Week 1 of the XFL is in the books! It was one hell of an entertaining weekend, and as we head into Week 2. The NY Guardians emerged victorious 23-3 over the Tampa Bay Vipers, needing only 45 plays to put up 23 while the Vipers snapped the Ball 71 times and only could come up with three points on the board. Aaron Murry (University of Georgia) currently leads the SEC career touchdown list, surpassing Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and Matthew Stafford.

Murry went 16/34 for 231 yards, sacked 3 times and with 2 interceptions, had a dismal passer rating of 45.1 The team combined for 150 yards of rushing led by De’von Smith with 16 attempts for 79 yards but costly turnovers and five sacks would hinder the Vipers debut.

Takeaways from Sunday’s NY Guardians game

1) Former Raiders QB Matt McGloin leads the NY Guardians’ offense and he did a great job setting the tone early with a touchdown on the opening drive that he capped off with a fourth-down rush up the middle for a one-yard score. Although McGloin (Penn State) looked shaken at times it was the Guardians’ o-line that kept McGloin upright and untouched in this game surrendering zero sacks and no turnovers. Overall, he finished his afternoon with a 15-for-29 line for 182 yards and one touchdown. McGloin also had the lone rushing touchdown punching it in from the 1-yard line.

2) Mekale McKay and Colby Pearson were McGloin’s favorite targets, with three receptions and 58 yards for McKay and two receptions for 44 yards — and McGloin’s only throwing touchdown — going to Pearson. McKay had an impressive diving catch that completed a 45-yard bomb from McGloin that set up their opening drive score.

3) The NY Guardians’ defense was lockdown all game long and forced Tampa Bay into three turnovers. Andrew Soroh and Bryce Jones each had an interception, while Jamar Summers ran back a 22-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that sealed the deal for New York. Overall, the team made it hard for Vipers QB Aaron Murray to operate.

4) The Guardians managed just 44 yards on the ground on 16 attempts. Darius Victor may have only had 32 yards on nine rushes, but his 22-yard burst was delivered with a big truck stick. He stands at 5-foot-6, 230 pounds and head coach Kevin Gilbride compared him to a back like Brandon Jacobs.

What to look forward to next

The NY Guardians (1-0) head to D.C to face the Defenders (1-0) Feb. 15. Kickoff at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., is set for 2 p.m. ET on ABC. The D.C. Defenders are coming off an exciting win over the Seattle Dragons in a hard-fought XFL debut game.

New York’s defense will have their hands full when they face quarterback Cardale Jones who’s 16/26 for 235 yards in the air, a passer rating of 116.7 coupled with 28 on the ground can and will be a threat.

And with the Defenders having weapons all over the field (Jones connected with eight of nine different receivers) this game could be just what the XFL is looking for, a high flying passing attack on both sides of the ball.

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