Announcers: Kevin Kugler (Play-by-Play), Robert Smith (Analyst), Brock Vereen (Field Reporter)
Injury Report/Depth Chart
Overview
The Defenders have a huge test against the Stallions this weekend.
While D.C. is entering the matchup on a two-game winning streak, both of the teams it has beaten are winless on the season. Plus, both contests were determined within one possession. This game will give Defenders Head Coach Reggie Barlow a good idea of where his squad stands compared to the UFL’s top team.
On the other hand, the Stallions are the only undefeated team remaining, with a perfect 3-0 record. They are coming into this game full steam ahead after an imposing 33-14 win over the Showboats last week. All units looked sure-firing for Skip Holtz’s team in the victory. We will see how Birmingham can build on it in week four.
Defenders
The Defenders have one of their top receivers back in Keke Coutee after he missed last week due to injury. He will be a playmaker to watch out for as well as receivers Kelvin Harmon and Brandon Smith in the passing game.
Ty Scott and Chris Rowland both come off the bench for the Defenders, yet are first and third in receiving yardage for D.C., respectively. With Coutee back, Rowland’s usage at slot receiver will drop, while Scott will continue to be rotated on the outside.
If Scott continues producing how he has in the first three games (eight receptions, 152 yards, one touchdown), he should become a starter sooner rather than later. He and Jordan Ta’amu have developed a good connection thus far.
Meanwhile, the Defenders’ rushing attack, headlined by Cam’Ron Harris, is yet to crack 100+ years in a game this season. If D.C.’s offense wants to keep up with the high-powered Stallions, then it can’t be one-dimensional. The run game will need to be able to help take pressure off the passing attack.
Defensively, I simply don’t have much faith in Gregg Williams’ unit, as it has struggled to begin the season. If the Defenders can hold the Stallions to anything less than 30 points and 400 yards, consider that a win in itself.
Last week, D.C. allowed 419 total yards, an 87.5% third-down conversion rate (seven-for-eight), and a 75.0% red-zone touchdown rate (three-for-four) against the Renegades. It was not a good performance. While the Defenders were able to get away with it because of Arlington’s defensive struggles of its own, it will not be that easy against Birmingham.
If the Defenders want to win this one, it will have to be in a shootout. But it will be tough for the offense to outdo a stout Stallions’ defense.
Stallions
Adrian Martinez totaled a UFL-high 378 total yards and three touchdowns in his first start of the season last week against the Showboats. It was the Stallions’ best offensive performance of the season, although the sample size is still small.
Against the Defenders, the Stallions are reverting back to Matt Corral as their starting quarterback, despite Martinez’s success last week. Corral had started in Birmingham’s first two games of the season and helped the Stallions to both wins.
With Corral starting, Martinez is the backup. Stallions Head Coach Skip Holtz has not provided a rationale as to why Martinez is back on the bench.
No matter the quarterback, Deon Cain (13 receptions, 240 yards, one touchdown) and Jace Sternberger (six receptions, 105 yards, one touchdown) are the Stallions’ top offensive threats. We will see how the Defenders work to keep them in check.
The Stallions’ ground game, featuring C.J. Marable, Ricky Person Jr., and a good amount of Adrian Martinez in scrambling situations, has averaged 148.0 rushing yards per game—a stark contrast to the Defenders, who average just 69.3 rushing yards per game.
Over their past two games on defense, the Stallions have recorded 15 sacks and have allowed just 208.5 yards per game. There are too many defensive playmakers to name, as different players have stepped up on a weekly basis.
If the Stallions’ defensive front seven can continue getting to the quarterback and clogging up rushing lanes as they have this season, it will be hard for the Defenders to get going on offense.
Final Thoughts
I’m taking the Stallions in this one. They have simply looked like the more complete team this season, and they have home-field advantage.
