Preview: DC Defenders vs Seattle Dragons
The DC Defenders open up their inaugural season against the Seattle Dragons. The Dragons are coached by former Baltimore Ravens quarterback coach Jim Zorn (2010). DC Defender coach Pep Hamilton are currently the Vegas odds favorite to win the XFL by +350, and are lead by some familiar faces of the NFL and the NCAA.
The Defenders are lead by former Ohio State quarterback Cardell Jones who was at one point a candidate to win a Heismen trophy in the 2015 season. Unfortunately some injuries held Jones back, and has bounced back with a few NFL teams now has a chance. Jones has said, “I finally have a chance again to be a starter again I am ready to prove myself.”
The Defenders also have a familiar face on defense at safety who’s name may be tainted in the city of Baltimore in Matt Elam. The former first round pick in 2013 was supposed to be Ed Reed’s replacement, but after three years in Baltimore he was cut, and was named one of the Ravens biggest bust in franchise history. Elam has spent time in the CFL, and is looking to show he can still play in the NFL.
Another player to look for is DeAndre Thompkins, the former Penn State wide receiver who was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles this past season. He is a speedy receiver who can catch a deep ball with the cannon Jones has to offer. Thompkins was a big target for trace McSorley back in 2017.
There are many more key players to this team, but these are the key players to look out for on week one of the season. There should be some more unknown stars to shine later on in the year, and it should be a great year of NFL football.
