NFL
By: Brock Vierra
Maybe if Cam Sutton extended the ball, we’d be having a different conversation. Maybe if the Vegas Vipers picked up St. Louis’ fake punt, it would be a different story but that’s the curse of life, there are no maybes, it is just what it is, and what it is, is that Vegas continues to falter in the end. After last week’s commanding victory over San Antonio, Vegas hoped to continue the good times as they traveled to St. Louis this week, and up until five minutes before the end of regulation, it looked like Vegas would get their third win on the season.
The good times were rolling, Vegas was running the ball with elite efficiency, and their bend but don’t break defense held St. Louis to 8 points through three quarters but their issues of old continue to plague the team. The offensive line remains poor and QB Jalan McClendon felt it with two fumbles (one lost) on the day the Vipers inability to put games away showed when they sent the house on a St. Louis punt that the Battlehawks faked for a 64-yard touchdown that brought the game within three points.
Vegas failed to run out the clock as Battlehawks QB Nick Tiano who started over the injured A.J. McCarron drove the offense downfield for a game-tying field goal. In the first-ever XFL overtime game of the 2023 season, we learned it was shootout style where both teams have three separate, alternating opportunities to convert from the two-point conversion spot. The team that converts the most chances out of three wins the game. Vegas went 0-2 as St. Louis went 2-0 to keep Anthony Becht’s squad right in the playoff race.
Vegas Vipers Lose A Tough One
What can you really say about Vegas that hasn’t already been said? It’s the same thing every week. I understand that due to a lack of a free-agent player pool changes can’t be made to overhaul the offensive line but the status quo isn’t working either. However, the Vipers are only playing for pride at this point so let’s talk about what’s next.
Vegas has a tremendous amount of talent on the board and here are some guys that I believe should get opportunities at the next level. Starting it off is Jalan McClendon. This is a player whose talent has been hidden due to his lack of opportunities but his height, running ability, and strong arm are traits that are so beloved at the next level, NFL GMs are about to overdraft Anthony Richardson and Will Levis just to acquire it. McClendon is a cheap prospect whose game could elevate with better coaching and better-surrounding talent.
Matthew Sexton has really shown some ability as both a slot receiver and a returner. Built-in the Danny Amendola/ Braxton Berrios mold, every top passing offense needs a player like Sexton. If we look at history and the top offenses in NFL history, there are players like Sexton that stand out. Guys like Ricky Proehl, Wes Welker, and such. Sexton displays a tremendous center of gravity with an ability to make sharp cuts while being deadly on the out route.
Pita Taumoepenu has been a star of the Vegas Vipers and there’s a tremendous need in the NFL for backup pass rushers. Taumoepenu has been putting up massive sack and pressure numbers in the XFL and his outside move is the stuff defensive coaches dream of. I love his bend and ability to get under the reach of tackles while having the balance to make the corner and attack the quarterback. Perfect for 3-4 or nickel defenses.
I do hope Rod Woodson remains coach of the Vegas Vipers in 2023. He is a legit coach and there are players who have made huge strides in their development under him. Consistency is key to the success of any organization, the Vipers just need to stop consistently throwing away winnable games.
