XFL END OF SEASON REVIEWS

[MGB01]

BIRMINGHAM BOLTS (7-7, 1st XFL South)
Owner: Jay Amado
Head Coach: Steve Spurrier (19-9)

5/29 SAN FRANCISCO L 14-10
6/5 KANSAS CITY W 40-10
6/12 at Memphis W 26-10
6/18 at Los Angeles L 26-13
6/26 WASHINGTON L 28-16
7/3 at Dallas L 30-24
7/10 DETROIT W 51-21
7/17 at Carolina L 38-30
7/24 at Kansas City W 31-21
7/31 at Chicago L 21-3
8/6 MEMPHIS W 23-3
8/14 DALLAS W 51-38
Playoffs
8/21 CHICAGO W 23-6
8/28 at New York L 30-20

Team leaders
PASSING: Ken Dorsey 256-392-3336-16, 20 TD
RUSHING: Tony Hollings 228 car 837 yds 8 TD
RECEIVING: Nate Poole 46 rec 694 yds 3 TD
TACKLES: Edgerton Hartwell 80
SACKS: Anttaj Hawthorne 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Ahmad Hawkins 3
KICKING: Todd Sievers 33/33 XP, 29/38 FG, 120 pts
PUNTING: Donnie Jones 42 punts, 43.2 avg, 34.7 net
KICK RETURN: Lamont Brightful 45 ret, 25.5 avg
PUNT RETURN: Lamont Brightful 34 ret, 11.5 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Ken Dorsey/Casey Clausen/Lang Campbell
RB-Tony Hollings/Cedric Cobbs/Shaud Williams/Jonathan Smith
FB-Michael Blair
WR-Nate Poole/Darnay Scott/Troy Brown/Efrem Hill
WR-Mike Bush/Roscoe Parrish/Kevin Lockett/Kerry Johnson*
TE-Tywan Mitchell/Thomas Hill
LT-Vernon Carey/Calvin Armstrong
LG-Cosey Coleman/Josh Warner/Doug Buckles*
C-Alex Stepanovich/Zac Zedalis/Ben Wilkerson
RG-Rob Murphy/Jeb Terry
RT-Cheston Blackshear/Kendrick Rogers
K-Todd Sievers
Defense
LE-T.J. Frier/Bill Swancutt/Akbar Gbaja-Biamila
DT-Anttaj Hawthorne/Spencer Johnson
RE-Igor Olshansky/Paul Toviessi/Khaleed Vaughn
LOLB-Donnie Spragan/Roderick Green
LILB-Johnny Rutledge/James Price
RILB-Edgerton Hartwell/James Willis
ROLB-Rahim Abdullah
SS-Guss Scott/Thomas Wright
CB-Ahmad Hawkins/Jeremy LeSueur/Jerron Wishom
CB-Cedric Henry/Kelly Herndon/Lamont Brightful
FS-Dexter Reid/Kevin Gaines
P-Donnie Jones
*practice squad player in 2005

What went right: The Bolts recovered enough after a terrible start (which included a five-interception game by Dorsey, his worst game ever) to win a down division, and then they dealt the two-time champion Enforcers an authoritive defeat in the playoffs. Coleman moved back to his old position of left guard and formed a solid wall with the vastly-improving Carey on the left side. Hollings rushed for 477 yards over the last six games as the Bolts went 4-2, they scored 30 or more points in four of those, and two them they scored 51 as Spurrier’s Fun n’ Gun was more on display this season with Dorsey throwing for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.

What went wrong: Defensive coordinator Bill Oliver may find himself a casualty in the offseason after the Bolts generated just a league-worst 14 sacks, and none came from their LB corps. When Rashaan Shehee left for Kansas City, the Bolts insisted that Hollings was a 1,000-yard back, but his slow start (he was averaging just over three yards per carry at midseason) cost him that. Parrish was expected to have a big year as a rookie, instead he caught just 25 passes and finished seventh on the team. Olshansky struggled through a miserable injury-plagued season in which he played in just five games although he started at right end in the playoffs and held up well. The loss of Herndon for the playoffs eventually caught up with the Bolts as they allowed 332 yards passing by Michael Bishop in the loss to the Hitmen despite the fact he was just 17 of 38.

Offseason analysis: The Bolts have the most free agents to deal with, and the bulk of them on defense, including Frier, the team’s career sack leader, and career tackles leader Abdullah. Sievers’ accuracy has been questioned over his stint in Birmingham--although he has a 60-yarder to his credit in 2003 and a 58-yarder in that same game--as he missed a huge field goal in the loss to the Hitmen that was followed up by a long touchdown pass that turned the tides. The Bolts will hopefully have an offseason where they can just focus on football for once: other than the lead-up their “re-debut” in 2003, they had the whole Mike Ditka/Sylvester Croom situation in 2003, and then Spurrier was entertaining a return to the college game in the winter of 2005—which he ultimately turned down.

CAROLINA COLONELS (2-10, 4th XFL East)
Owner: Daniel Casey
Head Coach: Norm Chow (7-17)

5/29 at Washington L 20-10
6/5 at Memphis L 41-17
6/12 ORLANDO L 26-13
6/19 at Detroit L 28-20
6/25 CHICAGO L 23-20 (OT)
7/3 JACKSONVILLE L 29-24
7/10 at Orlando L 49-20
7/17 BIRMINGHAM W 38-30
7/24 at Jacksonville L 21-13
7/31 at San Francisco L 10-6
8/7 WASHINGTON W 48-35
8/14 LOS ANGELES L 23-10

Team leaders
PASSING: Jason Fife 180-283-2237-10, 8 TD
RUSHING: Troy Fleming 104 car 325 yds, 2 TD
RECEIVING: Terrence Edwards 74 rec 1018 yds, 3 TD
TACKLES: Lee Jackson 82
SACKS: Mike Wells/George Gause 5
INTERCEPTIONS: Kim Herring/Jarrell Weaver 2 each, Joey Eloms 2 (2 TD)
KICKING: Michael Husted 26/26 XP, 19/22 FG, 83 pts
PUNTING: Tim Parker 56 punts, 38.8 avg, 33.5 net
KICK RETURN: Jerricho Cotchery 16 ret, 26.4 avg, TD
PUNT RETURN: Edwards 29 ret, 11.8 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Jason Fife/Kyle Orton/Jamie Barnette
RB-T.A. McLendon/Derrick Knight/Zack Abron
FB-Troy Fleming/Alex Haynes*
WR-Terrence Edwards/Jason Geathers/Chris Coleman/Aaron Bailey
WR-Jerricho Cotchery/Davon Fowlkes/Jason Anderson
TE-Mark Thomas/Joel Dreessen/Danny Young
LT-Matt Anderle/Jarvis Borum
LG-Sean Locklear/Cedric Johnson*
C-Aaron Graham/Junius Coston/Jeb Paulsen
RG-Jason Gamble/Brian DeMarco
RT-Chris Colmer/Matt Morgan
K-Michael Husted
Defense
LE-George Gause/Mike Wells
DT-Nate Bolling/Cleveland Pinkney
DT-Shawn Worthen/Damane Duckett/Eric Coleman*
RE-Robert Mackey/John Frank
LOLB-Steve Foley/Shawn Price/Greg Richmond
MLB-Ryan Fowler/Patrise Alexander
ROLB-Lee Jackson/Brooks Daniels
SS-Jarrell Weaver/Andre Maddox
CB-Korey Banks/Michael Waddell/Ricky Bell
CB-Joey Eloms/Anthony Midget/DeVonte Edwards*
FS-Kim Herring/Jermaine Harris
P-Tim Parker
*practice squad player in 2005

What went right: After Kyle Orton was injured in the Orlando game in week seven—and did not throw a pass the rest of the season, Fife returned and actually picked it up. He still finished with more interceptions than touchdowns, but as the starter over the last five games he threw more touchdowns (6) than interceptions (5) and the Colonels did manage to win two games. By one catch, the trio of Edwards, Cotchery, and Jason Geathers led all receiving trios in the league with 165 receptions, with Geathers (44) finishing not far behind three teams’ leading receivers (Birmingham, Detroit, Kansas City) and actually tying Washington’s leader Quincy Jackson. Although he tailed off from a three-sack opening day performance and had only two the rest of the year, Gause has star potential, and should be even better if the Colonels manage to upgrade on the defensive line in the offseason. A late-season swap with the Glory brought Shawn Price back to where he starred in college, and he will likely replace Steve Foley at strong side after a solid two-game audition, giving the Colonels a young LB trio of Price and Jackson on the outside, and Ryan Fowler in the middle for 2006. Another local product, Andre Maddox, could be more of a factor in the Colonels ’06 plans depending on how the offseason plays out.

What went wrong: Fife and Orton both suffered from a lack of a running game, as they finished second worst in the league behind San Francisco in rushing yards (998) and a league-worst 3.2 yards per carry. If it weren’t for T.A. McLendon—59 carries for 231 yards—it would have just barely topped over three yards per rush. Derrick Knight fell to a putrid 267 yards on 104 carries—a mere 2.6 yards per carry—though to his credit he was a solid receiver out of the backfield, catching 31 passes. The offensive line sadly underachieved due to a combination of injuries and age, as did the defensive line. Shawn Worthen again missed games with injuries and while Wells played in all 12 games—starting 10, he’ll be 35 in January and the Colonels really need younger players to step up alongside Gause, like Damane Duckett and Robert Mackey, although he played well in his first year as a starter after being shuffled in and out of the league his first three years.

Offseason analysis: The secondary was a bright spot, but both corners, Eloms and Korey Banks, are free agents and veteran FS Kim Herring is as well, and the Colonels might not be able to bring back all three, meaning SS Jarrell Weaver may be the lone returning starter. The Colonels were interested in possibly bringing in Kurt Warner, should Dallas not re-sign him, and letting big-dollar players Foley and Herring go to free agency would free up money for that, but that would almost certainly mean that Fife, who made tremendous gains since returning as the starter in week eight, would be gone and that would also mean a roadblock in the development of Orton, who the Colonels have big plans for. With rushers like Travis Stephens, Tony Hollings, and Jason Brookins as well as quality linemen like Teag Whiting and Marcel Howard likely to be available in free agency, look for the Colonels to target one of the above as their major offseason move.

