Tre McBride #15 of the LA Wildcats celebrates against the New York Guardians.

(Photo by Sarah Stier – XFL.com)

We’re almost halfway through the inaugural XFL season, and two teams sitting at 1-3 on the year are set to square off on Sunday night. The Los Angeles Wildcats have played well against tough competition this season, and, after seemingly finding their stride against the previously unbeaten D.C. Defenders, they came crashing back to earth, thanks to the New York Guardians’ all-star defensive line, as well as their excellent quarterback play by Luis Perez.

The Tampa Bay Vipers have been in the headlines since the start of the season, thanks to some drama with the talented QB Quinton Flowers and HC Marc Trestman’s penchant for alternating quarterbacks. Yet, despite their struggles, the Vipers have played sound defense and have not one, but two league-leading rushers at their disposal. Tampa Bay is coming into Sunday hot, off of a dominant performance against the D.C. Defenders, while the Los Angeles Wildcats are hoping to get back on-track following last week’s disappointing Guardians game.

Jacques Patrick #29 of the Tampa Bay Vipers rushes for a touchdown against the DC Defenders. (Photo by Scott Audette – XFL.com)

One of the biggest questions heading into Sunday’s match-up is: How will LA’s Defense handle the Vipers two-headed rushing attack? Last week, the Tampa Bay Vipers stomped on the D.C. Defenders to the tune of 25-0, and they did it by leaning heavy on the ground game. They’re the first XFL team with a 100-yard rusher (De’Von Smith), and Smith and fellow RB Jacques Patrick are 1st and 3rd in the league respectively in total Rushing Yards. Even QB Taylor Cornelius was able to add a touchdown on the ground. Los Angeles, despite having a solid pass defense, has struggled mightily against the run this season. If the ‘Cats are going to bounce back, they’ll need to be stout up front and force the Vipers to win through the air.

On the other side of the ball, LA will have to go without a few of their top offensive play-makers. WR Nelson Spruce did not participate in practice this week due to a knee injury, and TE Brandon Barnes (knee), RB Martez Carter (hip), and RB Larry Rose (foot) were all limited participants. LA’s Josh Johnson was listed with a thigh injury, but has been a full participant at practice and should start the game, leaving WR Tre McBride, WR Jordan Smallwood, and RB Dujuan Harris as set starters. Harris had a bad day against the tough New York Guardians, but he’s a strong runner with NFL experience and should be able to fight for yards after contact at home.

Despite the injuries on offense, the true key to victory for LA will be the performance of the Wildcats’ offensive line group. They had a strong showing in Week 3 against the D.C. Defenders, but largely due to efforts by Johnson, Carter, and Rose, whose dominance helped hide their miscues. The last game against the NY Guardians showed how influential they could be, with the defensive line penetrating and harassing Johnson throughout the game, and not allowing the Wildcats running game any chance for momentum.

Tampa Bay Vipers have a decent defense, despite their record and early season woes.

(stats courtesy of TalkXFL.com)

The offensive line won’t be able to hide this week, because the Vipers have actually been surprisingly stingy versus the pass this season, allowing the fewest total yards, as well as fewest yards through the air. The Vipers are also tied for second with only seven total touchdowns allowed through four weeks of play. However, despite their excellent play, they also have the fewest interceptions of any team in the league and are tied with DC with only four sacks on the season. (More stats on TalkXFL.com)

As long as the Vipers play off the ball, and the Wildcats offense buys Josh Johnson enough time to get the ball down field, one can see this match-up going to LA, giving the offensive line group, and the team as a whole, a much needed moral boost. Of course, this isn’t set in stone at all. It will be a hotly contested battle, with the Vipers and Wildcats ranking 5th and 6th respectively on our weekly power rankings.

The Tampa Bay Vipers shot up the rankings this past week.

(stats courtesy of TalkXFL.com)

The Los Angeles Wildcats host the Tampa Bay Vipers on Sunday, March 8th, at 6 p.m. PST on ESPN.