Dallas Renegades-LA Wildcats Preview

Dallas comes into the game with some good news as quarterback Landry Jones will make his first start. Jones is bouncing back from a knee injury he suffered during the first week of training camp. The offense looks conservative with their play calling, but Jones should open up the passing game.

LA comes into the game, having one of the most significant losses in the early season. Charles Kanoff got off to a good start taking over for the injured Josh Johnson. The second half proved to be too much for Kanoff and Jalan McClendon. The injury Kanoff suffered in the loss to Houston begs the question of who will start at quarterback.

Game Details

• Dallas Renegades vs. LA Wildcats
• Date/Time: Sunday, February 16th at 3:00 pm EST
• Location: Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson, CA)
• Network: ABC

Coaching Comparison

Bob Stoops, Dallas Renegades

Legendary NCAA college coach Bob Stoops now has a new identity as a professional head coach. Stoops looked comfortable on the sideline as the team showed some good things and bad things. The play calling on offense was filled with safe passes and short completions by backup Philip Nelson. He’s got his quarterback back, so it should open the attack up to some fun, deep play calls.

Winston Moss, LA Wildcats

It could be said that Winston Moss has had an eventful beginning to the season. Moss decided to sign Shawn Oakman back at the end of training camp after initially cutting him in mini-camp. He decided to fire his defensive coordinator Pepper Johnson after one game. Anthony Johnson then became a free agent, but it is unclear how that situation went down. Now he will take over a defense that allowed 37 points to the Houston Roughnecks. It will be the most significant coaching challenge of the XFL season.

Quarterback Battle

Landry Jones, Dallas Renegades

Dallas fans were excited to hear the news that the team will get their starting quarterback Landry Jones back from injury. After almost five weeks of recovery from the knee injury, Stoops named Jones the starter. Landry back in the lineup should lead to a more open offense and more risks taken by offensive coordinator Hal Mumme. Jones has a great understanding of the offense and should provide a spark to the team that needs it.

Charles Kanoff/Jalan McClendon, LA Wildcats

Another week where there are questions about who will be the starting quarterback for the Wildcats. Charles Kanoff was injured in the fourth quarter of the loss to Houston after taking a big hit on his shoulder. Kanoff played well in the first half, but emotions got the best of him in the second half. Jalan McClendon started two drives for the team with very little success. His athletic abilities make him a threat offensively but must develop if he is going to help his team.

Keys to Victory

Dallas Renegades

Offensive coordinator Hal Mumme is the key to the team having success offensively. He’s got his starting quarterback back, which will put the offense at full strength. Jones has plenty of talent to throw to as Jeff Badet, Freddie Martino, and Jazz Ferguson are threats on the outside. Flynn Nagel was Nelson’s favorite target and could have more success if the offense opens up. The running game struggled in part due to the offensive line’s inability to open up running lanes. Cameron Artis-Payne should have a better game with Lance Dunbar playing an increased role in the offense.

The defense got gashed as the St. Louis BattleHawks recorded nearly 200 rushing yards. That’s a sign that the Renegades lost the battle at the line of scrimmage and time of possession. The secondary will have a challenge in covering Nelson Spruce as he is the Wildcats’ biggest weapon. The front seven must contain running back Elijah Hood from breaking out any big runs since quarterback is a question mark.

LA Wildcats

Josh Johnson doesn’t appear to be coming back this weekend, and that’s not a good sign for the Wildcats. Kanoff or McClendon will have to step up, cut down on turnovers, and create plays with their legs. Hood found some success running and may be called upon again against a weak rushing defense in Dallas. Nelson Spruce and Jordan Smallwood should continue to play a vital role in the passing game. The offensive line in pass protection must protect their quarterbacks as they took several hits during the Houston game.

The secondary will again be put to the test against a strong passing game in Dallas. Jones is back, which should mean more passing. The front seven won’t have one of their best defensive weapons in Anthony Johnson, so guys will need to step up. It’s a big challenge for a defense that had a lot of questions on their side of the ball and have more after week one.

Injury Report

Dallas Renegades

Winston Craig, DL – Thigh, Did not participate
Landry Jones, QB – Knee, Limited participation
Hau’oli Kikaha, LB – Wrist, Limited participation

LA Wildcats

Saeed Blacknall, WR – Thigh, Did not participate
Charles Kanoff, QB – Shoulder/Head, Did not participate
Dujuan Harris, WR – Ankle, Did not participate
Harlan Miller, CB – Ankle, Did not participate
Jerome Couplin, S – Ankle, Limited participation
Josh Johnson, QB – Thigh, Limited participation
Kahlil McKenzie, C – Ankle, Limited participation
Jack Tocho, CB – Hip, Limited participation
Trevon Sanders, DT – Hand, Limited participation
Tre Williams, LB – Hand, Limited participation

Follow me on Twitter for more great content @antmill40!

Discuss this and everything to do with sports at the Overtime Heroics forums!

Be sure to check out our partners at Repp Sports! They offer the first-ever crowd-sourced, no carb, no sugar, energy drink called RAZE, and much more! Use the link above or add the promo code OTH1 at checkout to get 30% off your order!