The XFL has finally retuned! This semi alternative form of American Football has returned with a vengeance and has captivated even the most of skeptics.
Vince McHahon, owner of the WWE, has righted this ship touting the league as, “Re-imagined football.” This “re-imagined football” focuses on safety and fluidity of the game and seeks to free the game of nagging quirks that bog down the NFL.
The XFL has positioned itself for a win even after losing $35 million to its investors its first time around.
Here’s a little bit of information on the new XFL:
Teams:
Each host city has a new team that comes with new uniforms and names. Below are the new teams and their home cities:
Dallas Renegades
DC Defendes
Houston Roughnecks
LA Wildcats
NY Gaurdians
St. Louis Battlehawks
Seattle Dragons
Tampa Bay Vipers
What’s most interesting is the implementation of “Team 9.” According to the XFL website, Team 9 is essentially a practice squad for the whole organization. Meaning, that it consists of 40 position players who are ready to be implanted into any team at a moments notice.
The team doesn’t stay idle either. Instead, its coached and kept abreast of different schemes that keep players up to speed.
The innovative, “Team 9,” however, does not consist of kickers and punters.
Season:
The XFL consists of 8 teams with 46 man game day rosters. There are 10 regular season games, 2 semi final games, and 1 championship game.
Notable rules:
Below are a few notable rules I picked up while browsing the XFL’s website.
• “If the ball is kicked into the end zone and is downed, it is a “Major” touchback and the ball is placed at the return side 35 yard line”
• 35 second play clock.
• 1 foot inbounds – secures a live ball long enough to what I call a “football move.”
• 10 minute halftime
• 2 forward passes behind the line of scrimmage – NFL 1
• OT
• 5 round shootout – each offense against the opposing defense at the 5 yards line.
• Team with the most points after the 5 rounds wins.
• OT points are worth two points.
Some notable names in the XFL are:
The league isn’t without a few notable former college or professional players. Here are a few notables below that will be taking part in the XFL this season.
• QB Landry Jones – cut by the Steelers
• QB Connor Cook – brief stint with the Raiders
• WR Antonio Callaway – played for the Browns
• WR Rashad Ross – brief stint with Panthers
• QB Cardale Jones – Brief stint with Bills/Chargers
• DL Will Sutton – cut by Bears
• DE Kony Ealy – cut by the Patriots
• DB Derron Smith – drafted by Bengals
• RB Christine Michael – former Colts players
• DL Jay Bromley – former Giant
My thoughts:
I think the XFL has focused on timing:
This perspective may be opposite to some sports analyst who say that the timing is off. The NFL has just finished with an amazing Super Bowl 54. Many fans are still exited and still looking for some football that will hold them over until next season. This a great opportunity for the XFL to come back and occupy a football-less 7 months
Kept the game familiar but with moderate changes:
In the original launch of the XFL, there were a lot of rule changes that fans had to grasp in a short amount of time. It felt like a bunch of rules were made and thrown at the wall to see what stuck. Now, it feels a bit more legit, thought out, and makes just plain sense.
Overall, the league stands much more professional than its predecessor. There is no longer a cartoonish feel to it but now a serious one. I personally watched a few games and I can’t wait to break them down.
For information, go to The XFL.com website.
Thank you for reading.
Photos: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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