CHICAGO ENFORCERS (8-5, 2nd XFL North)
Owner: Brendan Rosenberg
Head coach: Mark Criner (43-14)

5/29 NEW YORK W 20-16
6/5 at Detroit L 28-27
6/12 LOS ANGELES W 27-21 (OT)
6/19 at Pittsburgh W 30-29
6/25 at Carolina W 23-20 (OT)
7/3 WASHINGTON W 40-17
7/10 PITTSBURGH L 23-6
7/17 at San Francisco W 23-20 (OT)
7/24 at Memphis L 24-3
7/31 BIRMINGHAM W 21-3
8/7 at New York L 24-22
8/13 DETROIT W 34-3
Playoffs
8/21 at Birmingham L 23-6

Team leaders
PASSING: Ricky Ray 264-399-3286-13, 21 TD
RUSHING: Tellis Redmon 113 car 505 yds TD
RECEIVING: Luke Leverson 71 rec 746 yds 3 TD
TACKLES: Kiah Johnson 126
SACKS: Bryce Fisher 9
INTERCEPTIONS: Kerry Cooks 4
KICKING: Mike Nugent 27/28 XP, 19/22 FG, 84 pts
PUNTING: Brooks Barnard 71 punts, 41.8 avg, 33.7 net
KICK RETURN: Dan Sheldon 45 ret, 18.5 avg
PUNT RETURN: Justin Miller 37 ret, 12.9 avg, 2 TD

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Ricky Ray/Jamie Martin/Jared Lorenzen
RB-Tellis Redmon/John Avery/Michael Turner/Jermelle Lewis*
FB-Jarrett Ferguson/Bennie Fiddler
WR-Luke Leverson/David Boston/Darrin Charles
WR-Kelley Washington/David Terrell/Dan Sheldon/Josh Davis*
TE-Bryan Fletcher/Patrick Hape/Ben Troupe
LT-Tarlos Thomas/Morgan Davis
LG-Wayne Smith/Elton Brown
C-Luke Butkus/Ben Claxton/Matt Katula*
RG-Rex Tucker
RT-Khalif Barnes/Stacy Andrews
K-Mike Nugent
Defense
LE-Omari Hand/Justin Tuck
DT-Jovon Bush/Anthony Fletcher
DT-Sione Pouha/Donnell Washington
RE-Bryce Fisher/Anthony Hargrove
LOLB-Jimmy McClain/Kivusama Mays/Andre Sommersell
MLB-Jamie Baisley/Channing Crowder
ROLB-Kiah Johnson/Matt Sinclair/Leon Joe
SS-Kerry Cooks/Matt Ware
CB-Corey Ivy/Jason Bray/Corey Webster
CB-Troy Saunders/Justin Miller
FS-Bobby Jackson/Will Allen
P-Brooks Barnard
*practice squad player in 2005

What went right: While the Enforcers played a bunch of close games in the first seven games of the season, they showed the mark of a champion by winning them all. Despite early-season struggles, Ray stayed true to form more often than not, putting up respectable numbers that were comparable with his 2004 stats. The Enforcers took a risk by sending Rob Murphy to Birmingham on draft day, but Barnes stepped in at right tackle and fared rather well as a rookie. Although talented project Stacy Andrews, who has rarely seen more than the usual backup’s play in his two years, is behind Barnes, the Enforcers seem confident in putting him at right guard (and replacing Tucker) if needed.
Redmon, exiled from Pittsburgh for his fumbling problems, did not fumble once this season. Kelley Washington, a disappointment his first two years, got a wake-up call and exploded for 48 catches—three more than in his first two seasons combined—to finish second on the team.

What went wrong: Avery, an upcoming free agent, ran like he was still suffering from a neck stinger that caused him to miss most of the 2002 season and with youngsters Turner and practice squad player Lewis in wait he probably didn’t earn himself a return to the team with a porous 3.1 average, though he did rush for five of the Enforcers’ seven touchdowns in ’05. The Enforcers’ string of invincibility at Soldier Field came crumbling down in the form of a 23-6 loss to Pittsburgh in week seven (fitting that they ended up losing by that same score to the Bolts in the playoffs), and they alternated wins and losses from that point on, looking like a very average team in doing so. For the first time since 2002, no Enforcer finished in double-digits in sacks, as Fisher, who finished in a three-way tie for the league lead with nine finished with that again this year. Big things were expected from the other Washington, Donnell, in his second year but he was banged up for a majority of the first half of the season and spent the season fighting with the since-released Andre Purvis for space on the depth chart behind rookie Pouha.

Offseason analysis: The long-standing semi-tradition, at least as much of a tradition as one can have in five years, of the Enforcers’ CB trio of Ivy, Saunders, and Bray that has been together since day one will likely die this year with both Ivy and Bray free agents and the Enforcers looking to give Miller and Webster more prominent roles in the secondary. Two more original Enforcers, Baisley and Cooks, both missed the playoff game against Birmingham and could find themselves going out the door as Crowder had a good game in Baisley’s absence and Allen, who started at FS with Jackson moving over to SS with Cooks out, has been a favorite of Mark Criner’s. Another quandary will be what to do on the defensive line. Fisher, who has been courted by some NFL teams even though he still has a year left on his current deal, might be out of the team’s price range and future plans. OC Jim Barker, the former Xtreme head man who might be in line for the Maniax gig, insists there’s nothing wrong with the offense despite the team only managing 15 points in three of their last four losses, and the team moving away from the run in the playoff loss to the Bolts, a sore spot with RB coach Dennis Gentry that could be a huge internal problem.

DALLAS VIPERS (5-7, T-2nd XFL South)
Owner: Brad Wiseman
Head coach: Tom Coughlin (23-15)

5/29 at Seattle L 31-14
6/5 JACKSONVILLE W 30-14
6/12 at Kansas City L 34-22
6/19 MEMPHIS W 31-16
6/26 LAS VEGAS L 31-27
7/3 BIRMINGHAM W 30-24
7/10 at Memphis L 23-19
7/17 at Orlando L 21-16
7/23 NEW YORK L 30-26
7/31 at Pittsburgh W 36-20
8/7 KANSAS CITY W 30-27
8/14 at Birmingham L 51-38

Team leaders
PASSING: Kurt Warner 269-397-3732-16, 21 TD
RUSHING: Curtis Alexander 179 car 828 yds 11 TD (100 car 444 yds 8 TD with Dal)
RECEIVING: Rashaun Woods 82 rec 1312 yds 7 TD
TACKLES: Corey Moore 105
SACKS: Cory Redding 8
INTERCEPTIONS: Lawrence Richardson/Siddeeq Shabazz/Erik Coleman 3 each, Andre Dyson 3 (TD)
KICKING: Josh Brown 31/31 XP, 30/31 FG, 121 pts
PUNTING: Micah Knorr 34 punts, 37.6 avg, 33.2 net
KICK RETURN: Will Pettis 56 ret, 28.6 avg
PUNT RETURN: Damon Thompson 14 ret, 8.0 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Kurt Warner/Dustin Long
RB-Curtis Alexander/Anthony Thomas/Dahrran Diedrick/ReShard Lee
FB-Judd Davies
WR-Rashaun Woods/Shannon Culver/Wilson Thomas
WR-Jerome Mathis/Damon Thompson/Kevin Swayne
TE-Chris Cooley/Josh Wilcox/Ryan Krause
LT-David Volk/Dan Vili Waldrop
LG-Todd Williams/Antonio Hall
C-Ben Nowland/John Garrison/Hugh Reilly*
RG-Jordan Black/Kevin Breedlove
RT-Kareem Marshall
K-Josh Brown
Defense
LE-Demoine Adams/Benard Thomas/Adell Duckett*
DT-Brandon Kennedy/Lorenzo Alexander
DT-Darnell Dockett/Cullen Jenkins/Lynn McGruder
RE-Cory Redding/Claude Harriott
LOLB-Demorrio Williams/Scott Shanle/Jonathan Jackson*
MLB-Lawrence Flugence/Lance Mitchell/Martin Patterson*
ROLB-Corey Moore/LaMarcus McDonald
SS-Siddeeq Shabazz/Junior Rosegreen
CB-Andre Dyson/Kareem Larrimore/Sean Weston
CB-Lawrence Richardson/Taje Allen/Will Pettis
FS-Erik Coleman/Brandon Sanders
P-Micah Knorr
*practice squad player in 2005

What went right: Warner was on pace to throw over 4000 yards at midseason, but also was on pace for 24 interceptions. The Vipers solved their running game problems with the acquisition of Alexander, who dropped from nearly five yards per carry with the Glory to 4.4, but still an upgrade nonetheless. Eight of his 11 rushing touchdowns came after the trade also. Woods entrenched himself as the number one wideout and tied Jeremaine Copeland for the league lead in receptions. Cooley followed a 65-catch debut in 2004 with 58 in 2005, continuing to give the Vipers a dynamic game-changing TE they envisioned when they tried to sign Tracey Wistrom as a free agent two years ago. On the offensive line, Black started at LT in week 11 for an injured Volk against Kansas City, he also lined up at RT as well. Defensively, the Vipers were tough against the run, finishing second to Los Angeles, although a distant second, in rushing defense, allowing just 79.7 yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry. Brown was near-flawless, after missing a 51-yard field goal on opening day in Seattle he didn’t miss a kick—either field goal or extra point—the rest of the way, and Pettis, the league leader. Pettis led the league with a 28.6 yard average on kickoff returns.

What went wrong: As good as the Vipers’ run defense was, their pass defense was inexplicably just as bad, finishing at or near the bottom of every pass category. Also they finished third from the bottom in the league with just 24 sacks, a shocker with Adams, Redding, and Dockett all capable of double-digit sacks every year. The Vipers expected more from Mathis than just 22 receptions, and will expect a breakout second year in 2006. Much like the defense, the special teams had two sides. As good as the kick and kick return game was with Brown and Pettis, the punt team left something to be desired with Knorr finishing last in punt average—although his net average was more towards the middle of the league—and neither Swayne nor Thompson doing anything great punt return-wise.

Offseason analysis: Getting Alexander cost the Vipers quarterback-of-the-future Adrian McPherson, though they did get the Glory’s first-round pick in the deal. White, citing knee problems, decided to retire, despite the fact that he was in line to become the starter if Warner left. That leaves just Long, the scout team quarterback who was promoted to the 53-man roster when McPherson was dealt, so the plans may have changed in regards to Warner, who the Vipers would likely have allowed to move on in the offseason, since the beginning of the year. Makovicka, claimed off waivers from the Hitmen at the end of the preseason, claimed the starting FB job when Davies got hurt and played in all 12 games. But with Makovicka’s retirement Davies will likely move back into the starting role, he performed well upon being thrust into it after the Vipers let Ken Oxendine go at the end of the preseason in 2004. Keeping the versatile Black is a priority for the offensive line, the Vipers might be inclined to trade Volk so they can put Black at left tackle, his more natural position. Defensively the Vipers are in better shape with only starters Flugence and Moore potential losses of consequence, but the Vipers would like to move Mitchell into the starting lineup so losing Flugence wouldn’t be a big loss.

