Seattle Sea Dragons Game Notes
April 19, 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 Vegas Vipers. The Sea Dragons won the first match up in Week 3 in Las Vegas, 30-26, after Josh Gordon caught the game-winning, 65-yard touchdown pass, with one-minute left in the fourth quarter. Ben DiNucci had a career game, throwing for 377 yards and 4 TD passes. This is a must win game for the Seattle Sea Dragons who are looking to claim the final playoff spot in the XFL North.
BREAKDOWN OF SEA DRAGONS SEASON
In Week 1, Seattle opened up their season in Washington D.C. against the D.C. Defenders and fell short of a victory by one possession after a late fumble by Ben DiNucci on the Defenders' one-yard line with 19-seconds left in the fourth quarter. Going into Week 2, the Sea Dragons lost another nail biter to the St. Louis Battlehawks once Donald Hageman knocked in the game-winning 44-yard field goal as time expired. Seattle earned their first victory of the season in Week 3 in Las Vegas when Josh Gordon caught the game-winning 65-yard touchdown pass in the final minute of the fourth quarter. The Sea Dragons carried the momentum into Week 4 and obtained their first home victory against the San Antonio Brahmas due to a stellar two sack, one forced fumble performance by linebacker, Tuzar Skipper. Seattle had a short turnaround heading into Week 5 and picked up a defining victory against the undefeated Houston Roughnecks when Niko Lalos snagged the game-winning interception with five seconds left in the game. After a two game home stretch transitioning into Week 6, Dominik Eberle kicked his team to a victory in Orlando after nailing four field goals. Riding a four-game win streak traveling to Arlington in Week 7, the Sea Dragons extended their win streak to five games after a great seven tackle performance by both Tre Walker and Antoine Brooks. The Sea Dragons and Defenders met again in Week 8 for a rematch where Seattle lost by one point due to a failed 4th &15 conversion attempt with 20- seconds left in the fourth quarter. With the season on the line going into Week 9, Seattle flew to St. Louis for a rematch and dominated the game all thanks to a career high, 68-yard TD reception and 118 receiving yards performance by Jahcour Pearson. The Sea Dragons have a 6-3 record and are tied with the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL North heading into a must win, regular season finale against the Vegas Vipers.
SEATTLE'S PATH TO XFL NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Seattle can claim a trip to the XFL North Championship Game with a win over Vegas AND a loss by St. Louis (vs. Orlando) in Week 10. In that scenario, Seattle would finish with a better overall record than St. Louis. If both Seattle and St. Louis win their respective Week 10 games and finish the season with the same overall record and division record, a determination would go past Tiebreakers 1-3.
To determine a winner of Tiebreakers 4 or 5, it would come to team rankings in terms of points for and against in division (Tiebreaker 4) or league (Tiebreaker 5) following all games in Week 10.
LEADING THE WAY
Seattle's powerhouse run-and-shoot offense, implemented by Offensive Coordinator June Jones, ranks 1st in the league in pass attempts (335), completions (217), and passing yards (2,338). 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 (2,332) and completions (216) and ranks second in touchdowns (17) behind St. Louis' A.J. McCarron (18). DiNucci also tallied two rushing touchdowns, tied for most on his team with running back, Darius Bradwell, and now leads the team in rushing yards (264).
Jahcour Pearson, has proven to be DiNucci's favorite target as he leads the league in total receptions (57) and receiving yards (628). 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 (40).
Tuzar Skipper, is tied for second in the league in forced fumbles (3) and leads the team in sacks (5). Qwynnterrio Cole is top-10 in the league in total tackles (47) and is tied for most interceptions on the team with his fellow teammate, Bryce Thompson (2). Dominik Eberle ranks second in field goals made (14) along with the second highest completion percentage in the league (87.5%). Kelvin McKnight ranks first in punt return yards (196) and second in kick return yards (698). With a combined 894 return yards, McKnight leads that category amongst all special teams returners in the XFL.
SEA DRAGONS SLAY BATTLEHAWKS
The Seattle Sea Dragons traveled to St. Louis to take on the St. Louis Battlehawks in a pivotal Week 9 divisional matchup. The Battlehawks came to Seattle in Week 2 and stole a victory from the Sea Dragons after Donald Hageman knocked in the game-winning 44-yard field goal as time expired. With the playoffs quickly approaching, this match up today was a must win scenario for the Sea Dragons.
The Sea Dragons received the opening kickoff and immediately took the lead after RB T.J. Hammonds scored his first touchdown of the season on a 9-yard rushing touchdown to cap off a 12-play, 74-yard drive and to take an early 8-0 lead following the successful 2-point conversion rushing attempt by RB Phillip Lindsay. On the Battlehawks first offensive series, K Donald Hageman tacked on the first points of the game for St. Louis on a 45-yard field goal, cutting the lead to 8-3.
Heading into the second quarter, the Battlehawks came out firing after QB A.J. McCarron connected with WR Darrius Shepherd downfield for a 42-yard touchdown pass, giving the Battlehawks their first 9-8 lead of the game after the missed 2-point conversion try. Late in the second quarter, QB Ben DiNucci aired out a 42-yard pass on 4th down to WR Josh Gordon to get the Sea Dragons offense inside the red zone. On the next play, DiNucci found WR Jordan Veasy inside the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown pass to retake a 14-9 lead after the failed 2-point conversion attempt. The Battlehawks looked to answer before the break, but fell short after S Qwynnterrio Cole intercepted McCarron (his second INT of the season), giving the ball right back to the Sea Dragons going into halftime.
Transitioning into the second half, the Sea Dragons regrouped and scored on their first offensive series after WR Jahcour Pearson broke off for a 68-yard touchdown pass from DiNucci to extend the score to 20-9 following the missed 3-point conversion try. A couple series later, Hageman converted a 54-yard field goal, trimming the score to 20-12.
