Looking Back at the Revived XFL

From Five weeks in play, to an unexpected stop abruptly. The XFL did actually have some serviceable product to behold. Granted some of the play by teams isn't there, but those who took those chances definitely helped some of them in the short run they had. I look back at the XFL Draft that was just picking players by default, and seeing Connor Cook be picked 2nd only to not start a game ha wow. After the conclusions, that was Super Bowl 54. A super bowl ad of the XFL was revealed. Not sure what to think of it other than the message was indeed football for a little bit of a longer period. Sadly that would not be the case.

First week of the XFL got some great boost to the curious case by football fans alike. The product turned out good in certain cases, and stars were born. Crowds while never always bringing in the most attendance by any means. There were some great ideas like DC, and St Louis getting a brand new team. While Texas,and Los Angeles get another team which yeah I get it big city, but is that really gonna work with bigger name teams? Sometimes crowds could be wildly entertaining in the short few times they were shown on the big screen. Oh and the hilarious Pat McAfee's reaction to the almost perfect punt. Sometimes commentary can be that highlight for the most part otherwise forgettable. Speaking of things that might have some long lasting appeal the kickoff rule was unique along with the attempts after a touchdown making for the gambling to be interesting for the coaching decision. Making the league a bit faster and tougher to win that way which I will give credit for that type of originality.

A lot of old reminiscent head coaches from the 90's and 2000's all gathered for this one last try was very fascinating to see names like June Jones, and Jerry Glanville. You also have a few recent names like Bob Stoops, Pep Hamilton, or Winston Moss. There was some coaching diversity to be found. Old school types of philosophies. It seemed like for the most part the running styles weren't really working, and the times all the teams went for pass it eventually got going somehow somebody flat wide open. Speaking of the playbook, how cool was it? You could hear loud ruling of challenges, and players/coaches all mic'd up giving up trick signals which reminds me of picking a random set of plays on Madden oddly enough. Halftime show seeing the teams regroup in the locker room itself is something you'll never see in the NFL, another cool aspect.

Let's actually go back to the players and teams a bit, like the original incarnation created stars like Rod Smart ''He hate me'' and Tommy Maddox. Both guys managed to get some shine when they came back in the NFL. I find that very fascinating seeing the MVP outta the five games played P.J. Walker looks like that type of a player who has that best chance at having some shine with Carolina playing behind Teddy Touchdown good for him he earned a roster spot. Another guy who could have been given a better landing spot is Jordan Ta’amu also looked very good. For whatever reason though he will see behind Patrick Mahomes. There were some wide receivers I say had their big moments like Nelson Spruce was a big impact player. Austin Proehl same deal, although he was one of the lesser of those in comparison to the highlights you look back on. Trey McBride broke through towards the end of that run he was really letting loose. Another guy who was kinda that but thrives a bit earlier would be Donald Parham. In terms of the defensive side of the football there wasn't anything too notable of how he really stood out as a very great player. I could say Deatrick Nichols, and some rookie player by the name of Kenny Robinson who is eligible for the draft that's gonna be interesting to watch who takes a chance on him.

I do feel despite its short death of revival that this version is far better than the 2001 format being so laughably bad, and cheesy in comparison. This one wasn't using pro wrestlers to endorse the product. They actually brought in legitimate good scouts, and veterans who knew how to work football operations. It's unknown for now if this will keep going, but based off the major stars they end of losing to the NFL that looks to be likely sadly. Still though a nice little run they had there until the coronavirus stopped everything in its track so intimidatingly. When it was reported that an employer who worked at a concession stand had the virus there was no more continued play as the XFL was no more for the rest of the year, and now all we have now is the waiting game.

Comments

I thought this version of the XFL was miles better in comparison to its older brother 2001 XFL and cousin AAF counterparts. They had a lot going for them. And it was easy to find their games. This is just unfortunate to see them cancel and it’s not even thier own fault. I really hope we see them again in the future. This is the best spring football league I’ve seen in terms of overall being the most well rounded. The downfall for them is likely going to be players slowly drifting to the NFL. But we’ll see what happens - visitor

It's really sad. It seemed like Vince McMahon would finally make the XFL work, but through no fault of his own, looks like it is yet another failure. That is unless he brings it back after this mess is over. - visitor