The XFL has now completed four weeks of its regular season and another great week of football was seen. More new faces had breakout performances and other established players continued to play well. A few running backs emerged as serious threats on the ground for what seems like this first time this season. While the Roughnecks continue to dominate, the Defenders appear to be on a downward slope. Teams who had a slow start, such as Tampa Bay, seem to have found footing in the XFL. With six weeks remaining in the regular season, here are the top five offensive performances from XFL week four.
Offensive Performances From XFL Week Four:
1. Jordan Ta’amu, Quarterback, St. Louis Battlehawks:
Ta’amu had an incredible week for the St. Louis Battlehawks. Ta’amu had 264 passing yards and another 63 yards rushing. He also had a passing touchdown to go with his 327 total yards. Ta’amu completed an impressive 74 percent of his passes and his accuracy helped lead his team to their third win of the season. Ta’amu’s impressive week four came with the help of De’Mornay Pierson-El and his five receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown. Ta’amu has been one of the best quarterbacks through the first four weeks of the XFL season. The Battlehawks’ quarterback should continue to find success as the season continues.
2. Jacques Patrick, Running Back, Tampa Bay Vipers:
The Tampa Bay Vipers secured their first win of the season against the D.C. Defenders. The Vipers found a winning formula with tough defense and a ferocious run-game. The Vipers had two 100-yard rushers in this game and the first is Jacques Patrick. Patrick had 108 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Patrick combined with the Vipers newly found quarterback Taylor Cornelius can bring the Vipers out of the XFL basement and save the season for Tampa Bay.
3. De’Veon Smith, Running Back, Tampa Bay Vipers:
The other running back who dominated for Tampa Bay is De’veon Smith. Smith had 122 yards rushing and has the first-ever 100-yard rushing game in the XFL. His teammate Patrick would be the second player to reach the feat, but Smith had 100 yards first. Smith did not record a touchdown, but his output in the ground had a significant impact on the Vipers’ first win of the XFL season. Smith combined with Patrick could become a dominant force in the XFL as the Vipers are one of the few teams to embrace a rushing offense over an air raid type offense. Look for these two backs to take over the XFL in the coming weeks.
4. Tre McBride, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Wildcats:
The Wildcats have had a rough start to the season dropping three of their first four games. This includes a loss this week to the New York Guardians. Despite the loss, McBride had an impressive performance with eight receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown. In a game where the Wildcats only scored two touchdowns, McBride had a truly game-saving performance. The Wildcats have suffered some unfortunate losses to start the season but shouldn’t consider their season over yet. They have McBride as well as Josh Johnson at quarterback. If L.A. can right the ship, expect McBride to be a big part of it.
5. Nick Holley, Running Back, Houston Roughnecks:
Nick Holley had a great week in week four and helped keep his Houston Roughnecks undefeated through four games. Holley had eight receptions for 97 receiving yards and a touchdown for the Roughnecks. Holley, despite being a running back, has an almost exclusive role in the passing game for Houston. While having eight catches in week four, Holley had zero carries. Houston had a tough battle against the Dallas Renegades that saw them win a close 27-20 game. Holley was a big part of this win and should see an increased role for Houston going forward.
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