From The Press Box: Houston Roughnecks Meet The DC Defenders In The Nation’s Capital

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 8: DC Defenders fans were bundled up for the game against the Seattle Dragons on February 8, 2020 at Audi Field in Washington, DC. (Photo by Al Drago/XFL)

The XFL is just passed the midway of its 2023 regular season. Through five weeks, the DC Defenders and Houston Roughnecks have emerged as the top two teams in a rapidly evolving league. Led by Jordan Ta’amu and D’Eriq King, the DC Defenders boast the league’s most explosive offensive. Meanwhile, Wade Phillips and company have put together the league’s best point differential through five weeks. On Monday night, both teams will come to Audi Field with the leading position in their respective division.

A loss for either team won’t put them out of the playoff picture, it will make the remaining games a bit more interesting. A loss for the Roughnecks would put them back in striking distance of the Arlington Renegades. A loss for the Defenders would put them just one game up on both the Battlehawks and Sea Dragons. However, a win for either team would put them one step closer to securing home-field advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.

First Quarter — Defenders – 3 | Roughnecks – 8

Through the first 10 minutes of play, the Houston Roughnecks haven’t been explosive offensively. However, the team out of Houston has been methodical and consistent. Running 15 offensive plays in comparison to the Defenders’ three, the Roughnecks have put together a balanced attack that has consisted of Brandon Silvers throwing for 77 yards in the air and Max Borghi picking up 14 yards on the ground. Over the course of two drives, Houston’s steady offensive production has put up the first eight points of the game. The ball is now in DC’s metaphorical court as they look to build upon the success they’ve had on the ground through the first five weeks of the season.

The DC Defenders are on the board, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are back in the game. As the pocket broke down with nearly five minutes to go in the first quarter, Ta’amu was able to hit Lucky Jackson for a 36-yard completion. Beyond their connection, the Defenders’ offense has put up 19 yards across nine offensive snaps. Ta’amu and company were able to turn that 36-yard completion into points, but it doesn’t look like the same offense that showed up at Audi Field when St. Louis was in town.

Second Quarter — Defenders – 17 | Roughnecks – 8

One week ago, the Seattle Sea Dragons handed the Houston Roughnecks their first loss of the season. This week, the Houston Roughnecks are attempting to hand the DC Defenders their first loss of the season. Thus far, the Roughnecks are well on their way to achieving their goal. Through 22 minutes of football, the Roughnecks have held the Defenders to 16 rushing yards on seven rushing attempts. For reference, the Defenders have rushed the ball 64 more times for 298 more yards than any other XFL team this season. Instead, Houston has pushed DC toward the air. While Ta’amu and King have been competent through the air, their offensive attack isn’t nearly what it has been in weeks past. Fortunately, there are more than 35 minutes of football left, but adjustments will need to be made if DC wants to remain undefeated.

Through nearly two quarters of football, the Defenders have been forced to alter their offensive approach. The XFL’s leading rushing team has pivoted to an aerial attack. Moreover, 65% of the team’s offensive snaps have resulted in a pass attempt. Closing out the second quarter, Ta’amu connected with Ethan Wolf and Lucky Jackson for two passes apiece, totaling a combined 52 yards. In the end, the Defenders pivoted back to their rushing attack to punch it in at the goal line.

Fresh off of their first touchdown of the game, the Defenders picked things up on defense, putting pressure on Silvers. On first down, Silvers was hit with a 12-yard intentional grounding penalty. One play later, he threw a dime to the defense that was brought back to the crib and put the Defenders up by nine heading into the half. While the energy from the crowd isn’t quite what it has been in previous weeks, it feels like Audi Field is rocking once again.

Third Quarter — Defenders – 26 | Roughnecks — 14

The DC Defenders have carried the momentum they developed in the second quarter into the second half. On the opening play, Ta’amu went deep to his favorite target, Lucky Jackson, for a 36-yard completion. From there, the Defenders followed up with 17 rushing yards from Ryquell Armstead, a 10-yard catch from Briley Moore-McKinney, a four-yard rush from Abram Smith and a one-yard reception from Alex Ellis.

Just when it appeared that they were out of it, the Houston Roughnecks strike back! Down by 18 with less than two minutes to go in the third quarter, Silvers hits a wide-open Deontay Burnett for an 85-yard touchdown pass. Houston was unable to pull through on the conversion attempt, but that big play could breathe new life into the Roughnecks’ offense.

Fourth Quarter — Defenders – 37 | Roughnecks — 26

The Roughnecks have pushed the Defenders to switch up their offensive strategy. One week after racking up more than 200 rushing yards in St. Louis, the Defenders only piled up 60 yards through three quarters in week six. Instead, Jordan Ta’amu completed 60% of his passes for more than 200 yards. With that said, the Defenders reverted back to their comfort zone at the start of the fourth quarter. Abram Smith opened up the fourth quarter with a 30-yard rush, followed by a 30-yard pass to Lucky Jackson. Just like that, the Roughnecks are back on the ropes after an 85-yard touchdown from Burnett.

The Houston Roughnecks turned to Cole McDonald with the game on the line. The backup quarterback used his legs to gain 18 yards and his arms to throw for another 37 yards. Houston was able to punch the ball in for a touchdown, but it may not be enough to overcome an 11-point deficit.

 

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