DC DEFENDERS WEEK 10 RECAP:
GOING OUT WITH A BANG

The first ever regular season of the UFL has come to an end. I can’t even explain how much fun it’s been to cover this season. On a personal note, I absolutely love the product that the UFL has put on the field ever week. This isn’t even me being biased, because I can admit that I wasn’t initially a huge fan of the Spring football. I never thought it would ever hold a candle to the level of football that the NFL brings every year.  I was completely wrong about that. 

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The UFL which combined the XFL and the USFL have created a fantastic league with a great fan base and a good amount of teams. 8 is perfect for a first season. 10 games was also the right amount of regular season games. I do hope they add more teams and potential stretch out the games over time. 

 

The UFL is the perfect place to try and get guys into (or back into) the NFL. It’s for the guys who weren’t drafted but want to show that they have the talent to make a roster or former NFL Players who want to prove to scouts that they still have what it takes to be in the league. The men and women who are a part of this league work extremely hard and it’s shown with the games. 

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The games have been entertaining every single week. Even when I’m not reporting on the DC Defenders games, I’m watching the other teams play and I’m always enjoying myself. More times then not, the games are close and come down to the wire. Simply put, I am honored that I got to cover the very first season of the UFL as a member of the press. 

I want to thank BCP+ for the opportunity to do this. 

 

I also want to give a big shout out to my group of friends who I’ve made in the press box. Give @Deelovessports a follow she is incredible and is truly one of the hardest working people I’ve ever been in a room with. Also give @all32nfl a follow, she is fantastic and is so knowledgeable about football! I’m lucky to have been able to rub shoulders with both of them. I honestly wish I could give a shout out to everyone from our group but unfortunately, I didn’t get everyone’s IG handles. But I appreciate all the love and being welcomed with open arms. 

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Now let’s get to the last game of the season.  

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The final games of the UFL regular season is the Defenders hosting the Renegades — two teams that ended the 2023 XFL season battling each other for the championship.De'Veon Smith was breaking tackles left and right on this 27-yard run that helped put Arlington in position for a 27-yard field goal. Just like that, the Renegades took a three-point lead on their first drive.

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Chris Rowland gave the Defenders some momentum with a massive 55-yard kick return, setting his squad up for a game-tying field goal midway through the first quarter.After both teams went three-and-out on their next drives, the Defenders came up with a huge turnover, picking off Renegades QB Luis Perez. 

The Renegades were able to avoid falling behind by stopping the Defenders on fourth down to get the ball right back.

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The Renegades took the lead early in the second quarter, charging downfield and adding another field goal with ease. 

The Defenders took the lead after a jaw-dropping 84-yard kick return for a touchdown — the first of the season! 

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Better late than never!!!! 

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The Defenders extended their lead with another huge rushing score late in the second quarter.The Renegades pulled within one after cashing in for a rushing score of their own and a successful two-point conversion.The Defenders answered immediately, coming up with a 1-yard score to extend their lead early in the third quarter.

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Arlington kept within striking distance, as Jonathan Garibay put home another field goal, this time from 36 yards out. This incredible snag from Tyler Vaughns helped set up Arlington's go-ahead score early in the fourth quarter. But, he wasn't done there. The big-play wideout got himself open as can be to walk into the end zone on the drive-capping score.

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And the two-point conversion was a thing of beauty.

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It took the Defenders just five plays to hit back. In fact, they did so with a play similar to Arlington's score. Brandon Smith stunned his defender with a deft fake, before breaking towards the pylon on a corner route. The clever move left him wide open, and QB Jordan Ta'amu found him with a precise pass to regain the lead.

 

The Defenders were rewarded on the ensuing kickoff, as a blunder by the Renegades' returner resulted in a safety. One of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever seen in person. 

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The Defenders defense then came up big and stopped Arlington but a roughing the passer plenty gave the renegades new lifeArlington jumped back in front on a nine-play, 56-yard drive that sealed the game. Renegades QB Luis Perez hooed up with Deontay Burnett after scrambling away from a hoard of defenders to free himself, tying the tally at 31-31.

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The squad converted the ensuing one-point attempt to take the lead. Arlington came away with a huge stop to deny the Defenders' comeback effort, sealing the one-point win at home.

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Final score: Renegades 32 - Defenders 31 

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The DC Defenders finish the season 4-5 

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That being said, I loved my first year as a media member and I already can’t wait for year two !  Keep it here at BCP+ for all your continuing UFL coverage.