The DC Defenders lost 29-23 to Orlando in their regular season finale, but head coach Shannon Harris wasn't pointing fingers at his opponent. Instead, Harris repeatedly emphasized that his team beat themselves with costly turnovers and special teams penalties that derailed what could have been a dominant performance.
"It was more of a, uh, you self-inflicted wounds that happened to us," Harris said after the loss. "If this team just outright beat us, then we could have some concerns. But that wasn't the case."
Bean Shows Promise Despite Mistakes
Quarterback Jason Bean made his debut for the Defenders and delivered an impressive ground performance, rushing for over 100 yards while helping the team move the ball effectively between the 20-yard lines. The Defenders actually outgained Orlando in total yardage, continuing a trend Harris noted from previous matchups with this opponent.
"We was able to rush the ball exceptionally well, and, uh, we threw the ball, you know, with some efficiency, um, at times," Harris explained. "But yeah, we just got to clean up a small few things. It's not them, it's us."
Bean expressed gratitude for the opportunity while acknowledging the learning curve ahead. "This is my first game with this team, you know, so there's— it's, it's going to take some time," he said. "Just get back in this week, watch film, um, you know, get with the guys, see what the guys are thinking too, and in those situations, and, you know, just try to be better next week for the team."
Red Zone Struggles Prove Costly
The Defenders' biggest issue came in the red zone, where they managed just one touchdown in six trips before their final drive. Harris pointed to a crucial sequence where a receiver failed to run the correct route on what should have been "a walk-in touchdown," leading directly to an interception on the next play.
"When you're down in that area, it's got to be, you know, overemphasize attention to detail," Harris said. "Not just quarterback, like I said, but all 11 got to be locked in and, you know, make sure that we're doing the right way."
The turnovers particularly stung Harris, who noted one came when the team was "getting ready to go up, I think, what, 10-3" before the momentum completely shifted.
Special Teams Breakdowns Add to Frustration
Beyond the offensive struggles, the Defenders hurt themselves with special teams penalties and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown. Harris didn't sugarcoat his disappointment with the undisciplined play.
"You can't jump off sides on a third and four, you know, regardless of what the snapper did," Harris said. "Anytime on special teams, it just comes down to being outright disciplined. I would have rather given up 2 points than giving up 7 points, you know what I mean, in that situation."
Championship Experience Provides Confidence
Despite the frustrating loss, Harris remains confident heading into the playoffs, citing the team's recent championship pedigree. The Defenders won the 2025 UFL title and have appeared in two of the last three championship games.
"These guys still got championship DNA," Harris said. "If we protect the football, we'll be fine. And, and don't give up the explosive plays on defense."
The defending champions will need to clean up those self-inflicted wounds quickly as they prepare for their playoff opener, knowing they have the talent to compete with anyone when they execute properly.