know where they stand and third-round pick Jared Allen, a star in the preseason, will be up for some snaps if the Ironmen are out of contention by then.
SAN FRANCISCO DEMONS (4-2, 2nd XFL West)
PASSING: Kevin Daft 138-262-1568-7, 9 TD
RUSHING: Robertson 73 car 378 yds 2 TD
RECEIVING: Roche 39 rec 437 yds TD
TACKLES: Alge Atkinson 73
SACKS: David Warren 8
INTERCEPTIONS: Kevin Kaesviharn 4 (2 TD)
KICKING: Jose Cortez 11/11 XP, 11/12 FG
PUNTING: Brian Morton 41.2 avg, 31.4 net
KICK RETURN: Rondell Mealey 21 ret, 18.9 avg
PUNT RETURN: James Newson 17 ret, 8.8 avg
QB coach Brian Bedford would like to see Daft improve his completion numbers, but can't complain other than that as Daft is playing with the consistency he did three years ago when the Demons won the XFL West. When Jim Skipper returned to the Demons as head coach this past January, that was really all he asked. Of course a strong defensive unit allowing just 4.7 yards per play--second to Las Vegas--doesn't hurt, a feather in the cap of new defensive coordinator Tim Skipper, yes it's a family affair ('Skip''s other son Kelly is the new offensive coordinator). Atkinson has led the Demons in tackles every year since he was a rookie in 2002, this year won't be any different unless he has season-ending surgery. The decision to scrap both of last year's starting safeties, Ron Israel and Billy Newman, and to shift Kaesviharn to free safety and plug second-rounder Brodney Pool in right away seems to have worked out with no problem. But Pool isn't the only rookie fitting into the starting lineup, third-round OG Adam Snyder is playing well at left guard, and fifth-round lineman Marcus Johnson is good enough to see significant playing time at either left tackle or right guard in the second half of the season.
SEATTLE REIGN (3-3, T-3rd XFL West)
PASSING: John Navarre 130-215-1654-12, 13 TD
RUSHING: Tatum Bell 80 car 270 yds TD
RECEIVING: Devard Darling 26 rec 333 yds 4 TD
TACKLES: Darren Hambrick 53
SACKS: Eric England 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Jason David 5
KICKING: Drew Dunning 12/12 XP 14/18 FG
PUNTING: Alan Cox 48.1 avg, 37.4 net
KICK RETURN: Marcus Maxwell 29 ret, 20.3 avg
PUNT RETURN: Jermaine Lewis 14 ret, 12.2 avg
The Reign are back to earth after a 3-1 start which included a shocking 26-16 win in Orlando in week four. Like most other quarterbacks, John Navarre seems to be at his worst in defeat, ten of his 12 interceptions have come in the Reign's three losses. Tatum Bell started off reasonably well, but looked like Emmitt Smith in his prime in comparison to last year. But after returning from a knee injury--he missed the week three game against San Francisco, he's been terribly average, closer to the 2004 Bell, averaging just over three yards per carry since. Look for J.J. Arrington and Charles Roberts, seemingly the forgotten man despite leading the Reign in rushing last year, to be more involved in the running game in the second half. As bad as their rushing attack is, the run defense is just as good, even though injuries have kind of changed the makeup of the defense somewhat. Second overall pick Shaun Cody missed the opener, defensive lineman Nate Dwyer just got back in the lineup, and local favorite OLB Anthony Simmons is once again injured--he may be back for the stretch run in August if there even is one.
