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Top Five Offensive Performances From XFL Week One

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 08: Houston Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker (11) looks to throw to his left during the XFL football game between the Los Angeles Wildcats and Houston Roughnecks at TDECU Stadium on February 8, 2020 in Houston, TX. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The XFL kicked off for the first time this past weekend and the games did not disappoint. The league proved that it is a legitimate placeholder for the NFL while the NFL is in its off-season. The league will continue to grow as the weeks continue and the players in the league will continue to get better too. These players are looking for a shot at the NFL and that will make for some competitive games this season. This was even the case in the first week. Here are the top five performances from XFL week one.

XFL Week One Top Offensive Performances:

1. P.J. Walker, Quarterback, Houston Roughnecks:

The Houston Roughnecks had an impressive performance in their first game of the XFL season. Quarterback P.J. Walker had an impressive showing with 272 passing yards and four touchdowns. He also had a 103.8 passer rating and 26 additional yards rushing. He only had one turnover late in the game and led his team to a commanding win over Los Angeles in week one. Walker established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the XFL. He has also established his Roughnecks squad as a top team in the new league. Walker will look to continue his success next week against St. Louis who was also victorious in week one.

2. Austin Proehl, Wide Receiver, Seattle Dragons:

The Dragons had a rough week defensively which led to their defeat against the Defenders. However, their bright spot was their offense led by Proehl in the passing attack. Proehl had five receptions for 88 yards and scored two touchdowns for his team. Proehl was the only receiver on his team to eclipse 40 receiving yards in week one. Proehl’s time in the NFL was short. However, consistent performances like this could allow him another chance in the NFL.

3. Nelson Spruce, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Wildcats:

Spruce is another receiver who had a big day despite his team losing in week one. Spruce clearly had the respect of his team with his 15 targets in this game between two quarterbacks. He caught 11 of those targets for 103 yards in the Wildcats’ 20-point loss to the Houston Roughnecks. Spruce had 35 percent of his team’s target share in week one and the next highest percentage was Jordan Smallwood with 16 percent. Spruce should continue to see large amounts of targets throughout this XFL season.

4. Daniel Williams, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Vipers:

Daniel Williams is the third wide receiver on this list and like the others, his team fell short of victory in week one. Williams’ Vipers team struggled outside of his own performance in week one. The Vipers failed to score more than three points in their XFL debut. He had six receptions for 123 yards in his debut performance. Williams is the current XFL leader in receiving yards after week one. Williams established himself as a big-play receiver for the Vipers who will continue to look his way as they try to get their first touchdown in franchise history next week.

5. Cardale Jones, Quarterback, D.C. Defenders:

The final top performance of week one is Cardale Jones. Jones had a lot of hype surrounding him heading into the debut of the XFL. He and his D.C. Defenders squad lived up to that hype in week one putting up 31 points in a 12-point victory of the Seattle Dragons. Jones posted a 116.7 passer rating with 235 passing yards and two touchdowns. Also, Jones added 28 rushing yards to his day and finished week one with a victory. Jones established himself in the top tier of quarterbacks in the XFL so far and should continue to play well going forward.

Potential Landing Spots for Tom Brady

FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 10: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots cheers as he runs on to the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Tom Brady’s Potential 2020 Landing Spots:

Dallas Cowboys:

The Dallas Cowboys on paper seem to have the best chance at luring Brady away from New England. They have an owner who loves to get what he wants and will do whatever it takes to get it. They have a proven head coach in Mike McCarthy and a star-studded roster on both sides of the ball. Brady would walk into a situation in Dallas where he could potentially have Ezekiel Elliott, Michael Gallup, and Amari Cooper to work with. These would be major upgrades to what Brady had to work with at New England this past season.

Dallas is the only franchise other than New England that has the trio of a great head coach, involved owner, and an elite defense that has been the backbone of Tom Brady’s success throughout his career. The biggest issue for Dallas is committing to the idea of moving on from their 26-year-old star quarterback for a 42-year-old quarterback who would be playing in a new system for the first time since 2000.

Indianapolis Colts:

The Colts are an interesting choice and the dark horse of this group to land Brady this offseason. The Colts had running back Marlon Mack emerge as an elite talent this season and they have weapons to help Brady if he were to sign with the Colts. Brady would join the franchise that once had Peyton Manning and would be able to help them in the always closely contested AFC South.

T.Y. Hilton would thrive with Brady at quarterback assuming he can stay healthy. Also, tight end Jack Doyle would have career numbers with Brady under center. The Colts’ offensive line would be able to protect Brady as well as anyone and the Colts’ defense has lots of young talent looking to take the next step. The Colts would be an interesting choice for Brady and could change the outlook of the AFC in 2020.

New England Patriots:

Obviously, New England has to be included because it’s hard to imagine Tom Brady playing in any other Uniform. Brady has been a Patriot his entire career. He must have gratitude to the organization that gave him his chance back in 2000. Brady and the Patriots haven’t seen eye to eye recently. However, they still have a top tier defense, future hall of fame head coach, and highly involved owner. Finding a franchise with all three of these things would be difficult to find outside of New England (except Dallas).

