Cowboys Ex QB Ben DiNucci Sets XFL Landmark
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The Nooch is loose and then some.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci continued his professional reclamation in the XFL on Saturday night, throwing for 264 yards and a score as his Seattle Sea Dragons earned a 15-6 win over the San Antonio Brahmas at Lumen Field. With his latest effort, DiNucci became the first quarterback in the rebooted XFL to reach 1,000 yards passing.
A seventh-round pick of the Cowboys out of James Madison in the 2020 draft, DiNucci's Dallas endeavor, enthusiasm, play, and collaboration with fellow NFL alum Josh Gordon has made him one of the most intriguing stories of the latest attempt at spring football. As it stands, the former Dak Prescott backup ranks in the top three in yardage (leader at 1,119), touchdown passes (8), and passer rating (94.7).
When called upon to serve as the starting quarterback for the Sea Dragons, DiNucci was eager to work with offensive coordinator and long-tenured football coach June Jones and his famed "run-and-shoot" offense. It's paid major dividends on both a personal and team-wide level in the early stages of this season.
"I think the run-and-shoot fits perfectly for me because I am a guy who’s going be able to extend plays and make some plays with his legs,” DiNucci told Scott Hanson of The Seattle Times at the start of the season. “I’ve got a big arm and can put the ball where it needs to be. June and (head coach Jim Haslett) have harped on me: ‘Hey, use those things. You’ve got a bunch of tools that a lot of other guys don’t.'”
In Seattle, DiNucci has carried the ball 19 times for 75 yards, fourth-best among XFL throwers. He offered a hint of what was to come during the 2021 preseason in Dallas, breaking loose for 54 yards on five attempts, two of which earned over 10.
DiNucci and the Sea Dragons (2-2) have won two in a row and will visit North Texas when they take on the Arlington Renegades on Mar. 31. In the meantime, they face a Thursday night contest at home against the undefeated Houston Roughnecks (9:30 p.m. CT, ESPN).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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