Ohio State Football: Cardale Jones Shines in XFL Debut
With the XFL season underway former Ohio State football players not in the NFL were back on the gridiron, and a Buckeye QB shined.
In the inaugural game of the XFL, Cardale Jones led the DC Defenders to a 31-19 win over the Seattle Dragons. Former Ohio State football player, and QB of the 2014 National Champions, was 16 of 26 for 291 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Jones threw a touchdown pass on a 50-yard trick play pass to TE Khari Lee in the 3rd quarter. His second TD pass was for 30 yards on 4th and 6 to wide receiver Rashad Ross.
Prior to leading this Defenders offense, Jones spent 4 seasons in the NFL with the Bills, Chargers and Seahawks with limited success. Now he has a chance to make his mark in the new league.
Cardale Jones is one of the most notable players in the XFL. In his opening drive for the Defenders, the home crowd was chanting “MVP! MVP!” as Jones took the first snap.
Along with the QB, the Defenders have two former Buckeyes on the defensive side of the ball in Tracy Sprinkle and Doran Grant.
Jones’ head Coach Pep Hamilton is his offensive coordinator as well. Hamilton, the former Michigan assistant head coach and passing coordinator, will lean on his Buckeye QB to lead his team to a XFL Championship this season.
The XFL features many new rules that differ from the NFL. Among these rules include changes in the kickoff and point after touchdown attempt. The kickoff is from the 30-yard line and the coverage team lines up on the return side 35-yard line.
The return team lines up on the 30-yard line. No player can move until the ball is caught by the returner. After a touchdown, the scoring team has 3 options in place of the field goal.
The team has the option of running a play from the 2, 5 or 10-yard line for 1,2 or 3 points respectively. No kicking plays are allowed after a touchdown is scored.
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The DC Defenders will play the New York Guardians next Saturday, February 15 at 2pm on ABC.