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UFL spring football (XFL and USFL merge) (1 Viewer)

joey

joey

Footballguy
Shows you how much (read: little) publicity the XFL and USFL get when their leagues announced their official merger in Dec of last year and it was a “tree falls in the forest and no one hears it” kind of situation.

Either way, I believe merging these 2 leagues was the only path to having a chance at a sustainable spring league that truly can act as a feeder for the NFL (especially for QBs who don’t really have much of a chance at all to prove themselves in the NFL before being shuffled aside. At least some backups might come from this league).

Only 8 team (3 in Texas. What?) in the league, split into an XFL and USFL division, but I’m mostly happy that St Louis (after the rams debacle) is one of the cities with a team, since they (and San Antonio I believe) had great fan support for their games.

I’m hopeful they can build a sustainable spring football league and a proper minor league for those players who just might need a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) chance to prove they can contribute in the NFL.

Season starts March 30th. I’ll set the DVR and likely fast forward through most of the games, looking for players i know.
 
Mike on that site is odd. He's usually on the league main sites. He knows both leagues well. It's curious he didn't mention the rock or the almost merger with the CFL
 
They had their draft and then the last few weeks several name XFL types have signed messing up the even structure some but exciting to fans of spring leagues.
I haven't seen Sal Canella mentioned yet. He was a dominant TE last year.
The Pack did not let Alex McGough out of his contract and it got some radio talk. McGough has always been a fascinating contract story as the highest paid PS player in history years ago and beating out a Jags draft pick and one of Pete Carroll's faves and...anywho he's supposed to come free after the season via a PS deal but it's not clear what happened.

AJ McCarron asked for his release so he could play.

Jordan Taamu (who curiously can't get a fair chance in the NFL) has a big offer from a CFL team but would rather play in the UFL. However the UFL limited all contracts to like 50k. It's unclear if the former MVP returns.

The widdled down league left some cities fans upset they have no team. This is important for expansion as having a ready made fan base. Rocks ex explains that after a successful 2024 they need to expand to hit revenue/growth numbers.

The Rock has already met with the NFL a few times to discuss a minor league setup and CFL merger but that's contingent on many things, most importantly 2024 success.

They're walking a tight rope but it looks favorable.

One thing was a poll showed NFL fans and NFL employees are more interested now that so many were in camps last year. That was a BIG hurdle because ya can't force it, they just have to want your players.

Hines Ward was not allowed to return and that's unclear because it was widely considered he did a good job. Regardless it shows a standard set and is viewed favorably.

There's a lot of former NFL coaches n college coaches that hold some clout and also seem to be setup well for players to transition.

If I get time, I'll try to give a roster preview for those that play DFS.

Oh DEriq King is said to enjoy coaching and not returning
 
Last summer, spring league players blocked better than NFL backups.
That was a theme.
Personally I think NFL teams could almost all use a better blocking TE.

Move TEs got noticed throughout but I don't think any stuck after summer.

I think there's a huge prob at 5th 6th CB on NFL teams so that's another spot UFL players could easily fill.

Last year Aguilar kicked 7 or 8 field goals in a game but didn't get an NFL tryout. I'll forever think the NFL needs to move on from retread kickers

Some of the smallish LBs were tried at safety and didn't stick.

Some teams have a fourth OLB or DE that is solely a pass rush specialist or run specialist. The UFL can fill that role.

There hasn't been star position players except QBs or never play RBs. It's not a glorious transition but more "we appreciate your hard work" so that's what you're looking for and the depth needs I mentioned above. Expectations well in check, k.i.s.s. and go with hustle.

Many MANY fans like some plays or sets and wondered why the NFL didn't copy it.
Taamu and King were throwing QB and running QB subbed in situationally in the red zone. Very simple, effective, and most every NFL team seems to have both types.

5 LB and 5DL sets were born due to lack of quality depth but names like Gregg Williams utilized them beautifully so couldn't the NFL?

The beer snake is a giant tube with beer flowing through passed throughout the stadium. It's especially popular and gimmick or not, fans love it.

The replay review is also super popular and the NFL has no defense in not switching to it. Essentially you get a view of the screens the review umpire sees and he narrates what he's seeing. Simple and soooo much better.

There's less rules of helmet hits or QB hits or whatever that fans seem to like too. Not dirty just the way people expect the game to be played.

