XFL Seattle Sea Dragons

Seattle Sea Dragons Season Review

May 15, 2023 - XFL (XFL)
Seattle Sea Dragons News Release


ELEVEN SEA DRAGONS PLAYERS INVITED TO NFL MINICAMPS

Despite coming up short in the XFL playoffs, ten Sea Dragons players were invited to participate in offseason minicamps that each NFL team hosts before training camp. The XFL is a league of opportunity and we are proud to announce that Ben DiNucci- Denver Broncos, Austin Faoliu- Seattle Seahawks, Barry Wesley- Atlanta Falcons, Harrison Frost- New Orleans Saints, Antoine Brooks- Buffalo Bills, Michael Menet- Atlanta Falcons, Steven Montez- San Francisco 49ers, Jahcour Pearson- Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, and San Francisco 49ers, Colin Kelly- New Orleans Saints, Olaijah Griffin- Tennessee Titans, and Bryce Thompson- Miami Dolphins will be representing the Seattle Sea Dragons organization this summer.

SEA DRAGONS ADVANCE TO 1ST POSTSEASON IN FRANCHISE HISTORY

The Sea Dragons ended the 2023 XFL season exceeding all expectations, posting a 7-3 record and advancing to the North Division Championship against the D.C. Defenders. Seattle fell to the Defenders for the third time this season by a score of 37-21, ending their first playoff run in franchise history.

The Sea Dragons began their season on a rocky foot after dropping the first two games by one possession to the D.C. Defenders and the St. Louis Battlehawks. Since then, Seattle went on a five-game winning streak and went undefeated against the South Division. The Sea Dragons met with the Defenders again for a rematch in Week 8 at Lumen Field where both teams combined for 677 total yards of offense, but D.C. was able to escape with a 1-point victory (34-33). It took the Sea Dragons the final game of the season to clinch the last playoff spot of the North Division. After dominating the Battlehawks in Week 9, the Sea Dragons had one final match up against the Vegas Vipers in the regular season finale to determine their playoff fate. Seattle needed to reach the point threshold of 34 to overcome the brilliant 53-point performance of the St. Louis Battlehawks against the Orlando Guardians. The Sea Dragons defense played their hearts out not only for a spot in the XFL North Division Championship but for Chris Smith, who passed away a week prior to their final regular season game. Although Seattle only scored 28 points against Vegas, it was the defense that saved the season. It came down to tiebreaker 5 where the Sea Dragons finished with the #1 ranking in the league for "Total Points Against" and a combined league ranking of #5, two more rankings better than the St. Louis Battlehawks to earn them the final playoff spot.

Seattle had three players selected to the 2023 All-XFL Team: T Colin Kelly, DL Austin Faoliu, and WR Jahcour Pearson. Kelly was part of an offensive line that helped Seattle to a league-best 3,592 total offense yards, 969 rush yards (second in the XFL) and protected QB Ben DiNucci as he was sacked only 11 times, the second-lowest mark in the league. Kelly received a total offense grade of 70.7 and a pass blocking grade of 71.4 from Pro Football Focus. He had five games with a 70 grade or better in overall offense and six games of 70 or better in pass blocking. Kelly was called for one penalty the entire season, and he allowed only 3 sacks in 440 pass blocking snaps, according to PFF. Faoliu had 24 total tackles (11 solo) with one sack for minus-5 yards. He had at least one tackle in all 10 games, and his sack came in Week 5 at HOU. Pro Football Focus graded him at 71.1 for overall defense, 72.1 for run defense and 67.5 for pass rush. He had a season-high seven tackles (three solo) at Vegas in Week 3. He had at least three total tackles in the first five games of the season and accomplished that in six games overall. He graded 60 or better in overall defense in six games, six games in run defense and in four games in pass rush by PFF. Pearson posted an XFL-leading 60 receptions for 670 yards - also a league best. His four TD catches were tied for seventh among all league receivers, and he led the league in both catches for first downs (32) and targets (84). He started off the season with a bang as he caught a season- high 12 passes for 95 yards and five first downs at DC in Week 1. He posted a season-high 115 receiving yards on seven receptions in Week 9 at St. Louis, including a 68-yard video-game-style catch and run for a score. He had six games with 76 or more receiving yards, and he had at least three receptions in all 10 games. Pearson scored a touchdown in each of the Sea Dragons' final three games.

