After two dominating wins in the first two weeks of the XFL season, the undefeated DC Defenders had a disastrous start against the Los Angeles Wildcats in Week 3.
The Defenders went through the first two games without a turnover. However, against the Wildcats, the Defenders turned the football over three times in the first half. That included a botched punt.
Trailing 20-0, the Defenders failed to protect the edge on a punt, forcing punter Hunter Niswander to pull down the football. Unfortunately, the Wildcats’ rush was too much, as the ball got knocked loose and recovered by LA’s Jack Tocho.
The Wildcats started the ensuing possession from the Defenders’ four-yard line. It took them two plays for running back Martez Carter scored the touchdown, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 27-0.
The Defenders added a late field goal before halftime to cut their deficit to 27-3.
One of the XFL’s more lethal offenses have been grounded, especially in the air. The Wildcats held the Defenders to 30 yards passing and just 2.9 yards per play.
Cardale Jones and the Defenders offense will have to make a great deal of adjustments, if they want to get back in the game.
