XFL 2023 Results: Week 4 Scores and Best Twitter Reaction from Saturday
Mar 12, 2023
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: Houston Roughnecks quarterback Brandon Silvers(12) passes the ball during the XFL football game between the Houston Roughnecks and the Orlando Guardians on March 11, 2023 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL.(Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Week 4 XFL action kicked off Saturday, and the Houston Roughnecks continued their blazing-hot start to the season as they remained undefeated following a 44-16 win over the lowly Orlando Guardians.
It really wasn't much of a contest from the start as Houston jumped out to an early 20-point lead in the first quarter and never let its foot off the gas, sending Orlando to a league-worst 0-4.
Brandon Silvers was once again the catalyst for an explosive Roughnecks' offense as he threw for 239 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Travell Harris caught two of those two touchdowns on three receptions for 83 yards.
Meanwhile, Orlando struggled to get anything going offensively.
It got to the point where the Roughnecks and head coach Wade Phillips went deep into their playbook in what was one of the most entertaining offensive performances of any team so far this season.
Twitter couldn't help but enjoy the show.
The Houston roughnecks led by coach Wade Phillips, aren’t playing any games with the Orlando Guardians.
The best moment of the night came late in the first quarter when the Roughnecks scored on a 49-yard double pass from receiver Jontre Kirklin to fellow receiver Deontay Burnett, which made it 20-0.
The play immediately became a fan favorite and is an early contender for the XFL's best play of the season.
— Darius Smith (MEME KING WARIUS) 🇺🇸🇮🇱🇺🇦 (@dpas2009) March 12, 2023
The Houston Roughnecks asserting their dominance early! 20-0 in the 1st quarter! The first double forward pass this season goes for a 49 yard bomb! #XFL
Houston has been cruising so far this season, dominating most of the teams that it has faced off against.
Next week's game will be an interesting challenge, however, as the Roughnecks will travel to Seattle to take on the Sea Dragons, who have a high-powered offense of their own led by Ben DiNucci and Josh Gordon.
As we approach Week 4 of the 2023 XFL season, a few things are becoming clear. Firstly, the newest incarnation of the spring league is a heck of a lot of fun.…
XFL 2023 Results: Week 3 Scores and Best Twitter Reaction from Sunday
Mar 5, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 05: Ethan Wolf #82 of the DC Defenders scores a touchdown in front of Nate Meadors #26 of the St Louis Battlehawks during the first half of the XFL game at Audi Field on March 5, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
XFL action continued Sunday, with a number of teams looking to carry undefeated records through Week 3.
Below, we'll break down the day's results and the best reactions.
Houston Roughnecks def. San Antonio Brahmas, 22-13
The Houston Roughnecks shined on both sides of the ball to defeat its in-state-rival San Antonio Brahmas 22-13 and remain undefeated at 3-0.
Roughnecks quarterback Brandon Silvers lit it up through the air with 278 yards, three touchdowns and an interception on 24-of-35 passing. Houston's defense also had a strong showing, highlighted by a goal-line stand with under four minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Damn that @XFLRoughnecks defensive goal line stance was insane. Houston defense ain’t no joke. Too early to call, but offense win games, but defense wins championships. #XFL
The Brahmas fell to 1-2 on the season. Jack Coan completed eight of 20 passes for 64 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The game ended when he was sacked with nine seconds left on the clock.
Houston will take on the Orlando Guardians on March 11, while San Antonio will also be in action that day against the Seattle Sea Dragons.
D.C. Defenders def. St. Louis Battlehawks, 34-28
Well this one was fun. Sloppy, but fun.
The D.C. Defenders moved to a perfect 3-0 on the season, defeating the St. Louis Battlehawks 34-28 in a game that included seven turnovers, three quarterbacks, a defensive touchdown, a whole lot of fireworks through the air, some late-game fisticuffs and, of course...a beer snake.
WELL WHAT A START TO THIS GAME! If you aren't watching... you really should be.
