DC Defenders Defeat Brahmas Week 6

In week six of the UFL, the DC Defenders earned a crucial win against the San Antonio Brahmas. The win keeps the Defenders in playoff contention, boosting their record to 3-3. D.C. defeated San Antonio 18-12. The Brahmas are now 4-2, as it is only their second loss of the season. Here is a look back at the game, how the DC Defenders got the win, the MVP of the game, and what is next for these teams.

Quiet First Half

The first quarter of the game was quiet, ending 0-0. The Defenders’ defense stood strong on fourth down to prevent the Brahmas from entering the end zone on a fourth and goal. Following that drive, the Brahmas defense stands tall right back forcing them to punt. San Antonio ended up getting the ball back in the Defenders’ territory. This is a common way that the first quarter went, with both defenses standing tall.

For the Defenders, it was clear early on that quarterback, Jordan Ta’amu did better getting the ball out quickly this weekend compared to last weekend. There were still close calls and it is something to work on for D.C. The Defenders also had two new offensive linemen starting this week.

The second quarter started with more excitement as Ta’amu threw a backward pass that was not caught, and the Brahmas recovered the ball. There was zero urgency by the Defenders to jump on the ball. Turnovers hurt D.C. last weekend, and the lack of urgency needs to be addressed moving forward in the season. 

After a while of a 0-0 game, the San Antonio Brahmas take advantage of the turnover scoring a field goal. They took the 3-0 lead. One thing to highlight with the Brahmas is their special teams. Their punting unit pushed D.C. far back multiple times.

With just under two minutes to go, the DC Defenders scored a touchdown, taking the lead. The first half ended 6-3 Defenders.

DC Defenders Earn the Win in the Second Half

Defenders had possession of the ball to start quarter three. The DC defense did well locking up receivers throughout the game, but especially in the second half. It was difficult for anyone to get open, forcing quarterback Quinten Dormady to throw numerous incompletions.

Following a 54-yard field goal, DC extends the lead 9-3. The DC Defense put pressure on the Brahmas quarterback, but they ended up leaving a hole in the middle for the quarterback to escape for the first down.

Brahmas almost had a touchdown but the receiver ran out of bounce. It worked out for San Antonio as John Lovett scored the touchdown reception right away with just 9 seconds left in the third quarter. The touchdown tied the game. The one point conversion was close, but not good, keeping the game tied 9-9 to end the quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, DC kicks a 58-yard FG for the 12-9 lead. This is kicker, Matthew, McCrane’s season high. The Defenders almost attained the lead with a big return by Chris Rowland. It would have been a 79-yard kick return touchdown, but then he did step out of bounds. That is hard for DC fans, but the right call. The Defenders scored the TD with just over five minutes to go after two touchdowns being called back. They attempted the 2-point conversion but didn’t get it. The score was 18-12 with 5:07 left in the game. This was also the final score.

Despite the win, there was definitely a coaching issue with the DC Defenders They took a time-out instead of a delay of game when they were about to punt. While they still won the game, this could have been costly if the Brahmas scored. It is important to remember no timeouts mean no more challenges. The Brahmas on the other hand need help on offense. They struggled to get much going this weekend.