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XFL D.C. Defenders

Week 4 Preview: Getting to Know the Tampa Bay Vipers

February 26, 2020 - XFL (XFL)
D.C. Defenders News Release


The DC Defenders (2-1) look to rebound from their first loss of the 2020 XFL season when they travel to Tampa, Fla., to take on the Tampa Bay Vipers (0-3) on Sunday, March 1 in Week 4.

A 39-9 loss to the Los Angeles Wildcats took the wind out of the Defenders' sails following two impressive victories at home. While the Vipers have yet to win a game, their offense continues to improve, despite have a muddled quarterback situation.

Aaron Murray, Taylor Cornelius, and Quinton Flowers have all gotten reps under center thanks to an injury that sidelined Murray for two weeks.

The Vipers have a handful of skill position players who are capable of hauling in bulk yardage despite the offense recording just two touchdowns in three weeks, both coming on quarterback runs.

Week 4 between the DC Defenders and Tampa Bay Vipers takes place on Sunday, March 1 at 7 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENTS: TAMPA BAY VIPERS

Home Field: Raymond James Stadium (66,000)

Team Colors: Green, yellow, and white

Team President: Josh Bullock

Head Coach: Marc Trestman

Record: 0-3 (3-23 Loss at Guardians, 9-19 loss at Dragons, 27-34 loss to Roughnecks)

STAT LEADERS: TAMPA BAY VIPERS

Passing:

Taylor Cornelius -- 32-for-58, 347 yards, 1 passing TD, 3 INTs. 6 carries for 33 yards, 1 rushing TD.

Aaron Murray -- 16-for-34, 231 yards. 2 INTs.

Quinton Flowers -- 8-for-15, 106 yards. 1 INT. 16 carries for 78 yards. 1 rushing TD.

Receiving:

Dan Williams -- 11 receptions for 180 yards on 20 targets. 16.4 avg. 1 TD. Long of 42 yards.

Jalen Tolliver -- 13 receptions for 157 yards on 25 targets. 12.1 avg. Long of 44 yards.

Rushing:

De'Veon Smith -- 42 carries for 174 yards. 4.1 avg. Long of 13 yards.

Jacques Patrick --- 32 carries for 123 yards. 3.8 avg. Long of 21 yards.

Defense:

S Marcelis Branch -- 21 combined tackles, 10 solo tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for a loss.

CB Anthoula Kelly -- 12 combined tackles, 11 solo tackles, 6 pass deflections

PLAYERS YOU MAY KNOW: TAMPA BAY VIPERS

#9 QB Quinton Flowers, USF: 2016 AAC Offensive Player of the Year. USF all-time leader in rushing touchdowns, passing touchdowns and total touchdowns.

#11 QB Aaron Murray, Georgia: SEC all-time leader in passing touchdowns and passing yards. Named to second-team All-SEC in 2011. His older brother, Josh, was a contestant on the 2014 season of 'The Bachelorette.'

#24 De'Veon Smith, Michigan: Was a member of the Washington Redskins during 2018 training camp. Was a college teammate of Defenders CB Tyree Kinnel at Michigan.

#32 CB Jalen Collins, LSU: No. 42 overall pick in 2015 NFL Draft. College teammates with Malachi Dupre.

#41 Terrance Plummer, UCF: Spent 2015 with Washington Redskins. Finish 2015 preseason third on the team in tackles with 12.

#49 DT Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest: Two-time All-ACC selection. Was named to Bednarik Award watchlist in 2013. Spent the 2015 season as the starting fullback for the New York Giants.

#50 OG/C John Yarbrough, Richmond: Two-time All-CAA selection. Named 2018 Offensive Lineman of the Year in the state of Virginia.

#52 LB Reggie Northrup: Signed by Washington Redskins in May 2016.

#69 OT/G Na'Ty Rodgers, Houston: From Pomfret, Md. Attended The McDonough School.

#71 OG/T Isaiah Williams. Akron: Spent 2016 and 2018 training camp with the Washington Redskins. Spent 2019 training camp with the Baltimore Ravens.

#73 OT Martez Ivey, Florida: Former five-star prospect, High School All-American and two-time All-SEC selection.

#91 DT Bobby Richardson, Indiana: Spent a month on Washington Redskins practice squad in 2016.

#97 DT Ricky Walker, Virginia Tech: From Newport News, Va. Named to second-team All-ACC in 2018.

Check out the D.C. Defenders Statistics



XFL Stories from February 26, 2020


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