Seattle Sea Dragons Game Notes
Published on April 6, 2023 under XFL (XFL)
Seattle Sea Dragons News Release
Series Notes: This game marks the second official match up this season between the Seattle Sea Dragons and the D.C. Defenders. The Defenders won the first match up in Week 1, 22-18. This game features two quarterbacks, Ben DiNucci and Jordan Ta'amu, who have both surpassed 1000 passing yards on the season and have above a 60% completion rate. This is a pivotal divisional match up where the Defenders have a one game lead over the Sea Dragons. The Sea Dragons are currently the hottest team in the XFL with a five-game win streak under their belt.
LEADING THE WAY
Seattle's powerhouse run-and-shoot offense, implemented by Offensive Coordinator June Jones ranks 1st in the league in pass attempts (262), completions (168), passing yards (1742) and total first downs (85).
Much of the offense's success is due to QB Ben DiNucci who became the first player of the 2023 XFL season to pass the 1,000 passing yard mark during Seattle's Week 4 victory over the San Antonio Brahmas. He currently leads the league in passing yards (1771) and completions (167) and ranks second in touchdowns (12) behind St. Louis' A.J. McCarron (17). DiNucci also tallied one rushing touchdown.
Wide receiver, Jahcour Pearson, has proven to be DiNucci's favorite target as he leads the league in total receptions (45) and is second in the league in receiving yards (479). Pearson is also second in the league behind Guardians tight end, Cody Latimer, and Defenders wide receiver, Lucky Jackson, in most catches over 20 yards (6). Comeback kid, Josh Gordon, is tied for second in receiving touchdowns (4), and Blake Jackson is fourth in the league in receptions (34).
Tuzar Skipper is tied for first in the league in forced fumbles (3) and leads the team in sacks (4). Dominik Eberle ranks first in field goals made (12) along with the highest completion percentage in the league (92.3 %).
Lindsay rejoins another Buffalo with the Seattle Sea Dragons, QB Steven Montez. The duo played together on the Buffs squad from 2015 to 2017. Through that time Lindsay set multiple records for Colorado.
He remains the Buffs' all-time leader in all purpose yards (5,760) and yards from scrimmage (4,683) and is the first Buff ever to rush for back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons (2016,17). Lindsay still ranks as Colorado's second of all-time in rushing yards, only bested by All-American and current NFL offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy who rushed for 3,940 yards from 1987-1990. Lindsay rushed for 3707, just shy of his former coach's all-time record.
After an unbelievable career at Colorado, unfortunately, Lindsay's name was not called in the NFL Draft. On May 1, 2018, Lindsay signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos. During his rookie campaign, he ran with no regret and wanted to prove to everyone that he belonged in the NFL and can start in this league. He finished his rookie season with 1,278 total yards (1,037 rushing yards and 241 receiving yards) and was elected to the Pro Bowl as the first undrafted rookie in NFL history. He carried his marvelous season into the next season in 2019 and rushed for 1,011 yards, making him the first undrafted player to rush for 1,000 yards in their first two seasons. At 28 years old, he tallied 2,759 yards and 18 TDS and has yet to register a fumble during his career in the NFL.
Lindsay brings in a hard-nosed running style that will make a direct impact on the Sea Dragons offense. Look for Lindsay in the back field these next coming weeks in helping the Sea Dragons finish the season strong and clinch a playoff berth.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
It could be said that Jahcour Pearson has carried the title of "underrated" for most of his football career. Despite being a major contributor to Flanagan High School's (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) first ever state championship, Pearson was only ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com and a two-star by Scout.com and Rivals.com. After his state- winning senior season in 2015, Pearson committed to Western Kentucky. He appeared in 33 games as a Hilltopper and racked up 1072 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns over four seasons. During his Junior campaign, Pearson registered 76 receptions for 804 yards and 7 touchdowns, earning him the honor of being named second team All-CUSA. Prior to the 2021 season, Pearson transferred to Ole Miss to finish out his college career, playing in 10 games and recording 26 receptions for 392 yards.
