Week seven of the UFL continued today. The DC Defenders hosted the Michigan Panthers in what was a must win game for DC – hoping to stay alive in the XFL Conference.
POV you’re warming up for the game while also live on @SportsCenter 🤩😮💨@chasinbandzz @TheUFL @espn pic.twitter.com/NTdQ5wpuFV
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) May 12, 2024
Heading into this one, the Michigan Panthers were on a roll, having won two in a row. With a 4-2 record, they comfortably sit above the rest of the USFL Conference, as Houston and Memphis were 1-5 after week six.
Meanwhile, the DC Defenders are in a dogfight. The 5-1 St. Louis Battlehawks seem a bit out of reach, but they came away with a massive win at home against the San Antonio Brahmas this past weekend, 18-12. With a 3-3 record, the Defenders were looking to get back above .500.
Let’s take a look at what went down at Audi Field today, as it was the first time these two franchises have ever clashed.
First Quarter
Michigan received the football to begin this game. While Gavin Holmes muffed the kick which put them in terrible field position, Matt Colburn put the team on his back. He ripped off a few big runs, which put them in the red zone.
Matt Colburn been like that, FYI.
Always has been one of the most underrated RB’s in spring football. Massive impact on this scoring drive for the @USFLPanthers to start this game.
Also, shoutout the O-Line for some excellent blocking. #UFLpic.twitter.com/MPMu4Gppqa
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 12, 2024
Brian Lewerke was filling in for an injured Danny Etling, and looked poised on this first possession. He took off for a touchdown scramble of his own, and a successful one point attempt made it 7-0 early.
TOUCHDOWN @brianlewerke14‼️
The @USFLPanthers are undefeated this season when they score in the first quarter 👀 pic.twitter.com/SeZ9mBv7M0
— United Football League (@TheUFL) May 12, 2024
The DC Defenders did not have…