There's a lot going for this league and The Rock has done an excellent job not overselling it. Hopefully I did it some justice above- it simply is what it is and toughness is more important than pretentiousness.
 
@Bri fantastic posts.

You lay out so nicely some of the reasons that this spring league can be a really succeed and be a feeder system into the NFL.
if they can somehow get attached to the NFL a little more closely (have the Rock on the air during the NFL draft, or something like that) they can hopefully get the eyes on their product that they need and expand beyond only 8 teams. Feels like 12 teams total would be a god size to balance of having a little more presence in a few more cities, while not spending the talent pool too thin (especially at Qb)
 
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joey said:
@Bri fantastic posts.

You lay out so nicely some of the reasons that this spring league can be a really succeed and be a feeder system into the NFL.
if they can somehow get attached to the NFL a little more closely (have the Rock on the air during the NFL draft, or something like that) they can hopefully get the eyes on their product that they need and expand beyond only 8 teams. Feels like 12 teams total would be a god size to balance of having a little more presence in a few more cities, while not spending the talent pool too thin (especially at Qb)
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Thanks.
The Rock is doing some NFL player podcasts.
I think he's recorded w Bussin but they haven't released it. That can be an ordinary interview or like an hour and a half hang out e us interview.
Brady mentioned him a couple times and my guess is he'll be on Let's Go for a few minutes only.
He was on Pat McAfee but largely discussed wrestling. He's supposedly going back.

He was on some Browns one I didn't recognize and asked about Deshaun. His response was something like no individual is bigger than the game- it's how he was coached since he was little and he believes a lot of NFL behind the scenes chatter can be deciphered as "no one is bigger than the game."
Me? I wondered if that was to be about Kaep and Cam but...guy has an interesting way about him no doubt. He didn't make it in the NFL and is grateful for it. Most would be whiney in the least, but he's grateful and respectful and...love it. Great great perspective.

Anywho, doing NFL podcasts will help the UFL for sure. (One of) the head of a league simply promoting hard work and earning opportunity is great for all sports.

I think Mac McClung and some D or G league guys that can't get a chance but do well in all star stuff is a small amount of good timing for the UFL too. Different sport but also, a guy killing it in a minor league dying for a chance in the bigs is on the public's mind.

America has always had an underdog complex so the UFL has to find a way to stoke that fire.

I think Kitna Delhomme and Warner would do some good if they can get those NFLE guys involved
 
Bri said:
a guy killing it in a minor league dying for a chance in the bigs is on the public's mind.

America has always had an underdog complex so the UFL has to find a way to stoke that fire.
Click to expand...

This is the draw for me, besides loving football. Hoping for some good games, some good story lines, some redemption stories and some unknown diamonds in the rough.
 
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There are very valid injury concerns behind what will likely be horrid offensive lines, but NFL teams should be DYING to get their second and third string quarterbacks reps in these games. QB play is so bad behind the top-20 guys that they should be doing anything to get them action.
 
Like what is Kyle Trask doing? Tf isn’t he in this league? He needs time off? He hasn’t played a game since 2020.
 
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joey said:
Some recognizable names here:

www.cbssports.com

United Football League announces initial rosters for the 2024 season

Vic Beasley, Reuben Foster, DJ Swearinger and more among former NFL players in the new league
www.cbssports.com www.cbssports.com
Click to expand...
Kirk Benkert is an aspiring QB video critic that has a good series he does.
It's fascinating to watch a few and then hear him critique his own game.
He's exactly what I figured NFL teams want as the third stringer that never plays but is valued for his contributions in the QB room
 
Snoopy said:
karl.Racki said:
I will admit, I enjoyed the XFL before Covid..
Click to expand...
The He Hate Me season or the illness-shortened season?
Click to expand...
The He Hate Me season was awesome. Was at Penn State and my roommates and I had friends over to watch and get drunk. Fun times

The 2020 season I enjoyed. I thought they were starting to gain some people and the games were fun, but covid wiped it out after 5 weeks.
 
joey said:
@Bri fantastic posts.

You lay out so nicely some of the reasons that this spring league can be a really succeed and be a feeder system into the NFL.
if they can somehow get attached to the NFL a little more closely (have the Rock on the air during the NFL draft, or something like that) they can hopefully get the eyes on their product that they need and expand beyond only 8 teams. Feels like 12 teams total would be a god size to balance of having a little more presence in a few more cities, while not spending the talent pool too thin (especially at Qb)
Click to expand...

and, like that, there’s the Rock on the Daytona 500 broadcast pre-race on Fox, and they’re plugging the UFL.
 