The 5-foot-9 receiver leads the league in receptions (45) and is second in the league in receving yards (448). Pearson has continually used his 4.28 speed to accumulate over six, 20+ yard catches, including a career long, 54-yard touchdown reception against the St. Louis Battlehawks in week two. Pearson also leads the league in first down catches with 22.
With a chip on his shoulder and his eyes on the XFL Championship, Jahcour is ready to prove that he is one of the best receivers in the XFL this season and that he deserves a spot on an NFL roster. There is no question that he is a critical component in the Sea Dragons' current four- game winning streak and that if he continues to shine, the sky is the limit.
WELCOME BACK, FLASH
Josh Gordon 2.0 has made his way back to the gridiron. All it took to get the former second round- pick back to the turf was the launch of the XFL 3.0. The Baylor standout was drafted in 2012 by the
Cleveland Browns - during his five seasons in Cleveland (2012-2018), Gordon racked up 180 receptions for 3,106 yards and an impressive 16 touchdowns. He spent the next two seasons with the New England Patriots, tallying 60 receptions for 1,007 total yards and 4 touchdowns and earned a Super Bowl Championship in 2019 (Tom Brady's last with the Pats).
Gordon faced off-the-field hardships and bounced around the NFL for the following years but found his way back to the football field in 2022 - he was drafted by the Seattle Sea Dragons in the sixth round of 2022 XFL draft.
The 31-year-old currently ranks fifth in the league in receiving yards (297) and third in receiving touchdowns (3), an honor he shares with three other XFL receivers. Through the first five games of the inaugural XFL season, Josh Gordon has picked up where he left off and continued to prove that he is a true offensive weapon.
COMMANDING THE SEA (DRAGONS)
At the beginning of the season, Coach Haslett named two team captains - QB Ben DiNucci and LB Jordan Evans. Each week, two additional captains will be named.
DiNucci comes to the Sea Dragons after spending two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, including one start in place of Dak Prescott on Sunday Night Football. The 26-year-old QB grew up in Pennsylvania, where he became the first high school player in state history to throw for 4,000 yards in one season. This accomplishment earned him the title of Gatorade Player of the Year his senior year (2015). DiNucci received an athletic scholarship to Pittsburgh where he attended for two seasons before transferring to James Madison University. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
28-year-old Jordan Evans grew up in Norman, Okla. and graduated from Norman North High School before attending the University of Oklahoma. As Sooner, Evans racked up 281 tackles, 5 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles. He is still tied for second in OU history among linebackers with 16 career pass breakup. Evans was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2017 draft. The 3-year starter spent five seasons with the Bengals where Sea Dragons Head Coach Jim Haslett served as the Bengals' linebackers coach. Throughout his NFL career, Evans posted 127 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery.
SEA DRAGONS OF WASHINGTON
Three Seattle Sea Dragons active roster players hail from the State of Washington:
¬Â¢ Thomas Fletcher- Vancouver
¬Â¢ Colin Kelly- Longview
¬Â¢ Charlie Taumoepeau- Federal Way
One Seattle Sea Dragon player last college was in the State of Washington:
¬Â¢ Sama Paama- Washington
HOME OF THE SEA DRAGONS: LUMEN FIELD
Former Names:
Seahawks Stadium: 2002-2004
Qwest Field: 2004-2011
CenturyLink Field: 2011-2020
Lumen Field: 2020-present
The History of Lumen Field:
In 1996, former Seahawks owner and part-owner of the Sounders, Paul G. Allen, began a campaign to bring in a brand new football/soccer stadium and exhibition center to the city of Seattle. Lumen Field began as the Seahawks Stadium in 2002 and eventually went through two more names (Qwest and CenturyLink Field) to reach its present name. It was built on top of the previous historical and renowned site, the Kingdome, which was established in Seattle in 1976. Not only is Lumen Field the home of the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders, but they also host the OL Reign, the Seattle Sea Dragons, and many other levels of soccer competition.
Lumen Field accommodates over 68,740 seats including 5,000 additional seats for special events and 1,400 seats for fans with disabilities. It includes a versatile Event Center and WAMU Theater that serves the host for many concerts bringing in over 2.4 million attendees annually. Since 2011, Lumen Field has gone through over $90 million in upgrades and renovations including the installation of two new north-end video boards, a new 6,300 square foot premium food and beverage area, and a new concession experience powered by Amazon Just Walk Out Technology this past year.
