Through two weeks, the DC Defenders have proven to be the most complete team in the league. Last week, they put up the most dominating performance of the XFL season with a 27 point win over the New York Guardians. Now, they must take their talents out to California to take on the Los Angeles Wildcats. This week’s meeting marks the first meeting of the two teams since Anthony Johnson was traded from the Wildcats to the Defenders for Brandon Sylve. Today, the two defensive play makers will have the opportunity to show their former teams what they’re missing. It’s time to get the third week of the 2020 XFL season underway.
First Quarter: DC Defenders – 0 vs. Los Angeles Wildcats – 6
That's our 1??5?? First TD of the season for @Uno_Dos_Tre3!
DC 0 | LA 6#TheWildcatWay pic.twitter.com/sPuKq3OWH1
— Los Angeles Wildcats (@XFLWildcats) February 23, 2020
Bomb squad! Oh, that’s right. You can’t say that after last night. Either way, wide receiver Tre McBride came up big with a 40 yard touchdown catch to set the tone. This may not be the blowout we were expecting.
PICKED OFF!
The @XFLWildcats with the HUGE interception on the first drive of the game from Cardale Jones. pic.twitter.com/Wkug8ER8fP
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 23, 2020
We’re going the other way! After McBride set the tone on the offensive end with a big touchdown, Arrion Springs set the tone on the defensive end with an interception. Cardale Jones has struggled thus far, throwing two incomplete passes and an interception to start three week.
Picked off AGAIN!
The @XFLWildcats pick up their second INT of the first quarter ? pic.twitter.com/7Vl8DvVPIr
— XFL on FOX (@XFLonFOX) February 23, 2020
Another one! After throwing two interceptions in the first half of the Defenders win against the Guardians last week, Jones has thrown his team into a hole with interceptions in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Josh Johnson looks like he is in mid-season form, completing 78% of his passes and throwing a touchdown.
Second Quarter: DC Defenders – 3 vs. Los Angeles Wildcats – 27
? "Momma I love you! Dad I love you too! Let's get it!" @LarryRoseIII after his TD for the @XFLWildcats ? pic.twitter.com/3mzoMBAwwX
— XFL on FOX (@XFLonFOX) February 23, 2020
This has not gone the way that many had expected. After two disappointing performances, the Wildcats are firing on all cylinders. Josh Johnson can’t miss and the Wildcats defense is putting their offense in great positions to score. If the Defenders are going to come back, they need to convert on third down or this will get ugly quickly.
Dear LA,
WE LOVE YOU.
Sincerely, @Uno_Dos_Tre3 pic.twitter.com/4ckCAS0qJj
— Los Angeles Wildcats (@XFLWildcats) February 24, 2020
There aren’t many more things you can say about how the Wildcats have played in the first half of this game. Josh Johnson and this offensive are on a roll and the Defenders defense that has scored more than some offensive units at times, has looked helpless. The only positive for the Defenders at the moment is that it can’t get much worse.
Score a TD? Do a 'lil dance ?@ThatManCarterIV is Mr. Excitement for a reason! pic.twitter.com/3I2U3lMdqw
— Los Angeles Wildcats (@XFLWildcats) February 24, 2020
To put this first half performance in perspective, the Wildcats have scored 35 points combined in their first two games. They are on pace to eclipse that in the first half of today’s game. On the other end, they’ve allowed 56 points in two games. Today, they’ve allowed three first downs and one net passing yard. Simply put, this is not the same team that showed up to start the season in Los Angeles.
.@T_Rausa's field goal is good. pic.twitter.com/TttDAMn58N
— DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) February 24, 2020
Points are points. After spending most of the half turning the ball over, the Defenders were able to put together a decent seven play, 34-yard drive to close out the half. With that being said, the Wildcats still have time on the clock to put up a field goal. Will they push it or will they take the lead into the locker room?
Third Quarter: DC Defenders – 3 vs. Los Angeles Wildcats – 33
Just like we drew it up ?@ThatManCarterIV chats with @JennyTaft after his 2nd score of the day. #TheWildcatWay pic.twitter.com/4Cwy3notMM
— Los Angeles Wildcats (@XFLWildcats) February 24, 2020
There’s no logical explanation for why this game has turned out the way that it has. There was not a single stat or moment through the first two weeks of the season that would have suggested a 30 point beat down with a quarter left to play, but here we are.
YOU GET AN INTERCEPTION, YOU GET AN INTERCEPTION!
Let's make that 4th INT of the day!#TheWildcatWay pic.twitter.com/Ay7IHs9G1t
— Los Angeles Wildcats (@XFLWildcats) February 24, 2020
With a quarter left to go, Pep Hamilton may have to seriously consider benching Cardale Jones for the remainder of the game. Through three quarters of play, he’s been sacked three times and turned the ball over four times. Making matters worse, many of his interceptions have come as a result of what appears to be bad decision making.
Third Quarter: DC Defenders – 9 vs. Los Angeles Wildcats – 39
It's been all Josh Johnson (@Head8cke) in this quarterback matchup ? pic.twitter.com/DUE1DZ6cP6
— XFL on FOX (@XFLonFOX) February 24, 2020
What else do you want me to write here? It’s ugly and the graphic above explains how it got to be this way. It didn’t have to be this way, but here we are.
— DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) February 24, 2020
After being unable to reach the end zone for three quarter, backup quarterback Tyree Jackson was able to use his legs to jump start the Defenders offense. His scrambling ability ultimately paved the way for a 38 yard touchdown run from Nick Brossette. The Defenders won’t come back and win this one, but this an excellent time for Jackson to show what he’s got.
