Through two weeks of the upstart XFL spring season, the most exciting player on the field is, you guessed it, former Temple quarterback PJ Walker. Walker is without a doubt dynamic as a runner and thrower. If he continues to prosper he may receive an NFL contract when all is said and done. Aside from Walker, QB play has been hard to watch league-wide. The XFL has done everything right in order to become a successful spring league except place an emphasis on the quarterback role. The increased exposure to players, coaches and officials has been welcoming. The kickoff changes will one day be implemented in the NFL. Most fans are also on board with the more exciting extra point rules featuring a possible attempt at one, two or three points. Despite all this, the league may end up like previous failed spring football leagues for a reason no one anticipated.
The quarterback has the ball in his hands on every single play. Although annoying at times, their importance to a team is unparalleled. This importance is the only concept missing in the XFL’s business model. Viewers, especially today, need constant action and stimulation when watching a live event or any sort of tv show. When the majority of the quarterbacks representing the league cannot perform at a level deemed to be “professional,” it becomes incredibly difficult to showcase these events. In week 1, Matt Mcgloin facing off against Aaron Murray was basically unwatchable. The crown jewel of the league, Landry Jones, is exciting enough but his decision making leaves a lot to be desired. There are about 4 or 5 QB spots throughout the league that need to be upgraded. The hope is the league can survive without making this change right away but, time is of the essence.
There are three QBs that immediately come to mind as replacements that would drastically move the needle in fanfare. Tim Tebow, Colin Kaepernick and Johnny Manziel all would be must-see TV and a much better alternative to some of the fellows slinging it in the XFL right now. Obviously, there are factors keeping these three from playing in the league, but CEO Oliver Luck must find a way to secure the talents of at least one of these players. It is being reported that any of these three talents are demanding more money than the league can offer. While I do understand this, the longevity of the league should be looked at as what is going to eventually pay the outlying salary of one of these players. All three offer a ton in the marketing space, are fan-favorites in certain niches and dual threat in their abilities under center. The ability to scramble, move around in the pocket, and make elusive runs at the quarterback position has strong correlations to team success in the early part of the inaugural season.
The quarterback play league-wide has to improve. The XFL cannot hide this from its fan base and due to the importance of the position, it is critical they make some sort of change. Whether it is a splash move like mentioned above or some sort of advanced scouting to bring in better signal-callers, something must be done. The spring football league can succeed and the XFL has created an experience the avid football fan can enjoy. The XFL must seize the opportunity to do what’s right and improve QB play.