The first weekend of the revamped XFL took place on Saturday and Sunday, and their unique rules that differ greatly from the NFL produced an absolutely unreal comeback.
The St. Louis Battlehawks found themselves down 15-3 against the San Antonio Brahmas with just 1:30 left in the fourth quarter. However, former Alabama standout turned Battlehawks quarterback A.J. McCarron was able to complete a touchdown pass to make the score 15-9.
Never count out AJ McCarron. #XFL pic.twitter.com/nFf9HWhAip
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) February 19, 2023
XFL rules allow teams to go for a “three-pointer” which is essentially an NFL two-point conversion from the ten-yard line. They went on to convert that attempt to make it a three-point game.
McCarron and the BattleHawks convert the three-pointer, trail 15-12 with 1:25 left. #XFL pic.twitter.com/DTp6cDgUEI
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) February 19, 2023
The Battlehawks then benefited once again from the XFL rules in a way that many fans marveled at. In the XFL, you can get the ball back after a touchdown if you attempt and convert a 4th-and-15 attempt.
McCarron was yet again able to make a huge conversion on this attempt, keeping their comeback hopes alive.
THE BATTLEHAWKS CONVERT ON 4TH AND 15 TO KEEP POSSESSION 😱 pic.twitter.com/uwwTbDlmX7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 19, 2023
McCarron would then cap off the unbelievable comeback by scoring another touchdown with just 16 seconds remaining. This would be a lead they would not relinquish, going on to win 18-15
AJ McCarron just led St. Louis back from a 15-3 deficit in the final two minutes of the game. The BattleHawks now lead! #XFL pic.twitter.com/OQY29Raf4w
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) February 19, 2023
This comeback obviously wouldn’t have been possible without the 4th-and-15 rule. Many fans took notice of this, and some are even calling for this to potentially become a rule in the NFL one day.
4th-and-15 conversion rule is absolutely electric https://t.co/XfDFGKZGri
— Grace Remington (@GraceRemiTV) February 19, 2023
Instead of an onside kick, the trailing team can maintain possession with a 4th-and-15 play from its own 25-yard line. The #NFL owners discussed and didn’t get enough votes to approve. Do you like this rule?
pic.twitter.com/QuVYYz69fU— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) February 19, 2023
I really do like the XFL onside kick alternative (must convert 4th & 15 to keep the ball) and the 1-, 2- & 3-point conversions. Wish the NFL & NCAA would adopt them.
— Creg Stephenson the First (@CregStephenson) February 19, 2023
It’s gonna take the #XFL for the #NFL to adapt the 4th-and-15 alternative to the onside kick.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) February 19, 2023
It remains to be seen if the NFL will seriously consider this change. For now, it is certainly something that is intriguing and sets the XFL apart from other football leagues.
Related: XFL on ESPN debuts score bug, crowd-pleasing replay system
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.