WASHINGTON GLORY (2-4, 3rd XFL East)
PASSING: Joe Hamilton 69-135-800-9, 3 TD
RUSHING: Curtis Alexander 79-384 3 TD
RECEIVING: Kevin Youngblood 20 rec 380 yds TD
TACKLES: Paris Lenon 42
SACKS: Javor Mills 4
INTERCEPTIONS: Lamont Thompson 4
KICKING: Martin Gramatica 12/12 XP 6/6 FG
PUNTING: Dan Hadenfeldt 48.7 avg, 37.2 net
KICK RETURN: Steve Suter 20 ret, 22.9 avg
PUNT RETURN: Stepfret Williams 13 ret, 11.5 avg
After last season, head coach Ralph Friedgen said that he could live with Hamilton having an unfavorable TD/INT ratio on two conditions: one, the disparity wasn't too high and two, the accuracy was there. He has the one, and neither of the other. So he thought Baltimore Raven castoff Chris Redman could be an improvement, he was wrong, to the tune of an XFL-record seven interceptions in a 24-14 loss to Jacksonville in week three. If the Predators weren't up again this week Redman might have the opportunity to redeem himself with this season's prospects looking dim, though four of the final six are at RFK. The Glory have been in trade talks with the Vipers, a move that would send Alexander to Dallas for Jarrett Payton, at least up until Payton was injured a few weeks ago. The decision has been made anyway to go with second-year man Renaldo Works (a 5.1 per carry average on 14 carries) and rookie Marion Barber. Understandably, with the struggles at quarterback, Quincy Jackson has a disappointing 17 catches and likely won't approach anywhere near his team-record 93 catches two years ago. The Glory have been hurt by the loss of Dyshod Carter with a hamstring injury (though he returns this week) and traded a draft pick to Chicago for Ronyell Whitaker in early June. Other than Carter, veteran reserve Fred White was the only corner with starting experience. Understandably, the Glory are last in the league in pass defense although Thompson has emerged as a solid starting safety after two years in Birmingham as a backup.
PASSING: Ken Dorsey 129-202-1643-10, 6 TD
RUSHING: Tony Hollings 115 car 360 yds, 3 TD
RECEIVING: Darnay Scott 27 rec 350 yds, TD
TACKLES: Rahim Abdullah 38
SACKS: Anttaj Hawthorne 2
INTERCEPTIONS: Kelly Herndon/Ahmad Hawkins/Jeremy LeSueur 1 each
KICKING: Todd Sievers 12/12 XP, 15/20 FG
PUNTING: Donnie Jones 42.2 avg, 34.2 net
KICK RETURN: Lamont Brightful 24 ret, 24.4 avg
PUNT RETURN: Brightful 12 ret, 11.2 avg
SUMMARY: Dorsey actually is having a decent season outside of a career-worst five interceptions two weeks ago, and that includes his four-game trial as a rookie in 2003. Yet that, by Dorsey's own standards, isn't good enough, especially just last week he threw more than one touchdown pass for the first time all year (two) in a 30-24 loss to Dallas. Hollings hasn't been the answer in finding a replacement for Rashaan Shehee and Cedric Cobbs (22 carries for 204 yards) will likely get the shot in the second half of the year. The Bolts are on pace defensively to match the 2004 Pittsburgh Ironmen for defensive futility with just five sacks overall, a second-worst 139.2 yards rushing given up, and league-worst 5.2 yards per carry allowed. Conversely (and miraculously), the Bolts are second in pass defense behind Las Vegas (192.2 per game) and a league-best 10.1 per completion. Also wowing is the fact that the Bolts have a league-low three interceptions yet a +4 turnover ratio.
CAROLINA COLONELS (0-6, 4th XFL East)
PASSING: Kyle Orton 64-115-802-6, 5 TD
RUSHING: Troy Fleming 51 car 180 yds, TD
RECEIVING: Terrence Edwards 34 rec 436 yds, TD
TACKLES: Lee Jackson 45
SACKS: George Gause 4
INTERCEPTIONS: Kim Herring/Jarrell Weaver 2 each
KICKING: Michael Husted 11/11 XP, 9/11 FG
PUNTING: Tim Parker 38.1 avg, 33.2 net
KICK RETURN: Zack Abron 31 ret, 19.7 avg, TD
PUNT RETURN: Edwards 13 ret, 11.6 avg
Orton became the starter in week four and actually has a better passer rating as a starter than opening-day starter Jason Fife (77.1 to 71.1), the running game seemed to awaken too little too late, when T.A. McLendon ran for 108 yards on 16 carries in a 23-20 overtime loss to the Chicago Enforcers on June 25. The offensive line is still a work in progress, far below the team's expectations. Gause got off to a flying start with three sacks in Washington in a 20-10 loss May 29, but has only one since, nevertheless he's second among rookies in sacks to Attiyah Ellison of Kansas City. The trio of Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery, and Jason Geathers' 84 catches is second to the Enforcers' threesome of Kelley Washington, David Boston, and Luke Leverson (87) among wideout trios.
