The DC Defenders led by quarterback Cardale Jones are one of two undefeated teams in the XFL. Sunday night they head to Dignity Health Sports Park to take on the Los Angeles Wildcats, who have yet to record their first win of the season. Can the Defenders high-octane offense and shutdown defense prevail for a third straight week or will the Wildcats get their first win in front of their home fans?
DC Defenders vs. Los Angeles Wildcats
- When: Sunday, February 23
- Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
- TV: FS1
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
It’s only Week 3 of the XFL season, but the DC Defenders have quickly established themselves as one of the best in the league. Head Coach Pep Hamilton’s squad is a perfect 2-0 and on top of the XFL East standings. DC defeated Seattle in Week 1 and proved it is no fluke with a 27-0 shutout of the New York Guardians in Week 2. The Defenders have outscored opponents 58-19 in those two contests and the offensive onslaught starts with quarterback Cardale Jones. The former Ohio State product leads the league in passing with 519 yards and has a slew of weapons at wide receiver, including DeAndre Thompkins, Rashad Ross, and Eli Rogers. Its defense line recorded three sacks against New York. Expect the defense to be disruptive Sunday evening on an L.A. Wildcats offense that has struggled offensively.
The Los Angeles Wildcats dropped their second straight game after a back and forth battle with the Dallas Renegades in Week 2. Los Angeles jumped out to a 3-0 lead and then held Dallas to two straight field goals. Quarterback Josh Johnson hit Nelson Spruce with five minutes left in the quarter and a subsequent three-point conversion put the home team within one. However, in the final minute, Renegades running back Cameron Artis-Payne took the handoff 17 yards for the score to seal the deal and give Dallas the 25-18 victory. If the Wildcats want to avoid another home loss, they will have to improve on both sides of the ball. Johnson completed 18 of 34 passes for 196 yards and two scores, both to Spruce, who leads the league with 192 receiving yards. However, their running game notched 57 total yards. As a unit, the defense gave up over 450 yards, 305 to former Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones and 99 to Artis-Payne on the day. It won’t get easier with the Defenders coming to town.
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