The Orlando Storm's magical inaugural season came to an end with a 28-22 playoff loss to the DC Defenders, but head coach Anthony Becht walked away from the postgame podium with his head held high and his quarterback's future on his mind.
"I really don't think he belongs in this league, quite frank with you," Becht said about Jack Plummer. "I'd be sick if an NFL team didn't have him in a camp this year. It'd be crazy not to."
The Storm's 8-2 inaugural campaign ended in heartbreak at Daytona Stadium, but Becht's passionate endorsement of his signal-caller dominated the conversation. He praised Plummer as "an elite leader" and "an elite navigator of information pre and post snap," comparing their offensive system to what the Rams, 49ers, and Packers run.
Third Down Defense Dooms Storm's Championship Dreams
Becht pinpointed exactly where his team lost the game — third down conversions. The Storm defense, which had been stellar all season, couldn't get off the field when it mattered most.
"Third down bit us in the butt today. The ones that really hurt are third and long ones. I mean, 7-plus, man, they just eat at you. For whatever reason, whether we're in a wrong spot or we over-rush the quarterback or we weren't able to bring a guy down and they got extra yards, they made the plays on third downs and we didn't."
DC converted critical third downs throughout the game while Orlando's offense struggled in the red zone despite moving the ball effectively between the 20s.
Franchise Built From Scratch Exceeds Expectations
What makes Orlando's season even more remarkable is the complete rebuild Becht orchestrated. The Storm entered 2026 with four new coaches and 50 new players — essentially building a winning culture from nothing.
"Nobody knew each other," Becht explained. "8-2 with a brand new team is phenomenal."
The first-year coach praised his staff, particularly first-time play caller Colin Thompson and returning coordinator Art Valero. He also highlighted Jordan Kitten, saying the young coach "may be better than his dad" from a coaching standpoint.
Plummer's Leadership Evolution Key to Success
When asked about Plummer's development over the final six weeks, Becht lit up discussing his quarterback's growth as a vocal leader.
"The big thing over the last 6 weeks to me that he's really brought to the table is his vocal leadership, and it's been very genuine and natural, and it's been very consistent. It wasn't after a loss, it wasn't after a win. Like, every day from that point, he's been an all-star, man."
Becht believes 8-10 Storm players deserve NFL camp invitations, with Plummer leading that list.
Orlando's Football Future Secured
Despite the playoff disappointment, Becht delivered a clear message to Storm fans about the franchise's stability.
"I'm here. It's not going anywhere," he declared. "I wouldn't have taken the gig and said yes to it unless this was long-term."
With owner Mike Rapole living in Orlando and committed to growth, Becht sees the Storm as a cornerstone of the UFL's expansion plans. He wants to double the fan base next season and promised another winning record before the season even starts.
The coach's post-game message was clear — this loss stings, but Orlando football has found its foundation. With Plummer potentially NFL-bound and a culture established, the Storm's playoff exit feels more like a beginning than an end.