If this Luis Perez start did not convince you that he is the right New York Guardians quarterback, I don’t know what will.

Luis Perez is now 2-0 in the XFL, as he led the New York Guardians to their second win in a row. Their record is now 3-2 and they could go into 1st place with a Battlehawks loss vs the DC Defenders. The Guardians got their first road win, something they struggled to get in weeks 2 (Defenders) and 3 (Battlehawks).

Offense

Perez had a good start going 16 of 30 for 229 yards with one interception and one touchdown. His completion percentage dipped to 53. But other than that, he could very well lock up the starting job.

Here’s what Guardians head coach Kevin Gilbride had to say about the 25-year-old quarterback: “I think Luis is a guy that the rest of the team both offensively and defensively actually look to him as kind of a calming force,…[They see him] as a guy who is dependable, and if things aren’t going as we hoped, that he’s not going to get rattled or frustrated … and that he will give our team a chance to win.”

That is a convincing statement from Gilbride that Perez will start from now on.

Colby Pearson was Perez’s lead target as he collected 5 receptions for 95 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown. Joe Horn had a disappointing day, not having a single catch in three targets. McKale McKay had three receptions for 67 yards.

Defense

The Guardians defense played their best game played on Saturday as they held Renegades quarterback Philip Nelson to 210 yards. Defensive tackle Toby Johnson and defensive end Ryan Mueller had an interception each off deflections. Mueller took his back to the house for a touchdown. The run defense improved and only allowed 66 rushing yards. They also limited the deep pass, only allowing only 32 yards on the longest pass.

Special Teams

Special Teams was a mixed bag for the Guardians on Saturday. For the second time this season the Guardians allowed a kickoff return touchdown, but this time Austin Walter took it 92 yards. Later on, in the 4th quarter, D’Juan Hines recovered a fumble on a Flynn Nagel punt return. Ironically, the fumble was forced by backup quarterback Marquise Williams. Kicker Matthew McCrane made three field goals Saturday and remains perfect this season.

Result

Luis Perez had one miscue when he threw an interception to Josh Hawkins. A brawl ensued after that when some extra pushing and shoving occurred before the interception between two linemen. Both were ejected. Even after that, the Guardians kept on going and won the game 30-12. The Guardians advance to 3-2, while Renegades falls to 2-3.

Last Saturday, the New York Guardians started former AAF quarterback Luis Perez for the injured veteran Matt McGloin. Before his injury, McGloin struggled with completion percentage and turnovers. Though we have not seen Marquise Williams much, other than the game vs the Battlehawks, it seems like a switch could be probable, if McGloin keeps struggling.

Before Sunday’s match vs the Wildcats, Perez came in for a coffee vs the Battlehawks the week before. He completed four out of five passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. Then after starting vs the Wildcats, he passed for 150 yards and a touchdown with a 69% completion percentage. Here are the two quarterbacks stats this season:

Stats Comparison:

Matt McGloin (3 games)

31/59

310 yards

Completed 52.5% of his passes

1 Touchdown

3 Interceptions

52.22 Passer Rating

Luis Perez (2 games)

22/31

189 yards

Completed 70.9% of his passes

2 Touchdowns

0 Interceptions

108.13 Passer Rating

What is my verdict?

The stats do look better for Luis Perez from a microscope. However, an argument can be made that Perez played fewer games. Here’s my verdict: Luis Perez should finish the season as the Guardians starting quarterback.

Why should the Guardians stick to Perez?

Perez has a better completion percentage and fewer turnovers. He is also younger and more mobile. But, remember this is not the NFL where age is a factor in the amount of playing time.

There needs to be an adjustment made to the offensive gameplan or McGloin’s play. Just remember when McGloin criticized the gameplan vs the DC Defenders two and a half weeks ago. He has played under average in the XFL so far.

I am not saying it would be horrible to give McGloin another shot, but if the struggling trend continues, the Guardians will have to consider a change.

The Guardians can take one of two roads, depending on the situation. Chances are that the New York Guardians could ride into a playoff berth with McGloin as their starter. However, if their plans go south they can either ride with McGloin to the remainder of the season or switch to Marquise Williams or Perez to evaluate who could become the quarterback for next season.

Tensions rise as Luis Perez and the Guardians win 2nd game in a row