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Xtreme hope to put hold on Outlaws' defensive rampage

Feb. 15, 2001
SportsLine.com wire reports

The Los Angeles Xtreme can gain a share of first place in the West Conference, but will have to solve the tough defense of the undefeated Las Vegas Outlaws.

Los Angeles' Jermaine Copeland says, 'Our offense is confident that we will break (their defense).' 
Los Angeles' Jermaine Copeland says, 'Our offense is confident that we will break (their defense).'(AP) 

The Outlaws are the best defensive team in the XFL so far, leading the league in total defense by allowing 458 yards. Las Vegas has yet to surrender a touchdown, giving up three points in two games.

Las Vegas returned two fumbles for touchdowns in its 25-3 victory at Memphis last week.

"They are a team right now on a roll. Everything they do is right," Xtreme coach Al Luginbill said. "Everything the opponent does is wrong. They are a well-coached, well-disciplined team that doesn't make mistakes."

The Outlaws may need to rely on their defense again this week. Starting quarterback Ryan Clement suffered a separated shoulder in the win over Memphis and is expected to be out at least three weeks. Mike Cawley completed 3-of-13 passes in relief of Clement for 51 yards and will compete with Jim Ballard for the starting job this week.

Defensively, Jason Kaiser and Kurt Gouveia scored on long fumble returns for Las Vegas. Kaiser scored on an 80-yard return in the second quarter and Gouveia had a 100-yarder in the third.

If there is a team that can break through the Outlaw defense, it could be the Xtreme. They are third in the league in total offense at 327.5 yards per game and third in points scored with 52.

Los Angeles rallied from a 25-13 deficit in the final three minutes Saturday to beat the Chicago Enforcers 39-32 in double overtime. Tommy Maddox completed 38-of-65 passes for 465 yards while passing for four scores and rushing for another. Receiver Jermaine Copeland earned XFL offensive player of the week honors after hauling in 17 receptions for 190 yards and a touchdown.

As for the Outlaws, Copeland is not worried.

"No defense is unbreakable," he said. "Our offense is confident that we will break them."

Offensive leaders

Xtreme:

  • Maddox, 576 passing yards and 5 passing TDs
  • Rashaan Shehee, 73 rushing yards
  • Maddox, Ken Oxendine, 1 rushing TD
  • Copeland, 248 receiving yards
  • Darnell McDonald, 3 receiving TDs

Outlaws:

  • Clement, 224 passing yards and 2 passing TDs
  • Rod Smart, 66 rushing yards
  • Chrys Chukwuma, 1 rushing TD
  • Rickey Brady, 30 receiving yards
  • Nakia Jenkins, 1 receiving TD

Defensive leaders

Xtreme:

  • Jeff Russell and Leomont Evans, 11 tackles

Outlaws:

  • Jamel Williams, 13 tackles
  • Kelvin Kinney, 3 sacks

Notes

  • The Xtreme's WR Copeland leads the XFL in receiving yards and catches.
  • Los Angeles K Jose Cortez missed two 34-yard field goals last week and is just 2-for-5 this season.
  • Las Vegas has shut out the opposition in seven of eight quarters played.
  • Las Vegas lost 32-29 to Los Angeles during the exhibition season.


AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2001, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved



   

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