The XFL has continued to impress fans, as we have concluded Week 2 of the regular season. With it, here are particular names that stood out:
Offensive Player of the Week: QB PJ Walker, Houston Roughnecks
Once again, the Roughnecks quarterback was the most impressive player in the XFL this past weekend. Walker finished 20-of-31 with 170 yards and three touchdowns through the air. In addition, he provided 27 rushing yards on four attempts in a contested win over the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Walker has continued to be a shining point for the revived league, as he remains poised to compete for a future NFL roster spot. With flashes of elusiveness outside of the pocket, Walker is turning into the brightest attraction for the XFL.
Defensive Player of the Week: S Marcelis Branch, Tampa Bay Vipers
Although the Vipers didn’t come away with the win, Branch consistently found himself as the centerpiece of the defense. With a league-leading 12 tackles, Branch was only one of two players on the team to record a sack.
The safety originally signed with the Atlanta Falcons an undrafted free agent in 2017, and eventually signed a reserve/futures contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite shining during the previous preseason, Branch was not able to contain a roster spot.
Offensive Player of the Week Runner-Up: WR Cam Phillips, Houston Roughnecks
With the success of PJ Walker in Week 2, Phillips was one of multiple players to benefit from his play. With 63 yards over eight receptions, he managed to find the end zone on three occasions.
The play of Phillips in the early weeks has him deemed as the “top receiver in the XFL“. Prior to his emergence, Phillips signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. After being waived, he was drafted in the sixth round of the XFL Draft.
Defensive Player of the Week Runner-Up: CB Kyle Queiro, Seattle Dragons
While Queiro didn’t make his presence known through the box score, his game-winning interception seucred the 17-9 win for the Dragons over the Tampa Bay Vipers.
The defensive back went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft before being signed to the Dallas Cowboys. He was eventually waived and placed on the team’s practice squad. He never received an opportunity on the active roster, and was released in August of 2019.
Offensive Honorable Mentions: RB Cameron Artis-Payne, Dallas Renegades; WR Nelson Spruce, Los Angeles Wildcats; QB Josh Johnson, Los Angeles Wildcats
Defensive Honorable Mentions: CB Steve Williams, Seattle Dragons; LB DeMarquis Gates, Houston Roughnecks; LB Anthony Johnson, DC Defenders
Photo Credit- DraftKings
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