Big defensive plays lead Arlington Renegades to season-opening XFL win
.jpg "Coach Bob Stoops' Renegades played a strong defensive game in their season-opening win.")
The Arlington Renegades beat the Vegas Vipers 22-20 in the XFL season opener at Choctaw Stadium.
Vipers defense dominates
The first half was dominated by the Vipers’ defense, which only allowed three points. The Renegades were unable to get consistent offense only picking up four first downs in the entire first half all of which came on their opening drive.
The Renegades picked up some momentum in the second quarter but still struggled to put up points relying on their stingy defense to set them up in advantageous positions.
Renegades offense can’t find the endzone
After a slow start in the first half the offense finally was able to move the ball in the second half but they couldn’t convert their drives into touchdowns instead settling for three field goals.
The Renegades offense had their best opportunity in the fourth quarter with multiple attempts from the goal line but failed to convert. Despite their offensive struggles, their defense came up huge in the second half.
Renegades defense rebounds in the second half
After allowing two touchdowns in the first half and letting the Vipers find success moving the ball the Renegades defense came to play in the second half. With their offense struggling the Renegades defense took over the game to start the third quarter forcing two turnovers on consecutive possessions.
The Renegades held the Vipers offense scoreless in the second half until the last eight seconds of regulation.
With the game on the line and the Vipers going for a two-point conversion to tie the game, the Renegades defense stood stout one last time to secure the victory.
The defense even took scoring into their own hands, netting two defensive touchdowns via interceptions in the second half. Those defensive scores won the game for the Renegades.
The Renegades next play on Sunday at 6 p.m. CT (ESPN 2) against the Houston Roughnecks at TDECU Stadium. The Vipers next play on Saturday at 5 p.m. CT (FX and ESPN Deportes) against the DC Defenders at Cashman Field.