Jontre Kirklin #13 and Justin Smith #10 of the San Antonio Brahmas react during the second half of a game against the St. Louis Battlehawks at The Dome at America’s Center on June 01, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri. St. Louis beat San Antonio 13-12. (Photo by Scott Rovak/UFL/Getty Images)
This is part seven of what will be an eight-part look at each UFL team’s 2024 season.
It’s a storyline that’s been repeated over and over again by now, but the bettors did not believe in the Brahmas before the season. San Antonio surprised a lot of people by making it to the UFL Championship Game. There was much work to be done in the offseason, turning over nearly the entire Brahmas 2023 roster and remaking it in the images of head coach Wade Phillips and offensive coordinator AJ Smith. It’s a testament to Phillips, Smith, and general manager Marc Lillibridge that they were able to do so quickly, and successfully. In Smith’s run-and-shoot system, receivers like Jontre Kirklin shined, but it was the run game led by John Lovett and Anthony McFarland that really impressed. San Antonio finished as the number one defense in the league, allowing just 15.3 points per game. They gave up the fewest pass yards in the UFL and were credited with the most sacks. San Antonio handed Birmingham its only loss of the season in week eight.
What went wrong
All of the issues that plagued San Antonio at various points during the season seemed to get amplified in the championship game: The inconsistency of the offense and lack of success in the WR screen game; the communication issues between AJ Smith and the rest of the offense between plays; the inability to get turnovers to stem the opponent’s momentum (they had a league-low 10 takeaways during the regular season); and the wearing down of the defense due to the offense being unable to sustain drives. These issues led to extreme distress from players on the sideline in the finale, an unfortunate closing memory of the season for a team that exceeded expectations.
Offensive MVP
Other players shined brighter in shorter bursts, but WR Jontre Kirklin was the one constant on the Brahmas offense, no matter who was at QB, lined up at RB, or positioned beside him. Kirklin tied for the league lead in receptions and was second in receiving yardage. All year, the television announcers talked about how much he deserved a place in the NFL after the season. They say you should get the ball into your best players’ hands as often as possible, and you can’t criticize AJ Smith for doing just that. Kirklin was tops in passing targets, earning 10 more than anyone else in the UFL in 2024. The Brahmas had a lot of weapons on offense; Kirklin was the one that stood out as the most consistently dangerous of them.
Defensive MVP
One of the players Wade Phillips made sure to transfer over from Houston this year was LB Tavante Beckett. The heart of this Brahmas defense is its linebacker corps, led by Beckett and Jordan Williams, affectionately referred to as the “Rugrat twins” by defensive coordinator Will Reed. Beckett and Williams set the tone for the defense with their smothering style of play. As good as Beckett was last year with the Roughnecks, he improved in most of his counting stats this year, no doubt due in part to having Williams next to him. Beckett was second on the team in tackles with 72 and first in tackles for loss with nine. He also broke up a pass, forced two fumbles, and registered 1.5 sacks.
Special Teams MVP
Though his 2024 season will likely be distilled down to his 40-yard fake punt touchdown pass to center Alex Mollette in week one, P Brad Wing had a stellar season doing his actual job as well. He finished third in the league in gross punting average, while also landing the most punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard-line. Wing’s 64-yard bomb in week eight against Birmingham forced the Stallions to go the length of the field late in the fourth quarter, resulting in Teez Tabor’s game-sealing interception. Earlier this year, Wing told the media he’ll punt until they tell him he can’t anymore. So far, he obviously still can, and he’ll undoubtedly be welcomed back to the Brahmas in 2025.
Anthony McFarland #41 of the San Antonio Brahmas rushes for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Arlington Renegades at Alamodome on May 19, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/UFL/Getty Images)
Most likely to succeed (in getting NFL opportunities)
Kirklin should pop up somewhere in the NFL before training camp, perhaps with his former team, the New Orleans Saints. RBs Anthony McFarland and John Lovett may also be on some teams’ short list at the position. Several defensive players could be had, as NFL coaches certainly respect Phillips as a defensive mind and would love to use players that have operated within his system. Beckett, OLB Wyatt Ray, and CB Darius Phillips are players that come to mind in this area, but there are probably a dozen more for whom I could make an argument deserve to be on an NFL training camp roster. San Antonio was able to snag several players with extensive NFL resumes, and that familiarity with teams could help them get their foot back in that door.
QB concern level for 2025 (1-5)
When healthy, Chase Garbers seemed to be a perfect fit for AJ Smith’s offense, in part due to his experience with some of the key aspects of it while playing at Cal. His performance in the championship game, though, must give Brahmas decision-makers some pause. Garbers played hesitantly, made poor decisions, and generally seemed to put himself before the team. His stats were fine, but he didn’t pass the eye test. After inexplicably sliding short of the first down on a 3rd-and-1 in the second half, Garbers was pulled from the game. Quinten Dormady is a fine backup but has a ceiling as a starter. If Garbers returns, he may have to earn his spot again (as well as regain trust from teammates and coaches), just as he did this year in camp. At worst, San Antonio could end up starting over at QB1 with a solid number two in Dormady. This is a difficult one, but I’ll go with a 2.5.
Head coach Wade Phillips of the San Antonio Brahmas looks on during the first quarter of a game against the St. Louis Battlehawks at The Dome at America’s Center on June 01, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Rovak/UFL/Getty Images)
Head coach hot seat rating (1-5)
At 77 years old, it’s fair to wonder how long Wade Phillips wants to do this. He certainly doesn’t need to – and the pay cut he may have to take for 2025 could be the excuse for him to bow out gracefully, and after a championship run to boot. Phillips, known for his youthful exuberance that belied his age, started looking and sounding more tired and worn down this year. Yet, a spring league like this is the perfect way for Phillips to stay connected to the game that has been such a big part of his life since birth. Like others in the same position in this league, it’s hard to see leadership ever pushing them out the door – his name value still does mean something – especially at his age. When the time comes to go, that will be Wade’s decision to make. An easy 1 here, even if San Antonio hadn’t made the championship.
Offseason needs for 2025
General manager Marc Lillibridge is one of the best in the league, and he showed that last offseason in completely remaking the roster of this Brahmas franchise. He won’t have to start from scratch again as he has created a nice base of players to work from. With TE Cody Latimer expected to retire, that is a position that will need to be addressed, unless they opt against using tight ends in this offense, which is what happened in 2023. Guard Kohl Levao is now on the New York Jets, so the interior offensive line will need shoring up. San Antonio carries more receivers than normal so stronger depth could be added. While the starting linebacker spots are spoken for, the backups are a place to consider adding talent. Kicker Ryan Santoso struggled down the stretch; do they bring him back? Will Donald De La Haye return after suffering a scary neck injury? If not, add kicker to the list.
