From last-minute touchdowns to breakout stars, Week 3 of the XFL had it all.
Saturday night kicked off the weekend with some late drama as the Seattle Sea Dragons cruised past the Vegas Vipers to move to 1-2 on the season. With 1:12 left in the fourth quarter, Sea Dragons quarterback Ben DiNucci found Josh Gordon for a 65-yard touchdown to seal the comeback win for Seattle. The touchdown was Gordon’s second of the game and third of the season as he continues to be one of the league’s best offensive weapons.
The DC Defenders became the first team to record three wins this season, while the Arlington Renegades outscored the Orlando Guard 10-9 in defensive tackles.
In the final game of the week, the Houston Roughnecks went up 3-0 in the first half behind three shots from Brandon Silvers. Houston rolled up 378 total yards of offense in a 22-13 win over the San Antonio Brahmas.
Here are all the highlights from this week.
All XFL games are broadcast live on ESPN+ and available on the ESPN family of networks (ABC, ESPN and FX).
This weekend’s games
The DiNucci-Gordon connection was on display again this weekend. The pair combined for two scores, including a last-minute touchdown that clinched the victory for the Sea Dragons. Gordon finished with two touchdowns and 118 yards receiving, while DiNucci threw for 377 yards and four scores in the win.
In a battle of winless teams, the Sea Dragons got their first win of the season thanks to Gordon’s 65-yard field goal, but his leg on the first touchdown helped bring Seattle back into the game.
0:28
Josh Gordon doesn’t limit his legs on TD catches
Josh Gordon can keep his feet on the ground for an impressive shot.
Vegas fell to 0-3 with the loss.
The Defenders survived four touchdowns from Battlehawks quarterback AJ McCarron to move to 3-0 on the season, snap an unbeaten streak and take the lead in the XFL North Division. Jordan Ta’amu and D’Eric King both had tackles in the win, and the defense recorded two tackles, including six and four sacks.
Ta’amu also added another touchdown on the ground.
.@JTaamu10 tuddiiyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy#DefendDC | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/JJjq38m3Hw
— DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) March 5, 2023
DC will look to stay undefeated next week when winless Vegas visits town.
Paxton Lynch’s fourth-quarter touchdown broke up a 3-3 defensive battle and appeared to be the difference maker until the Renegades went to work. Despite only 178 yards of offense, Arlington was able to rally late in the fourth quarter on a Kyle Slaughter 15-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Vaughns for the game-winning drive.
Repeat ⏪🗣️#XFL2023 | #XFLRenegades pic.twitter.com/1OyQFhWU95
— Arlington Renegades (@XFLRenegades) March 5, 2023
The Renegades moved to 2-1 with the win, while the Guardians remain winless this season. Lynch finished the game with 219 yards passing and no touchdowns or interceptions. He also led Orlando in rushing with 43 yards. Both teams rushed for over 100 yards.
The XFL welcomed a battle of Texas teams on Sunday night, and it looked like it was going to be a high-scoring affair early on. The Bruins used three first-half possessions to take a 22-7 halftime lead. It was a game-tying goal line drive for Houston late in the fourth quarter.
OUR DEFENSE IS ON LOCK 🔒 pic.twitter.com/vdG0loYX9J
— Houston Roughnecks (@XFLRoughnecks) March 6, 2023
San Antonio’s defense held Houston scoreless in the second half, but the offense couldn’t get over the hump. The Brahmas fall to 1-2 with the loss, and the Bruins are one of two undefeated teams in the league. Johntre Kirklin finished with 77 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.
The best plays
Big Throw Ben Pt. 2
Game winners definitely fit into the best plays section.
JOSH GORDON 4 DOWN ARE YOU FOOLING ME 🤯@XFL2023 | @XFLSeaDragons pic.twitter.com/UqMwOZlten
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 5, 2023
“Beer Snake” was released
1:45 a.m
XFL fans make an impressive mug snake
XFL fans attending a Battlehawks vs. Defenders game display an impressive trophy snake that spans the length of a section of the stadium.
After much consideration, we’re happy to announce that Beer Snakes are officially allowed in the Defender Games.
Setting the tone
An early six is a good way to stay undefeated.
MIKE Joe said it again #ProtectPC | #XFL2023
— DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) March 5, 2023
Accumulation of turnovers
Arlington’s defense continues to prove why it is one of the best units in the league.
👀 Tune in: https://t.co/GJvIo4Ms7a@XFLRenegades | @XFLGuardians | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/nMRfVAgJ6E
— XFL (@XFL2023) March 5, 2023
Truck season
Paxton Lynch wasn’t afraid to make contact in his first XFL outing for Orlando.
Paxton Lynch runs it for a six 💪@XFL2023 | @XFLGuardians pic.twitter.com/2Agr9lGyAM
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 5, 2023
Magic hands
Jontre Kirklin may have scored two touchdowns in the Roughnecks’ win, but that’s probably what he’ll be remembered for.
WHAT A PASS FROM JONTER KIRKLIN 🤯@XFL2023 | @XFLRoughnecks pic.twitter.com/weKp2TfJqC
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 6, 2023
The best tweets
Rock approved
Showing respect to your boss is never a bad idea.
Helluva is playing right now on FX &. @ESPN+ 🔥
Battle of the Invincibles!
Yes, it was a People’s Locke celebration 💪🏾😂👏🏾
It’s a party, it’s a party in the XFL!! https://t.co/cvL7goYiZj— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 5, 2023
This is my receiver
It’s easy to say who Ben DiNucci’s favorite target will be this season.
Two words.
Josh. Gordon.
WHAT A GAME !!!!!!!!
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) March 5, 2023
Saturday shadow
The XFL is officially in midseason trash talk.
The House Doesn’t Always Win 🎲 Exiting Vegas with a W #XFL2023 | #Breathe fire pic.twitter.com/SkRUX6iTap
— Seattle Sea Dragons (@XFLSeaDragons) March 5, 2023
That 3-0 feeling
Sometimes you just have to dance.
DEFENSE – 💯💯💯#ProtectPC | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/t1dJzy4qWn
— DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) March 5, 2023
Quotes of the week
Tell us how you feel, Mr. McCarron.
St. Louis Battlehawks QB AJ McCarron was disappointed with the officiating today #XFL#XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/mOkzSOcLZa
— Matty Fresh (@MattyFreshTV) March 5, 2023
“sucked it up”
Philadelphia Eagles’ CB Darius Slay Roughnecks vs. Brahmas was reviewing the game and described its action.
Darius Slay checking in @Destroying In Houston 💪@XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/d5R7lkajZK
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 6, 2023