Highlights:
* DC Defenders defense dominates with 3 interceptions, including a pick-six
* Jordan Ta’amu throws for 243 yards and 3 touchdowns in commanding performance
* Defenders improve to 3-0, remaining the only unbeaten team in the XFL Conference
Results
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC | 12 | 6 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 27 |
| STL | 0 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Game Recap:
The DC Defenders continued their perfect start to the 2025 UFL season with a convincing 27-15 road victory over the St. Louis Battlehawks on Sunday. Led by quarterback Jordan Ta’amu’s three touchdown passes and a stifling defense that forced four turnovers, the Defenders built an early 18-0 lead and never looked back. With the win, DC improves to 3-0 atop the XFL Conference, while St. Louis drops to 2-1.
Game Highlights Video:
Watch the full game highlights above to catch all the key plays from Defenders vs Battlehawks.
Defenders Performance:
The Defenders established dominance early, scoring 18 first-half points while showcasing their balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense. DC’s defense held St. Louis to just 15 points while recording three interceptions and three sacks against Battlehawks quarterback Manny Wilkins.
Top Offensive Players:
* Jordan Ta’amu: QB – 17/37, 243 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
* Ty Scott: WR – 3 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD
* Deon Jackson: RB – 8 carries, 54 yards; 1 reception, -4 yards
* Briley Moore-McKinney: TE – 3 receptions, 40 yards, 1 TD
* Cornell Powell: WR – 3 receptions, 21 yards, 1 TD
Top Defensive Players:
* Andre Mintze: LB – 2 tackles, 2 sacks
* Deandre Baker: DB – 4 tackles
* Michael Ojemudia: DB – 1 tackle, 1 interception
* Sam Kidd: DB – 3 tackles, 1 interception
* Willie Drew Jr.: DB – 1 interception
Battlehawks Performance:
The Battlehawks struggled to find offensive rhythm against DC’s swarming defense, particularly in the passing game where Manny Wilkins was intercepted three times. Despite a second-quarter comeback attempt that narrowed the gap to 18-12, St. Louis couldn’t overcome their early deficit.
Top Offensive Players:
* Jacob Saylors: RB – 7 carries, 1 yard; 7 receptions, 91 yards
* Manny Wilkins: QB – 16/29, 147 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs; 4 carries, 39 yards
* Frank Darby: WR – 1 reception, 35 yards, 1 TD; 1 carry, -8 yards
* Jahcour Pearson: WR – 4 receptions, 1 yard; 1 carry, 7 yards
* Jake Sutherland: TE – 1 reception, 8 yards
Top Defensive Players:
* Nate Meadors: DB – 5 tackles
* Willie Harvey Jr.: LB – 4 tackles
* Olakunle Fatukasi: LB – 3 tackles
* Kameron Kelly: DB – 2 tackles, 1 interception
* Chris Payton-Jones: DB – 1 interception
Current UFL Standings
The UFL scores today have significant implications for the league standings. After Week 3, the DC Defenders (3-0) remain the only undefeated team in the XFL Conference, with the Battlehawks dropping to 2-1. In the XFL Conference, the Arlington Renegades also stand at 2-1, while the San Antonio Brahmas remain winless at 0-3.
In the USFL Conference, the Michigan Panthers and Birmingham Stallions share the top spot with identical 2-1 records, followed by the Houston Roughnecks at 1-2 and the Memphis Showboats at 0-3.
Final Thoughts
The Defenders continue to look like the class of the UFL through three weeks, with stellar quarterback play from Ta’amu and a defense that keeps creating turnovers. Their balanced offensive attack and defensive playmaking ability make them formidable contenders as the season progresses. For the Battlehawks, this first loss reveals some vulnerabilities in their offense, particularly in pass protection and ball security.
Will the Defenders maintain their perfect record as they return home next week? Can the Battlehawks bounce back from this setback and regain their early-season momentum? What are your thoughts on this game? Share your comments below.