CHICAGO ENFORCERS (5-1, 1st XFL North)
PASSING: Ricky Ray 133-192-1734-7, 13 TD
RUSHING: John Avery 94 car 287 yds, 3 TD
RECEIVING: Luke Leverson 39 rec 392 yds, TD
TACKLES: Kiah Johnson 72
SACKS: Bryce Fisher 6
INTERCEPTIONS: Jamie Baisley 2, TD
KICKING: Mike Nugent 17/17 XP, 10/11 XP
PUNTING: Brooks Barnard 43.3 avg, 34.1 net
KICK RETURN: Dan Sheldon 26 ret, 18.6 avg
PUNT RETURN: Justin Miller 16 ret, 13.6 avg, TD
Until the Enforcers turned a 14-6 second quarter deficit into a 40-17 rout of the Washington Glory last Sunday, it wasn't your usual 4-1 start for the Enforcers. Their 28-27 loss in Detroit in week two was their earliest in a season since 2002 (21-17 to Los Angeles in week two), Ray threw four interceptions and the Enforcers looked on the verge of an embarrassing season-opening shutout loss to the New York Hitmen at home no less before a furious fourth-quarter rally, the Enforcers have also played two overtime games (Los Angeles in week three and Carolina in week five), Avery clearly looks to be on the downside. But the defense has held up their end, as they have every year since Mark Criner became head coach in 2002, and Ray has shaken off his rusty opener, throwing just three interceptions since. Kelley Washington (23 catches) stepping up in a crucial year for him has been a plus too.
DALLAS VIPERS (3-3, 1st XFL South)
PASSING: Kurt Warner 150-220-2009-12, 13 TD
RUSHING: Anthony Thomas 36 car 151 yds TD
RECEIVING: Rashaun Woods 42 rec 702 yds 6 TD
TACKLES: Corey Moore 53
SACKS: Cory Redding 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Lawrence Flugence/Siddeeq Shabazz 2 each
KICKING: Josh Brown 16/16 XP 12/13 FG
PUNTING: Micah Knorr 36.8 avg, 32.5 net
KICK RETURN: Will Pettis 28 ret, 27.9 avg
PUNT RETURN: Kevin Swayne 10 rer, 6.7 avg
Warner's report card reads straight schizo, three losses: five touchdowns, ten interceptions, 67.8 passer rating; three wins: eight touchdowns, two interceptions, 124.7 passer rating, and as you would have guessed, the Vipers' first half of the season reads loss-win-loss-win-loss-win. Outside of a 21-carry, 99-yard outing in week two against Jacksonville, Jarrett Payton has had a miserable enough year that he was mentioned in possible moves before a sprained ankle in week four. The defense is having a schizo season too, solid against the run at just 90 yards per game, but allowing 285 yards per game passing, third from the bottom in the league. The XFL South being what it is, wouldn't you know it, the Vipers are a first-place team, although Tom Coughlin would prefer merely the term a team in first place.
DETROIT MUSTANGS (4-2)
PASSING: Ryan Clement 66-111-664-3, 9 TD
RUSHING: Cedric Houston 70 car 309 yds TD
RECEIVING: Justin Gage 23 rec 336 yds 3 TD
TACKLES: Bryan Hickman 38
SACKS: Michael Boley 4
INTERCEPTIONS: Ernest Shazor/Bryant McFadden 2 (TD) each
KICKING: Brent Smith 19/19 XP, 8/11 FG
PUNTING: Rodney Williams 38.1 avg, 29.2 net
KICK RETURN: Iheanyi Uwaezuoke 29 ret, 25.6 avg
PUNT RETURN: Damon Dunn 13 ret, 6.9 avg
The Mustangs are the only winning team in the XFL that is being outscored (166-157), having the league's worst defense will do that to you. If this team can wind up in the playoffs it'll further cement why Al Lugenbill should strongly be considered for the next round of NFL coaching vacancies. The Mustangs' playmakers on the defensive side of the ball aren't on the defensive front four, and the ones that are there don't really have the size to combat offensive lines. The Mustangs made a mistake with Randall Gay last year as an undrafted free agent, and five months ago he was starting in the Super Bowl as a result. They wisely did not repeat it with Shazor, who will have a chance to move into the starting lineup as he was making the most of the PT he was getting with Johnny Anderson out and with Anderson likely to be moved because of his injury frequency over his two years with the Mustangs, Shazor will battle former prize free-agent signing J.T. Thatcher for the free safety spot. Clement returns to the Mustangs this week in Birmingham, with the Mustangs in the midst of a pivotal midseason roadtrip.
