Ex-Giants shined during 2023 XFL regular season
The 2023 XFL season is now in the history books with the league moving forward with playoff football. But it’s never too early to look back and see which players dominated throughout the year.
More than 25 former members of the New York Giants suited up for the XFL’s third iteration and many of them were among those who shined.
Here’s a quick look at those Giants, how they fared, and where they stacked up against the XFL’s other competition (if the numbers are noteworthy enough).
Arlington Renegades
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Co-defensive coordinator Tim Lewis
Linebackers coach Bill Sheridan
DB Darren Evans (5 tackles, 1 INT)
DB Will Hill (48 tackles, 2 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT)
DB Joe Powell (35 tackles, 1 TFL, 4 INT, 17 punt returns for 146 yards)
Notes: Powell’s four interceptions were second in the XFL. His 146 punt return yards were fourth in the XFL. Hill’s 48 tackles were tied for 12th in the league.
D.C. Defenders
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QB Eric Dungey (No stats)
RB Ryquell Armstead (217 rushing yards, 3.4 ypc, 37 yards receiving, 1 TD)
OL Kyle Murphy
Houston Roughnecks
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DL Trent Harris (30 tackles, 12 TFL, 9.5 sacks)
LB Charles Wiley (6 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.0 sacks)
DB Jordan Mosley (39 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 FF)
Note: Harris’ 9.5 sacks led the XFL.
Orlando Guardians
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WR Cody Latimer (50 rec., 593 yards, 4 TD, 29 first downs)
DL Stansly Maponga (22 tackles, 6 TFL, 2.5 sacks)
Notes: Latimer’s 50 receptions were third in the XFL (first among TEs), his 593 yards were fourth in the XFL (first among TEs), and his four touchdowns were tied for seventh in the XFL (tied for first among TEs). His 29 first downs were second among all receivers and first among tight ends.
Latimer also had nine receptions of 20+ yards (tied for second in the XFL, first among TEs), and two receptions for 40+ yards (tied for fifth in the XFL, first among TEs).
San Antonio Brahmas
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Defensive coordinator Jim Herrmann
RB Jon Hilliman (51 rushing yards, 2.3 ypc, 2 TD, 20 rec. for 107 yards)
OL Damien Mama
DB Tenny Adewusi (50 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INT)
DB Ryan Lewis (7 tackles)
P Brad Wing (44 punts, 2,104 yards, 47.8 avg, 16 IN-20, 5 TB, 72-yard long)
Notes: Wing led the XFL in every single punting (tied for first with 16 inside the 20).
Seattle Sea Dragons
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DL Niko Lalos (35 tackles, 7 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT)
LB Tuzar Skipper (20 tackles, 8 TFL, 6.0 sacks, 3 FF)
Notes: Skipper’s six sacks were tied for third in the XFL and his three forced fumbles were tied for second in the league.
St. Louis BattleHawks
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WR Austin Proehl (25 rec., 223 yards, 2 TD, 14 1ST, 17 punt returns for 113 yards)
DL Freedom Akinmoladun (14 tackles, 1 TFL, 1.0 sacks)
DB Nate Meadors (38 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 INT)
Notes: Proehl’s 113 punt return yards were eighth in the XFL. Meadors’ two interceptions were tied for seventh in the XFL.
Vegas Vipers
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RB Rod Smith (72 rushes, 275 yards, 3.8 ypc, 2 TD, 14 rec., 116 yards, 1 TD
Notes: Smith’s 275 rushing yards were ninth in the XFL.