NFL
By: Brock Vierra
A tough day for Rod Woodson’s men as Las Vegas Vipers fell to 1-5 on the season and remain at the bottom of the XFL North standings after a 29-6 blowout loss to Anthony Becht and the St. Louis Battlehawks. Vegas did what they’ve been doing all season which is failing to rise to the moment and it showed today.
There was optimism that today could be the spark that reignites the Vipers’ season after they picked up their first win of the season last week but that hope was quickly diminished when Vegas’ offensive line couldn’t stop a paper bag in the wind, let alone the Battlehawks defensive line. Quarterback Luis Perez was 3 of 8 on the day and Vegas’ offensive drives consistently stalled under him faster than a first-time driver operating a manual transmission but to his credit, he didn’t have much time to make plays either.
Vegas would periodically put together potential scoring drives but their inability to get a push off the line of scrimmage/ keep a clean pocket meant that they would go scoreless through three quarters and only a moment of pure heart and athleticism from running back John Lovett got them on the board.
Defensively, Vegas was tough up front but the secondary fell victim to the Battlehawks’ slew of offensive weapons. Darrius Sheppard led a cast of receivers in production on the day with 7 receptions for 79 yards and two touchdowns while QB A.J. McCarron tossed three TDs of his own. Impressive when he only had six incompletions on the day.
The Battlehawks’ defense was impenetrable as DB Levert Hill led the charge with two interceptions and almost came up with a third late in the game. Elijah Hamilton is a name to watch out for as well as St. Louis held Vegas to only 230 yards of offense.
After the game, I spoke to HC Rod Woodson who wasn’t pleased at all with his team’s performance and as GM, it seems like he’s ready to make changes. He has yet to name a QB1 for next week as both Perez and Brett Hundley (who played today) will have their shot along with third-string backup Jalan McClendon to grab the starting job. In terms of personnel, Woodson said he told his men “Whoever wants to there, show up on Monday. If you don’t show up on Monday, I know you don’t want to be a Viper.” Cold words from a coach who is ready to see improvement as he also stated that he “got some guys that aren’t making plays.” It will be interested to see these changes going forward but Woodson said he has no plans to change their offensive scheme.
For St. Louis, HC Anthony Becht was very complimentary of his coordinators, crediting them for the Battlehawks’ ability to control the game. He really had no issue with his team’s performance and rightfully so, Becht and A.J. McCarron put a lot of credit on OC Bruce Gradkowski’s shoulders for their success today as they look to make a late-season playoff push.
A lot to watch out for from two teams headed in opposite directions, I want to give John Lovitt and Brett Hundley their flowers, a very irritating day for the two was met with optimism and unity while in the press room. John Lovitt stated that the loss will “bring [the team] together, closer. Sometimes you need trials and tribulations to go where you need to be and this is all it is a little detour.” Uplifting words from a player who continues to be a contributor to the Vipers.
