5 Things To Watch For During XFL Week 1

The rules are only going to go so far in making the 2020 XFL a success. No amount of rules, whether they turn out to be brilliant or terrible, will be able to hide the quality of play in week one.

While we know the roster and coaching staffs for each team, we still don't really know what the depth chart will be or how each team will run. Nevertheless, thanks in large part to some big name coaching hires, each of whom will bring a distinct personality to the position, we still have good reason to feel some level of confidence in the on-field product going into week one.

University of Oklahoma legend Bob Stoops has came out of retirement to lead the Dallas Renegades, and brought with him an expert in the innovative air raid offense in Hal Mumme as offensive coordinator. The head coach and general manager of the Tampa Bay Vipers is none other than Marc Trestman, a multi-time Grey Cup winner in the CFL and former pass-heavy coach of the Chicago Bears. Former elusive quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks and longtime NFL QB coach Jim Zorn will be heading up the Seattle Dragons.

All three provide just a small example of the unique backgrounds and experiences of the coaches the XFL has chosen to guide each of its franchises.

If the players in the XFL can help unlock some of these coaches' on-field personalities and successfully open up their playbooks, then the XFL will easily be on the fast track for success. Unfortunately however, that might be easier said than done.

These teams still really haven't sounded like they've had the same level of practice as say, an NFL squad. They also don't have the elite talent of an NFL team either, although the big bucks reportedly spent at the quarterback position will help shore some of that up.

A barometer of success for the XFL as a whole then will be how well each team will be able to meet their coach's expectations and pull together to create some of the entertaining football we know these playcallers can provide.