With another banger match-up, at this point, if you have something negative to say about the @XFL2023 brand of football, I just assume you've never watched it. @XFLBattlehawks@XFLDefenders
If your not watching the @XFLBattlehawks vs @XFLDefenders game then you need to stop what your doing and turn the game on. We got the #BeerSnake, good crowd, and great football. @XFL2023 knows what good football is🔥🔥⚔️⚔️💯💯
Defenders up 14-0 trying to start their XFL season off 3-0. Audi Field Hopping.
Spring football detractors can talk about TV ratings and yell about leagues like this not working. Uphill battle. Here’s what I know, DC likes this team a lot. And it’s really fun to go to the games.
Four St. Louis turnovers did them in, including two interceptions from quarterback A.J. McCarron, who was otherwise excellent, throwing for 262 yards and four touchdowns. Jordan Ta'amu and D'Eriq King combined to throw for 210 yards and two scores for the Defenders. Ta'amu also added a rushing score.
The Battlehawks had their chances to win the game but finished the fourth quarter with a punt, a turnover on downs, an interception and McCarron being sacked as time expired on their final four possessions.
Even the owner of the NFL's Washington Commanders, Daniel Snyder, found his way into the story of the game.
Loud, obvious “f—k Dan Snyder” chant at the Defenders game after DC took a 25-20 lead at Audi Field.
The XFL, now in its third iteration, has always faced an uphill battle as it tries to carve a niche for itself in a saturated sports market and among football fans who already have the NFL and college football to get their itch.
As XFL games are happening this weekend, for instance, the NFL is holding its scouting combine. But if nothing else, the Defenders' win on Sunday in a wild game was a reminder that the XFL has the ability to be fun, even if it won't ever compare to the level of play the NFL can boast.
Josh Gordon Gets Twitter Love for 2 TDs as Sea Dragons Earn 1st XFL Win vs. Vipers
Mar 5, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 19: Josh Gordon #0 of the Seattle Sea Dragons looks on before the XFL game against the DC Defenders at Audi Field on February 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
In a vital game for the Seattle Sea Dragons, Josh Gordon and Ben DiNucci had their biggest performances of the season. The duo connected all night long Saturday, helping the team come back for a 30-26 win over the Vegas Vipers.
Gordon finished with six receptions for a game-high 118 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 65-yard score with a minute remaining that helped the Sea Dragons get their first victory of the XFL season after losing their first two games.
The former NFL All-Pro showed why he still deserves a place in the top ranks of professional football.
DiNucci was fantastic in his own right on a windy night in Vegas, as the league's leading passer had 377 yards to go along with four touchdowns and just one interception in the win.
He managed to clean up the turnovers that plagued him in past weeks and was the catalyst that helped drag Seattle back from a 20-9 deficit in the third quarter and a 26-18 one in the fourth.
Never thought id say this but what a dime DiNucci to Josh Gordon.
The biggest relief for Seattle is that it is out of the dungeon of the XFL North with its first win of the season and is in a much better position to try and climb the division than Vegas, who fell to 0-3.
If the Sea Dragons are going to have any hope of making a run for the title, they will need a few more nights like this from their star duo, whose rapport only seems to grow with each passing week.
DiNucci and Gordon, who have now connected for three scores this season, will take on the San Antonio Brahmas next Saturday.
The third incarnation of the XFL is shaping up to be a lot of fun. The opening week was highlighted by epic comebacks and stunning finishes, and Week 2…
A.J. McCarron '100 Percent' Believes NFL Could Adopt Some of XFL's Rule Changes
Mar 2, 2023
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 19: A.J. McCarron #10 of the St. Louis Battlehawks prepares to throw a pass against the San Antonio Brahamas at the Alamodome on February 19, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
A.J. McCarron chose to sign with the XFL over returning to the NFL to play a backup role, and he's picked up on some things he believes the NFL could adopt from his new league.
The St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback "100 percent" believes some of the XFL's unique rule changes are good for the game, particularly the elimination of the onside kick.
"If you look at it, the NFL itself, a couple of years ago, changed the extra-point rule," McCarron told TMZ Sports. "They moved the extra point back because the percentages were almost 100 percent on making extra points, and so they wanted to figure out ways to make the game more interesting."