DETROIT MUSTANGS (6-6, 3rd North)
Owner: Peter McDaniel
Head coach: Al Lugenbill (14-10)

5/28 MEMPHIS W 34-31
6/5 CHICAGO W 28-27
6/12 at New York L 38-23
6/19 CAROLINA W 28-20
6/26 at Pittsburgh L 22-10
7/3 at Los Angeles W 34-28
7/10 at Birmingham L 51-21
7/17 NEW YORK L 29-26
7/24 SAN FRANCISCO W 35-30
7/31 at Washington L 37-27
8/7 PITTSBURGH W 31-19
8/13 at Chicago L 34-3

Team leaders:
PASSING: Ryan Clement 187-314-2134-13, 22 TD
RUSHING: Cedric Washington 122 car 562 yds TD
RECEIVING: Darnell McDonald 48 rec 676 yds 5 TD
TACKLES: Bryan Hickman 71
SACKS: Matt Roth/Michael Boley 7 each
INTERCEPTIONS: Michael Boley 3
KICKING: Brent Smith 36/36 XP, 16/24 XP, 84 pts
PUNTING: Rodney Williams 46 punts, 37.7 avg, 28.3 net
KICK RETURN: Iheanyi Uwaezuoke 59 ret, 26.2 avg
PUNT RETURN: Damon Dunn 29 ret, 8.7 avg

Team depth chart (Free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Ryan Clement/David Neill/Rob Johnson
RB-Cedric Washington/Cedric Houston/Shaun Bohanon
FB-Ken Oxendine/Travis Wilson
WR-Darnell McDonald/Charles Jordan/Isaac West/Malcom Floyd
WR-Justin Gage/B.J. Johnson/Iheanyi Uwaezuoke/Damon Dunn
TE-Ben Utecht/Garrett Cross
LT-Travelle Wharton/Sean Young*
LG-Darnell Alford/Regis Crawford
C-Scott Curry/P.J. Alexander
RG-Marico Portis/Frank Romero/C.J. Brooks
RT-Kevin Kemp/Jon Blackman
K-Brent Smith
Defense
LE-Matt Roth/T.J. Bingham/Simon Fraser*
DT-Chris Snyder/DeVone Claybrooks
DT-Larry Fitzpatrick/Matt Keneley
RE-Darrion Scott/Larry Stevens/Andre Frazier*
OLB-Michael Boley/Marcus Lawrence
MLB-Steve Tovar/Niko Koutouvides/Rico Mack/Mike Goolsby*
OLB-Bryan Hickman
SS-Pig Prather/Johnny Anderson
CB-Davis Sanchez/Chris Cash/Greg Brooks
CB-Bryant McFadden/Delvin Hughley/Dwight Ellick*
FS-J.T. Thatcher/Ernest Shazor/Brandon Everage
P-Rodney Williams
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: For the second straight year, Clement has proved the doubters wrong and is pretty much back to where he was before the dark years of 2002-03, where he wrote his ticket out of Vegas by throwing 21 interceptions in 2002, then spent the 2003 season in Dallas on injured reserve before the Mustangs took him in the 2004 expansion draft. Washington and Houston gave the Mustangs a solid 1-2 punch, rushing for 1049 yards On defense, both Roth and Boley shined and will be in the running for XFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year. McFadden, also a rookie, played so well in place of an injured Hughley that Hughley found himself well down on the depth chart when he returned from the injured list in week eight. Shazor, an undrafted free agent, was impressive to the point that he may enter ’06 as a serious candidate to replace Thatcher as the starting FS.

What went wrong: The Mustangs may have made the playoffs in 2005 with even the slightest bit better defensive effort, giving up a league-high 366 points and nearly 400 yards per game (395.1), though it was up over 400 for most of the first half of the year.
Second-year MLB Koutouvides had perhaps the toughest year, struggling throughout the season until veteran Tovar took back the starting spot. But with the 35-year old Tovar leaning away from returning next season the coaching staff will look to Koutouvides to work hard throughout the offseason and come back strong for ’06. Bingham, a former all-XFL rookie team member in Jacksonville, and Claybrooks, a productive backup DT in San Francisco, both were flops and may have the Mustangs scrambling in the offseason to find replacements. Williams once booted a 90-yard punt in the NFL, the Mustangs would have just been thrilled if he averaged even near half of it.

Offseason analysis: Defensive improvement will be the theme in the 2005/06 offseason, whether that means personnel changes, a change in defensive strategy, or chalking it up as valuable experience with so many first and second-year players. It probably will be a blend of all three in the end. The Mustangs will go shopping for a replacement for Williams, whose punting lows made punters in the inaugural campaign look like Ray Guy. Only Tovar, who wound up as the starting MLB over the last third of the season, looks to be a loss among starters. Practice squadders like Ellick, Frazier, and Young may have a chance to work themselves into the lineup next year with a strong offseason, which would free up the Mustangs more money for not just free agent signings, but also to ink Clement to an extension as he heads into his free agent year in 2006.

[MGB01]

JACKSONVILLE PREDATORS (7-5, 2nd XFL East)
Owner: Phillip McDonald
Coach: Dennis Green (28-23)

5/29 at Pittsburgh W 17-3
6/5 at Dallas L 30-14
6/12 WASHINGTON W 24-14
6/19 NEW YORK W 28-27
6/26 at Orlando L 27-20
7/3 at Carolina W 29-24
7/10 at Washington L 27-24
7/17 KANSAS CITY W 27-22
7/24 CAROLINA W 21-13
7/30 ORLANDO W 18-3
8/7 at Seattle L 35-34
8/14 LAS VEGAS L 26-5

Team leaders:
PASSING: George Godsey 284-464-3307-9, 18 TD
RUSHING: Saladin McCullough 188 car 924 yds 11 TD
RECEIVING: Jeremaine Copeland 82 rec 1165 yds 11 TD
TACKLES: Travis Carroll 72
SACKS: Chauncey Davis 13
INTERCEPTIONS: Adrian Singleton/Tony Okanlawon 5 each
KICKING: Andy Crosland 29/29 XP, 14/24 FG, 71 pts
PUNTING: Tyler Fredrickson 59 punts, 40.9 avg, 33.1 net
KICK RETURN: Willie Ford 48 ret, 24.9 avg, TD
PUNT RETURN: Troy Edwards 14 ret, 8.4 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-George Godsey/Marquel Blackwell/Ryan Dinwiddie
RB-Saladin McCullough/Nick Maddox/Travis Prentice
FB-Jeremy Thomas/Detron Smith
WR-Jeremaine Copeland/Troy Edwards/Chauncey Stovall
WR-Quentin McCord/Brandon Jones/Huey Whittaker
TE-Patrick Hughes/Eric Stocz
LT-Ray Willis/Michael Roos
LG-Matt Miller/Ed Wilkins/Sean Milligan
C-A.J. Ricker
RG-Tam Hopkins/Chris Myers
RT-Carlos Joseph/Kyle Wallace*
K-Andy Crosland
Defense
LE-Jamaal Green/Erik Flowers/Elton Patterson*
DT-Robaire Smith/Mondre Dickerson/Larry Burt/Albert Means
RE-Chauncey Davis/Gabe Nyenhuis
OLB-John Leake/Lenoy Jones
ILB-Travis Carroll/Robert Pearce
ILB-Courtney Watson/Charles Thompson*
OLB-Michael Nattiel/Josh Ott
SS-Adrian Singleton/Vincent Fuller
CB-Joseph Jefferson/Jabari Greer/Willie Ford
CB-Tony Okanlawon/Domonique Foxworth
FS-Tony George/Brett Hudson/Kentrell Curry
P-Tyler Fredrickson
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: Godsey didn’t throw a lot of touchdowns (18), but he didn’t throw a lot of interceptions (9) either, Dennis Green will take that TD/INT ratio any day of the week. McCullough went down to the final week of the season as the XFL’s leading rusher, and ended up finishing second due to a stonewalling effort turned in by Las Vegas’ Dealers of Doom. Thomas, a late undrafted signee who wasn’t even at camp the first few days, had a stellar preseason and an even better first third of the season that the Predators eventually released former starting FB Dustin McClintock. The Predators feel good enough about the upside prospects of young WRs Stovall, Whittaker, and Jones they feel secure enough should Copeland leave as a free agent. The Predators used their first two picks on two Florida State Seminoles and got what they paid for with Willis, who became the starter at LT late in the season, and Davis, whose productivity in 2005 may make Flowers expendable. Also on defense, Burt, a sixth-round pick of Dallas who was claimed off their practice squad, made the most of his time on the field and with the Predators using a 3-4, created a logjam at nose tackle. Pearce, who had a 22-tackle game in the preseason, saw some quality PT with Watson and Leake both missing games due to injuries. Foxworth and Hudson could become starters should both Okanlawon and George leave as free agents.

What went wrong: The Predators’ epitaph was seemingly written in week 11, when they blew a 28-12 lead and lost 35-34 in Seattle. That set the stage for the Predators’ disappointing 26-5 season-ending loss to Las Vegas to knock the Predators out of the playoffs for a second straight year, more hurtful this time around after the Predators had tied Orlando for first place in the XFL East after beating them soundly in week ten. More problems arose internally as some players began privately grumbling about Copeland to the point of wondering whether they would be better off without him. Copeland didn’t help matters any when he mentioned during a late-season radio interview that a return to Los Angeles would interest him. Crosland, the longtime Enforcer who was released during the preseason to make room for Mike Nugent, had his worst year hitting only 14 of 24 field goals, a woeful 58.3%.

Offseason analysis: Unlike two years ago, when the Predators were able to retain McCullough and keep (Dennis) Green from a return to the NFL ranks with an extension, it might not be as easy to keep Copeland around. Certainly ‘J-Cope’ is a game-changing playmaker, but the Predators wonder if he’s become too much of a focal point of the offense with McCullough the only other player to catch 40 passes (42 for 344 yards and a touchdown) and McCord the next closest receiver with 39 grabs. As described above, with interest certain to heat up in the offseason—specifically from the Xtreme and the Maniax, it would be tough for the Predators to hold onto him when they do have some needs to fill: chief among them will be replacing their all-XFL center Long, who has announced his retirement although they do have 2004 draftee Ricker ready to step in should they be unsuccessful in their exploits; they also need depth on the offensive line, defensive line, and at linebacker. The Predators would also like to hold on to Maddox, with McCullough possibly wearing down from his workload the last few years—though that wasn’t evident in ’05.


