From The Press Box: DC Defenders End The Season At Audi Field

Matthew McCrane #16 of the DC Defenders celebrates with his team after kicking the winning field goal during the fourth quarter against the Arlington Renegades at Choctaw Stadium on April 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/UFL/Getty Images)

Sure, Reggie Barlow and the DC Defenders hoped to reach the playoffs yet again this season, but fate would have it otherwise. One close loss to the Birmingham Stallions and an uncharacteristic performance against the Battlehawks at home later, the Defenders are out of playoff contention heading into Week 10. Still, the Defenders have something left to play for in their season finale. First and foremost, the Defenders are attempting to finish their third consecutive run with a record of .500 or better. Second, Barlow and company will likely bring back many of the same pieces they had this season, so the Defenders would be best served in ending the season on a strong note. Last but not least, the Defenders aim to maintain their nearly perfect home resumé. The Defenders finished the COVID-19 shortened season of 2020 and the 2023 season with a perfect record at home. This season, they’ve dropped two at home, but a win against the lowly Arlington Renegades would bring them back up above .500 at home to close out their 2024 campaign.

Similarly, the Arlington Renegades have also been eliminate from playoff contention, but still have a lot to play for. While 2-7, Arlington is also not in contention for the first pick in the draft. Therefore, there’s no incentive for the Renegades to pull starters and not go full throttle in fear of injury. Furthermore, the Renegades have performed well against the Defenders this season. Most notably, the two franchises met in April for a back-and-forth battle that ended with a one-point Defenders’ victory. In Week 10, they can finally get revenge for one of their toughest losses of the seasons. If they come up short, they’ll have to live with what could’ve been all off-season.

First Quarter: DC Defenders — 3 | Arlington Renegades — 3

The Renegades weren’t able to punch the ball into the end zone for six, but their first drive provided their fans with a bit of hope for what may come as the game progresses. While Lujuan Winningham was unable to bring in Luis Perez’s pass for a touchdown, Perez did find success with a trio of short passes to Deontay Burnett, Tyler Vaughns and Isaiah Winstead. Those short passes paired with inspired rushes from De’veon Smith were enough to put Arlington in the redzone and walk away with a field goal. If Smith can continue to run like that and Perez can get a few of those big passes, the Renegades will give DC trouble all afternoon long.

Led by a big return from Chris Rowland, the DC Defenders were able to respond quickly. Starting in Arlington territory, DC was not nearly as effective as one might hope. The team’s first three offensive plays resulted in an incomplete pass, a recovered fumble and a seven-yard scramble. Ultimately, they didn’t turn the ball over and that was enough to keep the team in field goal range, so Matthew McCrane could do his thing.

After a pair of three-and-outs from both the Renegades and Defenders, there is action at Audi Field. After a six-yard completion to Tyler Vaughns put Luis Perez and the Renegades in a third-and-short situation, Arlington turned the ball over. Ohio State’s Gareon Conley picked Perez off at the 34-yard line and returned it nine yards, putting DC within striking distance yet again.

Second Quarter: DC Defenders — 15 | Arlington Renegades — 14

This Week 10 showdown is turning out to be a game of missed opportunities. On the opening drive, Arlington struggled to punch the ball into the end zone. Shortly thereafter, DC failed to pick up a first down after a massive kickoff return put them within the 35-yard line. Now, DC has failed to generate any points after an interception put them near midfield. As we inch closer to halftime, it’ll be interesting to see if DC and Arlington can finally take control and find a way into the end zone.

Another drive, another field goal. Through nearly 20 minutes of play, both DC and Arlington have put together impressive defensive performances. Despite having the ball for nearly 13 minutes, Arlington has been held to just over 100 yards of total offense on 22 plays. Meanwhile, the DC Defenders have been held to 30 yards of total offense in 12 plays. Most recently, Arlington stuffed DC’s offensive attack on fourth down and pushed the ball downfield for a field goal, putting Arlington up again by three.

