XFL offensive standouts After 4 Weeks
In the XFL a number of players seem to have found their level. Whether they’re using Vince McMahon’s league as a springboard to jump up to the NFL, or simply as a secondary opportunity to play professional ball, the league has showcased a number of unique talents, and some less so, through four weeks. So who have been the offensive standouts through the first four weeks of the XFL?
Here are our top two quarterbacks, rushers, and receivers through Week 4.
Quarterback
P.J. Walker, Houston Roughnecks
‘MVPJ’ has taken the league by storm. Andrew Luck’s former backup with the Indianapolis Colts has shone in the deep south with his dual-threat abilities. Having drawn many comparisons with fellow H-Town QB Deshaun Watson, Walker leads the league with 987 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions. Off the back of those numbers he has led June Jones’ side to four consecutive wins.
Jordan Ta'amu, St. Louis BattleHawks
The ‘Throwing Samoan’ as he was affectionately known back at Ole Miss, the former Rebel has taken his chance to start as a pro and run with it. A potent dual-threat QB like Walker, Ta’amu really found his footing after Week’s 1 and 2. He seems to have found his rhythm in just his second year out of college, after brief stints flirting with the NFL in 2019. With 876 passing yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, combined with a further 186 rushing yards, Ta’amu will be drawing plenty of attention from NFL teams this offseason.
Running back
De'Veon Smith, Tampa Bay Vipers
After unsuccessful stints with the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins, Smith seems to have found his level. The 25-year old out of Michigan has 296 yards and 66 carries to his name for the 1-3 Vipers. The third-round pick in the inaugural XFL draft has been easily one of the brightest sparks alongside fellow 200+ yard Tampa Bay RB Jacques Patrick on a, to date, lacklustre Vipers team.
Cameron Artis-Payne, Dallas Renegades
As anyone watching last weekend’s Texas Throwdown between Dallas and Houston will attest to, former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen loves Artis-Payne, and it is easy to see why. With two touchdowns and an average of 5.3 yards per carry, the former Panther has been consistently productive in Hal Mumme’s air-raid offense. Despite accidentally breaking the aforementioned offensive play caller’s leg in Week 4, his quality is easy to see against many of the less experienced defensive opponents.
Wide Receiver and Tight End
Cam Phillips, Houston Roughnecks
A former Buffalo Bills receiver, the 24-year old out of Virginia Tech leads the league in receiving yards with 333 and 7 touchdown receptions. Phillips and Walker have formed a formidable offensive duo and were particularly impressive in Weeks 1, 2 and 3. While he may be coming off of a relatively quiet game against the Renegades, Phillips deserves to be drawing the attention of NFL teams for his consistency this season.
TE - Donald Parham, Dallas Renegades
The 6’8″ 243-pound man-mountain out of Stetson has shone for Bob Stoops’ side. The 22-year old is hard to miss and his length and wing span have given him a huge advantage over many of the league’s defensive backs so far. Second in the league in receiving yards with 273, combined with 2 touchdowns, his productivity has been impressive. While he still needs to work on his consistency at times, his potential is clear. He should have a strong career whether in the XFL, NFL, or CFL.
Honourable mentions
- WR Nelson Spruce (LA Wildcats)
- QB Josh Johnson (LA Wildcats)
- RB Matt Jones (St. Louis BattleHawks)
ANTHONY WOOD
XFL ANALYST
REPRESENTING BRITS IN THE US, ANTHONY WILL BE WRITING FOR THE TOUCHDOWN FROM HIS NEW HOME IN TEXAS. WHERE HE ALSO WRITES AND PODCASTS FOR THE TEXANS WIRE. FOLLOW HIM @ARWOODNFL ON TWITTER.
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