Quarterback Landry Jones made his first start in the XFL, and led the Dallas Renegades to their first win of the season with a 25-18 win over the Los Angeles Wildcats who dropped to 0-2.
Landry Jones Struggles Early, Shines Late as Dallas Renegades Survive Wildcats, Win 25-18
First Quarter
The first quarter was relatively uneventful, with both teams failing to score any points. The Dallas Renegades stuck to their game plan from last week, and came out throwing the ball early and often. They were only rewarded with two possessions in the first quarter; one ending with a punt and the other an interception caused by a combination of bad decision making and miscommunication.
The Wildcats took a different approach, and came out with the purpose of running the football. Much to their dismay though, the first two drives for the Wildcats ended in fumbles. They were able to garner a few first downs on both drives, but ended up turning the ball over each time it seemed momentum was starting to turn their way.
Second Quarter
After a first quarter laced with sloppy turnovers, the Renegades were finally able to get some points on the scoreboard, but only a 41 yard field goal from kicker Austin MacGinnis. The Renegades wouldn’t score again the rest of the half and were in need of some major adjustments given the events of the first two quarters. The biggest takeaway from the first half was the inconsistent play from Landry Jones.
The second quarter was much of the same for the Wildcats, as the team was finally able to put three points on the board thanks to a 47 yard field goal by veteran kicker Nick Novak. That was the lone bright spot for the Wildcats though, as they struggled heavily with stalled drives, turnovers, and dumb penalties. They were in desperate need for some explosive plays to help regain the momentum, but failed to do so with their vanilla play calling throughout the first half.
Third Quarter
With the game all tied up heading into the third quarter, both teams were hoping that they were just one explosive play away from busting this game wide open. The Renegades were once again able to put three points on the board by courtesy of a 45 yard field goal, but not before another poorly thrown interception by Landry Jones earlier in the quarter.
The Wildcats seemingly made no adjustments at halftime, as they were held to a missed field goal and another fumble in their lone two possessions of the third quarter. What was really missing from the Wildcats, so far this game, was the lack of plays being made by starting quarterback Josh Johnson with his legs. Johnson seemed too intent on staying the pocket and throwing dump off passes up and down the field. The Wildcats desperately needed him to go off-script more often and make more plays with his feet.
Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter is where the action quickly picked up for both teams. After being limited to field goals all game, both teams were finally able to stretch the field and put some touchdowns on the board. The Renegades scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter; two of them coming on the ground thanks to a strong effort by former Auburn running back Cameron Artis-Payne. The three touchdown effort by the Renegades would be enough to help them secure their first win of the season. They now sit at 1-1 on the season.
The Wildcats were also finally able to put some touchdowns on the board, but still couldn’t cut down on the turnovers. Josh Johnson threw a badly placed interception early in the quarter. He also failed to move the ball at the end of the game, going four-and-out and sealing the loss for the Wildcats. A gut-wrenching loss considering the vast improvements the defense made from week one to two. They now sit at 0-2 on the season.
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