KANSAS CITY MONARCHS (2-10, 4th XFL South)
Owner: Sean Calliard
Head coach: TBA

5/29 ORLANDO L 26-7
6/5 at Birmingham L 40-10
6/12 DALLAS W 34-22
6/19 at Las Vegas L 27-12
6/26 MEMPHIS W 30-24 (OT)
7/3 PITTSBURGH L 20-17
7/10 at New York L 31-6
7/17 at Jacksonville L 27-22
7/24 BIRMINGHAM L 31-21
7/31 SEATTLE L 34-31
8/7 at Dallas L 30-27
8/14 at Memphis L 26-20

Team leaders:
PASSING: Anthony Calvillo 181-286-2412-18, 18 TD
RUSHING: Rashaan Shehee 174 car 613 yds 2 TD
RECEIVING: Mike Williams 48 rec 894 yds 9 TD
TACKLES: Adalius Thomas 106
SACKS: Attiyah Ellison/Reggie Hayward 10 each
INTERCEPTIONS: Fred Vinson 3
KICKING: Cary Blanchard 24/25 XP, 15/18 FG, 69 pts
PUNTING: Travis Dorsch 36 punts, 40.2 avg, 31.3 net
KICK RETURN: Antwaun Rogers 59 ret, 21.8 avg
PUNT RETURN: Nathan Vasher 14 ret, 13.4 avg, TD

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Robert Kent/Anthony Calvillo/Josh Harris
RB-Darren Sproles/Rashaan Shehee
FB-Richie Anderson/Thomas Tapeh
WR-Mike Williams/Talman Gardner/Andy McCullough/Lincoln Dupree
WR-Darrin Chiaverini/P.K. Sam/Jamaica Rector/Tony Madison*
TE-Bobby Blizzard/Ken Dilger/Tim Euhus/Kevin Everett
LT-Damion Cook/Dante Ellington/Nat Dorsey
LG-Pita Elisara/Ryan Lilja
C-Ray Redziniak/Jason Brown
RG-Evan Mathis/Andrew Tidwell-Neal*
RT-Adrian Jones/Marques Ogden
K-Cary Blanchard
Defense
LE-Reggie Hayward/Darrell Reid/Joe Clay*
DT-Attiyah Ellison/Keyonta Marshall
DT-Rodney Leisle/C.J. Mosely
RE-Adalius Thomas/Nathaniel Adibi
OLB-Kevin Burnett/Uyi Osunde
ILB-Jeremiah Trotter/Alfred Fincher/Bobby Brooks
OLB-Peter Boulware/Jamar Enzor/Arnold Harrison*
SS-Tyrone Carter/Rashad Washington
CB-Nathan Vasher/Clifford Ivory/Antwaun Rogers
CB-Fred Vinson/Chris Watson
FS-Kevin Eiben/Dameon Porter/Erik Olson/Jason Harmon*
P-Travis Dorsch
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: This shouldn’t take too long, but the Monarchs brass was impressed with Kent in his debut start against Seattle in week 10, not so much in the season finale at Memphis though he was coming off a slight shoulder injury, but enough to think he could be the Monarchs solution at QB in 2006. Shehee might not have set the world on fire as a halfback, only averaging a rather average 3.5 yards per carry, but was third on the team with 42 receptions (tied with his ex-Los Angeles teammate Saladin McCullough for tops among running backs) and four touchdowns. On defense the talk centers around young DT Ellison, as he and Thomas combined for 20 sacks. The defense, which seemingly couldn’t do anything in 2004, rounded up 48 sacks and cut their awful third down conversion percentage of almost 45 percent to a more respectable 36.1% in ’05. Burnett, who missed most of the year recovering from hip surgery, ended up with five sacks despite playing in only three games after a four-sack finale in Memphis.

What went wrong: Take your pick: Ted Cottrell had a horrible year, first his son T.J., a TE in NFL Europe, was involved in a nightclub incident where he was fatally injured, then he resigned after the loss to Birmingham in week nine, turning over the club to defensive coordinator Eric Mangini, who is a candidate for the head coaching job but isn’t very high on the list. Calvillo got off to a slow start with the losses of Euhus, who spent the season recovering from knee surgery, and Everett, who tore an ACL the first day of training camp and missed the season, then came on as the season moved along. But with the Monarchs seemingly moving in Kent’s direction as the ’06 starter, he could find himself moved or on the bench, the latter least likely for a guy who played against Ricky Ray in the Grey Cup two years ago. Shehee not only was amazingly average in his first season with the Monarchs, but had the play that might have sunk the Monarchs season in week six when he fumbled at the two-yard line against Pittsburgh. The Monarchs were 2-3 and had momentum, they ended up losing 20-17 and then got destroyed by the Hitmen the next week as Shehee rushed for just 19 yards. Then he lost his job to Sproles and only contributed marginally after that. The Monarchs and Williams both were looking for more than just 48 catches, a low enough number in itself but magnified in that four running backs topped the 40-catch mark (Shehee and Saladin McCullough with 42, and Tony Hollings and Jason Brookins with 41). The defensive improvements didn’t seem to carry over to the scoreboard, as the Monarchs gave up 338 points, second to Detroit. However other factors played a hand in that too, as special teams continue to be anything but, especially with the punt team, where the team went through both Dorsch and David Leaverton, with Dorsch being a slight improvement. The punt return game was anemic, with both Dupree and Rogers doing terribly until Vasher, who returned three punts for touchdowns in 2004, took the job back and brought it back to some semblance of respectability.

Offseason analysis: First and foremost on the agenda is finding a coach, Hitmen defensive coordinator Pepper Johnson has been the top name mentioned. As soon as they get that straightened out, they can focus on the team, which needs a makeover, but it’s kind of hard to figure out where. With both Euhus and Everett back next year, the Monarchs will have the offense they designed for this year only with Kent under center. The hope is that having Euhus and Everett both healthy and in the lineup will get a better performance out of Shehee, more balls thrown to Williams, and more points on the board—the Monarchs averaged just under 20 points a game, a league-low. A more efficient offense will also help the defense by not forcing them to spend as much time on the field is also the plan. A change to Kent, an athletic playmaker out of Jackson State, might help accomplish just that since Kent is more mobile than Calvillo—though Calvillo was sacked just 22 times in ten games. The Monarchs still have yet to win a road game in their short XFL history.


LAS VEGAS OUTLAWS (11-4, 1st XFL West)
Owner: Tim Steffes
Head Coach: Jim Criner (36-27)

5/29 at Los Angeles L 18-16
6/5 at San Francisco W 27-22
6/11 PITTSBURGH W 54-7
6/19 KANSAS CITY W 27-12
6/26 at Dallas W 31-27
7/3 SEATTLE W 33-20
7/9 SAN FRANCISCO W 23-12
7/17 LOS ANGELES L 34-30
7/24 at Seattle W 13-7
7/31 at New York L 29-13
8/7 ORLANDO L 26-20 (OT)
8/14 at Jacksonville W 26-5
Playoffs
8/20 LOS ANGELES W 31-30
8/27 at Orlando W 31-28
9/4 New York W 34-31 (OT)

Team leaders:
PASSING: Jason Gesser 222-398-2991-14, 17 TD
RUSHING: Hodges Mitchell 125 car 409 yds 5 TD
RECEIVING: Nate Burleson 53 rec 761 yds 4 TD
TACKLES: John Norman 95
SACKS: Tommy Kelly 10
INTERCEPTIONS: Joey Thomas 9 (2 TD)
KICKING: Kris Stockton 28/28 XP, 35/37 FG, 133 pts
PUNTING: Mat McBriar 60 punts, 44.8 avg, 35.3 net
KICK RETURN: Troy Mason 39 ret, 28.0 avg
PUNT RETURN: Jerome Riley 42 ret, 11.6 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Jason Gesser/Matt Kegel/Derek Anderson
RB-Hodges Mitchell/Ken Simonton/Larry Croom/Brandon Miree
FB-Chrys Chukwuma/Manuel White
WR-Nate Burleson/Samie Parker/Troy Mason/Charles Frederick
WR-Clarence Moore/Na Brown/Jerome Riley
TE-Matt Murphy/Stephen Spach*
LT-Adam Goldberg/Tony Terrell
LG-Kevin Barry
C-Matt Anderson/Nick Leckey/Dominic Furio
RG-Jermese Jones/Jacob Bell
RT-Kurt Vollers/Kelly Butler
K-Kris Stockton
Defense
LE-Michael Josiah/Anton Palepoi/John Denney*
DT-Angel Rubio/Matthias Askew
DT-Tommy Kelly/Rien Long/Jonathan Simon*
RE-Kelvin Kinney/Dave Ball
OLB-Ryan Claridge/Marcel Willis/Marques Harris*
ILB-Richard Seigler/Adam Seward
OLB-John Norman/Zac Woodfin
SS-Sam Brandon/Jamaal Brimmer/Maurice Sikes
CB-Brian Williams/Brandon Browner/Cedrick Williams
CB-Joey Thomas/Bobby Sippio/Roc Alexander
FS-Antwoine Sanders/Chris Massey/J.R. Reed**
P-Mat McBriar
*-Practice squad player in 2005
**-Injured reserve

What went right: In Gesser’s third season as starter at Washington State, he led the Cougars to the Rose Bowl; in his third season as the starter in Las Vegas, he led the Outlaws to their first-ever X-Bowl championship. He finished with more touchdowns than interceptions for the first time in his pro career (17 to 14) and came nine yards short of 3,000 yards passing, but saved his best for the playoffs when he threw for over 1,000 yards (1,117)—including an X-Bowl record 483 yards—and had a 90.1 passer rating. Gesser also led the Outlaws to thrilling comeback wins against the Xtreme and the Hitmen, and their first-ever win in Orlando sandwiched in between. Claridge, the younger brother of Ironmen offensive lineman Travis, was a finalist for XFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, had nine sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble and has effectively replaced original Outlaw Willis at strong-side linebacker. As a team, the Outlaws finished atop the league in sacks (57), interceptions (23—tied with New York), and lowest completion percentage allowed (52.7%). Key defensive stops late in the playoffs against Los Angeles and the X-Bowl against New York set the stage for Gesser to rally the Outlaws in the final seconds. The injury to Long early in the Los Angeles game and subsequent loss for the rest of the playoffs enabled Kelly and Askew to come up huge in his absence.

