Well, the Tampa Bay Vipers come into week 4 still looking for their first win. A few good things came out of their week three loss to the Houston Roughnecks. The first was they finally got their first offensive touchdown. That came on a nine-yard run by quarterback Quinton Flowers. At the time the crowd erupted for the home town hero. The team also showed improvement from the previous two weeks. The Vipers stay away from mistakes until late in the game. Where quarterback Taylor Cornelius took a sack and threw an interception. They also had a chance to pad their lead but failed to score a touchdown while inside the five-yard line. As we come to week four there is some turmoil. Quinton Flowers left practice and it might be a rumor but he wants to be released. This is not good with the DC Defenders coming.

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Defense

This has been the one solid part of the Tampa Bay Vipers for the first three weeks. Up till the Roughnecks, they held both the New York Guardians and Seattle Dragons to under 200 yards of total offense. This past week even though they gave up more they gave the offense a chance to win. Following a failed conversation on fourth down from the one-yard line, the Vipers turn the ball over on downs. The Roughnecks at the time were up to seven points and if they had scored it would have been a rough time winning the game. The defense held the Roughnecks to a four and out and gave the offense a chance. Unfortunately, the offense was unable to score and the Vipers lost 34-27. Look for them this week to try and create turnovers as the DC Defenders had five last week against the LA Wildcats.

Third down Conversations

Last week against Houston the Tampa Bay Vipers were 9/18 on third down conversations. What this means it extends drives and doesn’t tire out the defense early in the game. If they are going to win against another good team in DC they will have to extend drives. This was something that was a problem against New York and Seattle. Last week against Houston they mixed the run and pass very well. If they want to have a chance this will have to happen again. The Vipers rank in the top three in rushing in all of the XFL. If Flowers is no longer a part of the team this will have to be a big part. The offense will have to stay away from costly mistakes like turnovers, sacks, and penalties. They did a good job of that last week. This will be a big factor this Sunday.

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Chemistry

The chemistry of this team will now be a focal point. Marc Trestman gave the Tampa Bay Vipers a day off earlier in the week. Many questioned why you would do that with the struggles the team has had. Second, Quintin Flowers has asked for a release from the team. That will shake up the fan base and his teammates. For the fans who love him, they are disappointed by the news. On the other hand, he now has turned his back on his teammates. That will not spell well in the locker room. Let’s hope that this will all come to a head and they can get Flowers to stay and maybe get a win on Sunday. Trestman has his hands full on how to keep this team on a positive mindset.

What are your thoughts on the game between the DC Defenders and Tampa Bay Vipers? Leave a comment below.

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