The surging Seattle Sea Dragons will host the San Antonio Brahmas at Lumen Field Saturday night in a cross-divisional matchup. Both teams have the same 1-2 record going into this, so we can imagine that each team has the desire to improve to a .500 record at 2-2. Only one team will get there.
San Antonio is coming off a tough 22-13 loss to the Houston Roughnecks. Quarterback Jack Coan had a rough time of it, only completing 8 of 20 passes for 64 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. The Brahmas rushing game struggled with the offensive line unable to open running lanes. The San Antonio defense was poked full of holes, allowing 374 yards to a highly successful Brandon Silvers led Houston offense.
Last week, Seattle had a better time of it, coming off a win against Vegas. Mind you they had to do it in the final seconds, but a win is a win. The best news for the Sea Dragons was how their offensive production peaked, posting a season-best 519 yards. Quarterback Ben DiNucci was impressive, completing 29 of 37 passes for 377 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. DiNucci’s performance was capped by a game-winning 65-yard touchdown pass to Josh Gordon on fourth-and-2 with a minute remaining. Wow! How can DiNucci and Seattle top that in this game?
What should we look for?
Seattle running back Morgan Ellison had a big game last week, racking up 103 rushing yards on just 17 carries, including a long of 35. Ellison is listed to play this week, but an injury might keep his production down. Seattle relied on a strong ground game to open up lanes for their air assault, leading to receivers Josh Gordon getting 118 yards and two touchdowns on just six catches, and Jahcour Pearson gaining 99 yards on seven catches. The Brahmas need to look out for a similar attack this Saturday, and take note how the turnovers remain to be an issue with Seattle with DiNucci tossing three interceptions and losing another to a fumble. If the Brahmas can force Seattle turnovers they may well thwart the Sea Dragons offensive assault.
This will be a challenge for San Antonio’s defense, a squad that just underwent a tough test in Houston. Now they are facing another of the XFL’s top offensive units, especially if Seattle executes its plays as well as they did against Vegas. If San Antonio can pressure DiNucci, that will not only disrupt Seattle’s offensive rhythm, but will force turnovers. The Brahmas defense can bring the pressure as they boast nine sacks and a league-leading 23 tackles for a loss through three games.
Last week, Seattle’s defense looked a little anemic as they allowed Vegas to put up 343 yards, with 120 yards on the ground. Seattle only got one sack and did not manage to force a turnover. The Sea Dragons may have their hands full with Brahmas running back Kalen Ballage hitting the line of scrimmage. As well, the Brahmas sport a one-two punch on the ground with Jacques Patrick complimented Ballage’s attacks. The Sea Dragons need to be ready for San Antonio’s attempt to use a strong running game to set up Jack Coan for big gains in the air, something he has not been able to do so far this season. This may be his moment.
Conclusion
These two teams could provide an interesting battle, with the winner only evident in the final minute. San Antonio will put up a good fight with the Brahmas’ defense holding strong, at least until Seattle and Ben DiNucci find a rhythm on offense. If the Brahmas’ defense can stay strong and stop DiNucci they stand a chance to get the win. Otherwise, if Seattle’s offense gets rolling, this will be a win for Seattle.