What went wrong: Even before missing four games towards the end of the season, Mitchell was in the midst of his worst season since joining the Outlaws, averaging just over three yards per carry (383 yards on 108 carries) before a more acceptable 17-carry, 66-yard game in his return in the regular season finale at Jacksonville. In Mitchell’s defense, the Outlaws were a more efficient team with him in the lineup, averaging nearly 80 yards more per game with him. Also to his credit, he stepped it up in the playoffs, rushing for 164 yards and three touchdowns on 39 carries. The run defense was sort of bend-but-don’t-break during the regular season, allowing a third-from-the-bottom 4.5 yards per carry, but also came up big in the playoffs as mentioned above. The offensive line will still probably be in question over the offseason, as not only did the Outlaws finish 14th in rushing, but also gave up a league-high 53 sacks.

Offseason analysis: The Outlaws will target the offensive line, really the only problem area for the 2005 X-Bowl champions as evidenced by their lack of pass protection and push for the running game. As stated above, Mitchell’s output was disappointing but the Outlaws were a far better team with him in the lineup, especially during the playoffs. A possibility heading into 2006 would be to move Bell to right tackle and Barry over to left tackle should the Outlaws strike out in the free-agent market. There will almost certainly be a shake-up on defense as the Outlaws saw during the playoffs that getting Askew into the mix for ’06 would be of great benefit, meaning that Rubio could either be dealt or released. Williams will almost certainly leave, but the Outlaws are more than comfortable with him leaving as Browner, who had a 57-yard interception return in the playoffs against Orlando, was being scouted as first-round talent in the National Football League at this time last year, will move in with XFL interception leader Thomas at the other spot.

LOS ANGELES XTREME (7-6, T-2nd XFL West)
Owner: Brad Wiseman
Head coach: Bob Toledo (18-21)

5/29 LAS VEGAS W 18-16
6/5 SEATTLE L 28-27
6/12 at Chicago L 27-21 (OT)
6/18 BIRMINGHAM W 26-13
6/26 at San Francisco W 20-13
7/3 DETROIT L 34-28
7/10 at Seattle W 31-20
7/17 at Las Vegas W 34-30
7/24 WASHINGTON W 17-10
7/31 at Memphis L 24-16
8/7 SAN FRANCISCO L 20-13
8/14 at Carolina W 23-10
Playoffs
8/20 at Las Vegas L 31-30

Team leaders:
PASSING: Woodrow Dantzler 238-387-2888-8, 16 TD
RUSHING: Sultan McCullough 192 car 878 yds 2 TD
RECEIVING: Kareem Kelly 75 rec 1038 yds 4 TD
TACKLES: Carlos Timmons 80
SACKS: Lonnie Ford 13
INTERCEPTIONS: Damen Wheeler 3
KICKING: Billy Bennett 27/27 XP, 25/26 FG, 102 pts
PUNTING: Nate Fikse 66 punts, 43.3 avg, 35.6 net
KICK RETURN: Brian Poli-Dixon 49 ret, 19.3 avg
PUNT RETURN: Brian Poli-Dixon 12 ret, 7.6 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Woodrow Dantzler/Gino Guidugli/Brad Banks
RB-Sultan McCullough/Dwone Hicks/Walter Reyes
FB-Mark Pierce
WR-Kareem Kelly/Fred Coleman/LaShaun Ward/Kenny Farley*
WR-Sean Dawkins/Tab Perry/Brian Poli-Dixon
TE-John Allred/Nick Eller/Alex Holmes*
LT-Adam Terry/Damon Nivens
LG-Antwan Kirk-Hughes/Lamont Burns
C-Jonathan Himebauch/Brett Romberg
RG-Shannon Snell/Chris Brymer
RT-Akil Smith/Ivan Douglas/Mike Kracalik*
K-Billy Bennett
Defense
LE-Regan Upshaw/Lamont Bryant
DT-Ennis Davis/Ryan Boschetti
DT-Ryan Nielsen
RE-Lonnie Ford/Eric Moore/Mat Ball
OLB-Jonathan Harrell/Derek Curry/Heath Farwell*
ILB-Larry Foote
OLB-Carlos Timmons/Matt Farrior/Matt Grootogoed
SS-DeShaun Hill/David Gibson/Josh Dean
CB-Damen Wheeler/Derrick Johnson/Kevin Arbet
CB-Marcell Allmond/Earthwind Moreland/Will Poole**
FS-Mel Mitchell/Rashad Baker/Jason Leach
P-Nate Fikse
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: The incoming ownership of the Xtreme at the time was skeptical of Dantzler’s chances to be a solid starting QB with him coming off a season-ending knee injury in his rookie year. That was two years ago, things are dramatically different since, with Dantzler putting three consecutive solid years together and then following that up with a near-flawless playoff performance against Las Vegas, going 13 of 16 for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Kelly is an upcoming star in this league, then again you’d have expected that from someone who played ahead of Mike Williams in college. The defense was 2000 Ravenesque in allowing a league-best 62.6 yards rushing per game during the regular season, and then just 21 yards on the ground against the Outlaws in the playoffs.

What went wrong: As great as the run defense was, the weakness in the defense was in the secondary, as exposed by Jason Gesser in the second half in which the Outlaws rallied from a 24-9 deficit. They clearly missed Poole, who missed the season after suffering an ACL tear in training camp, and Wheeler, who never really was a #1 shutdown corner with the Hitmen, was thrust into that role with Allmond winning the “learn-on-the-job” spot. Allmond played well despite some rough spots, and started the playoff game, where he also played well, but was outleapt by Na Brown for the game-winning touchdown. On the bright side, a pair of rookies in Johnson (seventh round) and Arbet (udrafted) got valuable playing time, but neither is starter quality. The Xtreme should fare better with a healthy Poole in 2006.

Offseason analysis: In the 2002-03 offseason, the Xtreme suffered a slight offseason exodus, but last offseason was worse as they lost Damion Cook, Reggie Durden, and Jason Sehorn, the latter two’s losses were made all that more excruciating with the loss of Poole. Cook, Durden, and Sehorn were certainly three high-caliber free agents, which makes their run to the playoffs even that much more amazing. But the Xtreme did offset their losses somewhat by signing Kirk-Hughes, who was the backup at LG to the late Scott Whitaker as a rookie in ’02 before he was traded to Birmingham. Himebauch, the team’s starting center since day one, and Upshaw are crucial to retain as Romberg has been the team’s long snapper since 2003 but nothing more, and Bryant, who seldom played as reserve lineman in ’05 with the Xtreme, lost his starting job with the Hitmen in 2002 before moving to the Ironmen, where he was a flop in his two years there, not exactly the best of contingency plans should Upshaw go although the team will look more at Moore or Ball at left end in that case.

[MGB01]

MEMPHIS MANIAX (5-7, T-2nd XFL South)
Owner: Victor Hell
Head coach: TBA

5/28 at Detroit L 34-31
6/5 CAROLINA W 41-17
6/12 BIRMINGHAM L 26-10
6/19 at Dallas L 31-16
6/26 at Kansas City L 30-24 (OT)
7/3 at San Francisco L 44-37
7/10 DALLAS W 23-19
7/16 at Washington L 26-10
7/24 CHICAGO W 24-3
7/31 LOS ANGELES W 24-16
8/6 at Birmingham L 23-3
8/14 KANSAS CITY W 26-20

Team leaders:
PASSING: Bart Hendricks 229-361-2738-10, 17 TD
RUSHING: Eric Shelton 184 car 952 yds 4 TD
RECEIVING: Latef Grim 66 rec 791 yds 8 TD
TACKLES: Reggie Durden/Patrick Sapp 75 each
SACKS: D.D. Acholonu 13
INTERCEPTIONS: Reggie Durden 3
KICKING: Dan Nystrom 30/30, 15/19 FG, 75 pts
PUNTING: Jason Baker 61 punts, 43.5 avg, 34.6 net
KICK RETURN: Charlie Rogers 38 ret, 20.5 avg
PUNT RETURN: Aaron Lockett 36 ret, 3.0 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Bart Hendricks/Danny Wimprine/Timmy Chang/Greg Zolman
RB-Eric Shelton/Travis Stephens/Fred Russell/Charlie Rogers/Charles Anthony*
FB-Cecil Sapp/Matthew Tant*
WR-Latef Grim/Jason Armstead/Ben Cahoon/Geoff McArthur
WR-Patrick Batteaux/Chris Collins/Aaron Lockett
TE-Antoine Harris/Jason Rader
LT-Artis Hicks/Nate Miller/Cory Lekkerkerker*
LG-Melvin Paige/Bryan Anderson
C-Jason Ball/Vince Carter
RG-Derrick Chambers/DeMingo Graham
RT-John Feugill/Michael Munoz/Jake Kuppe/Josh Parrish*
K-Dan Nystrom
Defense
LE-Shante Carver/D.D. Acholonu
DT-Norris McCleary/Ma’ake Kemoeatu
DT-Johnny Mitchell/Colin Cole/Arrion Dixon*
RE-Bernard Jackson/Antwan Odom/Tyrone Rogers
OLB-Cols Colas/Dwayne Rudd
MLB-Patrick Sapp/Mario Haggan
OLB-Anthony Sessions/Bryan Knight
SS-Abdual Howard/Hamza Abullah/Eli Ward
CB-Reggie Durden/Omare Lowe
CB-Shaun Byrdsong/Randy Jordan
FS-Rashidi Barnes/Jimmie Leonhard
P-Jason Baker
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: The Maniax were nearly unbeatable at the Liberty Bowl, beating playoff-bound teams Chicago and Los Angeles along the way. Hendricks enjoyed great success there, throwing nine touchdowns and no interceptions. Despite a slow second half of the season, Shelton held off Saladin McCullough to lead the league in rushing, the first actual rookie to do so in the league’s five-year history. Acholonu didn’t let not being in the starting lineup keep him from giving the Maniax a solid return on investment (the Maniax acquired him from Birmingham for Cedric Cobbs and Nate Poole as well as a swap of third round picks) by leading the Maniax with 13 sacks. Colas gave the ‘Ax a solid follow-up to an all-rookie caliber season in 2004, registering nine sacks and also emerging as a threat against the pass, defensing seven passes and intercepting one for a 80-yard touchdown return. Durden, the Maniax’ high-profile free agent signing last offseason, maintained his high-energy performance level and got pretty good support from the rest of the secondary, where the Maniax discovered depth with Jordan playing solid #2 corner while Byrdsong missed the last four games with a quad tear.

