Look out Ravens – there’s a new football team in the DMV: the XFL’s D.C. Defenders.
I attended their game last night at Audi Field, and it was one of the most unique experiences I’d ever had at a sporting event. Why? Lemons.
They’re now throwing lemons on the field in protest https://t.co/JGEMZp6QAq pic.twitter.com/MhP4RapwJs
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) February 20, 2023
After stadium security ended an attempt to create a section-long beer snake (a Defenders tradition from last year), fans retaliated by throwing lemons – dozens and dozens of lemons – onto the field.
WILD SCENE IN DC. The Beer Snake was taken away. Players throw lemons on the field in protest.
Then, Ben DiNucci throws a pick six to Michael Joseph and the place goes NUTS. This is #XFL football. You gotta love it. @XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/4Wi6GIrIXZ
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 20, 2023
(That tweet should say that the FANS threw lemons, by the way, not the players. The XFL is wild, but not that wild…yet.)
The Defenders capitalized on the unique home-field advantage with a pick-six off ex-Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci, and Audi Field lost its mind.
Where did the fans get so many lemons, you may ask.
That’s how pic.twitter.com/yizw3P9x9j
— Nicholas Thorn (@Thornbush2002) February 20, 2023
The team sold ‘em to them! Every lemonade in the stands came with two lemon halves and an optional alcoholic supplement – which clearly everyone consumed as well.
MIKE JO IS LIKE THAT 😤#XFL2023 | #DefendDC pic.twitter.com/Ulby74Fkmo
— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) February 20, 2023
He did, indeed, have one more on the way, setting up this touchdown run from 5’9 ex-Miami QB D’Eriq King, who replaced former Ole Miss starter Jordan Ta’amu in the second half as the Defenders transitioned to a spread, read-option offense to much more success.
D'ERIQ KING RUNS INTO THE ENDZONE TO GIVE THE DEFENDERS THE LEAD!! Jordan Ta'amu however did not convert on the 2pt pic.twitter.com/BHVY9565hz
— SSN – USFL (@SSN_USFL) February 20, 2023
Oh, and the Rock, who owns the XFL, showed up!
Cool that @TheRock is in DC tonight cheering on his new league in person at Audi Field 👏🏈 pic.twitter.com/ur7B2sGLFB
— Steve Chenevey FOX5 (@stevechenevey) February 20, 2023
The Seattle Sea Dragons – yes, that’s their name – put up a valiant fight led by arguably the XFL’s most famous player, ex-NFL All-Pro wideout Josh Gordon.
Future Ravens WR Josh Gordon pic.twitter.com/CEV2OxgsmY
— Ramey (@HoodieRamey) February 20, 2023
If he continues to play well, you can bet that Ravens fans will start loudly wondering if he likes crab cakes. Maybe Gordon would be willing to sign here after July – when Maryland’s recreational marijuana dispensaries should be up and running – but for now, Seattle might be the best place for him.
I’d be much more in favor of this:
I wouldn't be mad at all! What do you think?? https://t.co/aApgzLo2ye
— O.J. Brigance (@OJBrigance) February 19, 2023
Overall, the XFL is an excellent product and an exciting alternative league to keep us watching football all through the NFL offseason.
That being said, though, the NFL offseason certainly isn’t going anywhere. The Ravens’ period to place the franchise tag on Lamar Jackson starts tomorrow at 4:00pm ET, and the NFL Scouting Combine starts a week later.
All it will take is one report of a QB top-30 visit to Baltimore – Anthony Richardson? – and speculation on Jackson’s future will go from overdrive to supernova.
It’s going to be a looooooong offseason, filled with mock drafts and trade proposals.
Just try to keep your sanity and hold on for the ride; otherwise, you’ll end up looking like this by the time the NFL returns.
Ravens fans by the time we reach week 1. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/CCGVgLrxMn
— FIELDS (@EDCburner) February 18, 2023
