This is about the time the DC Defenders demonstrate they are for real. They looked pretty formidable through the first two games, then really took it on the chin last week against an opponent that was perceived to be much weaker.

Now they must prove that they can bounce back. Can they do that? We'll see, as they take on the Tampa Bay Vipers in a game that starts at 7 PM ET at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. It will be televised by ESPN2.

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The Defenders were considerable favorites last week against the Los Angeles Wildcats. But they could not do anything right in their passing game. Cardale Jones looked not like the guy who had stretched out defenses like crazy in the first two weeks of the season, but the guy who was never consistent enough to keep a job in the NFL. He threw for just 103 yards, and tossed four passes to the guys in the different colored jerseys.

And they could not stop L.A. from scoring either, as they were beaten to the tune of 39-9. It was a black cloud, but there was also a silver lining, which we're going to explore in a moment.

In the XFL betting odds posted on this game, the Defenders are favored:

DC Defenders -5 (-105)
Tampa Bay Vipers +5 (-105)

Over 44 points (-105)
Under 44 points (-105)

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After two weeks of not scoring an offensive touchdown, the Vipers put some points on the board last week against a rather suspect Houston defense. But nonetheless, there appeared to be progress. There is something to be said for the run game, which coach Marc Trestman has used 48% of the time. And the Vipers have been able to run a lot of plays - more, in fact, than any team in the league. And they are second in yardage. They went 9-of-18 on third downs last week. But they just haven't been able to convert scoring opportunities.

So you have to look at quarterback play. Taylor Cornelius is a little erratic (just 55%) and is not zooming the ball up the field (six yards / attempt). Aaron Murray looked shaky in the opener before getting hurt; he is back but will serve as a backup because Trestman doesn't feel he's quite ready. Quinton Flowers is a guy who could make things happen with his ability to run with the ball, but he's not terribly accurate, and besides, he just left the team. He appears to be unhappy about not getting enough of a chance to be a quarterback.

OK, back to DC's "silver lining." They were able to advance the ball on ground last week against the Wildcats, with 200 rushing yards. In the XFL, that's going to be increasingly good news because of the rather unsteady passing games and pass blocking. This is a key for DC and its balanced running attack. And we are without a lot of confidence in the Tampa Bay offense.

You could have gotten this game at 2-1/2 just a couple of days ago, but we're still on board with the Defenders. If you're doing parlays, we would lean to the "under" as well.

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