JACKSONVILLE PREDATORS (4-2)
PASSING: George Godsey 145-239-1733-6, 7 TD
RUSHING: Saladin McCullough 97 car 478 yds 8 TD
RECEIVING: Jeremaine Copeland 47 rec 664 yds 6 TD
TACKLES: Erik Flowers 51
SACKS: Chauncey Davis/Flowers 4
INTERCEPTIONS: Adrian Singleton 5
KICKING: Andy Crosland 15/15 XP, 7/10 FG
PUNTING: Tyler Fredrickson 41.9 avg, 33.5 net
KICK RETURNS: Willie Ford 24 ret, 28.0 avg
PUNT RETURNS: Tony Okanlawon 4 ret, 7.8 avg
For the first time that Dennis Green or anybody else can remember, Godsey doesn't have a high number of touchdowns or interceptions at this point in the season, although there is some concern in Godsey becoming too dependent on Copeland, the league leader who also leads the next closest Predator (McCullough) by 22 receptions. Some outside the team have privately grumbled about Copeland trying to pad his numbers for free agency, and some inside have conceded that if the Predators weren't 4-2 and tied with Orlando for first place that would be more of an issue. The other big story on the team has been as it's been for the franchise's entire history: injuries. LB Courtney Watson, OG Matt Miller, DE Jamaal Green, and CB Joseph Jefferson have been the most prolific Predators to miss time this season, and with the exception of Jamaal, "Big Green" Dennis gets all of them back this week at Washington. John Leake has played very well and rewarded the Predators after they let steady veteran Ryan Phillips go in March. Michael Nattiel isn't quite breaking out as much as he did his first year-plus in the league with the New York Hitmen but has been a solid contributor. While Vincent Fuller was drafted to eventually bump Tony George from the starting lineup, Brett Hudson, an undrafted free agent in 2004, has played well enough in 2005 to do just that.
KANSAS CITY MONARCHS (2-4, T-2nd XFL South)
PASSING: Anthony Calvillo 105-167-1407-9, 12 TD
RUSHING: Rashaan Shehee 92 car 390 yds
RECEIVING: Mike Williams 28 rec 519 yds 5 TD
TACKLES: Adalius Thomas 52
SACKS: Attiyah Ellison 7
INTERCEPTIONS: Fred Vinson/Nathan Vasher 2 each
KICKING: Cary Blanchard 11/11 XP, 7/9 FG
PUNTING: Travis Dorsch 39.9 avg, 29.9 net
KICK RETURN: Antwaun Rogers 34 ret, 21.6 avg
PUNT RETURN: Rogers/Lincoln Dupree 7 ret, 3.0 avg
You might notice that Shehee doesn't have a touchdown yet, had Pittsburgh's Keyaron Fox not been able to pry the ball loose from him late in the fourth quarter last Sunday night at Arrowhead, not only would that not be the case but the Monarchs might, for the first time in their history, be .500 past the first fortnight of the season and also be tied with Dallas for the top spot in the porous XFL South. Drowning out the calls to Ted Cottrell for Richie Anderson or rookie Darren Sproles to start at halfback next week, the Monarchs have bigger problems. They've been without their two rookie Kevins, Everett and Burnett, still waiting on Tim Euhus to see if he's recovered from offseason knee surgery yet, and still will be without Tyrone Carter for a few weeks. Despite the attractive pass rush (25 sacks, second in the league to Las Vegas), Eric Mangini's defense is still just a middle-of-the-road tenth and the defense has created a league-low six turnovers--plus a league-worst -11 turnover ratio. Their special teams might warrant another look, especially punt and punt returns. They began with David Leaverton at punter, who wasn't real inspiring, and replaced him with Dorsch, and he hasn't been much better. It might also be worth it to move Vasher, who averaged a whopping 15.1 per return and had three touchdowns, back into that role. On the up side they might have their second straight rookie of the year, only this time on the defensive side of the ball with Ellison, Peter Boulware has played very well in his return to football after a knee injury, and perhaps most importantly, they don't play in a particularly strong division, so staying in contention is not out of the question although it's not realistic.