Capella said:
joey said:
Capella said:
Like what is Kyle Trask doing? Tf isn’t he in this league? He needs time off? He hasn’t played a game since 2020.
Click to expand...
Isn’t trash the current #2 on the Bucs?
Click to expand...
Yea and he hasn’t played in 3 years. They should let him go get some reps.
Click to expand...
I said same w Malik Willis.
Titans have had a small school tackle on their PS for a few years- four time all American so he seems like he's worth the developmental try. He got in at G this year but if a team drafts or adds someone needing experience then why not play them in the UFL? Trask sitting, same thing.

Packers added a fun QB (McGough) who has always played well in preseason, taken risks, kept plays alive, and done some showboat stuff pregame. Soooo the result is he doesn't play and sits out the UFL season this year. That's not right.
 
Sal Canella isn't on a roster yet.
He was in the Packers camp a couple years back and rocked. LaFleur promised him a big role, not just a role, if he'd stick around. He went thru cut down day and turned down other teams offers then he sat on the Pack's PS. He asked for time to meet w Lafleur and never got a meeting all season.
Last year he rocked in the UFL and turned down a Packers offer.
His agent found out teams weren't going to offer him because they didn't like how he squealed to the USFL about what happened in GB.
That is all total garbage. He spoke matter of fact like and let the facts be insulting he wasn't like LaFleur is a jerk.
He may have decided to just stop playing.
 
Alize Mack has the perfect mindset and I don't see him on a roster.
He was just a TE with good hands n poor blocking. He used $ earned to work with some coach and became a good blocker.
After a good USFL season, he went to the Titans and outplayed their TEs. They played him at FB too and he did well. He made plays on ST and Vrabel singled him out for selflessness and doing anything asked as hard as he can. He got injured in camp. Whyle looked great. Chig stopped dropping passes and made plays. He returned way down the depth chart and would get cut.
Carthon mentioned him as a difficult cut on cut down day. He was on some teams PS for a bit and that's about it
 
Reggie Roberson has been in Titans camp twice and been their best WR both times. He broke his own unofficial record last summer for TDs in camp.
A stud as a freshman in college that got injured twice and took time to recover and recovery wasn't smooth.
Fans have been furious each summer that he's cut and not on the PS while their WR corps is thin. He was soooo good and not like "maybe he'll pan out" but a sure thing.

He turned down the UFL and Titans futures deal to sign w the Chiefs after a tryout in December or January. The Chiefs did not offer him the promised futures contract.

He has an offer from the Raiders, Titans, and UFL.
His dad (social media) wants him to play in the UFL.
If he does, he will be the best WR. He has a freakish type acceleration burst like Vick. Somehow he stopped to catch a ball and vroom how'd he get to fifth gear instantly? That's so hard for a DB to get used to n time a tackle. Anyhow he is THE play in DFS if he signs w UFL.
He's as much a lock as Taamu if he returns.

It's unbelievable they're not playing in the NFL and they are that much better that you just plug them in in DFS
 
Ricky Proehl stepped aside from coaching WRs this year to be with family.
IIRC one son is still trying to make it as a WR and I saw his other son did well on American Idol.

Brings me to a point about the staff's in the UFL. I do not know that every former player is meant to coach but I always think "well, darn you can definitely learn a thing or two from that guy." I really like every team's staff.

BattleHawks 2024 Coaches

Anthony Becht, Head Coach
Dave Boller, General Manager
Donnie Abraham, Defensive Coordinator
Martin Bayless, Secondary
Kyle Caskey, Running Backs/Special Teams
Chris Claiborne, Linebackers
La’Roi Glover, Defensive Line
Bruce Gradkowski, Offensive Coordinator
Gino Gradkowski, Offensive Line
Phil McGeoghan, Wide Receivers
 
Bri said:
Ricky Proehl stepped aside from coaching WRs this year to be with family.
IIRC one son is still trying to make it as a WR and I saw his other son did well on American Idol.

Brings me to a point about the staff's in the UFL. I do not know that every former player is meant to coach but I always think "well, darn you can definitely learn a thing or two from that guy." I really like every team's staff.

