by -
The ESPN team
From last-minute touchdowns to breakout stars, Week 3 of the XFL had it all.
Saturday night kicked off the weekend slate with late drama as the Seattle Sea Dragons rallied past the Vegas Vipers to move to 1-2 on the season. With just 1:12 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Sea Dragons quarterback Ben DiNucci found Josh Gordon for a 65-yard touchdown to seal a comeback victory for Seattle. The touchdown reception was Gordon’s second of the game and third of the season as he remains one of the best offensive weapons in the league.
The DC Defenders became the first team to win three games this season and the Arlington Renegades defeated the Orlando Guardians, 10-9, in a defensive struggle.
Here are all the highlights of this week.
All XFL games will be streamed live on ESPN+ and are available on the ESPN family of networks (ABC, ESPN and FX).
Games this weekend
The DiNucci-Gordon connection was on display again this weekend. The pair tied for two scores, including the last-minute touchdown that sealed the win for the Sea Dragons. Gordon finished with two touchdowns and 118 yards receiving and 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 late 65-yard touchdown run, but his footwork on his first down helped get Seattle back in the game.
0:28
Josh Gordon keeps his feet in bounds on a TD catch
Josh Gordon is able to keep his feet in bounds for the impressive catch.
Vegas fell to 0-3 with the loss.
The Defenders were able to survive four touchdown passes from Battlehawks quarterback AJ McCarron to move to 3-0 on the season and take the lead in the XFL North division by winning the battle of the undefeated. Jordan Ta’amu and D’Eriq King both threw touchdowns in the win and the defense recorded two interceptions, including a pick-six, and four sacks.
Ta’amu also added another touchdown on the ground.
.@JTaamu10 with the tuddyyyyy#ProtectDC | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/JJjq38m3Hw
— DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) March 5, 2023
DC will try to stay winless next week when undefeated Vegas travels to town.
Paxton Lynch’s fourth quarter touchdown run broke a 3-3 defensive battle and looked to be the difference maker before the Renegades went to work. Despite having just 178 yards of offense, Arlington was able to rally for the win on Kyle Sloter’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Vaughns late in the fourth quarter.
The REPLAY ⏪🗣️#XFL2023 | #XFLRenegades pic.twitter.com/1OyQFhWU95
— Arlington Renegades (@XFLRenegades) March 5, 2023
The Renegades moved to 2-1 with the win and the Guardians remain undefeated this season. Lynch finished the game with 219 yards passing with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also led Orlando with 43 yards rushing. Both teams were held under 100 yards rushing.
The best plays
Big cast Ben Pt. 2
The winners of the games definitely qualify for the best plays section.
JOSH GORDON ON 4TH DOWN ARE YOU KIDDING ME 🤯@XFL2023 | @XFLSeaDragons pic.twitter.com/UqMwOZlten
— Sports Center (@SportsCenter) March 5, 2023
The “Beer Snake” is free
1:45
XFL fans build an impressive cup snake
XFL fans bringing in Battlehawks vs. Defenders display an impressive trophy that spans the length of the stadium.
After much discussion, we are happy to report that “Beer Snake” is officially allowed at Defender games.
Setting the tone
A good way to stay unbeatable is to pick it early.
MIKE JO IS AGAIN #ProtectDC | #XFL2023
— DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) March 5, 2023
Racking up the turnover
Arlington’s defense continues to prove why it is one of the best units in the league.
👀 Listen to us: https://t.co/GJvIo4Ms7a@XFLRenegades | @XFLGuardians | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/nMRfVAgJ6E
— XFL (@XFL2023) March 5, 2023
Season of trucks
Paxton Lynch wasn’t afraid of a touchdown on his first XFL touchdown run for Orlando.
Paxton Lynch runs it in for six 💪@XFL2023 | @XFLGuardians pic.twitter.com/2Agr9lGyAM
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 5, 2023
Top tweets
Rock approved
Paying respect to the boss is never a bad idea.
A helluva game going on right now on FX & @ESPN+ 🔥
The battle of the undefeated!
And yes, that was a celebration of landing a People’s Elbow 💪🏾😂👏🏾
It’s a party and a party in the XFL!! https://t.co/cvL7goYiZj— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 5, 2023
That’s my receiver
It’s easy to say who Ben DiNucci’s favorite target is this season.
Two words.
Josh. Gordon.
WHAT A GAME!!!!!!!!
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) March 5, 2023
Saturday shadow
The XFL is officially in mid-season form and the trash talking.
The house doesn’t always win 🎲 Walking out of Vegas with the W #XFL2023 | #BreatheFire pic.twitter.com/SkRUX6iTap
— Seattle Sea Dragons (@XFLSeaDragons) March 5, 2023
That 3-0 feeling
Sometimes all you have to do is dance.
DEFENSE IS 💯💯💯#ProtectDC | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/t1dJzy4qWn
— DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) March 5, 2023
Quote of the week
Tell us how you really feel, Mr. McCarron.
St. Louis Battlehawks QB AJ McCarron was frustrated with today’s officials #XFL#XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/mOkzSOcLZa
— Matty Fresh (@MattyFreshTV) March 5, 2023