The XFL allows teams to attempt to retain possession after a score by completing a 15-yard untimed down, rather than executing a low-percentage onside kick. Only three onside kicks out of 56 attempts were recovered during the 2022 NFL regular season. The success rate varies from year to year, but only once in the last decade have onside kicks reached a 20 percent success rate.
While some would argue that's a good thing—teams that play better over the course of a 60-minute game deserve to win—it does take some excitement out of end-of-game situations.
By contrast, McCarron's Battlehawks came back from a 15-3 deficit with less than two minutes remaining in their Week 1 win over the San Antonio Brahmas after converting on the 15-yard onside play.
"I think that's an option that they can easily implement into their game and people wouldn't miss a beat with that," McCarron said.
XFL 2023 Results: Week 2 Scores and Best Twitter Reaction from Sunday
Kristopher Knox
Feb 27, 2023
Brahmas QB Jack Coan
Week 2 of the 2023 XFL season has served as a fair follow-up to a thrilling opening slate. It kicked off on Thursday, with another come-from-behind victory by AJ McCarron and the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Saturday featured a second strong defensive performance by the D.C. Defenders, who have jumped out to a 2-0 start like the Battlehawks.
The second week of the XFL's latest inaugural season—this is the league's third incarnation—picked up on Sunday afternoon with the Orlando Guardians hosting the San Antonio Brahmas. It concluded with the Arlington Renegades visiting the Houston Roughnecks in the night game.
Let's dive into the action and some of the best Twitter reaction from Sunday.
Brahmas 30, Guardians 12
The Brahmas got off to a fast start with their opening drive, which ended with a three-yard touchdown strike from Jack Coan to tight end Deon Yelder. The Guardians immediately answered, though, as Paxton Lynch found Eli Rogers for an eight-yard touchdown pass.
Both teams failed on their points-after tries, and both offenses were bogged down from there. The second quarter began with the score tied at six and didn't feature a lot of clean offensive execution.
San Antonio got into scoring range on its final possession of the half, thanks in part to a late third-down hit on Coan and the accompanying flag. He capped the drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Alizé Mack. The Brahmas converted the ensuing one-point play and took a 13-6 lead into intermission.
They added to their lead early in the third quarter on Coan's third touchdown pass, this one to Jalen Tolliver.
— I Don’t Give A Football Podcast (@IDGAFootballPod) February 26, 2023
Another successful point-after play gave San Antonio a 20-6 lead, and the Brahmas added to that lead after a blocked punt and Jon Hilliman touchdown run. They carried a 27-6 lead into the final quarter.
Orlando finally got back on the board in the early fourth quarter with a touchdown drive aided by multiple defensive penalties, including a pass-interference call on 4th-and-goal. However, it was almost all San Antonio in the second half.
Coan finished the game 16-of-24 for 165 yards and three touchdowns. He was complemented by running back Kalen Ballage (23 yards) and some strong defensive and special teams play.
The Guardians struggled to find any semblance of offensive rhythm, and the platooning of Lynch and Deondre Francois at quarterback probably didn't help. Collectively, the duo went 15-of-32 for 87 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
"Offensively, that was pretty bad," Orlando coach Terrell Buckley told ESPN's Katie George after the game.
Reaction to Sunday's opener was largely mixed, with some fans enjoying the game's highlight plays and others criticizing the lackluster stadium atmosphere and the uneven and sometimes sloppy play, especially by the Guardians.
QB Jack Coan is already looking much better this week for the @XFLBrahmas. Swiftly marches his team down the field, before dropping a dime to Deon Yelder in the end zone. San Antonio leading 6-0 early. #XFLpic.twitter.com/6iQAYbfSRe
Checking in on the XFL, it’s an interesting juxtaposition with the NFL Combine about to start. So many ghosts of Combines past — Cody Larimer, Paxton Lynch, Matt Elam …
San Antonio picked up its first victory of the season, a week after blowing a late lead to the Battlehawks. The Guardians, meanwhile, have dropped their first two contests, both in convincing fashion.
