Seattle Sea Dragons Game Notes
April 12, 2023 - 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 St. Louis Battlehawks. The Battlehawks won the first match up in Week 2, 20-18, after Donald Hageman knocked in the game winning field goal as time expired. This game features two marvelous quarterbacks, Ben DiNucci, the XFL leader in passing yards (2,072) and completions (195), and A.J. McCarron, the XFL leader in TD passes (17). This is a pivotal divisional match up for the final playoff spot in the XFL North where the Battlehawks have a one game lead in the standings over the Sea Dragons.
LEADING THE WAY
Seattle's powerhouse run-and-shoot offense, implemented by Offensive Coordinator June Jones ranks 1st in the league in pass attempts (304), completions (196), passing yards (2,078) and total first downs (96). 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 and 2,000 yards in the Week 8 loss to the D.C. Defenders. He currently leads the league in passing yards (2,072) and completions (195) and ranks second in touchdowns (15) 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 (50) and is second in the league in receiving yards (513). Juwan Green is tied for the second in the league in receiving touchdowns (5), Josh Gordon is tied for third in receiving touchdowns (4), and Blake Jackson is fourth in the league in receptions (38).
Tuzar Skipper is tied for first in the league in forced fumbles (3) and leads the team in sacks (4). Dominik Eberle ranks tied for first in field goals made (13) along with the highest completion percentage in the league (92.3%).
PHILLIP LINDSAY MAKES XFL DEBUT AGAINST D.C DEFENDERS
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 scored his first touchdown of his XFL debut on a 2-yard run in the second quarter. After the game, he said, "it felt good after not playing for four to six months." With Lindsay's prior NFL experience, he hopes to make a strong impact on his teammates for those who are looking to make an NFL roster in the fall and to remind them "to keep putting film out there, handle themselves professionally in meetings and off the field and to be a pro's pro." Despite the loss to the Defenders, Lindsay said the team "needs to go back to square one, watch some film, adjust, hold each other accountable, and go from there" before they play St. Louis on Sunday. Although Lindsay joined the Sea Dragons late in the season, he wants to let NFL teams know before the fall that he is "healthy, still explosive, can catch, and block." With two games left on the season, look for Lindsay to do some damage on the field and help his team secure the final playoff spot of the XFL North.
SEA DRAGONS FALL 1-POINT SHY OF CRUCIAL VICTORY
The Seattle Sea Dragons head back to Lumen Field to take on the D.C. Defenders who currently have the best record in the XFL and are the division leaders of the XFL North. Seattle played D.C. in the season opener, but fell short of a victory due to a last second offensive fumble. The Sea Dragons entered this game on a five game win-streak, the longest current win-streak in the XFL. In the first quarter, QB Jordan Ta'amu found WR Chris Blair streaking down field for a 46-yard grab to set the Defenders up in scoring position. RB Abram Smith cleaned up the drive and punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to give the Defenders an early 8-0 lead following the successful 2-point conversion to Lucky Jackson.
Transitioning into the second quarter, the Sea Dragons offense answered with a 2-yard touchdown by RB Phillip Lindsay (his first TD of the season) to cut the score to 8-6 after a failed 3-point conversion attempt. Lindsay joined the Sea Dragons earlier this week and made his XFL debut today. Just before the break, Ta'amu connected with RB Ryquell Armstead for a 11-yard touchdown pass to increase the lead to 16-6 after a successful 2 point conversion run by Jackson.
Heading into the third quarter, Ta'amu continued his marvelous play from the first half and converted his third touchdown pass of the game to WR Alex Ellis, widening the score to 22-6. On the Defenders 2-point conversion attempt, DE Niko Lalos forced Ta'amu to fumble and was recovered by LB Tyrell Adams, leading to a two-point conversion return for the Sea Dragons special teams unit and trimming the lead to 22-8. On the next offensive series for Seattle, QB Ben DiNucci spotted WR Juwan Green downfield for a 46-yard touchdown pass, bringing the lead down to 22-15 after the completed 1-point conversion attempt to WR Blake Jackson.
Shortly after, QB D'Eriq King fumbled on a rush attempt and was scooped up by DE Austin Faoliu. The Sea Dragons looked to shift the momentum completely, but fell short after DiNucci's pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and was intercepted by DT Joe Wallace.