LAS VEGAS OUTLAWS (5-1, 1st XFL West)
PASSING: Jason Gesser 120-213-1712-7, 9 TD
RUSHING: Hodges Mitchell 90 car 293 yds 4 TD
RECEIVING: Nate Burleson 27 rec 382 yds 2 TD
TACKLES: John Norman 47
SACKS: Tommy Kelly 7
INTERCEPTIONS: Joey Thomas 7 (2 TD)
KICKING: Kris Stockton 17/17 XP 19/21 FG
PUNTING: Mat McBriar 46.0 avg, 36.1 net
KICK RETURN: Troy Mason 21 ret, 26.5 avg
PUNT RETURN: Jerome Riley 24 ret, 11.1 avg
Mitchell is averaging an average 3.3 yards per carry and the Outlaws are managing just over three per as a team, but with a top-ranked defense which has a league-best 27 sacks and has created 20 turnovers, and Gesser excelling (although he's been off the last couple weeks, but wins nonetheless), the Outlaws can afford a slight malfunction on offense as long as Mitchell, who has put up 1000-yard seasons in each of the last two, picks up the pace. Stats-wise, MLB Richard Seigler is having a sophomore slump, but don't tell his opponents that. All that's done is open up the door for Norman, seemingly the forgotten man of the Outlaw defense who led the team in tackles in both 2002 and 2003. OLB Ryan Claridge has had a solid run as a rookie. First-round pick Brandon Browner has come on with two interceptions in the last three games, as the Outlaws will most likely move him into the starting lineup in 2006 replacing Brian Williams, a free agent at the end of the season. Defensive line coach Ty Parten knew one of his 2004 line draftees--Kelly, Dave Ball, and Matthias Askew--had a huge year on tap, but not Kelly to the extent he's made an impact.
LOS ANGELES XTREME (3-3, t-3rd, XFL West)
PASSING: Woodrow Dantzler 117-184-1333-6, 7 TD
RUSHING: Sultan McCullough 105 car 592 yds TD
RECEIVING: Kareem Kelly 37 rec 480 yds 2 TD
TACKLES: Damen Wheeler/Carlos Timmons 42 each
SACKS: Lonnie Ford 9
INTERCEPTIONS: Wheeler/DeShaun Hill 2
KICKING: Billy Bennett 13/13 XP, 13/13 FG
PUNTING: Nate Fikse 44.5 avg, 36.4 net
KICK RETURN: Brian Poli-Dixon 28 ret, 18.9 avg
PUNT RETURN: Poli-Dixon 4 ret, 8.8 avg
The Xtreme offense isn't quite what they were four years ago with Al Lugenbill calling the plays and Tommy Maddox, Darnell McDonald, and Jeremaine Copeland making them, but they're still efficient. Dantzler doesn't quite have the numbers he had in 2003 and 2004, but is a very accurate passer (63.6%) and is a dual threat (second on the team behind McCullough with 164 yards rushing. Kelly has become one of the best receivers in the league (you'd think that of a guy who played ahead of Mike Williams in college). The only problem is the Xtreme's woeful pass defense which yields almost 300 yards per game, which after losing Reggie Durden in free agency, Jason Sehorn to retirement, and Will Poole (for this year) with a torn ACL, you'd almost expect that with youngsters Marcell Allmond and Derrick Johnson learning on the job. Mel Mitchell, the Xtreme's other free-agent pickup besides Wheeler, has been a bit of a disappointment--satisfying critics of the signing that pointed to his attitude problems in Pittsburgh and led to his dismissal. Bennett has now gone the longest without missing a field goal in XFL history, maybe Maddox would have liked him better.
