The XFL starts strong on debut weekend

The debut weekend of the XFL has come and gone and it's been met with mostly positive fanfare. For those unfamiliar with the product, this is Pro Wrestling Mogul Vince McMahon's second attempt at launching a professional football league up. The previous version of the XFL lasted a single season in 2001 and shut up shop following the inaugural XFL Million Dollar Game.

McMahon eventually admitted that the first version of the league was a "colossal failure," but it appears that he might be onto something with the 2020 version of the league.

According to Pro Football Talk the first XFL game between the D.C. Defenders and Seattle Dragons drew 3.3 million viewers on ABC. In this day and age with digital streaming, the league's TV deal only sets the XFL up for success. Fans can stream games utilizing the ESPN or Fox Sports Go apps, so there is little reason why fans can't catch a game.

Whether it was a reaction to the new kickoff rules, extra points, or the new three-point attempt, fans generally seemed keen on the changes. Some called them "gimmicky," but as the season wears on the quality of play will improve and stakes will be elevated as the playoff picture takes shape.