They’ve done it again! DC’s special teams unit has played a major role in today’s affair. From deep kickoffs and field goals to lengthy returns, the Defenders have been on point. However, no play has been impactful as Chris Rowland’s 84-yard punt return. While DC failed its two-point attempt, the Defenders are back in business despite struggling on offense throughout much of the first half.

Through more than 20 minutes of football, the DC Defenders struggled to muster up 30 yards of offense over 12 plays. However, the team’s offensive woes aren’t permanent. As halftime nears, Jordan Ta’amu and company has put together a seven-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 43-yard touchdown to Vyncint Smith. With a nine-point lead and a bit of breathing room, DC is starting to put the pressure on the 2023 XFL Champions.

Just when the DC Defenders felt as if they had a bit of breathing room, Arlington has bounced back with a 63-yard touchdown drive. Much like their opening drive, Arlington’s latest series featured several short passes from Perez and tough runs from Smith. Putting the cherry on top of things, the Renegades concluded the possession with a successful two-point conversion that put them within one heading into halftime.

Third Quarter: DC Defenders — 21 | Arlington Renegades — 17

After ending the half in somewhat disappointing fashion, the DC Defenders have bounced back. Aided by two pass interference penalties, Jordan Ta’amu and the Defenders put together a 63-yard drive that put the Defenders back up by seven. However, DC was unable to punch it in for an extra point. DC is now 0-3 on extra point attempts, leaving Arlington within one score.

Fourth Quarter: DC Defenders — 31 | Arlington Renegades — 32

The Arlington Renegades are not going away without a fight. Opening the final quarter of play, Luis Perez hit Tyler Vaughns on the sideline for a 24-yard gain. One play later, Perez hit Vaughns again a 35-yard pass in the end zone. Capping off the drive, the Renegades’ Vaughns punched it in for a two-point conversion. Arlington is up by two and DC must counter if they hope to stay in this ball game.

Moments after Vaughns torched the Defenders for eight points, DC countered with a touchdown pass to Brandon Smith. To the dismay of fans at Audi Field, the play was called back and the Defenders were pushed back to Arlington’s 44-yard line. At first, it felt like the latest in a long line of blows to the momentum DC captured late in the second quarter. However, the penalty seemingly delayed the inevitable. Three plays later, Jordan Ta’amu hit Brandon Smith again for a 40-yard touchdown pass, but there wasn’t any penalty to save Arlington’s defense this time around. More importantly, DC ended the drive with a successful two-point conversion, their first of the afternoon. With nearly 12 minutes of action in this high-scoring affair, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if both teams cross the 40-point marker before the clock runs out.

With their backs against the wall, the DC Defenders have answered not once, but twice. After falling behind early in the fourth quarter, the Defenders marched down the field and hit Brandon Smith for a touchdown. Now, the ball is back in DC’s hands after Luis Perez threw a dime…to the defense. Eight minutes left in regulation, the Defenders have a chance to put Arlington away if they’re able to run some time off the clock, punch it in for six and successfully attempt a two or three-point conversion.

And the tables have turned yet again! After a deep touchdown pass to Brandon Smith and an interception from Luis Perez, the Defenders find themselves down again. A 15-yard roughing the passer penalty from DC paired with a balanced diet of short passes from Luis Perez and strong runs from De’veon Smith, the Renegades put together a nine-play, 56-yard drive that chewed up four of the last six minutes of gameplay. Up one with two minutes to go, the Renegades must keep DC out of field goal range if they hope to finish off the 2024 UFL season with a win.

Final Score: DC Defenders — 31 | Arlington Renegades — 32

Ultimately, DC didn’t have enough firepower to finish off the Renegades. With the game on the line, the Defenders failed to pick up a single first down. As a result, the Defenders will end the 2024 UFL season with a 4-6 record and their first losing record at home since the team was founded 2020. As for the Renegades, they get revenge for their early season loss and end the season as they did last year, with a win against the Defenders.

 

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