MEMPHIS MANIAX (1-5, 4th XFL South)
PASSING: Bart Hendricks 120-203-1406-8, 9 TD
RUSHING: Eric Shelton 95 car 676 yds 3 TD
RECEIVING: Latef Grim 37 rec 414 yds 6 TD
TACKLES: Reggie Durden 42
SACKS: Cols Colas 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Durden 3
KICKING: Dan Nystrom 18/18 XP, 7/9 FG
PUNTING: Jason Baker 44.0 avg, 37.7 net
KICK RETURN: Charlie Rogers 31 ret, 19.8 avg
PUNT RETURN: Aaron Lockett 18 ret, 3.0 avg
At least the Maniax can crow about Shelton and his aweing 7.1 yards per carry. But a current four-game slide has no one on Beale Street in a bragging mood. But even bigger than the losing streak is the number of players on the injured list: RB Travis Stephens, DT Johnny Mitchell, LBs Anthony Sessions and Dwayne Rudd, and TE Antoine Harris have missed multiple games already (Stephens and Mitchell are still hurt), and DE Antwan Odom has been banged up, hurting his chances at following up a solid rookie campaign. The team monumentally struggled in the preseason just to talk third round pick Michael Munoz out of a shocking sudden retirement. The season looks as much of a disaster as 2002, which followed the same pattern in the first half of the year (Maniax lose the opener, win game 2, then lose four straight). The Maniax aren't likely to post their first winning record in franchise history despite having four of their last six at home, although it'll be interesting to see whether they can inexplicably upset Chicago again like they did two years ago at the Liberty Bowl when they meet in week nine.
NEW YORK HITMEN (3-3, T-3rd XFL North)
PASSING: Couch 59-114-785-0, 6 TD
RUSHING: Brookins 83 car 442 yds 2 TD
RECEIVING: Copper 31 rec 485 yds TD
TACKLES: Merkerson 52
SACKS: Shantee Orr 6
INTERCEPTIONS: Lamont Reid 4
KICKING: Tyler Jones 12/16 FG
PUNTING: Kyle Larson 42.0 avg, 33.7 net
KICK RETURN: J.J. McKelvey 32 ret, 23.6 avg
PUNT RETURN: Ty Law 24 ret, 10.5 avg
Michael Bishop performed very well in his first start since being benched after an embarrassing week 2 performance, going 24 of 42 for 309 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-14 romp over the Rage last Saturday, but Couch is almost certain to return as the starter in week eight against Detroit when he returns from a shoulder injury. It was the week three matchup, a 38-23 win over the Mustangs at Giants Stadium which Couch was installed as the starter, that may have saved the Hitmen's season and definitely turned it around, they've won three of four since and are a close miss on fourth down in Jacksonville from possibly making it four in a row. When Hitmen GM Jeff Madigan rolled the dice and traded Tully Banta-Cain to San Francisco in February 2004, he was banking on the emergence of another solid pass rusher opposite Tim Beauchamp, it might have come a bit later than he wanted but he got it in Orr, who already has more sacks at the midway point this year than in his rookie year and 2004 combined. Reid has come up big after a slow start to his rookie year and very much needed for the Hitmen, who released Dennis Weathersby in March after it became apparent that he may never play football again.
