Highlights:
- Bryce Perkins: 188 passing yards, 76 rushing yards, 3 total touchdowns
- Chris Rowland: Career-high 9 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown in losing effort
- Panthers improve to 4-2, tying Defenders for conference leads
Results
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | TD | T | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC | 0 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | — | 14 | Loss |
| MICH | 7 | 10 | 13 | 8 | 0 | — | 38 | Win |
Game Recap:
The Michigan Panthers (4-2, 2-1 USFL) dominated the DC Defenders (4-2, 2-1 XFL) 38-14 Sunday afternoon at Ford Field, controlling the game from start to finish. Michigan’s balanced offensive attack amassed 401 total yards behind quarterback Bryce Perkins‘ three-touchdown performance, while DC struggled to find consistency despite a career day from receiver Chris Rowland.
Game Highlights Video:
Watch the full game highlights above to catch all the key plays from DC Defenders vs Michigan Panthers.
Michigan Panthers Performance:
The Panthers showcased an efficient and balanced offensive attack, converting 13 of 18 pass attempts while rushing for 213 yards on 38 carries (5.6 yards per attempt). Michigan’s defense limited the Defenders to just 58 rushing yards and recorded a sack.
Top Offensive Players:
Bryce Perkins: QB – 13/18, 188 passing yards, 2 TDs, 76 rushing yards, 1 TD
Toa Taua: RB – 19 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD
Cole Hikutini: TE – 3 receptions, 63 yards, 1 TD
Nate McCrary: RB – 9 carries, 44 yards, 1 TD, 1 reception, 8 yards
Malik Turner: WR – 4 receptions, 34 yards, 1 TD
Top Defensive Players:
Frank Ginda: LB – 7 tackles
Kedrick Whitehead Jr.: S – 6 tackles
Mika Tafua: DE – 3 tackles, 1 sack
Adonis Alexander: CB – 2 tackles
Ron’Dell Carter: DE – 2 tackles
DC Defenders Performance:
The Defenders struggled to establish offensive rhythm, managing just 58 rushing yards despite quarterback Jordan Ta’amu’s solid passing production. Defensively, DC allowed Michigan to convert 50% of their third-down attempts and surrendered 401 total yards.
Top Offensive Players:
Jordan Ta’amu: QB – 19/36, 259 passing yards, 2 TDs, 17 rushing yards
Chris Rowland: WR – 9 receptions, 144 yards, 1 TD
Deon Jackson: RB – 10 carries, 47 yards, 1 reception
Braylon Sanders: WR – 3 receptions, 31 yards, 1 TD
Jaydon Mickens: WR – 3 receptions, 26 yards
Top Defensive Players:
Derick Roberson: DE – 5 tackles, 1 TFL
Kyle Phillips: LB – 5 tackles
Anthony Hines III: LB – 5 tackles
Deontay Anderson: S – 4 tackles
Isaiah Johnson: S – 4 tackles
The Michigan Panthers’ dominant victory significantly impacts the UFL scores and standings for Week 6, as they remain tied atop the USFL Conference with a 4-2 record alongside the Houston Roughnecks (3-3) and Birmingham Stallions (3-2). Meanwhile, DC maintains their 4-2 record to share the XFL Conference lead with the St. Louis Battlehawks (4-2).
Michigan’s balanced attack proved too much for the Defenders, who now face a critical road matchup against the struggling San Antonio Brahmas (1-4) in Week 7. Can the Panthers maintain this momentum as they push toward playoff positioning in the USFL Conference? Will DC bounce back from this disappointing performance to maintain their conference lead? What are your thoughts on this game? Share your comments below.