Roughnecks 23, Renegades 14
Sunday's second game was a more competitive affair, highlighted by some huge defensive and special teams plays.
Houston got it off to a fast start with an interception of Renegades quarterback Drew Plitt on the first offensive play of the game. The Roughnecks went three-and-out on the ensuing drive but cashed in with a 42-yard field goal by Hunter Duplessis.
The Roughnecks defense was terrific again on its second drive, notching back-to-back sacks to force a punt that William Likely returned to the Arlington 10-yard line. A penalty on the kickoff set up Houston at the five, and quarterback Brandon Silvers delivered a five-yard scoring strike to Nick Holley.
With the two-point conversion successful, Houston jumped out to a fast 11-0 lead and carried it into the second quarter. Arlington responded, though, getting the ball back on a special teams fumble and finding its first points on a four-yard LuJuan Winningham touchdown reception.
Winningham was also responsible for the forced fumble and did it again late in the second quarter. He stripped Likely for the second time on a punt return, setting up Arlington's second touchdown of the evening; a 13-yard pass from Plitt to tight end Nate Becker.
The Renegades were unsuccessful on their first two-point try but took a 14-11 lead with a successful conversion. They got another turnover, this time on defense just before the break. Arlington couldn't turn the takeaway into points, but it carried plenty of momentum into halftime.
Houston regained the lead midway through the third quarter. After starting their drive in Arlington territory, the Roughnecks drove 45 yards and capped the series with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Silvers to Cedric Byrd. Quarterback Cole McDonald played a portion of the series and provided a spark as a runner.
The third quarter was largely dominated by defense, and Houston carried a 17-14 lead into the final period.
Safety Sean Davis picked off Plitt early in the fourth quarter, giving Houston an opportunity to extend its advantage. It did just that, finishing a 13-play, 70-yard drive with a Max Borghi touchdown. The point-after attempt was unsuccessful, though, which left Arlington with a nine-point deficit—a one-score deficit in the XFL.
There would be no miracle comeback for Arlington, though. Houston's defense held on one last time, and its offense did enough to run out the remaining game clock.
Silvers finished the game 14-of-28 for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Plitt went 15-of-30 for 120 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Tight end Sal Cannella led the Renegades with 38 receiving yards. Ben Putman led Houston with 65 receiving yards, while McDonald led all players with 39 rushing yards.
The reaction to Game 2 was mostly positive, with fans commending some of the top performers and the XFL's unique rules:
Never thought I would be this invested into the XFL but here we are
Lujuan Winningham has been balling out for the @XFLRenegades tonight.
First, he forces a fumble on the punt, to give Arlington a fresh set of downs. Then, he catches a dart from Drew Plitt, pulling the Renegades back within one score. #XFL | @XFL2023pic.twitter.com/HbuKLTk2se
The XFL is serving as a testing ground for the NFL, and the way they do kickoffs is really fascinating.
The XFL’s method prevents players from reaching top speeds, which theoretically will reduce collisions and injuries. Looks gimmicky, but significantly safer pic.twitter.com/yY2ahSFERG
The Roughnecks are STILL UNDEFEATED!!! Houston's defense is LEGIT! Brandon Silvers and the offense are doing just enough. The Roughnecks are still the team to beat in the XFL, BUT, other teams this weekend showed, they are coming for them #XFL
The nightcap was tight until the closing minutes of the final quarter, and it served as a strong finish to Week 2. Houston remains undefeated along with St. Louis and D.C., while Seattle, Vegas and Orlando are still looking for their first victories.
Week 3 is slated to kick off on Saturday, with the Vipers hosting the Sea Dragons at 7 p.m. ET on FX and ESPN+.
XFL 2023 Results: Week 2 Scores and Best Twitter Reaction from Saturday
Feb 26, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 19: Jordan Ta'amu #10 of the DC Defenders attempts a pass against the Seattle Sea Dragons during the first half of the XFL game at Audi Field on February 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The D.C. Defenders scored 18 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Las Vegas Vipers 18-6 on Saturday from Las Vegas' Cashman Field.
