XFL 2023 Results: Week 1 Scores and Best Twitter Reaction from Sunday
The latest incarnation of the XFL kicked off its inaugural season on Saturday, when the Arlington Renegades knocked off the Vegas Vipers. The Houston Roughnecks defeated the Orlando Guardians in the nightcap, and the action picked back up on Sunday afternoon.
Day 2 picked up with the San Antonio Brahmas hosting the St. Louis Battlehawks, a game that was dominated by defense early but featured a thrilling finish. During the broadcast, the league announced that its championship game will be played at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio and will air on ABC.
The D.C. Defenders ended the day by defeating the Seattle Sea Dragons in the Week 1 finale.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Here's a look at how Sunday's early action unfolded.
St. Louis Battlehawks 18, San Antonio Brahmas 15
The first half of this one was heavily skewed toward the defense. Battlehawks quarterback AJ McCarron and Brahmas signal-caller Jack Coan had a few nice plays, but both ground games were smothered, and sustained drives were virtually nonexistent.
Coan and the Brahmas got into a rhythm on the final drive of the half, but a missed field goal by John Romo left the game tied at 3-3 entering the break.
Defensive play was definitely the star of the first half.
The announcing team of Matt Barrie, Joey Galloway, Tiffany Blackmon and Eric Mac Lain did a good job of keeping the first half entertaining, though. The booth duo of Barrie and Galloway focused not only on the on-field action but also on sports-betting information.
Through the first two days of action, it has become clear that ESPN won't shy away from the gambling aspect of the XFL. Of course, not every fan is going to be on board with the gambling-friendly approach.
Barrie also had a little fun at the expense of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS analyst Tony Romo—which was definitely noticed by those watching at home.
The second half opened with another efficient drive by the Brahmas, though that too ended with a field-goal attempt. Romo was successful this time, and San Antonio took a 6-3 lead in the third quarter.
Fans finally saw a touchdown in the fourth quarter, when Coan found Fred Brown with a beautiful fade route to cap another impressive dive.
The score gave fans their first glimpse of the day of the XFL's unique point-after rules. After a touchdown, teams can opt to go for a one-point play from the two-yard line, a two-point play from the five or a three-point play from the 10.
Brahmas head coach Hines Ward opted to go for the one-point try, which was unsuccessful. That meant that even with a 12-3 lead, San Antonio only held a one-score advantage. St. Louis immediately responded with a promising drive, but it ended with a 43-yard miss by kicker Donny Hageman.
Romo capped another Brahma's drive with his third field goal of the day. However, the Battlehawks responded with a touchdown drive, and converted a successful three-point try to bring it back to a one-score game.
This led to fans witnessing another novel XFL rule. Instead of attempting an onside kick, teams can opt for a 4th-and-15 play that if successful, will extend the drive from the spot of the ball.
The drive was further extended by a roughing-the-passer penalty that put St. Louis in San Antonio territory.
And St. Louis was successful, giving the Battlehawks a chance to tie or take the lead with just over a minute remaining.
A terrific touchdown pass from McCarron to Austin Proehl gave St. Louis the lead with only 16 seconds remaining. A sack of Coan by LaCale London ended San Antonio's desperation drive and sealed the victory for St. Louis.
Though he struggled for much of the contest, McCarron finished a solid 18-of-26 for 190 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to help rally St. Louis from down 12 with roughly three minutes remaining was incredible. Head coach Anthony Becht also deserves credit for getting his team to respond late.
Coan finished 25-of-36 for 207 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Brahmas running back Kalen Ballage led all players with 84 rushing yards. Proehl and Brahmas receiver Jalen Tolliver led their respective teams with 49 receiving yards apiece.
The Twitter reaction to Sunday's opening matchup, the broadcast and XFL innovations like a more transparent replay-review process was mostly positive:
It's worth noting that the crowd in the Alamodome was loud and engaged throughout the contest. It's noteworthy because a lively crowd helps to provide a "big-game" atmosphere and makes for a better viewing experience at home.
The early broadcast was polished, and the game itself made for an enjoyable watch—and the exciting final three minutes certainly helped. While it lacked the intensity of a critical NFL matchup, it brought pro-football energy and provided an example of why this version of the XFL might be the best—and most sustainable—brand of spring football fans have seen in ages.
D.C. Defenders 22, Seattle Sea Dragons 18
The Week 1 finale got off to a faster start offensively. Quarterback Ben DiNucci drove the Sea Dragons right down the field on the game's opening possession, capping the drive with a six-yard touchdown strike to former NFL receiver Josh Gordon.
Gordon, who led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards back in 2013, corralled a nifty flip from DiNucci for the score.
Seattle head coach Jim Haslett opted for a three-point try after the touchdown, but it was unsuccessful. Following a short Defenders drive, the Sea Dragons got back on the scoreboard with a Dominik Eberle field goal.
The second Seattle drive was aided by a conversion on 4th-and-2 from the D.C. 38-yard line. At that point, it was fairly clear that Haslett was taking an aggressive approach to the game.
D.C. answered on its ensuing drive, using an up-tempo approach to keep Seattle's defense off-balance. Quarterback Jordan Ta'amu capped the drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown. Head coach Reggie Barlow called for a two-point try and a successful conversion drew the Defenders within a point.
Quarterback Steven Montez entered the game for Seattle's third series, which was a quick three-and-out. The change was most likely for evaluation purposes, as DiNucci played well over the first two series.
DiNucci returned for Seattle's next drive, but a promising late drive ended with a missed field goal, and the Sea Dragons carried a 9-8 lead into intermission.
The Sea Dragons extended their lead in the third quarter on a 13-yard Brenden Knox touchdown run. DiNucci ran in for the three-point conversion, which was made easier by a five-yard Defenders penalty.
D.C. answered, though, with a thrilling pick-six by cornerback Michael Joseph. A successful two-point run by quarterback D'Eriq King cut Seattle's lead to two points.
Joseph's interception was preceded by an interesting series of in-stadium events. Security reportedly confiscated a large "snake" made of empty beer cups, and angry fans responded by throwing lemons on the field.
Once again, the crowd's energy was well-received by viewers at home.
D.C. took an early fourth-quarter lead on a five-yard rushing touchdown by King. That play was set up by Joseph's second interception of the day. Ta'amu's two-point conversion attempt failed, but the Defenders held a four-point lead and all of the momentum thanks to their defense.
Seattle's defense came away with its own takeaway midway through the fourth quarter when Ta'amu was picked off at the Sea Dragons' 20-yard line. While they reached midfield on the ensuing drive, a failed fourth-down conversion gave the ball back to D.C. A fourth-down stop gave Seattle life just before the two-minute warning, setting up another exciting finish.
Two completions to Gordon set up Seattle on the D.C. 15-yard line with just 42 seconds remaining. The Sea Dragons go to the 1-yard line, but a DiNucci fumble gave D.C. the ball and the victory.
DiNucci finished with 282 passing yards and a touchdown, but his three turnovers were backbreaking. Ta'amu and King combined for a mere 93 passing yards, but the D.C. defense made up for the lack of offense.
Sea Dragons wideout Jahcour Pearson led all players with 95 receiving yards, while Gordon chipped in 74 yards and a touchdown for Seattle. Knox led all players with 31 rushing yards.
Like Sunday's first contest, the Sea Dragons and Defenders matchup was mostly well-received by fans on social media.
It was a great way to cap the league's opening week, and it should have fans excited for Week 2, which will kick off with the Sea Dragons and Battlehawks on Thursday night.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
