UFL WEEK 2 RECAP

COLUMBUS VS DC 

​

The first half of this game was a roller coaster. DC seemed like they were going to run away with this game early, scoring on their first four offensive possessions. However, a muffed punt late in the half allowed Columbus to score on an impressive run from Zaquandre White and enter halftime with some good momentum, only trailing by 10 points. 

​

The second half kept the chaos going, as DC linebacker Ferrod Gardner recovered a fumble, but then on the return, he started showboating à la Leon Lett and he was stripped of the ball himself. However, Columbus was not able to take advantage of the second chance, and DC never looked back. 

​

Two quick scores by the Defenders put the game out of reach by the middle of the third quarter, as they returned to championship form and cruised to a 44-26 victory. While DC was the better team in every facet, special attention must be given to the running game of the Defenders. They ran the ball 36 times with five different players, amassing 230 yards and 4 touchdowns.

​

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

​

Undisciplined penalties hurt Columbus early in the game, which is usually attributed more to coaching/preparation. On a positive note, Jalen McClendon effectively scrambled a lot more than he did in week one. This needs to be a major component for Columbus moving forward.

​

The Defenders went from having the lowest offensive totals of week one, to scoring on 8 of their 10 offensive possessions. With how good their own defense is, if DC can score with even half that level of efficiency, they will be holding the trophy once again. 

 

ORLANDO VS LOUISVILLE

​

The philosophy of these teams was on display from the start. Louisville seemed happy to play a grind it out game, whereas Orlando kept looking for the big knockout punch. Early on, both teams moved the ball well but stalled near the end zone. 

​

In the second quarter, Storm WR KJ Hamler made a spectacular play to get into the end zone and Orlando took a 12-9 lead into half.

The second half was dominated by the defenses. The Kings’ defense kept them in the game, but the Storm relied on their star players Chris Rowland and Jashaun Corbin to grind down the clock. QB Jack Plummer was able to deliver the knockout blow when he connected with Elijah Badger and the Storm sealed the game, winning 19-9.

​

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

​

Louisville's defense has kept them in the first two games, but a lack of playmaking ability has kept the Kings winless. Losing star receiver Jonathan Adams before the season has really hurt this team. If the offense can’t find a spark, it’s going to be a rough year. 

Orlando seems to be on the verge of being championship contenders. They have all the offensive weapons, the defense is stout, and the coaching is elite. However, until the Storm play one of the frontrunners, it’s hard to tell how good they actually are. 

 

HOUSTON VS BIRMINGHAM 

​

Early in the game, Birmingham failed to convert on a fourth and one instead of taking the easy field goal. I will say this every week until teams learn: in the first half, PUT THE POINTS ON THE BOARD! 

​

Houston couldn’t find the end zone, but consistently moved the ball and put up field goals when given the chance. Birmingham’s offense saw a lot of miscues early, but the two minute offense finally sparked the Stallions. QB Matt Corral connected with WR Jaydon Mickens and the Stallions took a 7-6 lead into the half. 

​

Birmingham kept their momentum going as they were able to put up a second consecutive passing touchdown. The Gamblers continued to kick field goals and closed the gap to 14-12.

​

Houston’s lack of hubris paid off when they went for their 5th field goal inside of the red zone. It would have given them a one point lead, but Birmingham had a penalty at the line, allowing a fresh set of downs and the Gamblers finally scored a touchdown, taking a 19-14 lead. 

​

Birmingham was able to retake the lead when Anthony McFarland ran in a touchdown, but the two point conversion was no good. A 20-19 score allowed Houston one more chance to steal the victory.

​

A wild final drive, including two successful coaches' challenges, gave the Gamblers an opportunity to hit a 50 yard field goal. Kicker John Hoyland nailed his 5th field goal of the game and the Gamblers won 22-20. Remember that first quarter field goal that Birmingham opted not to go for? Yeah, put the points on the board. 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS. 

​

The Gamblers came out of the gate hungry to prove they are not as bad as they played week one. Their running game was fantastic, their passing game was serviceable, and while their defense still struggled at times, they came away with key turnovers. They look much improved from week one, but they will need to learn how to score touchdowns in the red zone.

​

Birmingham’s run game continues to be pedestrian. If they want to make a deep run this season, it’s going to be on Matt Corral’s shoulders. In the meantime, their defense will keep them in most contests, just make sure you take the under on those games. 

 

DALLAS VS ST LOUIS

​

The first half was all Renegades. On their opening drive, Dallas marched down the field and Austin Reed was able to connect with Tyler Vaughns for a quick touchdown. After an interception, Dallas put up a field goal to quickly go up 9-0. Midway through the second quarter, Greg Ward Jr caught a touchdown pass and then threw a successful two point conversion to extend the Renegades lead to 17-3 at the half.

​

Early in the fourth quarter, Reed and Vaughns hooked up for the duo’s second touchdown of the game, expanding the lead for Dallas, 24-6. St. Louis responded with their first touchdown of the game when Tyler Nevelle made a great dive for the goal line. An amazing catch by Hakeem Butler on the 3 point conversion kept the Battlehawks within striking distance, 24-15.

However, with just under two minutes to go, Reed and Vaughns connected on their third touchdown of the game, and the high powered offense propelled Dallas to the victory 31-15.

​

​

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

​

The run game for Dallas exploded, but the kicking game is still having issues. Fortunately their defense is solid and offense is so good that they likely won’t have to rely on too many last second field goals to win. Also, Tyler Vaughns HAS to be the early frontrunner for MVP. 

​

St. Louis needs to get their passing game figured out. This was Silvers’ second rough game in a row. His reads are off, and it might be time to look at who else is in that QB room. It’s not all Silvers’ fault, dropped passes at crucial times of the game hindered any momentum they were gathering. 

Week 3 schedule: 

​

Orlando Storm @ Louisville Kings, Friday April 10, 8 PM on FOX

Houston Gamblers @ DC Defenders, Saturday April 11, 12 PM on ESPN

Columbus Aviators @ Dallas Renegades, Sunday April 12, 12 PM on ABC

Birmingham Stallions @ St. Louis Battlehawks, Sunday April 12, 3 PM on ABC