What went wrong: The Maniax were anything but unbeatable away from the Liberty Bowl, losing all six games. Shelton only rushed for 212 yards over the last five games on 80 carries, just 2.6 yards per carry. There was some lingering disappointment among fans and a few players that the Maniax came out flat in the week 11 game against Birmingham, when a win would have put them in position to clinch the division in week 12 and their first playoff spot. Much like the rest of the team, Hendricks was nowhere on the road near what he was at home, throwing eight touchdowns and ten interceptions and posting just a passer rating of 69.2.

Offseason analysis: Stephens contributed when he was healthy, but with Russell also behind Shelton on the depth chart and Anthony a potential diamond in the rough who was on the practice roster, the Maniax will let Stephens leave via free agency. They may also let Harris, who had only 21 catches in an injury-plagued year, move on and explore the free agent TE market or possibly move Rader, the starter with Harris out, into the top spot. Retaining Paige, still one of the better left guards in the league, will be a priority.
There have been rumblings about releasing Carver in a cap-related move that would also open the left end spot up for Odom, but unless Odom is fully recovered from a bad back that bothered him all season it doesn’t seem a wise move.

NEW YORK HITMEN (10-4, 1st XFL North)
Owner: Jeff Madigan
Head coach: Romeo Crennel (14-12)

5/29 at Chicago L 20-16
6/5 PITTSBURGH L 46-0
6/12 DETROIT W 38-23
6/19 at Jacksonville L 28-27
6/26 at Seattle W 26-23 (OT)
7/2 ORLANDO W 33-14
7/10 KANSAS CITY W 31-6
7/17 at Detroit W 29-26
7/23 at Dallas W 30-26
7/31 LAS VEGAS W 29-13
8/7 CHICAGO W 24-22
8/14 at Pittsburgh W 34-10
Playoffs
8/28 BIRMINGHAM W 30-20
9/4 Las Vegas L 34-31 (OT)

Team leaders:
PASSING: Michael Bishop 147-288-2061-7, 14 TD
RUSHING: Jason Brookins 184 car 837 yds 7 TD
RECEIVING: Terrance Copper 63 rec 944 yds 2 TD
TACKLES: Ron Merkerson 100
SACKS: Shantee Orr 8
INTERCEPTIONS: Lamont Reid 6 (TD)
KICKING: Tyler Jones 33/35, 20/25 FG, 93 pts
PUNTING: Kyle Larson 66 punts, 41.2 avg, 33.3 net
KICK RETURN: J.J. McKelvey 47 ret, 23.0 avg
PUNT RETURN: Ty Law 34 ret, 10.9 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Michael Bishop/Tim Couch/Keith Heckendorf
RB-Jason Brookins/Bobby Purify/Jacque Lewis*
FB-Will Matthews/J.P. Comella
WR-Emmett Johnson/Taylor Stubblefield/John Standeford/J.J. McKelvey
WR-Terrance Copper/Latrez Harrison/Ty Law
TE-Brian Natkin/Eric Edwards/David Kashetta*
LT-Brett Williams/Michael Collins
LG-Tyson Clabo/Ben Cavil
C-Todd Wike/Joe Washington/Toby Cecil
RG-Omar Smith/Leon Robinson
RT-Corey Mitchell/Jamaal Jackson
K-Tyler Jones
Defense
LE-Shantee Orr/Tim Bulman
DT-DaMonte McKenzie/Tyler King/Jon Bradley
RE-Tim Beauchamp/Ronald Jones
OLB-Josh Buhl/Maurice Lloyd
ILB-Clifton Smith/Jonathan Jackson
ILB-Ron Merkerson/Lewis Moore
OLB-Caspor Stiles/Trent Cole/Ronald Stanley*
SS-Markese Fitzgerald/Diamond Ferri/James Scott
CB-Ashante Woodyard/Terrance Leftwich/Greg Golden
CB-Lamont Reid/Lee Cole/Markus Curry*
FS-Terrance Holt/Julius Curry/Chris Laskowski*
P-Kyle Larson
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: Who would have known that it would be Couch who would end up turning the team’s fortunes around? Replacing an ineffective Bishop after an inexplicable 46-0 loss to Pittsburgh (we can’t quite figure out how the Enforcers lost them at home either), Couch went 24 of 35 for 294 yards and threw three touchdown passes as the Hitmen rolled to a 38-23 win over Detroit at the Meadowlands in week three. All the sudden, everything turned around. Couch was injured two weeks later in Seattle and Bishop returned. From that point, Bishop threw just four interceptions and 14 touchdown passes and passer rating of 96.2. The Hitmen bragged in the spring of 2004 that had made a steal in the draft in Copper. After 47 catches as a rookie, Copper’s certainly proving them right after leading them with 63 catches, although Johnson had 1,003 yards receiving, the second time he’s done that in his career. Orr, an undersized end out of Michigan who will entering his fourth year in ’06, was the breakout star on defense with eight sacks and four forced fumbles, he also had 21 hurries, cementing his pass rush skills. Coordinator Pepper Johnson’s defense forced a league-best 33 turnovers, and their +15 turnover ratio was also a league-best. Reid has become the corner that the Hitmen envisioned when they drafted Dennis Weathersby in 2003.

What went wrong: Before the week three game against Detroit, this looked like anything but an X-Bowl team. Bishop’s passer rating matched his completion percentage exactly (36.8). Even with Bishop’s transformation from the verge of finding himself on the waiver wire to championship quarterback, his completion percentage even after his return wasn’t all that great (56.1) and was still well below average in the playoffs (48.6). There may be a problem on the horizon if the Hitmen lose both Brookins and Natkin in free agency as both combined for 75 catches. Only Stubblefield, the team’s third-round pick in 2005, had double-digits in catches (21). Edwards, Standeford, and Harrison—the latter two making the team as undrafted free agents in 2004—combined for all of four receptions in 2005.

Offseason analysis: Should be an interesting offseason after the Hitmen basically went from worst-to-first in a span of ten weeks. Brookins and Natkin, as pointed out, are huge in the Hitmen offense. While there is worry that Brookins might be wearing slightly, Purify, two years removed from a serious knee injury, only carried the ball 11 times this year and is in no position to become the team’s feature back. The team has a contingency plan in case Stiles leaves as a free agent by moving Orr back to outside linebacker, where he can still be used as an edge rusher. Such move would also enable Ronald Jones to move into the starting lineup. Retaining Beauchamp, whom the Hitmen are reportedly about to make a contract offer to, is a priority as the Hitmen feel, as do many around the league, that most of Orr’s success, and Orr, Jones, or whoever is in the left end spot in 2006, was/will be due to Beauchamp’s presence.

ORLANDO RAGE (8-5, 1st XFL East)
Owner: Daniel Robinson
Head coach: Mike Jones (28-24)

5/29 at Kansas City W 26-7
6/4 WASHINGTON W 37-14
6/12 at Carolina W 26-13
6/19 SEATTLE L 26-16
6/26 JACKSONVILLE W 27-20
7/2 at New York L 33-14
7/10 CAROLINA W 49-20
7/17 DALLAS W 21-16
7/24 PITTSBURGH W 31-17
7/30 at Jacksonville L 18-3
8/7 at Las Vegas W 26-20 (OT)
8/14 at Washington L 26-20
Playoffs
8/27 LAS VEGAS L 31-28

Team leaders:
PASSING: Matt Mauck 242-392-2754-18, 21 TD
RUSHING: Michael Black 96 car 419 yds 2 TD
RECEIVING: Tracey Wistrom 72 rec 742 yds 8 TD
TACKLES: Clevan Thomas/Tim Cheatwood 75 each
SACKS: Kevin Deronde 12
INTERCEPTIONS: Clevan Thomas 5
KICKING: Andy Crosland 33/33, 20/23 FG, 93 pts
PUNTING: Noel Prefontaine 51 punts, 40.5 avg, 30.6 net
KICK RETURN: Reynaldo Hill 48 ret, 20.0 avg
PUNT RETURN: Antwone Savage 31 ret, 6.2 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Matt Mauck/Seneca Wallace/Brock Berlin
RB-Michael Black/Lionel Gates/Ran Carthon
FB-Derrick Clark/Lousaka Polite
WR-Dialleo Burks/Reggie Brown/J.R. Russell/Antwone Savage
WR-Charles Lee/Omar Jenkins/Vincent Jackson/Atrews Bell
TE-Tracey Wistrom/Keith Willis/Brian Shay
LT-Scott Kempenich/Jon Doty*
LG-Mike Gandy/Adrien Clarke
C-Marc Owen/Kenny Sandlin
RG-Shannon Money/Jonathan Clinkscale/Kevin Fisher*
RT-Brian Rimpf/Ryan Young/Phil Hawkins*
K-Jay Taylor
Defense
LE-Tim Cheatwood/Mike Sutton
DT-Tank Reese/Santonio Thomas
DT-Mike Collins/Jordan Carstens
RE-Kevin Deronde/Kevin Emanuel
OLB-Kevin Jefferson/Matt Word
MLB-Shawn Banks/Carl Diggs
OLB-Rick Crowell/Ronnie Riley
SS-Muhammad Abdullah/James Butler/Rashad Faison
CB-Clevan Thomas/Reynaldo Hill
CB-Roosevelt Williams/Fred Weary
FS-Quentin Harris/Daryl Dixon/Quintin Williams
P-Noel Prefontaine
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: Winning the XFL East and going to the playoffs probably saved Jones, which is probably a good omen for the Rage considering that Jim Criner was in the same situation in Las Vegas last year and the Outlaws doing what they did in ’05 (and the 2006 X-Bowl is in Orlando don’t forget). Mauck had a few bouts with interceptions, ten of his 18—five each—came in the losses to Seattle and New York. Taking those away, Mauck has a passer rating over 90, the best the Rage have had since Jeff Brohm left after the 2001 season. Wallace came in for an injured Mauck in the week 11 Las Vegas game and threw three touchdown passes, including the game-winner in overtime, and may have saved himself with his performances. While Wistrom and Burks once again finished 1-2 in team receptions, the team seems to have finally found a complementary target in Brown, the first-round speedster out of Georgia who caught 35 passes and three touchdowns during the regular season and also caught a 31-yard touchdown pass in the playoffs.

