Epic trick play, cursing on live TV, a breakout QB star highlight first week of new, less-gimmicky XFL
The inaugural weekend of the reinvented XFL is in the books.
So, what did you think?
Would you like to see the NFL adopt the XFL's radical new kickoff or PAT rules? How about the transparency with the officials and booth reviews?
Chances are good the NFL is paying attention to not only the players on the field, but also the innovations the new league is presenting the television audience.
With the NFL still two and a half weeks from its next big event -- the scouting combine in Indianapolis -- we take a look at the first week of XFLplay in the latest attempt to make spring professional football work.
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XFL Week 1 must-see moments
- Winners and losers: TV networks got encouraging ratings news for the inaugural game, and the league could make inroads with a potential new fan base: gamblers.
- Trading gimmicks for innovation: The gimmicks of the 2001 version of the XFL are not going to cut it in this new XFL.
- NY fans dig Guardians' debut win: Fans were optimistic that the new XFL could flourish amid a history of failed spring leagues.
- First player ejection: Tampa Bay Vipers DT Ricky Walker has the distinction of being the first player tossed from a game in the rebooted XFL.
- Seattle Dragons player curses on live TV: The ABC employee on the dump button will need a quicker trigger than that.
- Meet QB who starred in XFL debut: Look out Deshaun Watson, there's another game-breaking quarterback in Houston.
- Player ruins a perfect punt: Former Colts punter and current ESPN sideline reporter Pat McAfee lost his mind when a St. Louis BattleHawks player had an embarrassing special teams gaffe.
- Jerry Glanville wore two headsets at once: Legendary former NFL coach Jerry Glanville is back coaching football and he's still a colorful character.
- DC Defenders pull off weekend's best trick play: Former Ohio State QB Cardale Jones was part of an epic reverse flea-flicker touchdown play.
- NFL players react to the XFL's opener: Current and former NFL players took to social media to provide their impressions of the new league.
XFL Week 1 rundown
- DC Defenders 31, Seattle Dragons 19: The inaugural game of the reincarnated XFL belonged to the Cardale Jones-led Defenders.
- Houston Roughnecks 37, LA Wildcats 17: Quarterback P.J. Walker was a revelation for the Roughnecks.
- New York Guardians 23, Tampa Bay Vipers 3: While the Guardians were dominant, the Vipers have work to do.
- St. Louis BattleHawks 15, Dallas Renegades 9: The BattleHawks pulled off the biggest upset in XFL history, despite a hilarious special teams gaffe.
Looking ahead to the NFL offseason
- Top 20 (plus) players who are currently unsigned: This should be one of the most compelling offseasons in recent memory.
- Biggest offseason questions: From Tom Brady's big decision to the draft, there are plenty of looming questions.
- Ready for craziest offseason in years? The NFL's QB landscape could be headed for a seismic shift.
- Latest mock draft: With less than three months to the NFL draft, the top picks are taking shape.
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