Changing Of The Guard: Should Defenders Start King In Week Three?
(OPINION) The D.C. Defenders are 2-0. Is D’Eriq King in line to start in Week Three to keep the ball rolling?
The (2-0) D.C. Defenders are off to a hot start in the XFL’s 2023 season. D.C. has elected to start former Ole Miss, St. Louis BattleHawk, and USFL Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu in each of the first two games in 2023. He’s had his ups and downs thus far. Former University of Houston and University of Miami Quarterback D’Eriq King has been the backup to Ta’amu. The electric playmaker has provided the spark the Defenders have desperately needed in each of the first two weeks. So, what should the plan be moving forward at quarterback?
The Case For King
Listed at just five-foot, nine inches tall, King has deficiencies as a passer. It is what ultimately led to the Manvel, Texas native going undrafted in 2022. He immediately switched positions in the NFL, being signed as a UDFA of the New England Patriots. New England saw King as a wide receiver for their team. He’d be released during the offseason.
Next, King was signed by the Carolina Panthers during the 2022 regular season. Assigned to the practice squad as a quarterback, King was used as the “look team” QB for Carolina’s game against the Baltimore Ravens in week 11. Tasked with mimicking Ravens’ starter Lamar Jackson, King was released the following week.
Enter the XFL. King was signed later than most of the other QB’s in the league. Though he ultimately lost the starting job to Ta’amu in training camp, it can be argued that King is the better player right now. There’s something to be said about a player changing the dynamic of an offense. King has proven to be the spark the Defenders have needed in both games in this year.
He has be an electric runner with the football in his hands for D.C. in both of their wins. King has complied 46 yards and two touchdowns on the ground this year. In limited attempts dropping back as a passer, King is 1 of 2 for seven yards. He’s also completed a successful two-point try through the air.
Opposing defenses have had a difficult time defending King in the run game. Using various formations, Offensive Coordinator Fred Kaiss runs a “college style” offense of sorts with King in the game. Whether it’s an RPO, QB Draw, or QB Sneak, King has proved to be the X-factor for D.C. in weeks one and two. Regardless of King’s depth chart status moving forward, he’ll continue to be an integral part of the Defenders offense for the remainder of the year.
CREDIT: deriqking on Instagram
The Case For Ta’amu
As we move from the backup to the starter, Ta’amu has had some ups and downs this season. Ta’amu was signed by the Defenders in November of 2022. Prior to signing with the XFL, Ta’amu enjoyed a fruitful career in college and in various Spring Football leagues. The former Ole Miss Rebel went undrafted in 2019. The Houston Texans signed Ta’amu to compete for a roster spot after the draft.
Upon his release, he’d pivot to the XFL. In 2020, Ta’amu, playing for the St. Louis BattleHawks at the time, was regarded as a top player in the league. Ta’amu finished with 1,050 passing yards, 217 rushing yards, and ten total touchdowns. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down the league after just five weeks, giving Ta’amu another chance to chase his NFL dream.
From 2020-2021, Ta’amu spent parts of two NFL seasons with four different teams. He’d be a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Washington Football Team, and the Carolina Panthers in that span. Though none of these opportunities materialized into making an active roster, Ta’amu gained invaluable experience on these teams.
Next, we move to the USFL. The developmental Spring Football league thought highly of Ta’amu. He’d be drafted second overall in the 2022 USFL Draft by the then Tampa Bay Bandits. During the 2022 season, Ta’amu emerged as the single-season leader in both passing yards (2,014), and passing touchdowns (14). The playmaking quarterback added an additional 365 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to his resume with the Bandits.
Let’s talk present. Ta’amu would use his impressive numbers to shift from the USFL to the XFL. Much like King, he’d be a late addition to the Defenders roster. As mentioned above, Ta’amu emerged the victor in the QB1 battle with King during D.C.’s training camp. Ta’amu has commanded the offense well, but he’s also squandered opportunities with costly turnovers.
The Defenders offense hasn’t moved the ball particularly well with Ta’amu in the game. Their longest passing play of the season is just 18 yards. On the season, Ta’amu has completed 18 of 43 pass attempts for 172 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. On the ground, he’s tallied 77 rushing yards and one touchdown. Ball security has been an issue for Ta’amu, putting the ball on the carpet twice in two games.
CREDIT: Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Two QB System?
Could a two-quarterback system work for the Defenders? Sure it could. Look, Ta’amu has proven his worth in two different Spring Football leagues. For King, he’s given D.C. fans a glimpse into his magic with the ball in his hands. Why not continue to stick to the exact game plan the Defenders have been using?
The problem is inconsistent play by the offense as a whole. A combination of below average offensive line play, receivers not creating separation, and the quarterback holding the ball too long, D.C. hasn’t been able to get it done through the air. They rank last in the XFL in completion percentage, and passing yards per attempt. Conversely, the Defenders are paving the way on the ground. They lead the league in rushing yards, touchdowns, first downs rushing, and more.
From a passing standpoint, it’s obvious that Ta’amu is ahead of King. As a pure runner, King is the better option. The difference between the two is that King has protected the football in his limited roles in both games. If D.C. went the route of two QB’s, they could combine the strengths of their top-two gunslingers. The sky would be the limit for this team in that scenario.
Ultimately, the XFL is about putting together a complete set of game film for NFL executives. In my opinion, the use of the two-quarterback system in Spring Football is a detriment to the players involved. It is a slippery slope to go down, but D.C. might not have a choice if they keep winning games in this fashion.
Final Thoughts On Who Should Start
In conclusion, I have convinced myself that D’Eriq King gives the D.C. Defenders the best chance to win. The offense begins to take shape with him at the helm. Defenses have to defend against the run in every play with King under center. In each of the first two weeks, King has shifted the entire complexion of the game. Yes, he isn’t a natural fit at quarterback. Yes, he is under six feet. Yes, he may not win games with his arm.
With his legs however, he has created the ultimate mismatch across the entirety of the XFL. He is providing the Defenders with the same magic he used at both Houston and Miami. Moving forward, it is unknown whether D.C. feels King has what it takes to be the starter. But, the team cannot deny his presence and impact on the game.
As the rest of the week two games concluded, and next week progresses, I will be curious to see if the Defenders stick with Ta’amu. In my opinion, King should be the starter of this football team. He gives D.C. the best chance to win.
Who do you think should be the starter for the D.C. Defenders in week three? Comment below! #Frenzy