Broadcasting Team: Tom Hart, Greg McElroy, Cole Cubelic, Katie George
Injury Report
Overview
Tomorrow, the D.C. Defenders return home to Audi Field to host their sixth contest of the season in the 2023 XFL North Championship against the Seattle Sea Dragons. The matchup will feature two of the hottest teams in the XFL as of late, with the Defenders on a three-game winning streak, while the Sea Dragons outscored their opponents 58-21 in their last two games, including last week’s playoff-clinching win over the Vegas Vipers.
Though both teams are talented, in no way are they unfamiliar with each other, as they met twice during the regular season, where D.C. won both times. But don’t worry Seattle fans… as you may (unfortunately) know, both games came down to the final seconds and were determined by just a couple of yards. In week one, a Ben DiNucci goal-line fumble in the last minute secured D.C.’s win, while an aggressive attempt to win it all with a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter proved to be the nail in the coffin for the Sea Dragons in week eight.
With that said the Sea Dragons have a shot at revenge and could end the favored Defenders’ season with a win tomorrow. However, forecasted thunderstorms will likely impact both pass-heavy squads’ game plans and even the game status.
Sea Dragons
The Seattle offense was fun to watch during the regular season under June Jones’ run-and-shoot scheme, averaging a league-high 363.9 yards per game. While quarterback Ben DiNucci’s most interceptions thrown (13) is concerning, he also had the most passing yards from any quarterback throughout the season (2,641) with the most pass attempts in the XFL.
During week eight’s thriller against the Defenders, DiNucci threw for an impressive 301 yards and three touchdowns on 28-for-42 passing. Certainly an improvement from his week one statline, where DiNucci threw 54 passes for only 282 yards and two interceptions. During the game, receiver Jahcour Pearson introduced himself to the spring football world, racking up 12 receptions for 95 yards.
Ironically enough, Seattle HC Jim Haslett told Pearson not to attend an XFL open tryout during the summer after clocking a 4.28 40-yard dash during a private workout. Let’s just say Haslett’s call came to avail as Pearson finished the 2023 season as the XFL receiving leader, totaling 670 yards through the air in 10 games.
Pearson, along with 2013 NFL receiving leader Josh Gordon, Blake Jackson, and Juwan Green, were all staples in the Seattle passing attack, which commonly utilized four-receiver sets during the regular season. Expect these guys to continue playing important roles as pass-catchers tomorrow against a D.C. secondary that struggled over the last few games. Since week six, the Defenders allowed 316.2 passing yards per game. Albeit injuries were a factor, it’s still a concern entering playoffs for Gregg Williams’ defense.
The late-season acquisition of Phillip Lindsay for the Sea Dragons also helped keep opposing defenses honest after injuries to running backs like Morgan Ellison. Along with Lindsay, DiNucci himself could do some damage on the ground when given proper space, as the dual-threat led amongst XFL quarterbacks in rushing yards with 305 during the regular season – seven more yards than Jordan Ta’amu.
Although things weren’t as smooth-sailing on the defensive end as offensively during the regular season, Seattle seemingly figured things out over the last two weeks, holding the Battlehawks and Vipers to just 21 points altogether. They also limited both rushing attacks to a combined 100 yards over the two weeks, a good sign considering it’ll be essential to slow down the Defenders’ top-tier rushing attack.
Defenders
Similar to the Sea Dragons, D.C.’s offense was unstoppable during the ladder stages of the season. After getting off to a rocky start, Ta’amu quickly found his groove and since finished third league-wide in passing yards with 1,894 on only 143 pass attempts (8.3 yards/attempt).
Abram Smith led the XFL in rushing yards but struggled against Seattle, taking 28 carries for 94 yards in two regular-season meetings with the Sea Dragons. Regardless, the Defenders still won both games and have countless other offensive weapons to deal damage.
Vertical threats Chris Blair and Lucky Jackson finished third and fifth, respectively, XFL-wide in receiving yards and should continue to be top targets for Ta’amu in tomorrow’s game. During week eight at Seattle, Blair had five catches for 148 yards, including an incredible 70-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.
XFL DC Defenders Chris Blair 70 yard TD * Alcorn State University * 5 rec ~ 148 yards ~ TD pic.twitter.com/Gb5ylwlvYt
— HBCU Premier Sports & More (@HBCUSports1) April 10, 2023
After shining early on, the D.C. defense purportedly took a 180 during the second half of the season, letting up 30 points per game and allowing opposing teams to hang around despite high offensive production. I’d honestly be shocked if the Defenders can turn things around tomorrow, especially with defensive backs K.J. Sails, DeJuan Neal, Kentrell Brice, and Michael Joseph all coming off a limited week of practice. Francis Bernard, who led D.C. in tackles during the regular season, is also probable with a lumbar injury.
I’ll add that the Defenders were 6-1 during the regular season in games determined by one possession, with their only loss coming against the 1-9 Orlando Guardians. Last week, a missed last-second field goal from John Parker Romo of the Brahmas secured D.C.’s ninth win of the season, but how much longer can their luck hold up?
Final Thoughts & Prediction
Inclement weather may keep fans away from Audi Field, where the Defenders went 5-0 while playing during the regular season. Assuming the weather forecast is correct, both teams may turn to a heavy-smashmouth approach with slippery conditions. Nevertheless, the Sea Dragons are no stranger to this, with every Seattle home game played in the rain. The Defenders have also participated in their fair share of wet conditions. With that said, scoring will likely be limited.
