To say it’s been a triumphant return for the XFL’s D.C. Defenders in 2023 would be an understatement. On Sunday, the Defenders capped off the regular season with a 29-28 win over the San Antonio Brahmas to finish with a 9-1 record.
The Defenders will host the Seattle Sea Dragons at Audi Field next week to determine the XFL’s North Division champion. The Defenders swept the regular-season series, but both games were close, with D.C. winning the two games by a combined five points, including a season-opening 22-18 win over Seattle at Audi Field.
San Antonio made D.C. earn Sunday’s win, though. Trailing 28-22 with around 2:30 remaining, quarterback Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta’amu scored from four yards out to tie the game. Ta’amu then scores on the one-point conversion to give D.C. a 29-28 lead.
The Brahmas weren’t finished. San Antonio quarterback Jack Coan completes a pair of passes into D.C. territory. However, the Brahmas eventually fall short, leading to a fourth down.
With a chance to win the game, San Antonio kicker John Parker Romo attempts a 53-yard field with around 30 seconds remaining but misses, ending the game and sending the Defenders home with the win.
Ta’amu completed 15 of 22 passes for 271 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 45 yards and a score.
Audi Field was sold out the last time the Defenders were home, so you can probably expect a sellout next week as the playoffs return to Washington, D.C.
Welcoming the Sea Dragons BACK to @AudiField 🫡
Yanno what that means, Defenders Fam… 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜 ‼️#DefendDC | #XFL2023
— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) April 24, 2023
