XFL WEEK 1:"HE HATE ME": AN INSTANT LEGEND
XFL WEEK 1:"HE HATE ME": AN INSTANT LEGEND
February 7, 2001,
Somehow, I found it fitting that opening night play in the XFL last Saturday collided with the verdict of the Mark Chmura trial. As Chmura�s acquittal was announced by the judge, I could not help but speculate that Vince McMahon may have found his first superstar right there in a Waukesha, WI courtroom. Seriously, being the Maniax that I am, I enjoyed watching this new reality TV flavor of football, even if it does turn out to be Roller Derby for the new millennium. Anyways, here is what I thought about the XFL.
Quality of play � Shaky at best, but with no preseason, WHAT DID YOU EXPECT??? Obviously it�s below NFL level. However, with players such as Tommy Maddox, John Avery, and Rashaan Shehee, just to name a few, I think you will see the game quality improve. Also, bad luck prevailed in that the best two games were the ones not shown on TV. Just waiting for the bench clearing brawls to happen, the closest we got was a player taking off an opponents helmet, then kicking it 30 yards.
Camera work � Gave me a headache by the end of the first quarter of the first game, but wasn�t bad. The overhead and backfield views were kind of like what you would see in a video game. Might tone it down just a little.
Player/Coach Interviews � A little too intrusive. At least let players catch their breath and cool their jets before talking to them. Also they really wanted to see that NY coach throw a tantrum at halftime, didn�t they??? Don�t try to force situations, they�ll happen soon enough on it�s own. Players introducing themselves before the first offensive play is a neat touch. I�m sure it will just be a matter of time before someone steps way over the line with this.
Fan Interviews � Funniest moment of the weekend was in the LA-SF game when the interviewer as a fan dressed up as a demon if �he�s was going to get horny today???� With that going over the stadium loudspeakers it caused several players to go OFFSIDES!!!!! Absolutely hilarious. Just waiting for a fan to lay some smack on an opposing player during a game, especially considering the players are miked too. That would have some classic potential.
Rules � The opening �scramble� for the ball in lieu of a coin toss is awesome. Punts are actually exciting to watch with no fair catch. Returner does get a five-yard �halo� (similar to the CFL). Also the fact that the kicking team can recover any punt over 25 yards adds to the strategy. One situation had a team �quick-kicking� on third down in an attempt to recover downfield. Could do without the �bump-and-run�, the receivers just do not seem to get open. Overtime will be similar to that of college football where each team will get a shot at a drive starting from the 20. If the first team scores, in say three plays, then the opposition must score in three plays or less.
Announcers � Was expecting a little more out of Vasgersian and Ventura, although Jesse was classic ripping into the NY quarterback (�What do you mean he�s hurt, he hardly got hit!!!�-and he was right). Would like to throw Brian Bosworth out of the press box though. Marketing is tremendous though, check out the XFL web site for game photos, videos, profiles on all the players, and to order merchandise through the XFL store.
Nicknames on backs of players jerseys � Don�t have a problem with it. Adds to the flavor of the league. Would anyone be talking about Rod Smart today if he wasn�t known as �HE HATE ME�???
Rod �HE HATE ME� Smart � Here is the Vegas coaches critique on him: �Rod has blazing speed and is a Marshall Faulk type of back. He is explosive whenever he touches the ball. He is a change of pace back with the ability to match up with a linebacker or safety. With his soft hands and his speed, he can get vertical and get behind the coverage.� It will be fun hearing HHM dealing with the boobirds on the road this week.
By now you have no doubt read dozens of critics predictably rip the new league. Dwayne Johnson did a spot on a telecast where he said he would like to take all of the XFL�s critics and one by one throw them off the Golden Gate Bridge. If Rock did that, he would have to miss the next 20 wrestling pay-per-views because that�s how long it would take to toss everyone overboard. The controversy is sure to intensify in the coming weeks as we get to know the players more, and certain situations develop. Will a QB shack out with a cheerleader??? Will we see a wild, out-of-control bench clearing brawl??? Will we see something ugly erupt between a player and coach??? Will McMahon do anything to a player getting out of line??? But if you think America will quit watching, think again. While TV ratings and attendance will inevitably drop, a loyal audience will remain. More than two-thirds who responded to a Fanball poll this week said they will be back watching. If nothing else next month could give March Madness a whole new meaning.