BattleHawks 2024 Coaches

Anthony Becht, Head Coach
Dave Boller, General Manager
Donnie Abraham, Defensive Coordinator
Martin Bayless, Secondary
Kyle Caskey, Running Backs/Special Teams
Chris Claiborne, Linebackers
La’Roi Glover, Defensive Line
Bruce Gradkowski, Offensive Coordinator
Gino Gradkowski, Offensive Line
Phil McGeoghan, Wide Receivers
Click to expand...

besides name recognition of players, both the XFL and USFL did a good job of promoting well known coaches as well. I think it’s smart to lean into name recognition (“Hey, I know that dude”) as part of what it takes to get more eyes on spring football.
 
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Jordan Taamu has agreed to a deal and is back with the Defenders.

DEriq King wished the team well and wasn't ....but today he announced he'll be back too.

Taamu is instantly the top player for DFS, as I said earlier. He was the MVP last season
 
Bri said:
Jordan Taamu has agreed to a deal and is back with the Defenders.

DEriq King wished the team well and wasn't ....but today he announced he'll be back too.

Taamu is instantly the top player for DFS, as I said earlier. He was the MVP last season
Click to expand...
Looks like Ta’amu has been on EIGHT NFL teams, almost entirely on practice squads. With all of the NFL QB injuries, especially last year, it doesn’t look like Ta’amu even sniffed a real, game time snap. I like the kid and he’s definitely UFL/XFL/USFL “good”, but not sure he makes an NFL roster even as the #3 QB at this point. I’m pulling for him for sure.
 
joey said:
Shows you how much (read: little) publicity the XFL and USFL get when their leagues announced their official merger in Dec of last year and it was a “tree falls in the forest and no one hears it” kind of situation.

Either way, I believe merging these 2 leagues was the only path to having a chance at a sustainable spring league that truly can act as a feeder for the NFL (especially for QBs who don’t really have much of a chance at all to prove themselves in the NFL before being shuffled aside. At least some backups might come from this league).

Only 8 team (3 in Texas. What?) in the league, split into an XFL and USFL division, but I’m mostly happy that St Louis (after the rams debacle) is one of the cities with a team, since they (and San Antonio I believe) had great fan support for their games.

I’m hopeful they can build a sustainable spring football league and a proper minor league for those players who just might need a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) chance to prove they can contribute in the NFL.

Season starts March 30th. I’ll set the DVR and likely fast forward through most of the games, looking for players i know.
Click to expand...
Very cool. Thanks.
As an aside, the Arena Football League is also coming back this spring, with 16 teams. So anyone who wants to watch a little more football will have plenty of options.
 
joey said:
Bri said:
Jordan Taamu has agreed to a deal and is back with the Defenders.

DEriq King wished the team well and wasn't ....but today he announced he'll be back too.

Taamu is instantly the top player for DFS, as I said earlier. He was the MVP last season
Click to expand...
Looks like Ta’amu has been on EIGHT NFL teams, almost entirely on practice squads. With all of the NFL QB injuries, especially last year, it doesn’t look like Ta’amu even sniffed a real, game time snap. I like the kid and he’s definitely UFL/XFL/USFL “good”, but not sure he makes an NFL roster even as the #3 QB at this point. I’m pulling for him for sure.
Click to expand...
He's never had a real chance. He's generally been on teams two weeks with reporters counting how many snaps he had if any.

Heinicke was his backup in XFL.

He worked out with Titans WRs for years (AJBs buddy) and has a house in Ten but...nope
 
Neil Beaufort Zod said:
joey said:
Shows you how much (read: little) publicity the XFL and USFL get when their leagues announced their official merger in Dec of last year and it was a “tree falls in the forest and no one hears it” kind of situation.

Either way, I believe merging these 2 leagues was the only path to having a chance at a sustainable spring league that truly can act as a feeder for the NFL (especially for QBs who don’t really have much of a chance at all to prove themselves in the NFL before being shuffled aside. At least some backups might come from this league).

Only 8 team (3 in Texas. What?) in the league, split into an XFL and USFL division, but I’m mostly happy that St Louis (after the rams debacle) is one of the cities with a team, since they (and San Antonio I believe) had great fan support for their games.

I’m hopeful they can build a sustainable spring football league and a proper minor league for those players who just might need a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) chance to prove they can contribute in the NFL.