Returning to New England to continue the Patriots’ success in the AFC would seem like a top choice for Brady. Plus, he is already accustomed to the area and the way of doing things there. It would most certainly take a lot to sway Brady away from the franchise he helped put on the NFL map. Overall, it is up to Tom if he wants to leave or stay. If he stays, the AFC will once again have to get past New England in 2020.

Los Angeles Chargers:

The L.A. Chargers decided this offseason that they will move on from their aging long-time starter Phillip Rivers after signs of regression in 2019. This leaves the Chargers without a clear future at the quarterback position. Tom Brady would provide then with at least one season to set up their long-term future. L.A. could draft a quarterback high in the 2020 NFL draft and have him learn from one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play while remaining competitive in the AFC.

The Chargers offer Brady the opportunity to live in Los Angeles and continue playing in the AFC where he has been his entire career. The Chargers have a stacked offense as well with Melvin Gordon, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry. They also have the option to bring back Austin Ekeler who would thrive with Tom Brady as his quarterback. Their defense has solid pieces too and who wouldn’t appreciate the chance to see Pat Mahomes and Brady face-off two times per season.

Las Vegas Raiders:

The Las Vegas Raiders are another team that had been linked to Brady this offseason. The Raiders seemed committed to Derek Carr for 2019 but a lack of progression heading into a contract year had the Raiders looking at other options. Las Vegas offers Brady the opportunity to let a young workhorse running back in Josh Jacobs command the offense. Then Brady cleans up with his ability to make plays when it matters most. Head coach Jon Gruden would love to have a veteran like Brady running his offense. Gruden also constantly continues to build up the Raiders’ defense.

Gruden has added tons of young talent to the Raiders’ defense in hopes of them growing into an elite unit. Hopefully, for the Raiders, Brady feels that way too. The Raiders offer the smallest chance of success on this list for Brady due to their young roster needing time to find an identity and Brady doesn’t have the time left to wait on them. They also lack weapons on offense for Brady outside of Jacobs who is more of a pure runner than a pass catcher.

Final Thoughts:

I believe that Tom Brady is serious about potentially leaving the New England Patriots via Free Agency. However, I can’t imagine he would go through with it. Brady’s best fit for a championship would be the Cowboys, but moving on from Dak Prescott for the aging Brady would more than likely upset the fanbase who already dealt with a disappointing year in 2019. If I were to guess which franchise would be the most appealing to Brady outside of Foxborough? I would have to go with the Los Angeles Chargers. They have great offensive weapons, a solid defense, and, it’s L.A. Brady has to consider where he will be spending his life after football. L.A. could definitely be at the top of his list.

How Greg Olsen Can Impact His Three Potential Teams

CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 22: Greg Olsen #88 and teammate Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrate a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the 2nd quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 22, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Greg Olsen’s Potential Impact for the 2020 Season:

Buffalo Bills:

The Buffalo Bills are the first team Olsen decided to meet with during his visits this offseason. The Bills are in need of a veteran presence on their offense and could use another receiving tight end on their roster. Buffalo had poor performances from their tight ends this past season. Rookie Dawson Knox handled the majority of the receiving snaps while Lee Smith handled the blocking assignments. Tyler Kroft dealt with injuries most of the season and disappointed when he did return to the field.

Greg Olsen would be a great addition to Buffalo’s offense if he can stay healthy. Olsen would be a great outlet for Buffalo’s young quarterback Josh Allen. Olsen has dealt with injuries recently that has some questioning if he can stay healthy for an entire season at the age of 35. If he can, Buffalo would appreciate adding him to their locker room and their offense.

Washington Redskins:

The next team Olsen has scheduled a visit with is the Redskins. Rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins had a rocky start to his career in Washington but had some high points as well. If Olsen were to join the Redskins he would be a great replacement for recently retired veteran Vernon Davis. Olsen would be a top option in Washington with Terry McLaurin looking like the only legitimate threat in the Redskins’ passing offense. Olsen could become a top option for Haskins in 2020 as he begins to come into his own. Of course, injuries will be a question for Olsen regardless of where he signs but Washingon could work with Olsen to manage his snaps and keep him healthy for the entire 2020 season.

Seattle Seahawks:

The Seahawks were a last-minute addition to Olsen’s visit list and there is one glaring reason he might have done this. Seattle is Olsen’s best option of the three for winning a championship in his short time left in the NFL. Joining Seattle would be a great decision for both sides. Olsen would get Russell Wilson as his quarterback and would be able to manage his snaps well in a rotation that includes Will Dissly and Jacob Hollister. Plus, with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett on the roster, Olsen would not be required to be his team’s first or second option like his time in Carolina.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, Olsen’s best option for finding championship success is Seattle and his best fit is the Bills. Buffalo has young players that need Olsen’s leadership and he can still have a role in their offense. Olsen might find himself on the sideline often in Seattle and not enough in Washington.

In the end, Olsen will make his decision based on what he values most. It could be championship potential or it could be the ability to mentor the next generation of players. It could even be based on which city he would like to live in for the remainder of his career. Olsen may also want to find financial security before he decides to retire from football. Regardless of which team Olsen chooses to join for the 2020 season, it will be exciting to see the veteran tight end return to the field for another season.