The XFL continued week four last night, as the Seattle Sea Dragons hosted the San Antonio Brahmas. This is an important matchup, considering both teams are 1-2, fighting for leverage in their respective divisions.
Folks, don't go to sleep just yet! We've got another @XFL2023 matchup coming our way right now.
The 1-2 @XFLSeaDragons host the 1-2 @XFLBrahmas. Clearly, this is a crucial matchup between two teams looking to gain some stability in their respective divisions. #XFL pic.twitter.com/5ynXOkEyYe
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 12, 2023
Seattle is coming off their best game of the XFL season, taking down Vegas in wild fashion. Meanwhile, a lackluster offensive performance from San Antonio in week three left them at 1-2.
Let’s take a look at what happened, as it was a tough battle in the Northwest.
First Quarter
San Antonio kicked things off with the football, but quickly went three and out as Jordan Evans made a fantastic tackle on Jack Coan in the backfield.
Seattle looked like a well oiled machine on their first possession, to no one’s surprise. They swiftly marched down the field, and were poised to score. However, on 4th and 1, Terrell Bonds broke up a pass intended for Josh Gordon, and the Sea Dragons turned it over on downs.
Jack Coan looked great on his second drive of the game. The Brahmas were in a groove, and put themselves in a position to score. Parker Romo knocked through a 38 yard field goal, and San Antonio took a 3-0 lead.
Second Quarter
Seattle’s offense sputtered on their next drive. Ben DiNucci wasn’t in a rhythm, and it showed. The Sea Dragons had to punt, unable to put points on the board.
Neither offense was able to get anything going in the second period to begin. San Antonio punted the ball, but the Sea Dragons were unable to move the chains, punting the ball right back.
This @XFLBrahmas defense is playing excellent football right now.
The @XFLSeaDragons posted over 500 yards of offense last week. They're getting absolutely stifled by San Antonio at the moment. It's been a slugfest so far, that's for sure. #XFL
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 12, 2023
Both defenses were playing outstanding football. The Brahmas continued to shut down the Sea Dragons, but Seattle stifled San Antonio time and time again. While it was a slugfest, one could certainly enjoy the defensive masterclass that was happening on both ends.
Towards the end of the half, Seattle finally found their footing. DiNucci pushed the ball down the field, making it look easy. Jahcour Pearson made an amazing catch inside the five, setting the group up nicely.
On first and goal, Jordan Williams jumped the gap and stuffed Morgan Ellison in the backfield. Seattle came right back at them, though, as DiNucci found Juwan Green in the endzone to put the team on top.
LFG 🔥🙌🐉 @XFLSeaDragons pic.twitter.com/hSVS1mb8w1
— Chris (@Aviation_Junkie) March 12, 2023
San Antonio managed to get into field goal range, before halftime. Parker Romo banged through a 57 yard attempt, which is the longest successful kick this XFL season.
Heading into the half, it was a 6-6 ball game.
Third Quarter
To kick off the third quarter, Seattle received the football. San Antonio’s smash mouth defense was on full display once again, which resulted in a punt for June Jones’ offense.
San Antonio’s unit couldn’t get things going, however. After a couple of first downs, LB Elijah Ponder got to Coan for a sack, and they had to send it back to Seattle.
Luq Barcoo was sensational tonight for Hines Ward and his defense. He made countless plays in the secondary, making his mark on the game from start to finish. Seattle was held to a field goal, as Dominik Eberle hit a 35 yard attempt to make it 9-6.
Let’s add another 3️⃣ to the scoreboard!#XFL2023 | #BreatheFire pic.twitter.com/S1wRdJk0Bh
— Seattle Sea Dragons (@XFLSeaDragons) March 12, 2023
Travis Toivenen was a nice pickup for San Antonio, who played quite well in the FCF last year. He also made an impact for the Brahmas, stepping up in the absence of other offensive playmakers. With one quarter left to play, Seattle led by three.
There’s nothing better than a military reunion 🇺🇸❤️#XFLMilitaryAppreciate | #BreatheFire pic.twitter.com/HO5a89gUip
— Seattle Sea Dragons (@XFLSeaDragons) March 12, 2023
Fourth Quarter
San Antonio couldn’t figure things out offensively. On third down, Chris Payton-Jones made a spectacular pass breakup, forcing another punt for SA. However, Jahcour Pearson couldn’t haul in a pass on third down, and Seattle sent it back to the Brahmas.
What a pass breakup by @CPaytonJones to shut down this @XFLBrahmas drive.
This guy has been a star in the @XFL2023. #XFL pic.twitter.com/H5JFVkW5rE
— Spring Football Gems (@spring_fbgems) March 12, 2023
Shareef Miller came up big for Seattle on defense. He took Coan down for a sack on third down, which allowed Seattle to regain possession again.
HUGE SACK BY SHAREEF MILLER 😤@XFL2023 | @XFLSeaDragons pic.twitter.com/UPtyZATOzT
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 12, 2023
A long drive resulted in a score for Seattle. DiNucci found Josh Gordon for a big gain, setting themselves up inside the two. Then, Morgan Ellison leaped over the entire Brahmas defense, putting the Sea Dragons on top 15-6.
WE HAVE LIFTOFF 🐉#XFL2023 | #BreatheFire pic.twitter.com/IQgT5uyjr4
— Seattle Sea Dragons (@XFLSeaDragons) March 12, 2023
Tuzar Skipper forced a fumble, as Coan was stripped on first down. San Antonio recovered, keeping their drive alive. It all came down to a 4th and 1, as the two minute warning hit.
Coan went to Deon Yelder, but it was incomplete as he overthrew the target. Seattle took over, thanks to great coverage by Bryce Thompson.
Seattle Sea Dragons Finishes Are…Wild
You’d think this game was over. All Seattle had to do was run the clock out…but they threw the ball. Luq Barcoo undercut DiNucci’s pass, picking it off and giving the ball back to San Antonio.
Despite the loss, @luqmanbarcoo had a sensational game for the @XFLBrahmas. Made plays all night long, including this late pick to give them one more chance.
Why in the world was Seattle throwing the ball here? Ben DiNucci has to simply toss this away. #XFL | @XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/EvwXxLqiyh
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 12, 2023
Interestingly enough, San Antonio just could not find a way to convert on fourth and short. After a solid drive to the middle of the field, Coan missed on another pass across the middle, effectively ending the game.
Seattle held on to win 15-6 at home over the San Antonio Brahmas.
Final Thoughts
For most of the night, it was a defensive slugfest. This is by no means a bad thing, as it was an entertaining matchup from start to finish.
San Antonio has to figure things out, as they drop to 1-3 in a competitive South Division. Their defense is outstanding, as playmakers like Luq Barcoo and Jordan Williams have been doing great things all season long. Jack Coan & Co. have to change something, quickly.
Seattle is now back to the .500 mark, which is huge. The Seattle Sea Dragons are a strange team. At times, they look like the best in the XFL. Then, they’ll make some of the worst mistakes you’ll ever see. Jim Haslett has to get this group into a rhythm sooner than later, otherwise it will be tough to make the postseason in the North.
Seattle secures win No. 2️⃣‼️@XFL2023 | @XFLSeaDragons pic.twitter.com/2uwd4dQUnp
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 12, 2023
Week four of the XFL continues tomorrow. The St. Louis Battlehawks host the Arlington Renegades at 4pm ET, which should be an epic showdown.
What did you think of today’s game between the Seattle Sea Dragons and San Antonio Brahmas? Which XFL team impressed you the most? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!