Season starts March 30th. I’ll set the DVR and likely fast forward through most of the games, looking for players i know.
Click to expand...
Very cool. Thanks.
As an aside, the Arena Football League is also coming back this spring, with 16 teams. So anyone who wants to watch a little more football will have plenty of options.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up. I followed Arena for the brief period where their popularity was pretty high and the San Jose Sabrecats (local-ish team) were really good. Was always a fun , high scoring league and they can always hang their hats on Kurt Warner’s rise to NFL greatness.
 
joey said:
Bri said:
Sal Canella signed today with Arlington
Keke Coutee signed, unsure which team
Click to expand...
Canella is a surname in my (very Italian) family tree :) , so I’m definitely rooting for him!
Click to expand...
I have no doubt he'd be fine(fine) player in the NFL.
In any other era he'd be a starter. There's a lot of pretty athletes at TE nowadays. Bruiser type guys that can block well and use their bodies to make tough catches while absorbing a hit seem to be more of a 1970s-90s thing.
During every game, the announcers say something similar to.

Mentioned earlier, Lafleur issue maybe made him undesirable, but he was 💯 correct.

I'm no coach but as I watch so many offensive lines stink and get beat around the edge, I always wonder if the old style TE and FB were present, would it even be a big issue?
 
Kurt Benkert has not reported and says he told the UFL he wasn't going to play.

His QB review of Drake Maye is getting a lot of love on Twitter today.

That would have been a great unique experience to have a film guy actually playing
 
I missed a huge signing for the UFL
Deestroying is playing.
I have no idea if he's kicking, punting, or both.

He's an outstanding social media personality that runs a simple contest where a WR must get open against a DB. Winner gets a prize and he travels city to city. He's had many NFL players come n workout with him on his show. Very likable love of the game stuff.

In November or December, the NFL signed Deestroying to a contract with their little kids program(forget the name, play 360? ) and that contest will be run all over this summer. IIRC Ocho and Tyreek are already signed up to be guests at these.

Back to the UFL, he IS allowed to do his vlog so we'll get a behind the scenes look and commentary and all.

******
Last summer, the Titans did his drill as a break in camp. One point to DB or WR that wins the matchup. Losing squad runs or somesuch.
Several NFL teams also did this.

I've long said the combine should have this drill.

Anywho....pretty big personality should bring some exposure for the league
 
Roughnecks coach said he wouldn't be surprised if multiple QBs played week 1.
Don't go there for DFS QB then...
 
Bri said:
Bump
Anyone in for DFS this weekend?
Click to expand...
Ha. Not playing fantasy or gambling around the UFL, but the DVR is set to record all 4 games and I’ll watch them at night over the coming week to see which players i recognize and which unknowns I start to root for.

I think it’s just you and I @Bri watching these games ;)
 
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joey said:
Bri said:
Bump
Anyone in for DFS this weekend?
Click to expand...
Ha. Not playing fantasy or gambling around the UFL, but the DVR is set to record all 4 games and I’ll watch them at night over the coming week to see which players i recognize and which unknowns I start to root for.

I think it’s just you and I @Bri watching these games ;)
Click to expand...
Maybe maybe
I see some FF sites have a UFL pay model out for people to subscribe.
I do pretty well w DFS and UFL and I think simply because I do watch and follow it while others are more bored or curious.
 
I watched what I could while at softball games and kid stuff.
I enjoyed it.
That Michigan team let me down with only 10k showing up but I do remember they talked about a study that they could see the biggest increase so that's a pretty interesting calculated risk.
The NFL posted highlights and that's considerable. We wonder if they can be a minor league and have seen how the Rock met with them and....there must be some good vibes there.
ESPN and Fox sports and Pat McAfee and ...I saw a lot of publicity.
 
That kicker story was gold.
I believe there are others, maybe many, in the US that are good enough to play and simply didn't get noticed by colleges in HS.
Same as NYC playground legends. There are probably some that slipped through the cracks.
McAfee and Barstool supposedly are trying to get him on their shows and that's going to be great for the league
 
The ending of that StL/Mich game was pretty exciting. Back and forth in the final 2 minutes.
 
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Nice to watch that kicker on the Pat McAfee show.
Extremely humble and clearly feels fortunate to even be on it and...pretty cool good for him vibe.

At Arkansas he'd kick 65 yards in practice.
Longest he tried by himself was 67- "it hit the ceiling but would have been good."

If some leg specialist coach could get with him he'd be a weapon in the NFL. Ya can't forget how awful it would be if he'd miss from that distance but...take everything coaches say about developing players and apply it to a kicker- this has to be what ya want.
 
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