Week One of the new and improved XFL has come and gone with a lot of positive response. We’ve seen this all before and the real question comes over the next few weeks when the buzz of the new league dissipates and the product needs to leave fans seeking more.
Four games were played between the leagues eight teams on debut weekend with a pair coming each Saturday and Sunday. Five former Notre Dame players started the season on XFL rosters and here is how they all fared in XFL Week One.
Scott Daly and Jarron Jones – New York Guardians
The former Notre Dame long-snapper and former defensive tackle each repped the New York squad in their season opening win over Tampa. Daly didn’t mess up which is the best thing that can be said for a long-snapper while Jones helped pave the way for an offense that scored 23 points in a win over Tampa Bay.
“But wait, I thought Jarron Jones played on the d-line at Notre Dame?”
You’re correct. But since spending time on NFL practice squads he has made the transition to offensive tackle, a position he was drafted as a first round pick by the Guardians as.
Tarean Folston – Tampa Bay Vipers
Former Notre Dame running back didn’t suit up for the Vipers as he began the season on injured reserve. Perhaps they could have used him as they scored just three points in a 23-3 loss at New York.
Then again, having lived through a Marc Trestman era in Chicago I can see how maybe he wouldn’t actually be the answer to that issue.
Greer Martini – Dallas Renegades
The former Notre Dame linebacker recorded two tackles for the Renegades who fell at home, 15-9 to St. Louis.
My main takeaway here is that head coach Bob Stoops lost a big game in which he was favored. I feel like we’ve seen that picture before.
Nyles Morgan – Seattle Dragons
The one-time Notre Dame captain and linebacker did not record a tackle in Saturday’s league debut as Seattle lost to the DC Defenders, 31-19.
For more thoughts on the XFL’s opening weekend check out what was said in Monday’s USA TODAY.