The Louisville Kings earned their first win of the UFL season, beating the Houston Gamblers 24-22 in overtime. It was the second consecutive overtime game for Louisville after a controversial penalty rule handed the Orlando Storm an automatic victory a week ago.
The ensuing outcry from fans prompted an immediate UFL rule change. However, it cost the Kings the win after an otherwise superior and hard-fought game. But the pain of that loss lingered, and on Thursday night, the team would not be denied another victory.
As coach Chris Redman acknowledged, ”It wasn’t pretty at times, but they didn’t give up.”
Five Takeaways From the Louisville Kings' Victory
Ultimately, what this game demonstrated is that this team has a lot to build on going forward. Here are five takeaways from Thursday night’s game.
Tanner Brown’s Kicking Kept Them In The Game
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Tanner Brown spent time on the practice squads of the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons. Although he spent time with the Rams, he never took the field. After signing with the Falcons' practice squad in December of 2024, he was released two days later
Now, Brown’s leading the UFL this season after converting 12 of 13 field goals, with four kicks over 50 yards. Although he missed his first field goal of the season, a 55-yarder, Tanner nailed five others in Thursday night’s victory. He made field goals from 59, 58, 21, 48, and 52 yards. In doing so, Brown tied a UFL single-game record.
In addition, Brown and Houston kicker John Hoyland set a league record. It was the first time two kickers each connected on three field goals of 50 yards or more in a single game. Making three of four kicks, Hoyland converted a 59-yard field goal and two 50-yarders. He missed a 38-yard field goal that sent the game to overtime.
The Louisville Offense Limited By Brutal Houston Defense
After last week's outstanding three-touchdown performance against Orlando, Jason Bean finished the game, completing 17/34 passes for 192 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. Although he spread the ball around to 10 different receivers, half of his throws were incomplete.
In Bean's defense, he was under relentless pressure throughout the night from a ferocious Houston defense. He was sacked four times, including two from Houston veteran LB Christopher Allen. One sack Allen delivered near the end of regulation was particularly brutal, and Bean was clearly shaken up. But to his credit, he remained in the game and delivered the winning throw to TE Tre McKitty to seal the victory.
The Gamblers' defense kept the offense off balance all night long with 52 tackles, five for a loss, 11 PBUs, and the interception by Houston safety Major Burns. The Louisville offense was unable to score a touchdown in the second half and had to rely on Brown's kicking prowess to keep them in the game. But too many missed opportunities in the red zone could have led to a different outcome.
Bean Has Multiple Receiving Options
The Louisville receiving corps is shaping up to be one of the best in the league. In addition to McKitty, who came down with the game-winning catch in the end zone, Bean has an arsenal of talent that allows him to spread the ball around and keep defenses guessing.
Isaiah Wintead was the leading receiver with six catches for 31 yards. JaVonte Payton had three catches for 46 yards. Lucky Jackson, who departed the game with an injury, had one stunning reception for 41 yards. Carter Bell had a couple of nice catches for 35 yards, and newcomer Tyler Hudson made his debut with one catch for 22 yards.
Injuries Limiting The Kings' Backfield
With both Jaden Shirden and Ian Wheeler out of action, the Louisville Kings turned to Benny Snell and recently returned NFL talent, James Robinson. Snell had eight carries for six yards, plus two catches for six more yards. Snell left the game early, leaving Robinson to cover the backfield. Robinson had 7 carries for 19 yards, one touchdown, and two receptions for eight yards.
The Defense, Bend But Don't Break
Once again, it took an all-in effort from the talented Louisville defense to hold back the surging Gamblers. Talented OLB Cam Gill continued his outstanding season with eight tackles (five solo) 2.0 sacks, a TFL, and a forced fumble. He leads the UFL with 5.5 sacks. Jaheim Thomas had seven tackles. Xavier Carlton had six tackles while former Memphis Showboats' DE DeVere Levelston had 6 tackles and was credit with half a sack. EDGE Jaylon Allen had another strong game with four tackles (three solo) 1.0 sack, two TFLs, and a forced fumble. Together, the Kings defense accounted for 68 tackles, (35 solo), 4.0 sacks, five TFLs, three PBUs, and two forced fumbles.
Although at times, it appeared the game had gotten away from the Kings, the defense held together. Under pressure, Hoyland missed a game winning field goal and the game went into overtime. It wasn’t their best effort and it wasn’t pretty, but Louisville held on to win the game.
Next, the 1-3 Kings will travel to Dallas to take on the Renegades on Sunday, April 26th. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC.