Jordan Ta'amu, Defenders Beat Stallions in UFL Opener as Fans Rip Matt Corral Benching

Jordan Ta’amu and the DC Defenders defeated Alex McGough and the Birmingham Stallions 18-11 on Sunday, as fans called for Matt Corral to replace McGough.

McGough, the 2023 USFL MVP, struggled in the opener for the Stallions, throwing for 89 yards on 10-of-23 completions with one touchdown and one interception. Wide receiver Davion Davis caught two passes for 28 yards, while C.J. Marable added one catch for a touchdown.  

Defenders quarterback Ta’amu threw for 211 yards on 17-of-37 completions with one touchdown and one interception. Wide receiver Chris Rowland had one touchdown on three catches, and running back Deon Jackson contributed 42 yards on 10 carries.

On Thursday, Holtz had yet to decide on his starting quarterback between Corral and McGough, telling reporters he would make the call on Friday. Later that day, it was announced McGough would get the start—a decision that did not sit well with fans.  

Fans criticized head coach Skip Holtz for benching Corral in the season-opening loss.  

The Defenders opened the scoring with a 37-yard field goal from Matt McCrane, followed by a 53-yard bomb from the Stallions’ kicker Harrison Mevis. McCrane responded with another field goal, giving DC a 6-3 lead heading into the second quarter.  

McGough connected with Marable for a 12-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion to put Birmingham ahead.  

Ta’amu answered with a four-yard touchdown pass to Rowland but failed on the two-point attempt, giving the Defenders a slim 12-11 lead at halftime.  

Both defenses tightened up in the third quarter, keeping both offenses scoreless. Two fourth-quarter field goals from McCrane sealed the victory for DC.

The Stallions will look to pick up their first win in Week 2 against the Michigan Panthers on the road and the defenders will look to grab two straight as they face the Memphis Showboats at home.