As the game moved to the final quarter, K Dominik Eberle, continued his hot streak from this season and banked in his 13th field goal in a row from 29-yards, shortening the gap to 22-18. The Defenders took some time off the clock on their next series and put together a 13-play, 73- yard drive for a 5-yard touchdown pass to WR Brandon Smith from Ta'amu, expanding the lead to 28-18 after the missed 2-point conversion pass. Soon after, DiNucci found Green for the second time this game for a 56-yard touchdown pass (his longest TD reception of the season).
After an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was called on Seattle, DiNucci converted a 3-point conversion attempt to Jackson from the 25-yard line to bring the lead down to 28-27. The Defenders responded with a long touchdown pass of their own after WR Chris Blair broke off for a 70-yard run from Ta'amu (his fourth TD pass of the game) to extend the lead to 34-27 after the missed two-point conversion. On the final drive for Seattle, DiNucci threaded the needle to WR Jahcour Pearson for a 14-yard touchdown pass, shedding the lead to 34-33 after an unsuccessful 2-point conversion try. With one last effort to convert a 4th & 15 and to keep the hopes alive for the Sea Dragons, the Defenders came up with a big defensive stand and forced an incomplete pass, sealing the victory for the D.C. Defenders and ending the 5-game winning streak for the Sea Dragons.
The Seattle Sea Dragons will fly to St. Louis next week to take on another divisional rival, St. Louis Battlehawks, in another pivotal Week 9 matchup.
CAN'T CONTAIN JAHCOUR
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-8 receiver leads the league in receptions (50) and is second in the league in receving yards (513). 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 is also tied for first in first down catches with 27.
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.
FLASH 2.0
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. He joined the XFL because the league opened a door for him to showcase his skills.
The 31-year-old currently ranks seventh in the league in receiving yards (379) and third in receiving touchdowns (4), an honor he shares with three other XFL receivers. With the season winding down, Josh Gordon has made some noise in this league and hopes to gain the attention of NFL scouts once the season ends and continue to prove that he is a true offensive weapon. PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS
CAPTAIN DINUCCI
The last time we saw Ben DiNucci play professional football on prime time television was on November 1, 2020 during Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles. DiNucci finished the game 21 of 40 for 180 yards in the loss after he filled in for the injured Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton.
Before DiNucci was drafted in the 7th round by the Dallas Cowboys, he was a James Madison standout that earned many accolades and led his team to a runner-up finish in the FCS Championship game. He finished his college career top-10 all-time in completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns, pass attempts, and total offense along with All CAA, CAA Offensive Player of the Year, and AFCA First Team All-American.
Entering the 2022 season, DiNucci was waived by the Dallas Cowboys. However, in 2023, the XFL relaunched and the Seattle Sea Dragons selected DiNucci in the XFL Draft. Coach Jim Haslett named him team captain of the team due to his prior NFL experience and leadership qualities. Since then, DiNucci has orchestrated his team to be the number one offense in the XFL, ranking him first in passing yards (2,072) and completions (195). He gives credit to June Jones, who has a brilliant history in working with quarterbacks and making them successful in his offense. DiNucci disclosed that he is appreciative of his receivers, therefore making his job much easier. "I can throw a three-yard route and have them go take it 20-25-yards," DiNucci shared of his teammates.
Since starting on SNF in 2020 to making his XFL debut on Week 1 against the D.C. Defenders, DiNucci expressed that with each game, his confidence continues to grow. In Week 3 against the Vegas Vipers, DiNucci threw for a season high 377 yards and 4 TDs including a game-winning 65-yard TD pass to Josh Gordon. DiNucci provides a unique perspective to the game along with a distinctive personality when he is Mic'd up. During the game, you can hear him express to the defenses "to not let me heat up" or to his teammates that "I might be faster than all you guys too." DiNucci wants the fans to know the human aspect of the game rather than hear the announcers the whole time. He enjoys looking back at the clips on all the comical remarks he makes throughout the game.
With two games left on the season, DiNucci not only wants to help lead his team to a final playoff berth in the XFL North but also to make sure to help his teammates achieve their goal of being on an NFL roster in the fall. From prior NFL experience, he reminds his teammates "to control what you can control, to put your best foot forward, take care of yourselves, and that good things will happen to good people."