What went wrong: Another postseason loss hurt, especially coming against a team that the Rage had beaten just three weeks before on the road and had never lost to in Orlando.
The fact that the Rage are now 0-3 all-time in the playoffs—even though it was just the second game in the Mike Jones’ era and first the Rage were actually favored to win—could be the one to put Jones back on the hot seat. Banks, one of four original Rage players who are a free agent this offseason, was among the most vocal, “I don’t want to go out like this”. On the few occasions Mauck was off, he was really off. There were the two five-interception games and then, in an 18-3 loss to Jacksonville on July 30, he completed just 12 of 41 passes.

Offseason analysis: Not to make too much of one loss, but with the four players who’ve been there since day one and meant so much to the team not just on the field but in the community it could spell a turning point in franchise history. Black, who finished with his lowest rush total since 2001, may not have hit a wall but is definitely feeling the effects of an increased workload when he won the XFL rushing title in 2003 with 1,733 yards. He still outrushed seventh-round pick Gates but Gates has more upside so Black is almost certainly gone unless he agrees to a lesser role. Clark, long one of the league’s top rushing fullbacks, will be 35 when the 2006 season starts and the team seems to want to move in the direction of Polite, who will be in his third year. With the Enforcers all but ready to break up their longtime trio of Corey Ivy, Troy Saunders, and Jason Bray; the Rage look to be next on the clock with their top-flight secondary of Abdullah, Thomas, Williams, and Harris who have been together since 2002 and talented players like Hill, Butler, and Dixon behind them. Hill and Butler both started games for Williams and Harris during the season, and Butler started at FS in the playoff game. Bell, the team’s primary kick returner from 2002-04, actually had a higher kick return average than Hill but only had nine returns and may not be re-signed.

PITTSBURGH IRONMEN (4-8, 4th XFL North)
Owner: Michael Markovich
Head coach: Dave Wannstedt (4-8)

5/29 JACKSONVILLE L 17-3
6/5 at New York W 46-0
6/11 at Las Vegas L 54-7
6/19 CHICAGO L 30-29
6/26 DETROIT W 22-10
7/3 at Kansas City W 20-17
7/10 at Chicago W 23-6
7/17 SEATTLE L 27-24
7/24 at Orlando L 31-17
7/31 DALLAS L 36-20
8/7 at Detroit L 31-19
8/14 NEW YORK L 34-10

Team leaders:
PASSING: Marcus Crandell 167-280-1786-11, 10 TD
RUSHING: Maurice Clarett 134 car 556 yds TD
RECEIVING: Kelly Campbell 57 rec 521 yds 4 TD
TACKLES: Curtis Holden/Hank Poteat 76 each
SACKS: Curtis Holden/Chris Canty 8 each
INTERCEPTIONS: Hank Poteat 3 (2 TD)
KICKING: Nate Kaeding 21/21 XP, 23/28 FG, 90 pts
PUNTING: Dustin Colquitt 66 punts, 45.5 avg, 35.4 net
KICK RETURN: Keron Henry 50 ret, 19.6 avg
PUNT RETURN: Kelly Campbell 43 ret, 13.6 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Jared Allen/Dave Dickenson/Chris Rix/Marcus Crandell
RB-Tony Fisher/Maurice Clarett/Mike Jemison*
FB-William McCray/Josh Parry
WR-Kelly Campbell/Derek McCoy/Kendall Newson/Lance Moore*
WR-Johnnie Morant/Matthew Hatchette/Steve Savoy/Keron Henry
TE-Alex Smith/Cam Cleeland
LT-Steve Edwards
LG-Travis Claridge/Ed Ellis
C-Jake Grove/Dwayne Ledford
RG-Lewis Kelly/Taylor Robertson
RT-DeMarcus Curry/Greg Robinson-Randall
K-Nate Kaeding
Defense
LE-Chad Bratzke/Joey Evans
DT-Russell Newman/DeMarco McNeil/Cedric Hilliard
RE-Chris Canty/Darrell Lee
OLB-Jason Gildon/Keyaron Fox/Kris Griffin*
ILB-Dwayne Levels/Donte’ Curry
ILB-Andre Arnold/Liam Ezekiel*
OLB-Curtis Holden/Grant Wiley/Rian Wallace
SS-Darius Clark/James Sanders/Bobby Gray
CB-Hank Poteat/Reggie Howard/Arnold Parker
CB-Mario Edwards/Stanley Wilson
FS-Antuan Edwards/Will Hunter
P-Dustin Colquitt
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: A three-game spurt at midseason which included a rare dominating victory over the playoff-bound Enforcers—the first road team to beat the Enforcers since 2002 and the first team to beat them at Soldier Field since 2001—was undoubtedly the high point of the season. Allen, the Ironmen’s third-round pick, got two starts at the end of the year and played well despite a low completion percentage (41.4%). Three other members of the Ironmen’s 2005 rookie class also played very well as rookies: Smith, Canty, and Sanders—who will likely replace Clark at SS heading into 2006. The Ironmen couldn’t sack groceries in 2004 but with the additions of Canty and Holden, they went from a laughable 10 sacks in ’04 to a more respectable 34 in ’05, with Canty and Holden leading the way with eight each.

What went wrong: The Ironmen lost their last five games of the season for the second straight year, but this year was more frustrating since it followed the win in Chicago. Campbell caught just 57 passes and averaged just 9.1 yards per catch, he also ended up gaining more yards returning punts than he did as a receiver (585 to 521). The Ironmen’s offensive woes, well chronicled in not just Campbell’s low numbers but the fact that in a 46-0 win over Hitmen in week two they managed just one offensive touchdown, resulted in them winding up second from the bottom in passing and total yards and third from the bottom at just 20 points per game.

Offseason analysis: Although Fox started two games at LILB in place of an injured Levels late in the season, the Ironmen would prefer to maximize his speed and keep him on the outside or possibly move him up to LE, where the Ironmen aren’t expected to retain Bratzke. What will be interesting is whether the Ironmen retain much-maligned Kippy Brown as offensive coordinator with the team’s offensive struggles considering how unpopular the move was when it was made last fall.

[MGB01]

SAN FRANCISCO DEMONS (7-5, T-2nd XFL West)
Owner: Warren Bottino
Head coach: Jim Skipper (13-11)

5/29 at Birmingham W 14-10
6/5 LAS VEGAS L 27-22
6/12 at Seattle W 17-10
6/19 at Washington W 16-9
6/26 LOS ANGELES L 20-13
7/3 MEMPHIS W 44-37
7/9 at Las Vegas L 23-12
7/17 CHICAGO L 23-20 (OT)
7/24 at Detroit L 35-30
7/31 CAROLINA W 10-6
8/7 at Los Angeles W 20-13
8/14 SEATTLE W 26-0

Team leaders:
PASSING: Kevin Daft 226-419-2498-10, 13 TD
RUSHING: Jamal Robertson 153 car 724 yds 3 TD
RECEIVING: Brian Roche 73 rec 759 yds 4 TD
TACKLES: Alge Atkinson 147
SACKS: David Warren/Ronald Fields 9 each
INTERCEPTIONS: David Mitchell 6
KICKING: Jose Cortez 22/22 XP, 22/24 FG, 88 pts
PUNTING: Brian Morton 74 punts, 41.2 avg, 31.4 net
KICK RETURN: Rondell Mealey 34 ret, 18.5 avg
PUNT RETURN: James Newson 37 ret, 9.5 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Andrew Walter/Kevin Daft/Randy Fasani
RB-Jamal Robertson/Rondell Mealey/Adimchinobe Echemandu/Kenneth Tolon/Tyson Thompson*
FB-Jarrod Baxter/Sean McHugh
WR-Jimmy Cunningham/Dameane Douglas/Kassim Osgood/Jonathan Makonnen
WR-David Givens/Kevin McKenzie/James Newson
TE-Brian Roche/Spencer Nead
LT-Marcel Howard/Marcus Johnson
LG-Adam Snyder/Anthony Herrera
C-Jason Scukanec/Eric Cole/Marc Manfredda*
RG-Scott Kiernan/Alan Reuber
RT-Jerome Daniels/Mark Wilson*
K-Jose Cortez
Defense
LE-Tully Banta-Cain/Corey Callens
DT-Abdul-Salam Noah/Ronald Fields
DT-Randy Starks/Cedric Killings/Tom Sverchek*
RE-David Warren/Isaac Hilton
OLB-Everick Rawls/Matt McCoy/Wendall Hunter
MLB-Trev Faulk/Kirk Morrison/Rod Davis
OLB-Alge Atkinson
SS-Brodney Pool/Ron Israel/Riccardo Stewart*
CB-David Mitchell/Eric Green
CB-Dempsey Dees/Dexter Wynn/Steve Smith
FS-Kevin Kaesviharn/Jason Shivers
P-Brian Morton
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: As was the case three years ago, the Demons’ rookie class jumped right in and made impact. Pool started all 12 games and Snyder made his first start against Las Vegas in week two and did not relinquish the job. Both Pool and Green finished with two interceptions, and McCoy had two sacks and an interception and he may replace free-agent-to-be Rawls as the strong side starter. But the biggest rookie impacts came from Fields, seven of his nine sacks came in the final two games, and Walter, who was 8 of 14 for 103 yards and two touchdowns against Detroit in nearly leading the Demons from behind. He started the season finale against Seattle, going 26 of 46 for 308 yards and two touchdowns to all but cement him as the starter going into 2006. Atkinson led the Demons in tackles for second year in a row and led the league with 147, putting himself as a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. New defensive coordinator Tim Skipper’s defense yielded a league-low 213 points.

What went wrong: Daft was solid, but his final completion percentage (53.9) was a little lower than the Demons would have liked. You’ve been able to set your watch by Roche and Cunningham being the Demons’ top two receivers the last couple of years, but only David Givens caught 40 passes—exactly 40—outside of the two vets. Although Newson ended up putting up decent punt return numbers, he hasn’t become the receiver the Demons envisioned when they drafted him in 2004 out of Oregon State. Echemandu, who was expected to be a complement to Robertson, not only hasn’t met expectations either, but fell to a distant third on the depth chart and was actually below undrafted free agent Tolon for one game. The Demons finished last in rushing, making life tough for Daft at times.

Offseason analysis: Other than Daft, who the Demons may retain as a backup if he decides the market doesn’t suit him in the offseason, the Demons have three free agent starters and may take a pass on all three with capable players behind them although Johnson played little this season. If Howard leaves as a free agent, the Demons may try Snyder at left tackle and move Johnson to left guard, where he may be more suited. There were some bumps in the road when the Demons moved Kaesviharn over to free safety and moved Dees up to starter, but the move was generally successful and that may convince the Demons to more offseason position shuffling, especially as it concerns potential free agents.

