Week 5 Preview with linebacker DeMarquis Gates

Roughnecks are back home on Saturday

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I sat down with DeMarquis Gates today to get to know him more and preview some of this week's upcoming game. In case you missed it, Gates had the amazing game winning play last week against the Dallas Renegades.

Many players view the XFL as a stepping stone back to the NFL. How has this league helped you?

"It's helped me get exposure, more film and have time to work on my technique, nail down the things I need to work on. Exactly what you said, try to get back into the NFL."

How are you liking the defensive scheme here in Houston?

"It's wonderful. Coach Cottrell and the rest of the defense staff put up a good game plan, a good defensive scheme. We just try to get in and make the plays that we can."

Seattle looked a lot better when they changed QBs. What do you judge them on? The prior three three games or what you saw late against St. Louis?

"You can take all games into account. We feel like they're going to use both quarterbacks. Both QBs have played so we're just going to be ready for both of them."

Preparing to go 5-0 is a big deal. Is there added pressure being the last unbeaten team in the league? Does that add a target?

"It definitely adds a target on our back but I don't think it's any pressure. We just have to take it one day at a time, play by play and come out with the W."

Game at a glance

The Roughnecks' defense had five big turnovers last week. This week they're expected to face both QB's from the Dragons, BJ Daniels and Brandon Silvers. The last time a team switched up QB's on Houston, it caused some confusion. The standards are set high for your Houston Roughnecks this week as they come back home to face the Seattle Dragons Saturday at 1 p.m. Make sure you purchase your tickets here. Let's get TDECU Stadium rockin' to welcome the 4-0 team home!


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After the Carolina Panthers traded in front of the Texans to secure the No. 1 pick last week, many are now assuming the Texans are going to take either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud with the No.2 overall pick.

But before that trade was made, many believed Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson could be in play for the Texans. With that in mind, could the Texans swerve everyone on draft day and select Anderson?

Furthermore, if Bryce Young is off the board, and the Texans don't want to draft CJ Stroud because he's represented by Deshaun Watson's agent, which scenario is more likely?

The Texans trade back, or take Anderson at No.2?

Be sure to watch the video above as we cover all the angles and offer some scenarios that have yet to be covered.

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