Highlights:
* DC's defense recorded 8 sacks, stifling the reigning UFL Champion Stallions
* Matt McCrane was perfect, connecting on all four field goal attempts including a 53-yarder
* The Defenders upset the defending champions, starting their season 1-0 while Birmingham falls to 0-1
Game Recap:
Behind a dominant defensive effort and four field goals from kicker Matt McCrane, the DC Defenders outlasted the 2024 UFL Champion Birmingham Stallions for an 18-11 victory in front of 12,254 fans at Audi Field Sunday afternoon. The Defenders (1-0) limited Birmingham (0-1) to just 138 total yards while their defense collected an impressive eight sacks in a statement win to open the 2025 season.
Game Highlights Video:
Watch the full game highlights above to catch all the key plays from DC Defenders vs Birmingham Stallions.
DC Defenders Performance:
The Defenders controlled the game with a suffocating defense that consistently pressured Stallions quarterback Alex McGough. DC's offense was efficient when needed, outgaining Birmingham 297-138 in total yards while dominating possession (31:11-28:49).
Top Offensive Players:
* Jordan Ta'amu: QB - 17-for-37, 211 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
* Ty Scott: WR - 5 receptions, 61 receiving yards
* Chris Rowland: WR - 3 receptions, 40 receiving yards, 1 TD
* Deon Jackson: RB - 10 carries, 42 rushing yards
* Abram Smith: RB - 13 carries, 37 rushing yards
Top Defensive Players:
* Anthony Hines III: LB - 6 tackles, 2 sacks
* Derick Roberson: DE - 2 tackles, 2 sacks
* Andre Mintze: DE - 3 tackles, 1 sack
* Deandre Baker: CB - 1 interception
* Kiondre Thomas: CB - 3 tackles
Birmingham Stallions Performance:
The defending champions struggled to find rhythm offensively, managing just 89 passing yards while being constantly disrupted by DC's pass rush. Despite the loss, McGough showed flashes with his legs, leading the team with 84 rushing yards. McGough returned to the UFL after a stint with the Green Bay Packers in 2024.
Top Offensive Players:
* Alex McGough: QB - 10-for-23, 89 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 8 carries, 84 rushing yards
* Davion Davis: WR - 2 receptions, 28 receiving yards
* Ricky Person Jr.: RB - 6 carries, 29 rushing yards
* C.J. Marable: RB - 1 reception, 12 yards, 1 TD
* Jordan Thomas: TE - 1 reception, 13 yards
Top Defensive Players:
* Steven Gilmore: CB - 6 tackles, 3 pass breakups
* Tae Crowder: LB - 3 tackles, 1 pass breakup
* Perrion Winfrey: DL - 3 tackles
* Chapelle Russell: LB - 2 tackles, 1 sack
* Carlos Davis: DL - 1 interception
UFL Scores and Standings Impact
With this win, the DC Defenders join the Arlington Renegades and St. Louis Battlehawks as early leaders in the XFL Conference, all starting the season 1-0. In the USFL Conference, the Michigan Panthers began their campaign with a win while the Birmingham Stallions' loss puts them behind in their title defense. This weekend's UFL scores demonstrate the competitive balance throughout the league, with close contests highlighting the depth of talent across all eight franchises. The season is new, so seek scoring rise as we gets to weeks three and four.
The Defenders' victory serves as an early statement in the UFL standings, particularly in knocking off the reigning champions. For Birmingham, this setback puts additional pressure on next week's matchup as they look to avoid an 0-2 start.