@Ebeerman1 – Chicago, IL

Injuries Galore

The Dragons limped into Week 3’s game against the Renegades with a total of eight players on the injury report. Of those eight players, five did not play, including starting LT Isaiah Battle (Ankle), TE/OT Cam Clear (not specified) and starting WR and local hero Kasen Williams (Quad).

These injuries have directly affected the offensive capabilities of the Dragons, who are now ranked 7th in total yards in the XFL. We haven’t heard anything about the recoveries of Battle, Clear, or Williams, but hopefully, we get them back soon, so we can see how the Dragons offense is really supposed to look.

2. Defense Leading The Charge

Clayton Lopez’s defense has played well through these first three weeks. His blitzes on critical downs have been effective to this point and his defense is tied for 3rd in total sacks. Considering how poor the edge rusher production has been on its own through three weeks, these results are more than impressive.

The Dragons have a bend-don’t-break mentality, which has proven very effective for them. The team has allowed 958 yards (5th worst) but has only given up five total TD’s (T-2nd best). They are also tied for 2nd in forced turnovers with 6. In addition, Steven Johnson, LB, is currently regarded as the best defensive player with 32 combined tackles and 6 TFLs.

Unfortunately, too many big plays and fatigue from being on the field the majority of the game have hurt the Dragons D so far this year. If the offense figures themselves out – be prepared for the Dragons D to be even better.

3. Offense Lacks an Identity

Jim Zorn’s offense has not played a complete game this season. Week 1 they fizzled out in the second half, Week 2 they were shutout in the first half, and Week 3 was a shutout in the second half this time.

Without Battle and Williams, QB Brandon Silvers has looked extremely inconsistent. Many fans are calling for BJ Daniels, the former Seahawks QB, to get reps next game if Silvers fails to improve. Despite this reaction, Silvers’ struggles may not be entirely his fault. Silvers is 2nd, only behind Houston’s PJ Walker, in pass attempts this season, despite only completing 53% of his passes. It’s clear that Zorn is struggling to call a balanced game. The offense was designed to rely more on the trio of RB of Gardner, Williams, and Farrow to avoid turnovers and make it easier for Silvers.

Mike Reilly, the offensive coordinator, has been away from the team for the past three weeks for personal reasons, and it is showing. He was the head coach for the San Antonio Commanders of the AAF and this is supposed to be his offense. So much so, in fact, that Trey Williams and Kenneth Farrow were both his starting RBs in San Antonio. His absence is felt, with the team sitting at 1-2.

Looking Ahead to Week 4

Week 4 is going to be tough again as the Dragons head to the Dome to play the Battlehawks. Ta’Amu is looking like a stud thus far and has an astonishing 75.61% completion rating. RB Matt Jones is leading the XFL in rushing yards with 224 and will be the guy to stop.

The defense will have their hands full as they try to stop one of the XFL’s best offenses. Expect Clayton Lopez to get creative again with the blitz with the hope of rattling Ta’Amu. If LB’s Nick Temple and Steven Johnson can slow down Matt Jones, and if Ta’Amu feels the pressure, the Dragons D has a shot against this offense.

The key for the Dragon O will be focusing on the run and making sure Gardner, Farrow, and Williams get going. The Dragons need to get the crowd out of the game early or it can cause issues relaying in the calls to the offense. Control the time of possession, limit turnovers, put Silvers in good situations, and the offense will have a chance to do some damage.

If the defense can play their game and the offense runs the ball while limiting turnovers, the Dragons have a chance to upset the Battlehawks.