SEATTLE REIGN (6-6, 4th XFL West)
Owner: Tim Parente
Head coach: Mike Zimmer (7-11)

5/29 DALLAS W 31-14
6/5 at Los Angeles W 28-27
6/12 SAN FRANCISCO L 17-10
6/19 at Orlando W 26-16
6/26 NEW YORK L 26-23 (OT)
7/3 at Las Vegas L 33-20
7/10 LOS ANGELES L 31-20
7/17 at Pittsburgh W 27-24
7/24 LAS VEGAS L 13-7
7/31 at Kansas City W 34-31
8/7 JACKSONVILLE W 35-34
8/14 at San Francisco L 26-0

Team leaders:
PASSING: John Navarre 257-398-3204-15, 24 TD
RUSHING: Tatum Bell 149 car 514 yds 2 TD
RECEIVING: Devard Darling 52 rec 730 yds 7 TD
TACKLES: Darrin Hambrick 93
SACKS: Eric England 7
INTERCEPTIONS: Jason David 5
KICKING: Drew Dunning 25/25 XP, 22/28 FG, 91 pts
PUNTING: Alan Cox 60 punts, 44.9 avg, 36.5 net
KICK RETURN: Marcus Maxwell 44 ret, 20.5 avg
PUNT RETURN: Jermaine Lewis 32 ret, 10.4 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-John Navarre/Tony Graziani/David Greene
RB-J.J. Arrington/Tatum Bell/Charles Roberts
FB-Mike Karney/Zack Tuiasosopo
WR-Devard Darling/Laterio Rachal/Marcus Maxwell/Sammy Moore
WR-Chris Jackson/Greg Hopkins/Jermaine Lewis
TE-Ben Hartsock/Brett Pierce/Cody McCarty*
LT-Jacob Rogers/Brandon Westbrook
LG-Derrick Roche
C-Nick Hardwick/Norm Katnik/Matt Brock*
RG-David Baas/Floyd Wedderburn
RT-Jeremy Parquet/Sam Lightbody*
K-Drew Dunning
Defense
LE-Eric England/Robert Geathers
DT-Shaun Cody/Nate Hobgood-Chittick/Bryan Save
RE-Nate Dwyer/Aaron Humphrey/Jovan Haye
OLB-Gilbert Gardner/Justin Ena
ILB-Caleb Miller/Jamie Burrow/Jonathan Pollard
ILB-Anthony Simmons/Marcus Bell
OLB-Darrin Hambrick
SS-Michael Boulware/Cory Gilliard
CB-Hurley Tarver/Erwin Swiney/Ryan Phillips
CB-Jason David/Derrick Strait/Antuan Simmons/Aric Williams*
FS-Leo Barnes/Mitch Meeweusen
P-Alan Cox
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: Taking the step from 1-11 to .500, as Zimmer pointed out, did not represent a total success, but a success nonetheless. After playing well in part-time action behind Graziani in ’04, Navarre took the starting QB job and became the consistent starter that the Reign need if they are to contend for the division title next year. Bell, a flop as a rookie in 2004, was much better in 2005, as he and Arrington combined for nearly 900 yards. Rogers switched back to left tackle and played better in his second year. Both Baas and Parquet started as rookies on the right side of the line, and while both had times where they looked like rookies, the Reign believe, as last year when Rogers and Hardwick started as rookies, they will be better for it even possibly as soon as 2006. While the defense wasn’t spectacular, they were energized by Cody, the number two overall pick in the XFL Draft, and Hambrick, who arrived in an offseason trade with Kansas City. While Boulware is the big-play maker in the secondary, interception leader David isn’t far behind, compensating for his lack of size by just going after the ball.

What went wrong: While signing former Seahawk Simmons in the preseason was good for some additional ticket sales, the reality is that he can no longer hold up over an entire season and thus wasn’t a good fit even in the new 3-4 scheme brought in by Zimmer, also the team’s defensive coordinator. Simmons was moved inside, a position he hasn’t played since college, upon his return from the injured list. Depth continued to be a problem, and the Reign were fortunate that Navarre didn’t suffer a major injury because Graziani was terrible in relief, completing only one of nine passes on the year and Greene wasn’t much better, going three of seven.

Offseason analysis: With so many free agents on defense, it is highly possible the 3-4 experiment was a one-year thing and the Reign will go back to a 4-3 in 2006. Yet the Reign would be well-served to consider re-signing England as the team really doesn’t have any solid experienced linemen though England will be 35 when the Reign report for training camp next year, not exactly the best way for Zimmer to push his ‘build with youth and win’ message across. Offensively the Reign should be in pretty good shape but they need to build some sorely-needed depth on the offensive line, with Wedderburn the only experienced reserve in ’05. Defensively the Reign have five starters that will be free agents but with Zimmer’s 3-4 not quite yielding the results he was looking for—the 2005 defense ended up being not much of an upgrade over the 2004 unit—some changes might be in order.

WASHINGTON GLORY (6-6, 4th XFL East)
Owner: Eric Murray
Head coach: Ralph Friedgen (13-12)

5/29 CAROLINA W 20-10
6/4 at Orlando L 37-14
6/12 at Jacksonville L 24-14
6/19 SAN FRANCISCO L 16-9
6/26 at Birmingham W 28-16
7/3 at Chicago L 40-17
7/10 JACKSONVILLE W 27-24
7/16 MEMPHIS W 26-10
7/24 at Los Angeles L 17-10
7/31 DETROIT W 37-27
8/7 at Carolina L 48-35
8/14 ORLANDO W 26-20

Team leaders:
PASSING: Joe Hamilton 143-262-1940-10, 11 TD
RUSHING: Renaldo Works 64 car 311 yds 5 TD
RECEIVING: Quincy Jackson 44 rec 402 yds 5 TD
TACKLES: Paris Lenon 81
SACKS: Javor Mills 14
INTERCEPTIONS: Lamont Thompson 5
KICKING: Martin Gramatica 30/30 XP, 15/16 FG, 75 pts
PUNTING: Dan Hadenfeldt 57 punts, 47.1 avg, 37.3 net
KICK RETURN: Steve Suter 20 ret, 22.9 avg
PUNT RETURN: Stepfret Williams 29 ret, 11.7 avg

Team depth chart (free agents in bold)
Offense
QB-Adrian McPherson/Joe Hamilton/Rod Rutherford
RB-Renaldo Works/Jarrett Payton/Marion Barber III
FB-Joe Hall
WR-Kevin Youngblood/Kenyon Hambrick/Curtis Williams/Stepfret Williams
WR-Quincy Jackson/Mark Bradley/Steve Suter
TE-Terry Jones/Darnell Sanders/Adam Bergen*
LT-Char-ron Dorsey/Rob Pettiti/Kevin Sampson
LG-Qasim Mitchell/Jason Schwab
C-Michael Keathley/Kevin Bailey
RG-Teag Whiting/Lamar Bryant
RT-Max Starks/Brandon Winey/Sam Wilder
K-Martin Gramatica
Defense
LE-Chad Beasley/Terrance Martin/Nautyn McKay Loescher
DT-Israel Raybon/Ahmad Childress
DT-Jonathan Babineaux/Jim Davis*
RE-Javor Mills/Cedric Pittman
OLB-Darryl Blackstock/Dane Krager
MLB-Mike Smith/T.J. Hollowell/Kevin Atkins*
OLB-Paris Lenon/Aries Monroe
SS-Glenn Sumter/Jack Brewer/James Griffin*
CB-Dyshod Carter/Antonio Perkins/Karl Paymah
CB-Ronyell Whitaker/Fred White/Todd Howard
FS-Lamont Thompson/Donnie Caldwell
P-Dan Hadenfeldt
*-Practice squad player in 2005

What went right: Two trades the Glory made couldn’t have worked out much better, as the Glory got a QB-of-the-future in McPherson who looks ready to break out at just the right time as Hamilton may have worn out his welcome. Also Whitaker’s arrival came at a time where the Glory were down to just White and Howard as far as veteran CBs with starting experience (Carter was injured at the time). Thompson spent two years essentially buried on the Bolts’ depth chart and limited to special teams play and some action in the nickel, but after the Glory acquired him on draft day Thompson exploded, winning the job in a heated preseason contest and not relinquishing it, and becoming the first “Glory-hound” other than Carter to lead the team in interceptions since the team’s arrival in D.C. Mills continued as an emerging star, becoming the league’s first back-to-back sack champ, and the running game didn’t exactly suffer after the trade of Curtis Alexander, as Works ended with a solid 4.9 per carry average.

What went wrong: The Glory may not have lost a chance at the playoffs because of him—in fact an embarrassing week 11 loss at Carolina had as much to do with it as well, but the three words most mentioned among Glory fans this offseason will be “Chris (bleep)ing Redman”, the ex-Louisville star/Baltimore Ravens QB who set a league record by throwing seven interceptions in his one and only XFL start in week three against Jacksonville. Short of watching Redskin QBs this year, quite possibly nothing will make Glory faithful feel better. This won’t, Jackson’s 44 grabs was least among leading pass catchers in the league and he could possibly be released in the offseason. The front office sees something in Payton, who wasn’t able to handle the featured back spot in Dallas, but Payton only rushed for 72 yards on 27 carries (a 2.7 average) in four games with the Glory.

Offseason analysis: Hamilton will likely be cut and made a free agent, paving the way for McPherson, who will become the first starting QB other than Hamilton in team history (which begins with their move to the nation’s capital in 2002). In a curious move, the Glory may ship Barber, who averaged 3.8 per carry on 22 rushes, in the offseason to better maximize Payton, who despite his low post-trade numbers the Glory still feel he would give the Glory a nice 1-2 combo along with Works. Bradley, who caught a pass in nine of the Glory’s 12 games, and Curtis Williams will benefit from the Glory’s makeover of their WR corps in the offseason. An interesting twist: The team his hinted at switching Beasley, who was moved back over to DE with Martin injured, over to the offensive line and maybe trying him out at left guard, but that’s a way-off last resort scenario, although with a healthy Martin, an emerging star in Babineaux, and Raybon showing no signs of age Beasley could find himself odd man out, a year after he—ironically enough—re-signed with the Glory so he could start at DT. Re-signing Hadenfeldt, who became the league’s first ever two-time punting champ, will be a priority.