The 2023 XFL returns to the Audi Field in Washington.
When: Sunday, Feb. 19 at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT
Where: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
How to watch: ESPN
Betting
SEA -1.5
O/U 35.5
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Depth Charts
Injuries*
Probable:
WR Jaylon Redd (hamstring) – SEA
DE PJ Hall (shoulder) – SEA
DT Treyvon Hester (ankle) – SEA
Questionable:
WR Jordan Veasy (illness) – SEA
DT Austin Faoliu (hamstring) – SEA
Out:
WR Chad Hansen (illness) – DC
DE Fadol Brown (hamstring) – DC
Overview
On Feb. 8, 2020, the D.C. Defenders defeated the Seattle Dragons at Audi Field, 31-19, in the inaugural matchup of the 2020 XFL. The atmosphere was electric, the league innovations proved to make the game run faster & smoother, and most importantly: the quality of play was good. From there, things only went up as the players grasped their new schemes, and coaches adapted to the rules that made the XFL different. As we entered the second half of the season, though TV ratings were falling, I was optimistic about the league’s future.
Unfortunately, that optimism all came to an abrupt halt when the XFL suspended the remainder of the season on Mar. 12, 2020. Soon after, the league suspended operations marking the failure of yet another spring football league. I thought it was over. Spring football leagues had failed in back-to-back years, plus the XFL had already failed back in 2001.
Thankfully, I was wrong. In late 2020, the Rock and Dany Garcia purchased the XFL and announced its return for 2022. Failed negotiation talks with the CFL pushed that date back to 2023.
Though waiting for this day has felt like a lifetime, we’re finally here: 2023 XFL opening weekend. Albeit much has changed between this version of the league and the 2020 one, I’m still just as ecstatic (if not more) about the new-look XFL, and its future.
The Defenders will once again kick off their season in the nation’s capital against Seattle. Both teams bring players with impressive resumes and different stories: whether they were college standouts whose talent just didn’t translate to the next level or they sustained injuries that derailed their careers. Some have bounced around countless NFL practice squads, while others have been part of numerous spring leagues. No matter the background, the XFL gives each player a chance to prove themselves, and we saw that in the 2020 version with guys like P.J. Walker.
Seattle Sea Dragons
Speaking of storied players, if someone told me three years ago that Josh Gordon would be in the XFL, I’d call them crazy. But lo and behold, here he is now, and the Rock’s “league of opportunity” may just be what it takes to get the 2013 NFL receiving yards leader back to the NFL.
The case is similar with his quarterback, Ben DiNucci, who notably played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2020-2021, where he struggled and has since failed to get back onto an NFL squad. Keeping the potentially explosive connection between DiNucci and Gordon will be vital in the Defenders’ efforts to shut down the Dragons.
As far as other threats in June Jones’ run-and-shoot system, receivers Ja’Cour Pearson, Blake Jackson, and Juwan Green include names to look out for. Former Portland State TE Charlie Taumoepeau serves as the lone tight end on the Seattle roster while running backs Brenden Knox and Morgan Ellison are both guys I expect to play bigger roles in catching and blocking than running itself against D.C.
Defensively, Seattle’s 3-4 scheme is headlined by the likes of ILB Jordan Evans and DT Austin Faulio. HC Jim Haslett, who has a 47-61 NFL head coaching record, will be the defensive play-caller.
Antoine Brooks, the hard-hitting safety out of Maryland, is a guy the Defenders will need to watch out for off the edge. Chris Jones and Linden Stevens make up the base corners and match up well against D.C. receivers Josh Hammond and Lucky Jackson, respectively.
DC Defenders
The home Defenders’ offensive success will rely heavily on the offensive line’s ability to create gaps for running backs Abram Smith and Ryquell Armstead, as well as its ability to protect QB Jordan Ta’amu, who tends to struggle under pressure.
Tight ends Ethan Wolf, Briley Moore, and Trae Barry could also assist with blocking duties while dealing damage to the Dragons via the air when called upon.
Jequezz Ezard, the return man for D.C., will be Ta’amu’s top target from the slot, along with the aforementioned outside receivers: Hammond and Jackson.
DC Gregg Williams got to build this defense from scratch and the way it’s built shows. It’ll be interesting to see the extent Williams scales up the pressure, especially against a pass-heavy team like the Dragons with a guy like Flash; who could easily burn any corner with no help over the top.
Ironically, both D.C. starting safeties Kentrell Brice and Santos Ramirez were teammates in Seattle during the 2020 iteration of the XFL.
DE Davin Bellamy and OLB Reggie Northrup are among other names to look out for on the Defenders’ front seven.
Though I believe both offenses have tons of upside, I’m expecting a defensive game here. Yes, the Dragons have DiNucci and Flash, but other than that, I think the Defenders’ defense matches up pretty well with its opposition. The same goes for the Dragons’ defense, though the Defenders missing a handful of top receivers gives them the disadvantage.
It’s always hard to make predictions with little insight and info on each team, but I’m going with the Sea Dragons on the road here. Expect a close one.