ORLANDO RAGE (4-2, T-1st XFL East)
PASSING: Matt Mauck 155-248-1758-13, 11 TD
RUSHING: Lionel Gates 53 car 183 yds TD
RECEIVING: Tracey Wistrom 42 rec 413 yds 2 TD
TACKLES: Tim Cheatwood 39
SACKS: Kevin DeRonde 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Clevan Thomas 4
KICKING: Jay Taylor 14/14 XP, 16/18 FG
PUNTING: Noel Prefontaine 40.1 avg, 31.2 net
KICK RETURN: Reynaldo Hill 25 ret, 21.3 avg
PUNT RETURN: Antwone Savage 12 ret, 7.3 avg
Mauck has thrown five interceptions in each of the Rage' two losses, masking an otherwise solid, Jeff-Brohm-in-his-prime-like season. While Gates hasn't done nearly as well as his former Louisville teammate up in Memphis, he's still done well in Black's stead (we're assuming he also likes first place as opposed to the cellar) and will likely get more carries as the season wears on with Black (the 2003 rushing champ) beginning to wear down. Charles Lee was develping into that long-needed second wideout before a knee injury in week four--he should be back for the Pittsburgh game in week nine. The defensive front has been bolstered by the play of a couple of fourth-year Ohio State Buckeyes, Cheatwood and DT Mike Collins, playing well in his first year as a starter. With three interceptions, Hill has developed into another playmaker in the secondary, where corners Thomas and Roosevelt Williams and safteies Muhammad Abdullah and Quentin Harris have been all the rage (no pun intended) for the last couple years.
PITTSBURGH IRONMEN (3-3, T-3rd XFL North)
PASSING: Marcus Crandell 108-191-1169-11, 6 TD
RUSHING: Maurice Clarett 83 car 382 yds
RECEIVING: Johnnie Morant 26 rec 425 yds 3 TD
TACKLES: Dwayne Levels 42
SACKS: Curtis Holden 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Hank Poteat/Darius Clark 2
KICKING: Nate Kaeding 10/10 XP, 15/17 FG
PUNTING: Dustin Colquitt 46.5 avg, 35.2 net
KICK RETURN: Keron Henry 27 ret, 20.2 avg
PUNT RETURN: Kelly Campbell 23 ret, 14.3 avg
Among Dave Wannstedt's first hires on his staff, former Orlando Rage defensive coordinator Charlie Bailey, whose defenses in Orlando weren't particularly great but grew playmakers like Clevan Thomas, Rick Crowell, Kevin DeRonde, Tim Cheatwood, and Tank Reese. Wanny was hoping for the same impact on a defense that was lifeless in 2004, and it's paid off as the Ironmen have moved all the way up into the top five defensively, and it's a good thing they have too because the offense has plodded along in the first half. Their nine offensive touchdowns are second worst to Carolina, they're above only Washington offensively. Among current starting QBs, Crandell has a better passer rating than only Michael Bishop (with an injured Tim Couch) and the two-headed Joe Hamilton/Chris Redman monster that scares no one except Glory fans in Washington. Worse yet Kelly Campbell has just 19 catches through six games (and this after inexplicably not making a catch in week one) and it'll be a miracle if he nabs 40 at this rate. In a 46-0 win in New York in week two, the Ironmen only had one offensive touchdown. With road games at Chicago and Orlando in the next three weeks, the Ironmen will know where they stand and third-round pick Jared Allen, a star in the preseason, will be up for some snaps if the Ironmen are out of contention by then.
SAN FRANCISCO DEMONS (4-2, 2nd XFL West)
PASSING: Kevin Daft 138-262-1568-7, 9 TD
RUSHING: Robertson 73 car 378 yds 2 TD
RECEIVING: Roche 39 rec 437 yds TD
TACKLES: Alge Atkinson 73
SACKS: David Warren 8
INTERCEPTIONS: Kevin Kaesviharn 4 (2 TD)
KICKING: Jose Cortez 11/11 XP, 11/12 FG
PUNTING: Brian Morton 41.2 avg, 31.4 net
KICK RETURN: Rondell Mealey 21 ret, 18.9 avg
PUNT RETURN: James Newson 17 ret, 8.8 avg
QB coach Brian Bedford would like to see Daft improve his completion numbers, but can't complain other than that as Daft is playing with the consistency he did three years ago when the Demons won the XFL West. When Jim Skipper returned to the Demons as head coach this past January, that was really all he asked. Of course a strong defensive unit allowing just 4.7 yards per play--second to Las Vegas--doesn't hurt, a feather in the cap of new defensive coordinator Tim Skipper, yes it's a family affair ('Skip''s other son Kelly is the new offensive coordinator). Atkinson has led the Demons in tackles every year since he was a rookie in 2002, this year won't be any different unless he has season-ending surgery. The decision to scrap both of last year's starting safeties, Ron Israel and Billy Newman, and to shift Kaesviharn to free safety and plug second-rounder Brodney Pool in right away seems to have worked out with no problem. But Pool isn't the only rookie fitting into the starting lineup, third-round OG Adam Snyder is playing well at left guard, and fifth-round lineman Marcus Johnson is good enough to see significant playing time at either left tackle or right guard in the second half of the season.