SKIPPER THE NIGHTMARE
Before Skipper was drafted by the Sea Dragons, he spent some time bouncing around the NFL hoping to obtain a permanent roster spot. Skipper entered the NFL undrafted and initially made the Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster in 2019 before being waived in Week 1. From then on, he drifted to other teams including the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Atlanta Falcons, but found no success.
Prior to his stints in the NFL, Skipper was a part of the All State Connecticut High School Coaches' Association team twice in high school, second-team all conference at Monroe College, and third-team All-MAC when he transferred to Toledo. Skipper's football journey hasn't been easy, but he's been trying to find opportunities for himself to prove that he belongs in the NFL as a starting linebacker. On November 17, 2022, an opportunity arose and a new door was open for Skipper after the Seattle Sea Dragons drafted him in the XFL Draft.
Going into the season, Skipper reiterated that his main goals were to make the team, show that he can still play football, be the best teammate that he can be, and to be a leader. In Week 2 against the St. Louis Battlehawks, Skipper recorded his first forced fumble against one of the top XFL quarterbacks in the league, A.J. McCarron. Since then, Skipper has been a nightmare for offenses, causing two more fumbles and ranking him tied for first with most forced fumbles in the XFL. Quarterbacks fear Skipper as he has racked up 4 sacks on the season thus far--the most on his team. "I want more, I want more. I feel that 4 (sacks) is a little unproductive, but again I'll take it," Skipper reacted on his stats this season so far. Skipper is very competitive, but is really tough on himself because he knows he has the potential to be one of the best.
As the season begins to wind down, Skipper wants to end his brilliant season on a high note and keep the playoff hopes alive for the Sea Dragons. Although his priority is to bring an XFL championship back to Seattle, he wants to let NFL scouts know that he is ready and prepared for the fall season. "I still have some juice in the tank. My tank is not empty. I still have things to prove. I feel like I have the talent and I can still do it. If I didn't believe I can still do it, I would've gave up a long time ago," Skipper remarked after being asked his biggest assets and strengths he can bring to an NFL team in the fall. Look for Skipper to make some noise and turn some heads as the season comes to a conclusion and in the summer when NFL teams open up for training camp.
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.
LINEBACKER NOTEBOOK
Tuzar Skipper has been an absolute nightmare for offenses. He is currently tied for first 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 second in the team in tackles. He had a season high, 8 tackles, in Week 8 against the D.C. Defenders.
Qwynnterrio Cole has been a force to reckon with for opposing teams. He has racked up 45 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 in the league 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 for the Sea Dragons in Week 1 against the D.C. Defenders.
OFFENSIVE LINE NOTEBOOK
The offensive line has cleared the way for the Sea Dragons running offense, accumulating 712 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 4.4 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 third longest converted field goal attempt in the XFL thus far. He is currently 13 of 14 for the season.
Punter, Cameron Nizialek, is averaging 41.6 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 third in the league in total kick return yards (621) and total punt return yards (167).
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 played in his first XFL game of the season in Week 8 against the D.C. Defenders. He scored his first rushing TD of the season in the second quarter.
QUARTERBACK NOTEBOOK
After Week 7, Ben DiNucci ranks first in completions (195) and passing yards (2,072) 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. He is the first quarterback in the XFL to surpass 2000 passing yards this season.
WIDE RECEIVER NOTEBOOK
After Week 8, Jahcour Pearson still holds the crown for most receptions (50) and is second in the league in receiving yards (513) behind Guardians TE, Cody Latimer (558). 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 third in the league. Blake Jackson adds in 34 receptions for the receiving core, currently ranking him fourth in the XFL in receptions. Juwan Green had an explosive game in Week 8 against the D.C. Defenders. He racked up a season high in receptions (7) and receiving yards (142) and brought in two TD receptions from 49 and 56-yards, his longest reception of the season. He is now tied for second in the league in TD receptions (5).
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.
XFL Stories from April 12, 2023
- The XFL Week Ahead: Week 9 - XFL
- Seattle Sea Dragons Game Notes - Seattle Sea Dragons
- D.C. Defenders Game Notes - D.C. Defenders
- Arlington Renegades Game Notes - Arlington Renegades
- Houston Roughnecks Game Notes - Houston Roughnecks
- Vegas Vipers Game Notes for Week 9 vs. Houston Roughnecks - Vegas Vipers
- XFL Play of the Week: Week 8 - St. Louis Battlehawks
- Battlehawks Game Notes - St. Louis Battlehawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
