From last-minute touchdowns to breakout stars, Week 3 of the XFL had it all.
The weekend slate started off with some late drama on Saturday night as the Seattle Sea Dragons held off the Vegas Vipers to go 1-2 on the season. With just 1:12 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, the Sea Dragons’ quarterback ben dinucci found josh gordon for a 65-yard touchdown to seal the comeback win for Seattle. The touchdown reception was Gordon’s second of the game and third of the season as he remains one of the league’s best offensive weapons.
The DC Defenders were the first team to post three wins this season, while the Arlington Renegades defeated the Orlando Guardians 10-9 in a defensive struggle.
Here are all the highlights from this week.
All XFL games will be streamed live on ESPN+ and are available on the ESPN family of networks (ABC, ESPN and FX,
this weekend’s games
The DiNucci-Gordon connection was on display once again this weekend. The pair connected for two scores, including a last-minute touchdown that sealed the victory for the Sea Dragons. Gordon finished with two touchdowns and 118 receiving yards, while DiNucci threw for 377 yards and four scores in the victory.
In a battle of winless teams, the Sea Dragons earned their first win of the season thanks to Gordon’s late 65-yard touchdown run, but his footwork on his first touchdown helped Seattle get back in the game.
0:28
Josh Gordon puts feet in bounds on TD catch
Josh Gordon is able to keep his feet in bounds for an impressive touchdown catch.
Vegas fell to 0–3 with the loss.
Defenders Were Able To Avoid Four Touchdown Passes From The Battlehawks Quarterback AJ McCarron To go 3-0 on the season and win the battle of the undefeated to take a commanding lead in the XFL North division. Both Jordan Tamu And d’eric king Threw a touchdown in the win while the defense recorded two interceptions, including a pick-six and four sacks.
Tamu also added another touchdown on the ground.
,@JTaamu10 with tuddyyyyy#DefendDC , #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/JJjq38m3Hw
– DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) March 5, 2023
DC will look to remain undefeated next week when the Vinales travel to downtown Vegas.
one fourth paxton lynch The touchdown run broke up what was a 3-3 defensive battle and looked to be the difference maker before the Renegades went to work. Despite only 178 yards of total offense, Arlington Kyle Slaughter 15-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Vance in the late fourth quarter.
Replay ⏪🗣️#XFL2023 , #XFLRenegades pic.twitter.com/1OyQFhWU95
— Arlington Renegades (@XFLRenegades) March 5, 2023
With this win, the Renegades go 2-1 while the Guardians are winless this season. Lynch finished the game with 219 yards passing with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also led Orlando in rushing with 43 yards. Both teams were held to less than 100 yards rushing.
best play
Big-Throw Ben Pt. 2
The sports-winner definitely qualifies for the Best Drama section.
josh gordon on 4 down are you kidding me 🤯@xfl2023 , @XFLSeaDragons pic.twitter.com/UqMwOZlten
– SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 5, 2023
“Beer Snake” is free
1:45
XFL fans make impressive Cup Snake
XFL fans attending BattleHawks vs. Defenders show off an impressive cup snake that stretches the length of the stadium section.
After much deliberation, we are pleased to announce that “Beer Snake” is officially allowed in Defenders games.
setting the tone
An early pick-six is a good way to go undefeated.
Mike Joe at It Again #DefendDC , #XFL2023
– DC Defenders (@XFLDefenders) March 5, 2023
racking up turnover
The Arlington defense continues to prove why it is one of the league’s best units.
👀 Tune in: https://t.co/GJvIo4Ms7a@XFLRenegades , @XFLGuardians , #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/nMRfVAgJ6E
— XFL (@XFL2023) March 5, 2023
truck weather
Paxton Lynch was not afraid of contact on his first XFL touchdown run for Orlando.
Paxton Lynch ran it for six 💪@xfl2023 , @XFLGuardians pic.twitter.com/2Agr9lGyAM
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNFL) March 5, 2023
top tweets
rock approved
Paying tribute to the boss is never a bad idea.
There’s a helluva game going on at FX & @espn+
Battle of the Undefeated!
And yes, that was the People’s Elbow touchdown celebration 💪🏾😂👏🏾
It’s a Party It’s a Party in the XFL!! https://t.co/cvL7goYiZj— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 5, 2023
that’s my receiver
It’s easy to tell who will be Ben DiNucci’s favorite target this season.
two words.
Passion. Gordon.
What a game !!!!!!!!
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) March 5, 2023
saturday shadow
The XFL is officially in mid-season form with trash talking.
The House Doesn’t Always Win 🎲 Walking Out To Vegas With 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 is 💯💯💯#DefendDC , #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 disappointed with today’s performance #XFL#XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/mOkzSOcLZa
— Matty Fresh (@MattyFreshTV) March 5, 2023