From Press Row: DC Defenders vs. Seattle Dragons

DC Defenders vs. Seattle Dragons
Courtesy of the XFL

It’s week one of the XFL rebirth and we’re looking live from Audi Field in Southwest Washington, D.C. Today, former Ohio State quarterback is leading the D.C. Defenders in their season opener against the Seattle Dragons. On the field, much of today’s attention will be focused towards the fast-paced offense led by Jones. He is joined by all-time great NCAA Division I rusher Donnel Pumphrey out of San Diego State. On the opposite end of things, the Dragons are also led by a strong running attack that includes a trio of dual threat skill players like Ja’Quan Gardner, Kenneth Farrow and Trey Williams. If the Dragons expect to exploit the XFL’s fast paced nature, they’ll need to get those three out in space. All in all, this sets up as a great opening match-up for the rebirth of the XFL.

First Quarter: DC Defenders – 3 vs. Seattle Dragons – 6 

The Defenders Start The Season With A 3-0 Lead!

The DC Defenders moved the ball quite well on their first drive with Jones nearly having a perfect completion percentage. In many ways, he looks like he did at Ohio State, tough to bring down and a big arm. However, they’ll need their run game to pick up a little bit if they want to keep up with Dragons high powered offense.

Seattle Is On The Board!

The Dragons may have the worst odds in Vegas to win the 2020 XFL Championship, but they’re not playing like it. As mentioned before, the Seattle Dragons have a ton of skill players to lean on like Ja’Quan Gardner, Kenneth Farrow and Trey Williams. Joining them, Austin Proehl came up with a big catch from Brandon Silvers to start the season off with a 6-3 lead to close the first quarter.

Second Quarter: DC Defenders – 12 vs. Seattle Dragons – 13

Defense! Defense! Defense!

After a back and forth first quarter, the first two possessions of the second quarter have ended without a score. With that being said, we did get to see our first major turnover of the season. After giving Brandon Silvers set the Dragons up with a 6-3 lead, he set them back with an interception to Rahim Moore.

Big Man Touchdwons Are Undefeated!

Prior to today’s game, much of the attention around the DC Defenders was focused toward their high powered offense led by Cardale Jones. To his credit, Jones started out the game with a 62.5% completion percentage, 59 passing yards and thirteen rushing yards. Since he led his team to its first field goal, they’ve remained relatively quiet with the exception of a missed field goal. Meanwhile, their defense has come up big by holding the Dragons to six points. Taking the pressure off of their offense a bit, they were able to come up with a strip sack to get the Defenders their first touchdown of the season.

Seattle Is Back On Top With A Thirteen Yard Touchdown!

Third Quarter: DC Defenders – 25 vs. Seattle Dragons – 19

The Defenders Are Back On The Board To Start The First Half!

If the Defenders are going to win this game, they’re going to have to do so through the air. As expected, Jones is playing well with 121 yards through the air and 33 on the ground. Unfortunately, those 33 rushing yards lead his team through two quarters. Luckily, he was able to pull his team back ahead with a deep touchdown to Khari Lee. Defenders will take a six point lead with the score.

I Think He Could’ve Tackled Him, But That’s Just My Opinion.

If anyone is going to get an NFL tryout after this week, it’s Austin Proehl. Through two quarters and change, he’s been nearly impossible with two catches for two touchdowns and 71 yards receiving. After all, there is a team in New England that could definitely use all the receiving help they can get.

The Defenders Will Not Go Down Easy!

The most amazing aspect of today’s game is not that Cardale Jones leads the Defenders with 33 rushing yards. The most amazing aspect fact of today’s game is that Defenders have put up 25 points and are leading by six with Cardale Jones leading them with 33 rushing yards. Yet again, the passing game is carrying the team out of the nation’s capital. This time around, Jones linked up with former Washington football franchise star Rashad Ross.

Fourth Quarter: DC Defenders – 31 vs. Seattle Dragons – 19

The DC Defenders Are Who We Thought They Were!

The Defenders have definitely looked vulnerable at times. As mentioned, Clayton Lopez’s defense has kept Cardale Jones and company in check throughout the game. Most notably, the Defenders are led in rushing by their quarterback who looks more like Ryan Fitzpatrick than Lamar Jackson. Still, there passing game has proven to be elite. More importantly, there defense has been on a roll today. To start the game, they were able to put together a strip and score to take a 6-3 lead. To end the game, Bradley Sylve grabbed an interception and took it to the house to put the Defenders up by two scores.

Final Score: DC Defenders – 31 vs. Seattle Dragons – 19

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