We are nearing the halfway point of the XFL season, as fans are becoming familiar with the star players around the league. Here is a look at who stood out in Week 3:
Offensive Player of the Week: WR Cam Phillips, Houston Roughnecks
After three weeks, the Roughnecks receiver has earned his first Offensive Player of the Week honors. In Week 2, Phillips finished as the Offensive Player of the Week Runner-Up.
In a 34-27 win over the Tampa Bay Vipers, Phillips was responsible for eight receptions, 194 yards and three touchdowns. The standout is already up to seven touchdowns this season; four more than any other receiver in the league.
Defensive Player of the Week: CB Mike Stevens, Los Angeles Wildcats
The Wildcats only allowed nine points in their 39-9 win over the DC Defenders. It was in large part to Mike Stevens, who forced one sack and two interceptions over the weekend.
The undrafted free agent from NC State was invited to rookie camp with the Carolina Panthers, but it never evolved into a serious role. With a few more performances like this, Stevens has the potential to lead Los Angeles to a promising position.
Offensive Player of the Week Runner-Up: QB Josh Johnson, Los Angeles Wildcats
Entering the weekend, the Wildcats were eight-point underdogs to Cardale Jones and the DC Defenders. However, it was Johnson who led his team to a 39-9 favorite. After starting the season with injuries, Johnson put together 278 passing yards and three touchdowns.
The NFL journeyman was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2008 Draft. He has shown promise in the early stages, but will now use this platform to display his consistency.
Defensive Player of the Week Runner-Up: LB Steven Johnson, Seattle Dragons
Despite a 24-12 loss to the Dallas Renegades, Johnson was one of few players to stand out. His combined 14 tackles were doubled anyone else on his roster, and also led the XFL for Week 3. Two of his tackles were for a loss, and he also earned an important pass deflection as well.
Johnson originally signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He spent time with three other franchises before eventually joining the short-lived Alliance of American Football (AAF).
Offensive Honorable Mentions: QB PJ Walker, Houston Roughnecks; TE Donald Parham, Dallas Renegades; WR Tre McBridge, Los Angeles Wildcats
Defensive Honorable Mentions: LB DeMarquis Gates, Houston Roughnecks, LB Tre’ Williams, S Godwin Igwebuike, Seattle Dragons
Photo Credit- Michael Starghill, Getty Images
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