OFFENSIVE LINE NOTEBOOK
The offensive line has cleared the way for the Sea Dragons running offense, accumulating 659 rushing yards and ranking third in the league. They helped Morgan Ellison obtain his first 100-yard rushing game of the season in Week 3 against the Vegas Vipers. The Sea Dragons rushing offense currently ranks second in the league with 4.5 yards per carry.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTEBOOK
Placekicker, Dominik Eberle, had his best game of the season so far in Week 6 against the Orlando Guardians. He knocked in three field goals in the first half including a season-long, 54-yard field goal, going into halftime. His 54-yard field goal attempt is the second longest converted field goal attempt in the XFL thus far. He is currently 9 of 10 for the season.
Punter, Cameron Nizialek, is averaging 41.5 yards per game. He currently ranks fifth in that category for the season.
Kick Returner and Punt Returner had his best game of the season so far against the Orlando Guardians in Week 6. He racked up a total of 204 return yards for the game (133 kick-return and 71 punt-return) ranking him second in the league in total kick return yards with 386.
QUARTERBACK NOTEBOOK
After Week 7, Ben DiNucci ranks first in completions (167) and passing yards (1771) in the XFL. DiNucci had his best performance of the season in Week 3 against the Vegas Vipers where he completed 29 of 37 for 377 yards and converted a season-high, 4 touchdown passes.
RUNNING BACK NOTEBOOK
Morgan Ellison is averaging 4.9 yards per carry and has 254 total rushing yards on the season. He broke 100-yards rushing in Week 3 against the Vegas Vipers.
Darius Bradwell started his first game of the season for the Sea Dragons against the Orlando Guardians, taking the place of Morgan Ellison who is currently dealing with a knee injury. He scored his first TD of the game in Week 5 against the Houston Roughnecks and the first 1-point conversion of the season for Seattle in Week 7 against the Arlington Renegades.
Phillip Lindsay will play in his first XFL game of the season on Sunday against the D.C. Defenders. He brings a strong running game that will be beneficial for the Sea Dragons offense.
WIDE RECEIVER NOTEBOOK
After Week 7, Jahcour Pearson still holds the crown for most receptions (45) and is second in the league in receiving yards (479) behind Guardians TE, Cody Latimer (488). Pearson recorded a 54-yard touchdown reception in Week 2 against the St. Louis Battlehawks which has been his longest play from scrimmage this season.
Another stand out receiver, Josh Gordon, registered the fourth longest play of the XFL season so far after he caught a game winning 65-yard touchdown pass against the Vegas Vipers. He has brought in 4 TD passes this season, ranking him tied for second in the league. Blake Jackson adds in 34 receptions for the receiving core, currently ranking him fourth in the XFL in receptions.
Six different Sea Dragons wide receivers have registered in touchdowns this season. Jahcour Pearson, Blake Jackson, Josh Gordon, Jordan Veasy, Juwan Green, and Damion Willis have all reached the box score.
LINEBACKER NOTEBOOK
Tuzar Skipper has been an absolute nightmare for offenses. He currently leads the league with 3 forced fumbles and leads the team with 4 sacks. He also has 1 blocked punt under his name that he recorded in Week 5 against the Houston Roughnecks.
Tre Walker is third in the team in tackles. He had a season high, 7 tackles, in Week 7 against the Arlington Renegades.
DEFENSIVE BACK NOTEBOOK
Qwynnterrio Cole has been a force to reckon with for opposing teams. He has racked up 37 total tackles, the most on his team. He tallied a game and season high, 10 tackles, in a big win against the Houston Roughnecks in Week 5.
Antoine Brooks is tied for second in forced fumbles with 2 on the season so far. He played a crucial role in defeating the undefeated Houston Roughnecks in Week 5 when he strip- sacked QB Brandon Silvers.
Bryce Thompson recorded the first interception of the season in Week 1 against the D.C. Defenders.
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