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Final update: Murray’s downward slide continued when he threw a pick six in the fourth quarter. Once the game was out of reach, he was replaced by Flowers for good. Murray finished with 231 passing yards with two interceptions as his team fell 23-3. McGloin remained quiet down the home stretch and finished with 182 passing yards, one throwing score, and one rushing score.
Third quarter update: McGloin didn’t see much of the ball in the third quarter. New York wasn’t very productive on offense and didn’t put any points on the board. Murray led a drive that ended in a field goal, giving Tampa Bay its first points of the night. Backup quarterback Quinton Flowers is being incorporated in the offense, but is mostly operating as a running back. The Guardians lead 17-3 heading into the final frame.
Second quarter update: McGloin was aggressive from the start in the second quarter, and it only took three passes for him to find the end zone again. His first completion came on a 45-yard strike to Mekale McKay. He then floated a 12-yard touchdown pass to Colby Pearson to give the Guardians a 14-0 lead. He totaled 154 passing yards at the break and helped his team build a 17-0 lead. Murray continued to struggle and threw his second interception of the day in the closing minutes of the second quarter. He’s only completed 11 of his 25 attempts and has amassed 156 passing yards.
The New York Guardians and Tampa Bay Vipers are playing in the third XFL game of the season Sunday, and only one game is left before opening weekend is up. We saw a ton of scoring in the first two contests on Saturday, but this matchup has had a slower start than anything else we’ve seen. We’re tracking the performances of Guardians quarterback Matt McGloin and Vipers quarterback Aaron Murray here.
McGloin got the Guardians on the board with his legs first, as he scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak. It was the only touchdown of the first quarter. He didn’t get to do much with his arm though. He completed four of his eight passing attempts for 39 yards.
Murray was stagnant in the first quarter and was 4-of-8 in the air as well. However, he forked up an interception to New York. The Vipers trail 7-0.