Defenders' rout of Panthers in UFL title recreation proves who the true MVP is

RJ Younger

FOX Sports activities Nationwide Faculty Soccer Analyst

Initially of the fourth quarter, DC Defenders QB Jordan Ta’amu stood amongst his teammates as they chanted “M-V-P! M-V-P!” earlier than sealing a 58-34 rout of the Michigan Panthers within the 2025 UFL Championship Sport on Saturday.

Ta’amu’s night was made that a lot sweeter with newly minted UFL MVP, Offensive Participant of the 12 months and All-UFL QB Bryce Perkins standing on the other sideline.

Ta’amu, the league’s chief in passing touchdowns, continued what’s the most spectacular season by a passer in UFL historical past with 390 passing yards, finishing 75% of his passes (21 of 28) for 4 touchdowns — in three quarters. At halftime, Ta’amu had accomplished 16 of 20 passes for 320 yards, as all the things the Defenders did offensively labored.

His counterpart, Perkins, completed with 338 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and one interception, finishing 60% of his throws (21 of 35). Perkins accomplished eight of 13 passes for 160 yards and a landing within the first half.

“I’d reasonably have a championship with the group than my very own particular person honors,” Ta’amu mentioned.

Listed here are a few my greatest takeaways from Saturday’s tilt.

Unstoppable pressure vs. much more unstoppable pressure

Heading into this matchup, the Defenders knew that they had a big benefit: their No. 1-ranked passing offense in opposition to the Panthers’ dead-last passing protection. As an alternative of outsmarting themselves, Coach of the 12 months Shannon Harris and Assistant Coach of the 12 months Fred Kaiss dialed up an offensive recreation plan that led to the Defenders placing up greater than 500 yards of complete offense and 50 factors in three quarters in opposition to the USFL Convention champions.

Earlier than the sport started, Michigan possible thought it had its personal psychological and statistical benefits. The Panthers beat the Defenders by double digits, 38-14, in Week 6 of the common season. That win was powered by a speeding assault that put up 213 yards and a Michigan protection that allowed simply 250 complete yards within the mid-season rout.

Whereas the Panthers’ speeding offense didn’t miss the bus this time round, their protection received left within the mud. Towards the Defenders’ big-play offense, the Panthers had been left with out a capability to take a seat on the ball, run it or play complimentary soccer. The Defenders in the end turned the title recreation right into a observe meet and compelled Michigan to maintain up.

The Defenders put up 379 yards and 37 factors within the first half, together with 31 factors within the second quarter alone.

Even with offensive success that led to 19 first-half factors, the Panthers’ protection couldn’t give its offense any assist, permitting 18 first downs on the Defenders’ first 40 performs. Wideout Jaydon Mickens caught six passes for 132 yards and a landing en path to becoming a member of an unique membership of males who’ve gained each a Tremendous Bowl and a UFL championship.

Other than Perkins, Malik Turner performed finest amongst Panthers gamers with 10 catches for a UFL document 168 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Each groups mixed to attain 92 factors and put up greater than 1,000 yards of offense.

DC Defenders vs. Michigan Panthers UFL Championship Highlights | UFL

Defenders take over

Michigan should’ve felt good about its likelihood of profitable due to how tough it was to outlive the playoffs and punch its ticket to St. Louis. The Panthers beat the three-time defending spring soccer champion Birmingham Stallions for the primary time; Birmingham gained the USFL titles in 2022 and 2023 and the inaugural UFL title in 2024.

The Stallions have been the usual each different franchise has been chasing since spring soccer returned in 2022. The Defenders would’ve identified that too after they pulled off an upset win in opposition to Skip Holtz’s squad in Week 1.

With wins in opposition to the three finest groups within the sport over the previous two years, together with two within the 2025 playoffs, it’s truthful to say that the Defenders are usually not simply the 2025 champions. With Ta’amu, Harris and an explosive offensive id that makes them a risk in each recreation they play, the Defenders are the group everybody else might be chasing in 2026.

RJ Younger is a nationwide school soccer author and analyst for FOX Sports activities. Comply with him at @RJ_Young.

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