LEADING THE WAY

Seattle's powerhouse run-and-shoot offense, implemented by Offensive Coordinator June Jones, finished the regular season first in pass attempts (376), completions (243), and passing yards (2,677). 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 led the quarterbacks in passing yards (2,671) and completions (242) and ranked second in touchdowns (20) behind St. Louis' A.J. McCarron (24). DiNucci also tallied three rushing touchdowns and led his position in category in rushing yards (305).

Jahcour Pearson has proven to be DiNucci's favorite target as he wrapped up the regular season ranked first in total receptions (60) and receiving yards (670). Juwan Green added 6 receiving touchdowns, ranking him tied for second in the league. Josh Gordon was tied for fourth in receiving touchdowns (4), and Blake Jackson was fifth in the league in receptions (45). Tuzar Skipper ended the regular season on a defensive tear, finishing tied for second in forced fumbles (3) and fourth in the XFL in sacks (6). Qwynnterrio Cole was top-15 in the league in total tackles (48) and was tied for third in the league in interceptions (3). Dominik Eberle completed his regular season third in field goals made (14) along with the third highest completion percentage in the league (77.8%). Kelvin McKnight ranked first in the leaderboard in punt return yards (235) and second in kick return yards (748). With a combined 983 return yards, McKnight led that category amongst all special teams returners in the XFL.

SEA DRAGONS COME UP SHORT AGAINST DEFENDERS

The Sea Dragons journeyed to Washington D.C. to take on the D.C. Defenders in the North Division Championship, the first appearance in Seattle's franchise history. This was the third time that the Sea Dragons and the Defenders have met this season where D.C. has defeated Seattle in the first two matchups in Week 1 and Week 8. The Sea Dragons received the opening kickoff and K Dominik Eberle tacked on the first three points of the game with a 33-yard field goal to give Seattle an early 3-0 lead. The Defenders responded with a 24-yard field goal by K Matt McCrane on the next series, tying the game at 3-3. After forcing the Sea Dragons to punt, QB Jordan Ta'amu found WR Lucky Jackson streaking down field for a 44-yard touchdown pass, giving the Defenders their first 9-3 lead following the missed 2-point conversion attempt.

To begin the second quarter, the Sea Dragons answered with their own touchdown when QB Ben DiNucci spotted WR Jahcour Pearson in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown completion to even the score at 9-9 after a failed 2-point conversion try. Shortly after, the Sea Dragons defense came up with their first big defensive stand of the game after LB Shareef Miller intercepted Ta'amu. With just under a minute left in the first half, the Defenders looked to take the lead, but it was shortly interrupted after S Antoine Brooks made an acrobatic interception on Ta'amu to keep the game tied going into halftime.

Going into the second half, the Defenders came out of the locker room aggressive and immediately took a 15-9 lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by RB Abram Smith, capping off a 11- play, 78-yard drive following the missed 2-point conversion attempt. On the ensuing offensive series for the Defenders, Ta'amu linked up with TE Ethan Wolf for a 26-yard touchdown pass to increase the score to 23-9 after the successful 2-point conversion attempt to TE Alex Ellis. In the final quarter, the Defenders took a commanding lead when RB Cam'Ron Harris punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to widen the score to 30-9 following the successful 1-point conversion run by Smith. On the ensuing series, the Sea Dragons cut the score in half to 30-15 after DiNucci completed a 34-yard touchdown pass to WR Juwan Green, but failed to convert the 2-point conversion try. Soon after, the Defenders chewed up some game clock and Harris cleaned up the drive with a 11-yard touchdown run and a 1-point conversion attempt, (his second rushing touchdown of the game) bringing the score back up to 37-15. On the final series for Seattle, DiNucci found Green in the end zone for an 8 yard-touchdown pass (his second touchdown reception of the game) to shed the score to 37-21 following the missed 3-point conversion try. After the touchdown, the Sea Dragons went for the desperate 4th & 15 conversion try, but the Defenders defense came up with the final defensive stand of the game and ended Seattle's playoff run and season.

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 finished the regular season leading the league in receptions (60) and in receiving yards (670). Pearson has continually used his 4.28 speed to accumulate over eight, 20 + yard catches, including a career long, 68-yard touchdown reception against the St. Louis Battlehawks in Week Nine. Pearson was also first in the league in first down catches with 32.

Jahcour proved that he was one of the best receivers in the XFL this season and that he deserves a spot on an NFL roster. Following the conclusion of the season, Jahcour reached the next step of his goal of making the NFL and was invited by the Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, and the San Francisco 49ers for minicamp this summer.

