Detroit, Mich. – The DC Defenders fell to the Michigan Panthers 38-14 on May 4, 2025, at Ford Field, unable to counter the Panthers’ relentless offensive attack in a United Football League matchup. Despite a valiant effort from quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, who threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns, the Defenders (4-2, 2-1 XFL) trailed 17-6 at halftime and could not close the gap against the Panthers (4-2, 2-1 USFL). Michigan’s balanced scoring, led by quarterback Bryce Perkins, secured their victory with 30 minutes of dominant play in the second half.
The Panthers struck first with an 11-play, 95-yard drive, capped by a rushing touchdown from running back Toa Taua and a one-point conversion by Perkins, leading 7-0 with two minutes left in the first quarter. The Defenders responded swiftly, as Ta’amu orchestrated a 10-play, 73-yard drive, connecting with wide receiver Braylon Sanders for a 16-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the score to 7-6 early in the second quarter. Michigan extended their lead with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Perkins to tight end Cole Hikutini, followed by another one-point conversion, making it 14-6. A 12-yard Defenders punt set up a 45-yard field goal by kicker B.T. Potter, giving Michigan a 17-6 halftime advantage.
Michigan’s offense continued its momentum in the third quarter, consuming nearly six minutes on a drive that ended with a one-yard rushing touchdown by running back Nate McCrary and a one-point conversion, pushing the lead to 24-6. The Defenders answered quickly with a two-play drive, highlighted by Ta’amu’s 65-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Rowland, followed by a two-point conversion to tight end Briley Moore-McKinney, cutting the deficit to 24-14. However, Michigan regained control with a five-yard rushing touchdown by Perkins, his second score, for a 30-14 lead late in the third. The Panthers sealed the game with 4:30 remaining, as Perkins threw a five-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Malik Turner, finalizing the score at 38-14.
Ta’amu’s performance marked his third consecutive game with 250-plus passing yards and two or more touchdowns. Rowland led the Defenders with a career-high nine receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown, his first 100-yard receiving game. Defensively, end Derick Roberson matched a career-high seven tackles, including one for loss, and set a new personal best with five solo tackles. Safety Deontay Anderson recorded a season-high seven tackles, his third game with five or more.
The Defenders now prepare for a Week 7 road game against the San Antonio Brahmas (1-4, 1-2 XFL) on May 9, 2025, at the Alamodome, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. The game will air on FOX. Both teams aim to rebound, with the Defenders seeking to reclaim their early-season form after the loss dropped them to a tied record with Michigan in their respective conference standings.
