XFL DC Defenders

D.C. Defenders Game Notes

Published on March 30, 2023 under XFL (XFL)
DC Defenders News Release


SERIES NOTES: This is the only regular season matchup between the Defenders and the Guardians.

BEER SNAKE: FREED!

After being under review by XFL League Office and Audi Field officials, the Beer Snake made it's return in Week 3'S matchup vs. the St. Louis Battlehawks in Sections 135-137. Fans are encuoraged to participate safely and responsibly.

DEFENDING THE DISTRICT

After defeating the Roughnecks in Week 6, the Defenders remain undefeated all-time at Audi Field (7-0). D.C. went 3-0 at home in 2020. (Note: Statistics and records are not officially carried over from the 2020 season).

SECOND HALF SURGE

Despite holding a halftime lead in only 3 of their 6 games, the Defenders have outscored their opponents by a score of 106-70 in the 2nd halves this season.

NEW HEIGHTS

In Week 6, the D.C. Defenders set new team highs in six categories: points scored (37), first downs (27), passing yards (240), completions (20), attempts (32) and net punting yard average (63) - the most in any week this season by the team. The Defenders' points, first downs and net punting average were league highs during Week 6.

TURNING DEFENSE INTO OFFENSE

S Santos Ramirez earned his 2nd interception of the season in Week 6 and his 1st returned for a touchdown. The D.C. Defenders defense has now scored 18 points on the season from 3 defensive touchdowns - the most in the XFL. Michael Joseph leads the league in interceptions returned for a touchdown with 2, he has 4 total interceptions. The Defenders have 7 interceptions on the season, including 1 by Kentrell Brice in Week 5. The Defenders are now 1 of only 2 teams to have multiple players with an interception returned for a touchdown. The Defenders also rank in the top half of the league in both forced fumbles (4th with 5) and fumbles recovered (2nd with 6).

DOMINANT RUN GAME

Through Week 6, the D.C. Defenders rank first in the following rushing categories:

‚¬Â¢ Rushing Attempts (218)

‚¬Â¢ Rushing Yards (986)

‚¬Â¢ Yards Per Carry (4.5)

‚¬Â¢ Touchdowns (12)

‚¬Â¢ Plays of 10+ yards (24)

‚¬Â¢ Plays of 20+ yards (6)

‚¬Â¢ Longest Rush (70)

‚¬Â¢ 1st Downs (56)

The D.C. Defenders have outgained each of their opponents in rushing yards this season.

The Defenders 986 rushing yards on the season doubles that of 4 teams in the XFL.

The Defenders are the only team in the XFL to have 3 players (Smith, King, Armstead) in the top 10 in rushing yards.

The Defenders are the only team in the XFL to have 2 quarterbacks with multiple rushing touchdowns on the season. D'Eriq King has 5 and Jordan Ta'amu has 2.

LUCKY NUMBER 11

In Week 6, WR Lucky Jackson led the league in receiving yards (136), yards per catch (27) and longest reception (36 yards). In addition to these stats, Jackson led the Defenders in targets (8) and receptions (5). Jackson's 136 receiving yards in week 6 ranks as the most receiving yards in any game this season by any player in the XFL. Jackson has led the Defenders in targets in 5 of their 6 games this season and has led the team in receiving yards in 4 of the 6 games.

McCRANE KICK

In Week 6 Kicker Matt McCrane made 3 field goals, pushing his season total to 10 - the most in the XFL. McCrane's 50-yard field goal in the 4th quarter set a new team high and it is now the 4th longest field goal made in the XFL this season. McCrane leads the XFL in field goal attempts (12) and his 4 field goals in Week 4 are tied for most in any game in the XFL this season. McCrane has made 83% of his field goals this season which ranks 3rd in the XFL.

DEFENDERS LEAGUE LEADERS

Rushing Yards: 527 - Abram Smith

Rushing Attempts: 103 -Abram Smith

Rushing TD's: 5 - D'Eriq King & Abram Smith

Rushes of 10+ yards: 10 - Abram Smith

Rushes of 20+ yards: 4 - Abram Smith

Longest Rush: 70 - Abram Smith

Rushing 1st Downs: 27 - Abram Smith

Fumble Recoveries: 2 - Jamal Brooks

Interceptions Returned for a TD: 2 - Michael Joseph

Longest Interception Return: 41 yards - Michael Joseph

Most Yards on Interception Returns: 78 - Michael Joseph

Field Goals Made: 10 - Matt McCrane

Team Rushing Attempts: 218 - D.C. Defenders

Team Rushing Yards: 986 -D.C. Defenders

Team Yards Per Carry: 4.5 - D.C. Defenders

Team Rushing Touchdowns: 12 - D.C. Defenders

Team Rushes of 10+ yards: 24- D.C. Defenders

Team Rushes of 20+ yards:6 - D.C. Defenders

Team Rushing 1st Downs: 56 - D. C. Defenders

Team 2-point Conversions: 10- D.C. Defenders

Team 4th Down Conversions: 5- D.C. Defenders

FAST FACTS

‚¬Â¢On the season, the Defenders have won 3 of their 6 games by 1 score or less.

‚¬Â¢The Defenders rank in the top half of the league in total tackles, sacks and tackles for loss.

‚¬Â¢The defenders rank 1st in the league with 3 interceptions returned for touchdowns.

‚¬Â¢In Week 6, P Daniel Whelan registered his longest punt of the season (63 yards).

Check out the DC Defenders Statistics

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XFL Stories from March 30, 2023


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