Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream - Episode 2 Notes
A quick summary of notes and tidbits from ESPN’s second installment in their nine-part docuseries dedicated to the XFL!
For those who missed our recap of episode one, click here:
Recap of Episode
The episode starts with San Antonio Brahmas Head Coach Hines Ward coaching up his team during a film session and in practice.
Ward praised two of his Quarterbacks and said it would come down to the wire for who would be named the starter - Jack Coan and Reid Sinnett.
Quarterback Reid Sinnett explains his journey from the NFL to the XFL.
Quarterback Jack Coan shows an interesting method to learning a playbook; He uses poker chips that act as “players” on a given play to learn the play and the interactions between players.
Ward explains the differences in personality between his top two QBs.
Next, the show moves to Houston Roughnecks practice on Feb. 9th. Cut down day to be specific. Cornerback David Tolentino, Jr. shares the news that he’s been cut from the team.
Roughnecks Head Coach Wade Phillips gives Tolentino, Jr. high praise: “We’d love to have him back if we have injuries there”
The Rock and Dany Garcia talk about player safety and being a league that puts it at the forefront. Next, the duo are seen filming various clips for XFL Media Day.
The BattleHawks Quarterback room is spotlighted next. St. Louis’ Offensive Coordinator Bruce Gradkowski gives Quarterback AJ McCarron praise for using his knowledge of the offense. More specifically, Gradkowski mentions McCarron using his veteran presence to help the other QBs in the room. Both Gradkowski and Head Coach Anthony Becht mention that they see McCarron as “another coordinator” for their team in a sense.
The show shifts to opening weekend. The Rock and Dany Garcia made it a point to make it to all four games during opening week.
Game highlights of St. Louis vs San Antonio are shown to close out the episode.
Players Featured
QB Reid Sinnett (San Antonio Brahmas Assignee)
QB Jack Coan (San Antonio Brahmas Assignee)
DB David Tolentino, Jr (Houston Roughnecks Draftee ((released)
QB AJ McCarron (St. Louis BattleHawks Assignee)
Final Thoughts
Episode two featured a good deal of practice tape, film review, and the owners of the XFL. The Brahmas and BattleHawks were the teams highlighted. Both teams practiced hard and it’s obvious that cut down day was not easy for any of these eight teams.
The closing segment showed the closing moment of the week one battle between STL and SAN. It made for a great game and it made for a great closing segment for Player 54. A lighter episode at just over 23 minutes, I would expect that length from here on out.
All in all, it was a good episode showcasing QBs and the tough decisions that are made during cut down days in sports. Episode 3 airs next Thursday on ESPN2 and on ESPN+ immediately after airing.