Photo Credit: Alon Sowell/Franchise Sports Media

 

FSM Essential Preview: Vipers vs Guardians – Week 5

Vegas Vipers (0-4) | Orlando Guardians (0-4)

Franchise Sports Media

 

In a Week 5 XFL matchup, the Vegas Vipers will host the Orlando Guardians at Cashman Field on Saturday, with both teams looking for their first win of the year.

The Vipers vs Guardians preview.

Vipers vs Guardians Brett Hundley
Photo Credit: TQ/Franchise Sports Media

This week’s Week 5 XFL action in Sin City features a clash between 0-4 teams. The Orlando Guardians travel to Las Vegas to take on the Vegas Vipers. Both teams have experienced their fair share of blowout losses, especially the Guardians. The Vipers suffered a couple of heartbreaking losses, including a last-minute 30-26 loss against the Seattle Sea Dragons in Week 3 at Cashman Field.

The Vipers’ season is nearly too far gone to recover. However, Vegas is at least pursuing solutions. Ray Sherman was brought in as the new offensive coordinator for Week 4. Quarterback Luis Perez should get the start, with Brett Huntley also seeing some action. Vipers head coach Rodd Woodson will stick with the hot hand.

In last week’s 32-18 loss against the D.C. Defenders, the Vipers’ offense made progress. Perez totaled 283 passing yards and two touchdowns. However, the unit is still making critical mistakes. It had two turnovers and went 3 of 10 on third downs. While Vegas outgained D.C. in yardage, it wasn’t close due to costly mistakes.

 

Vipers vs Guardians Vipers defense
Photo Credit: Alon Sowell/Franchise Sports Media

Don’t expect Vegas’ defense to improve anytime soon. It surrendered 173 rushing yards on 4.4 yards per carry against the Defenders. Orlando’s run game is efficient at four yards per carry, and Paxton Lynch has played well. It could be another long day for the Vipers’ defense.

Orlando finally made progress in Week 3 with a 10-9 loss, its first competitive game. The Guardians returned to their old ways in Week 4, falling to the Houston Roughnecks 44-16.

In what has become the norm for them, the offensive line struggled, allowing four sacks. Orlando had two turnovers and more than 100 yards in penalties. That will never lead to wins at any level. It isn’t easy to find anything positive about this team. Former NFL cornerback Terrell Buckley and his coaching staff are already under pressure. An XFL coach on the hot seat four games into the season is a big surprise and not a good look.

After the Guardians allowed 30 or more points in three of four games, former NFL first-round pick quarterback Paxton Lynch is pretty much the only positive XFL news for Orlando. He’s played well in back-to-back games after being benched mid-game in Week 1.

The Vipers and Guardians are looking for their first win of the year.

Injury Report

Who is hurt for the Vipers vs Guardians game?

Out

DB – Kahlil McKenzie (Toe)

LB – PJ Dawson (Hand)

OL – Isaiah Williams (Ankle)

 

Doubtful

WR – Martavious Bryant (Knee)

DL – Robert Windsor (Shoulder)

 

Probable 

QB – Brett Hundley (Thigh)

TE – Sean Price (Abdomen)

DB – Maurice Smith (Abdomen)

DB – Adam Spark (Shoulder)

DB – Nijuel Hill (Ankle)

Franchise Sports Media is getting you ready for Vipers vs Guardians before kick-off.

XFL announces deal with Under Amour

The Vipers are featured in Player 54, the XFL docuseries leading up to the Vipers vs Sea Dragons game on Saturday.

The XFL and Under Armour announced that UA is the exclusive provider of all on-field uniforms, including jerseys, base layer, sideline, and training apparel, for all XFL teams. The unique home and away sets are designed with an authentic execution of the individual team identities. The design process was a collaboration between XFL ownership, marketing, and Under Armour teams.

Each jersey features a “Blood, Sweat, Respect” mantra, a personal message from ownership to players, which is sublimated on the interior collars of all team uniforms. Additional design details include embroidered team wordmarks and branding at the base of the neckline, UA’s ArmourGrid nameplates with twill lettering, and all uniforms are branded with XFL, Under Armour, and Project Rock Brahma Bull patches. 

You and your family should watch the Vipers vs Defenders on Sunday.

The Vegas Vipers welcome the Orlando Guardians to the Snake Pit on Saturday. The kick-off is at 7 p.m., and the game can be seen on FX. For tickets, tap in here.

 

-Joe Arrigo – Franchise Sports Media

Follow Joe on Twitter & Instagram at @JoeArrigoFSM

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