SEATTLE REIGN (3-3, T-3rd XFL West)
PASSING: John Navarre 130-215-1654-12, 13 TD
RUSHING: Tatum Bell 80 car 270 yds TD
RECEIVING: Devard Darling 26 rec 333 yds 4 TD
TACKLES: Darren Hambrick 53
SACKS: Eric England 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Jason David 5
KICKING: Drew Dunning 12/12 XP 14/18 FG
PUNTING: Alan Cox 48.1 avg, 37.4 net
KICK RETURN: Marcus Maxwell 29 ret, 20.3 avg
PUNT RETURN: Jermaine Lewis 14 ret, 12.2 avg
The Reign are back to earth after a 3-1 start which included a shocking 26-16 win in Orlando in week four. Like most other quarterbacks, John Navarre seems to be at his worst in defeat, ten of his 12 interceptions have come in the Reign's three losses. Tatum Bell started off reasonably well, but looked like Emmitt Smith in his prime in comparison to last year. But after returning from a knee injury--he missed the week three game against San Francisco, he's been terribly average, closer to the 2004 Bell, averaging just over three yards per carry since. Look for J.J. Arrington and Charles Roberts, seemingly the forgotten man despite leading the Reign in rushing last year, to be more involved in the running game in the second half. As bad as their rushing attack is, the run defense is just as good, even though injuries have kind of changed the makeup of the defense somewhat. Second overall pick Shaun Cody missed the opener, defensive lineman Nate Dwyer just got back in the lineup, and local favorite OLB Anthony Simmons is once again injured--he may be back for the stretch run in August if there even is one.
WASHINGTON GLORY (2-4, 3rd XFL East)
PASSING: Joe Hamilton 69-135-800-9, 3 TD
RUSHING: Curtis Alexander 79-384 3 TD
RECEIVING: Kevin Youngblood 20 rec 380 yds TD
TACKLES: Paris Lenon 42
SACKS: Javor Mills 4
INTERCEPTIONS: Lamont Thompson 4
KICKING: Martin Gramatica 12/12 XP 6/6 FG
PUNTING: Dan Hadenfeldt 48.7 avg, 37.2 net
KICK RETURN: Steve Suter 20 ret, 22.9 avg
PUNT RETURN: Stepfret Williams 13 ret, 11.5 avg
After last season, head coach Ralph Friedgen said that he could live with Hamilton having an unfavorable TD/INT ratio on two conditions: one, the disparity wasn't too high and two, the accuracy was there. He has the one, and neither of the other. So he thought Baltimore Raven castoff Chris Redman could be an improvement, he was wrong, to the tune of an XFL-record seven interceptions in a 24-14 loss to Jacksonville in week three. If the Predators weren't up again this week Redman might have the opportunity to redeem himself with this season's prospects looking dim, though four of the final six are at RFK. The Glory have been in trade talks with the Vipers, a move that would send Alexander to Dallas for Jarrett Payton, at least up until Payton was injured a few weeks ago. The decision has been made anyway to go with second-year man Renaldo Works (a 5.1 per carry average on 14 carries) and rookie Marion Barber. Understandably, with the struggles at quarterback, Quincy Jackson has a disappointing 17 catches and likely won't approach anywhere near his team-record 93 catches two years ago. The Glory have been hurt by the loss of Dyshod Carter with a hamstring injury (though he returns this week) and traded a draft pick to Chicago for Ronyell Whitaker in early June. Other than Carter, veteran reserve Fred White was the only corner with starting experience. Understandably, the Glory are last in the league in pass defense although Thompson has emerged as a solid starting safety after two years in Birmingham as a backup.