After a missed 52-yard field goal by K Dominik Eberle (ends his 13 FGs made in a row streak), the Sea Dragons defense retaliated and forced the Battlehawks offense to turn the ball over on downs. The Sea Dragons offense looked to seal the game on their next series, but the Battlehawks defense came up big after DB Lukas Denis intercepted DiNucci in the end zone. Soon after, the Sea Dragons defense answered with an interception of their own after S Bryce Thompson snagged a muffed catch from Shepherd. Following the turnover, the Sea Dragons offense capitalized with an 8-yard run by DiNucci to take a commanding 27-12 lead after Lindsay punched in a 1-point conversion attempt. After forcing the Battlehawks to punt on their next drive, K Dominik Eberle put the game away for good with a 36-yard field goal to extend the score to 30-12 and to seal the sixth victory of the season for the Sea Dragons.
The Seattle Sea Dragons will head back home to Lumen Field next week in a must win season finale match up against the Vegas Vipers on Sunday, April 23.
FRANCHISE FIRSTS
Kickoff Return: Kelvin McKnight for 30 yards vs. D.C., 2.19.23
Offensive Snap: Jared Thomas to Ben DiNucci vs D.C., 2.19.23
Rush: Brenden Knox for 3 yards vs D.C., 2.19.23
Pass: Ben DiNucci to Jahcour Pearson 6 yards vs. D.C., 2.19.23
First Down: Brenden Knox 1-yard run vs. D.C., 2.19.23
Touchdown: Ben DiNucci to Josh Gordon 20 yards vs. D.C., 2.19.23
Passing Touchdown: Ben DiNucci to Josh Gordon 20 yards vs. D.C., 2.19.23
Rushing Touchdown: Brenden Knox 13-yard run vs D.C., 2.19.23
Field Goal: Dominik Eberle 36-yards vs D.C., 2.19.23
1-Point Conversion: Darius Bradwell rush attempt vs. ARL, 3.31.23
2-Point Conversion: Ben Dinucci to Jahcour Pearson vs. ORL, 3.25.23
3-Point Conversion: Ben DiNucci rush attempt vs D.C. 2.19.23
Tackle: Tre Walker and Antwuan Jackson vs. D.C, 2.19.23
Tackle for Loss: Tre Walker and Antwuan Jackson vs. D.C., 2.19.23
Sack: Elijah Ponder and Niko Lalos sack A.J. McCarron vs. STL, 2.23.23
Forced Fumble: Tuzar Skipper forces fumble on Jack Coan vs SAN, 3.11.23
Interception: Bryce Thompson intercepts Jordan Ta'amu vs. D.C., 2.19.23
Punt: Cameron Nizialek 49 yards vs. D.C., 2.19.23
Punt Return: Kelvin McKnight for 9 yards vs. D.C., 2.19.23
Kickoff: Dominik Eberle vs. D.C., 2.19.23
PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS
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 statewinning 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 (57) and in receiving yards (628). Pearson has continually used his 4.28 speed to accumulate over seven, 20+ yard catches, including a career long, 68-yard touchdown reception against the St. Louis Battlehawks in Week Nine. Pearson is also first in the league in first down catches with 31.
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' successful season and that if he continues to shine, the sky is the limit.
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 second with most forced fumbles in the XFL. Quarterbacks fear Skipper as he has racked up 5 sacks on the season thus far--the most on his team. "I want more, I want more. I feel that 5 (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.
FLASH 2.0
Josh Gordon 2.0 has made his way back to the gridiron. All it took to get the former second roundpick 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 (425) and third in receiving touchdowns (4), an honor he shares with three other XFL receivers. With one game left on the season, Josh Gordon has made some noise in this league and he hopes to gain the attention of NFL scouts once the season ends and continue to prove that he is a true offensive weapon.
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 (2,332) and completions (216) and second in touchdown passes (17). 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."
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
OFFENSIVE LINE NOTEBOOK
The offensive line has cleared the way for the Sea Dragons running offense, accumulating 835 rushing yards and ranking fourth 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 first 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 third longest converted field goal attempt in the XFL thus far. He is currently 14 of 16 for the season.
Punter, Cameron Nizialek, is averaging 41.7 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 (698) and first in total punt return yards (196).
QUARTERBACK NOTEBOOK
After Week 9, Ben DiNucci ranks first in completions (216) and passing yards (2,332) and second in TD passes (17) 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.
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.
WIDE RECEIVER NOTEBOOK
After Week 9, Jahcour Pearson still holds the crown for most receptions (57) and retook first place in receiving yards (628). Pearson recorded a 68-yard touchdown reception in Week 9 against the St. Louis Battlehawks which has been his longest play from scrimmage this season.
Another stand out receiver, Josh Gordon, caught the game winning 65-yard touchdown pass against the Vegas Vipers in Week 3. He has brought in 4 TD passes this season, ranking him tied for third in the league. Blake Jackson adds in 40 receptions for the receiving core, currently ranking him fifth 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.
LINEBACKER NOTEBOOK
Tuzar Skipper has been an absolute nightmare for offenses. He is currently tied for second in forced fumbles (3) and leads the team with 5 sacks. He also has 1 blocked punt under his name that he recorded in Week 5 against the Houston Roughnecks.
Tre Walker is second on the team in tackles (42). He had a season high, 8 tackles, in Week 8 against the D.C. Defenders.
DEFENSIVE BACK NOTEBOOK
Qwynnterrio Cole has been a force to reckon with for opposing teams. He has racked up 47 total tackles, the most on his team, and 2 interceptions. 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 third 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. He snagged his second interception of the season in a key divisional victory against the St. Louis Battlehawks in Week 9.
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