A Worrisome Win: Stallions Edge Roughnecks Amidst Injury Concerns and Inconsistencies
It's with a knot in my stomach that I reflect on Week 4 of the UFL, which saw the Birmingham Stallions (now 3-1) travel to Houston and eke out a very narrow 23-16 victory against the Roughnecks (who now sit at 1-3). This Saturday night clash at TDECU Stadium in Houston felt far too close for comfort.
The fact that Matt Corral was injured late in the game, forcing Case Cookus into action, is deeply worrying. While Cookus did manage to lead a crucial drive for a field goal, extending their lead to just seven points, the reliance on a backup quarterback due to injury is never a good sign. Then, the game hinged on JoJo Tillery's interception in the final moments – a relief, certainly, but it underscores how precarious the situation had become.
Coach Skip Holtz's post-game remarks do little to ease my anxiety. His emphasis on every game being a "dogfight" and the acknowledgment that "anybody can beat anybody in this league," even a team with the Roughnecks' record, speaks volumes about the challenges they faced. His praise for Houston's resilience and their backup quarterback's performance until the very end is also unsettling.
Hearing that the defense conceded "some big plays over the top" is particularly concerning, even though they ultimately adjusted and secured the win with an interception. These vulnerabilities need immediate attention.
Offensively, the coach's assessment of a strong first half followed by a "hairy" second half, plagued by issues with reads, throws, turnovers, missed blocks, and execution, is deeply troubling. His call to "eliminate the bad plays and make the routine ones" highlights significant inconsistencies that could cost them dearly against stronger opponents. While he saw potential and praised their competitiveness, the lack of consistent execution is a major red flag.
The injury to Matt Corral late in the fourth quarter is perhaps the most significant worry. While he had a reasonably productive game before his early exit, his absence could have serious implications. We can only hope it's not a long-term issue. While Cookus's late completion was crucial, the uncertainty surrounding Corral's health is palpable.
While the season-high 126 rushing yards are a positive note, the offensive struggles in the second half cast a shadow over this. Deon Cain's performance and the two receiving touchdowns are encouraging, but the overall inconsistency is hard to ignore.
Despite the defense's generally solid performance, allowing minimal rushing yards and forcing a late turnover on downs, the fact that they allowed significant passing plays is a serious concern that needs to be addressed.
This hard-fought, narrow victory, coupled with the coach's cautious words and the injury to a key player, leaves me with a distinct feeling of unease. The team needs to quickly address these vulnerabilities and find more consistency if they want to maintain a strong position in the league
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