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 6 sacks going into the North Division Championship-the most on his team and ranked fourth in the XFL. "I want more, I want more. I feel that 6 (sacks) is a little unproductive, but again I'll take it," Skipper reacted on his stats this season. 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 transitions to the offseason, he wants to let NFL scouts know that he is ready and prepared for the fall season and deserves a try out this summer. "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. After a strong and productive season, look for Tuzar to get his first invite to a NFL minicamp where he will continue his momentum and fight for a roster spot this fall.

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 ended the regular season ranked sixth in the league in receiving yards (540) and fourth in receiving touchdowns (4), an honor he shares with six other XFL receivers. Heading into the offseason, Josh Gordon has made some noise in this league and he hopes to gain the attention of NFL scouts 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 (2,671) and completions (242) and second in touchdown passes (20). 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.

After leading his team to a North Division Championship appearance and overall a successful season, DiNucci not only wants to makes an NFL roster but also help his teammates achieve their goal of being in the NFL. 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." This summer, Ben DiNucci will participate in the Denver Broncos minicamp where he will look to earn a roster spot and make his way back to the NFL.

SEA DRAGONS OF WASHINGTON Three Seattle Sea Dragons active roster players hail from the State of Washington:

- Thomas Fletcher- Vancouver

- Colin Kelly- Longview

- Charlie Taumoepeau- Federal Way

One Seattle Sea Dragon player last college was in the State of Washington:

- Sama Paama- Washington

HOME OF THE SEA DRAGONS: LUMEN FIELD

OFFENSIVE LINE NOTEBOOK

Morgan Ellison averaged 4.9 yards per carry and has totaled 254 rushing yards on the season. He broke 100-yards rushing in Week 3 against the Vegas Vipers. 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. He ended the regular season with 70 rushing yards and 1 TD.

Tuzar Skipper has been an absolute nightmare for offenses. He wrapped up the regular season tied for second in forced fumbles (3) and led the team with 6 sacks and finished fourth in the XFL. He also has 1 blocked punt under his name that he recorded in Week 5 against the Houston Roughnecks. Tre Walker was second on the team in tackles (46). He had a season high, 8 tackles, in Week 8 against the D.C. Defenders. Jahcour Pearson held the crown for most receptions (60) and receiving yards (670). 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 brought in 4 TD passes this season, ranking him tied for fourth in the league. Blake Jackson added in 45 receptions for the receiving core, 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 finished the regular season tied for second in the league in TD receptions (6). 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.

DEFENSIVE BACK NOTEBOOK

The offensive line has cleared the way for the Sea Dragons running offense, accumulating 962 rushing yards and ranking third in the league going into the playoffs. 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 4.6 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 was the fourth longest converted field goal attempt in the XFL. He completed the regular season 14 of 18 in field goals made and attempted.

Punter, Cameron Nizialek, averaged 41.7 yards per game. He ranked fifth in that category for the season.

Kick Returner and Punt Returner, Kelvin McKnight, 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). McKnight ended the regular season ranked second in the league in total kick return yards (748) and first in total punt return yards (235).

QUARTERBACK NOTEBOOK

Ben DiNucci finished the regular season ranked first in completions (242) and passing yards (2,671) and second in TD passes (20) 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 was the first quarterback in the XFL to surpass 2000 passing yards this season.

RUNNING BACK NOTEBOOK

Morgan Ellison averaged 4.9 yards per carry and has totaled 254 rushing yards on the season. He broke 100-yards rushing in Week 3 against the Vegas Vipers.

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. He ended the regular season with 70 rushing yards and 1 TD.

WIDE RECEIVER NOTEBOOK

Jahcour Pearson held the crown for most receptions (60) and receiving yards (670). 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 brought in 4 TD passes this season, ranking him tied for fourth in the league. Blake Jackson added in 45 receptions for the receiving core, 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 finished the regular season tied for second in the league in TD receptions (6).

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 wrapped up the regular season tied for second in forced fumbles (3) and led the team with 6 sacks and finished fourth in the XFL. He also has 1 blocked punt under his name that he recorded in Week 5 against the Houston Roughnecks.

Tre Walker was second on the team in tackles (46). 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 racked up 48 total tackles, and 3 interceptions, 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 and a crucial interception in the playoff berth against the Vegas Vipers in Week 10.

Antoine Brooks was tied for third in forced fumbles in the league with 2 on the season.. 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.

Check out the Seattle Sea Dragons Statistics



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