The Defenders rushed for 229 yards and two touchdowns on 42 carries thanks to a pair of running backs and two quarterbacks.
Running backs Abram Smith (11/71/1) and Ryquell Armstead (15/58) were complemented by signal-callers Jordan Ta'amu (12/68) and D'Eriq King (4/32/1).
They collectively took advantage of a wet and rainy night in Vegas that led to slippery field conditions. D.C. played ground-and-pound on offense and shut down Vegas on defense for the win.
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Hundley came on in relief of Vipers starting signal-caller Luis Perez, who began the game completing one of five passes. He went 11-of-18 for 98 yards and rushed for 24 yards on five carries.
Vegas' lone touchdown occurred in the first quarter when DeAndre Torrey scampered in from two yards out for six. That drive started at the D.C. 2-yard line after Pita Taumoepenu recovered a Ta'amu fumble following a sack.
There were multiple reactions to this game. On one end, it was ugly to watch at times in part because of the field, a minor league baseball stadium more often than not that didn't appear suitable for football, especially in the elements.
On the other hand, there's been a lot of positive in this third iteration of the XFL (numerous innovations, the fun of spring football, comebacks, good play from some teams). Of note, the D.C. Defenders are a tough, old-school team that looks like it will make some noise thanks to its rushing and defensive prowess.
After watching that second half, there is no doubt in my mind that D'Eriq King should be the starting QB for the @XFLDefenders moving forward.
Ta'amu is serviceable, but we know what he's capable of already. King has loads of potential, and brings so much to DC's offense. #XFL
I love the #XFL. I don’t really care about the naysayers who have always wanted it to fail. It’s not perfect and it’s raw but the passion is there. These games have been highly competitive for those actually paying attention and it’s only week 2.
This game has been very hard to watch: • Terrible Field Confitions • Technical Issues • Not a Real Football Stadium • Not a lot of fans • 3 Injuries so far
Hey @ESPN, can we get the camera man some lens wipes or something? Feel like I'm watching ghosts out here. What a...unique, night, for the #XFL. pic.twitter.com/mSGXOVj38t
the XFL's Vegas team plays at a second-division soccer team's stadium, the grass is entirely dead but they spray-painted it green, and they just so happen to be playing on what may be the first rainy day in Las Vegas history https://t.co/kfhJWNWgho
Week 2 of the XFL season started Thursday when the St. Louis Battlehawks beat the Seattle Sea Dragons 20-18. It will continue Sunday when the Orlando Guardians host the San Antonio Brahmas (4 p.m. ET) and the Houston Renegades play at home versus the Arlington Renegades at 7 p.m.
XFL Fans Defend Josh Gordon as Ben DiNucci, Sea Dragons Lose to McCarron, BattleHawks
Feb 24, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 19: Josh Gordon #0 of the Seattle Sea Dragons looks on before the XFL game against the DC Defenders at Audi Field on February 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Seattle Sea Dragons dropped to 0-2 with a 20-18 loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL's first Thursday night game.
Seattle looked to be in complete control early, taking a 12-0 lead after Josh Gordon's three-point conversion with 14:50 remaining in the second quarter.
The Battlehawks scored 17 unanswered points to take the lead late into the fourth quarter. Ben DiNucci put Seattle back on top with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Veasy, but the three-point conversion failed to keep the score 18-17 with 1:21 left to play.
A.J. McCarron led St. Louis on an eight-play, 48-yard drive that set up Donny Hageman's game-winning 44-yard field goal as time expired.
This is the second successive loss for the Sea Dragons after they took a lead into the fourth quarter. D'Eriq King scored the go-ahead touchdown in the first minute of the fourth quarter for the DC Defenders in a 22-18 win on Sunday.
Gordon had six catches for 74 yards and one touchdown against DC.
The Sea Dragons will look for their first win of the season when they take on the Vegas Vipers at Cashman Field on March 4.
