5 Things To Watch For During XFL Week 1
2. How Do Former NFL And College Stars Fare?
While its true that many of the big names come from the quarterback position, there are some players that fans could be familiar with at other spots on the roster.
At running back, for example, the Dallas Renegades have two former NFLers in longtime Carolina Panthers backup Cameron Artis-Payne and former Dallas Cowboys reserve Lance Dunbar. The St. Louis Battlehawks halfback Christine Michael, a four year NFL veteran himself, will likely be a name that football fans recall as well.
Past that, you have players like the entertaining punter Marquette King, former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Sammie Coates, and ex Baltimore Ravens safety Matt Elam on XFL squads. How they adapt to the XFL's rule changes, and whether or not they can use their NFL experience to become stars in their own right, will be key to the league's development.
Additionally, it's worth noting that many players on both side of the ball have some level of quality college experience under their belt. That means that these teams should, in theory, be at an OK starting place in spite of their lack of experience together as collective units.
For the crucial first week games when the most eyes will likely be on the league, that could play a major role in the XFL's early success, or lack thereof, by affecting the quality of the on-field product.