NFL
By: Brock Vierra
For a quarterback that has only one professional completion in four years and one start in a football game at any level in about a decade, Jalan McClendon sure can throw the football. My initial scouting report entering the season was that McClendon was a duel-threat QB was spot on but also an evaluation made with a total of 54 seconds of collegiate game tape. Turns out, McClendon is exactly what the doctor ordered for Rod Woodson’s squad as the newly minted QB1 of the Vegas Vipers was the driving force behind their dominant 26-12 victory over the San Antonio Brahmas.
A Steeler homecoming for Vipers HC Rod Woodson, Brahmas HC Hines Ward, and Brahmas LB coach Joey Porter, even the stands were filled with Ward, Woodson, and for some reason, Polamalu jerseys. What was supposed to be a great day for Ward, who was greeted by traveling Brahmas fans throughout Cashman Field turned sour with only six offensive points scored in the game.
On the other side, Woodson made big changes and it showed. The week’s tempo was on Monday with both McClendon being named the starter and the elimination of music at practices. Getting back to basics in terms of game preparation, DB Deontay Anderson who had an interception in the game said that the team was “really focused” to which McClendon agreed. Anderson spoke about “creating their own juice” and it showed as any time Vegas looked vulnerable, they shut the door on the Brahmas with full force.
Jalan McClendon Is On a Roll
Jalan McClendon who tossed for two touchdowns developed a massive connection with Matthew Sexton. Sexton who replaced Martavis Bryant in the starting lineup made the most of his opportunity with 4 receptions on 4 targets for 72 yards and his play set up touchdowns from Rod Smith, Sean Price, and John Lovett. When asked about Bryant’s absence from the starting lineup, Woodson said “That’s personal but he’ll be in the starting lineup this week.” It is important to note that Bryant did start on the kick return team where he had 2 returns for 38 yards.
Defensively, Pita Taumoepenu continued to increase his NFL stock with a 1.5 sack performance, keeping him at the top of the league leaderboards while DT LaRon Stokes continues to anchor a dominant defensive line. The aforementioned Deontay Anderson took Woodson’s words about the defensive backs of the Vipers needing a better performance to heart as his pick ended the Brahmas scoring chances for essentially the rest of the game.
The win puts a cap on Vegas’ home season as they play their remaining three games on the road. Hoping to pick up their first road win of the season, Vegas will travel to St. Louis to play the Battlehawks, a team they lost to in week 6. When asked, Woodson was very complimentary of the Vipers fan base, stating his wish to play the next season in Vegas while thanking all the fans who stayed at Cashman Field during the rainy home opener.
For the Vipers, it has been quite a long season but with the gleam of hope opened up through the play of Jalan McClendon, Vegas has the opportunity to play spoiler to a slew of teams. As John Lovett said last week, Vegas must continue to go through the trials and tribulations of the 2023 season but week 7 left everyone with smiles and an objective that can be marked as completed.
As we look to the future, I do hope Matthew Sexton continues to get an opportunity. The shifty slot receiver and the duel-threat quarterback have something special and though I wish Martavis Bryant the best, I think Sexton is better suited as a starter with Bryant being the rotation guy. However, Vegas doesn’t pay me to make these decisions so only time will tell if this is the beginning of something special for Woodson and the crew or if this was a flash in the pan.
Comments 1