Week 8 of Quarterback play showed a lot of highs and lows very reminiscent of the early part of the season. The Friday night matchup showed fans anemic QB with the rest of the weekend putting out quality play. After doing my original rankings before the season, and then redoing the list via YouTube, it’s time to continue to analyze and adjust our rankings on a weekly basis. 9 of the 24 UFL Quarterbacks playing this weekend with 8, taking significant passing attempts. This week we at UFL News Hub rank our UFL Quarterbacks, after the league’s Eight week of play.
Honorable Mention:
Holton Ahlers remains extremely efficient. Whether it be the ability to draw penalties, hand the ball off etc, the former ECU QB managed to grab a bit of glory for himself this week. Inside the Two, Ahlers pulled a “Drew Brees” with his own QB sneak pushing the ball over the top for his first Touchdown of his professional career.
8. Kevin Hogan San Antonio Brahmas Week Seven Ranking #4
Stats: 14/25 90 Yds 0 TD 3 Int 5 Car 12 Yds
Despite the last two weeks of play Hogan took a giant step back. Three interceptions, two of which were tipped at the line, were the difference in the Brahmas week 8 loss. Hogan looked extremely frazzled behind a haphazard Offensive Line that may have helped in the Brahmas playing out of a win.
7. Troy Williams Memphis Showboats Week Seven Ranking N/A
Stats: 5/11 36 Yds 0 TD 0 INT 6 Car 29 Yds
Williams in his first shot at extended action this season underwhelmed in Week 8. Williams had trouble going through progressions and oftentimes went with his legs rather than taking an easy throw. Williams did show up in overtime helping convert 2 of 3 through the air enroute to the Showboats 2nd victory of the year.
6. Max Duggan St. Louis Battlehawks Week Seven Ranking #8
Stats: 12/21 110 Yds 0 TD 1 Int 10 Car 54 Yds 2 TD
It’s the same ole story with Duggan. Timing issues, pressure from the tackles, and an unconventional throwing motion make Duggan at times ineffective. However, his legs have buoyed the Battlehawks into 4 straight wins and a real shot at the UFL championship. The Battlehawks have taken down the Panthers, and Stallions with Duggan at QB, so why not ride the wave until it’s not sustainable?
5. Jalan McClendon Houston Roughnecks Week Seven Ranking #5
Stats: 30/50 316 Yds 2 TD 1 Int 9 Car 24 Yds
After a strong 1st Quarter it seemed that the Roughnecks Offense couldn’t finish in their elimination game vs the Panthers. McClendon’s 300 plus yard performance felt a bit empty as Houston could only muster 18 points with 6 of those coming in the final minute. I feel that the Roughnecks abandoned the run a bit early with Zaquandre White only having 8 carries forcing the Roughnecks to rely on McClendon’s arm. With Houston now eliminated McClendon can hopefully remain the starter for the Roughnecks in hopes of building for the next season.
4. J’Mar Smith Birmingham Stallions Week Seven Ranking #7
Stats: 14/27 262 Yds 3 TD 1 Int 10 Car 45 Yds
Smith arguably put together his best game as a professional since 2022. His 262 yards bested his career high which came in his only other loss vs the Houston Gamblers. The sideline access gave fans insight to J’Mar and Skip Holtz’s discussions during the game. It seems that Smith is not seeing the field the way Holtz is, and the chemistry is a bit off. I am extremely high on any Birmingham QB but I wonder if McGough’s athletic ability or a more conservative Cookus could have limited some of the mistakes Smith made.
3.Danny Etling Michigan Panthers Week Seven Ranking N/A
Stats: 14/22 167 Yds 3 TD 0 Int 5 Car 22 Yds
Thrusted into action due a last second Bryce Perkins scratch the former LSU Quarterback did not disappoint. Etling played an extremely clean game in which he benefited from great Defense, and Special Teams play. Etling utilized his legs and didn’t play “hero ball” leading to a Panthers win that clinched their playoff berth for the 3rd consecutive season.
2. Luis Perez Arlington Renegades Week Seven Ranking #2
Stats: 32/46 350 Yds 2 TD 1 Int 2 Car 9 Yds
Despite being so good for the majority of the game poor game management in the final minutes is what Perez will be remembered for. Hurt by 3 drops (that could have added at least 9 points), Perez played his best game as a pro for 58 minutes, that unfortunately will be remembered for an interception when the Renegades were in Field Goal range.
1. Jordan Ta’amu D.C. Defenders Week Seven Ranking #1
Stats: 15/26 240 Yds 2 TD 0 Int 5 Car 21 Yds 1 Rec 9 Yds 1 TD
In a win and you’re in game Ta’amu delivered. As a passer, receiver, and rusher the 2023 XFL OPOY of the year continued to make his case for the MVP as the season comes to an end. Up against his “rival” Ta’amu constantly pushed the ball downfield, made smart throws, avoided the rush and made his presence known when the team needed him most.
2 Comments
by Adam Simon
Like the list, I believe that J’Mar Smith has the best deep ball in the UFL.
by Gary Winter
I’m not sure who’s decision that was at the end of the DC/Arlington game but Perez shouldn’t have gone along with it. I don’t recall a more boneheaded play in a long time. They gave up a chance for a tie/win over what looked like a possible gain of about 3 yards more or less.
DOWN THE BALL AND GET YOUR KICKER OUT THERE!
Pretty simple. Also, it seemed to me that Arlington showed no urgency what-so-ever in those last minutes. Perez was not the #2 QB this past week. Not with that play and the poor clock management.