ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The Renegades are still fighting for that first win of the season, as their playoff hopes get slimmer by the week. As of now they sit four games out of that second XFL conference spot, which would get them into the playoffs. All they can do now is win out and hope the teams ahead of them start piling up losses. That starts this week again the Panthers who are currently 3-2 as they are in good shape to make the postseason. A key to their success so far has been the run game. Currently, the Panthers rank second in the league in yards on the ground and first in rushing touchdowns. This opponent comes a week after the Renegades surrendered a season-high 178 rushing yards to the San Antonio Brahmas, including six rushes of over 10 yards. The Renegades struggling run defense will be something to watch in this game.
On the offensive side, there has been one consistent bright spot and that is the connection between Luis Perez and Javonta Payton. Luis currently leads the league in total passing yards and passing yards per game. On the flip side, Payton is top 5 in the league receiving yards as their connection has been something to behold.
We spoke to Javonta after practice and asked about what has been the key to success with Luis this year, he stated, “It’s a lot of off the field conversations with me and Luis both being on the same page. Him knowing what I’m comfortable with and me knowing what he’s comfortable with…it’s something we go over every day.” Apparently the level of understanding needed to be successful has been a big component for the QB-WR duo. Let’s see if that trickles down to the team for their first win this Sunday at 12 against the Panthers.
