SAN ANTONIO — With the 2023 XFL season hitting the midway point, the San Antonio Brahmas entered Sunday’s game needing a win. They made two changes: inserting Jimmie Johnson as offensive coordinator and starting Reid Sinnett at quarterback in place of Jack Coan.
The result? More of the same.
San Antonio’s offense struggled to find its footing in a 12-10 loss to the Arlington Renegades in front of 13,275 fans at the Alamodome, the team’s third straight loss. Sinnett left the game in the second half with an ankle injury and did not return, he finished the game throwing for 97 yards for a touchdown and completed 13-of-19 passes.
Coan struggled out of the pocket, throwing two interceptions, and completed 7-of-15 passes for 42 yards.
“The lack of explosive plays wasn’t up to our standards,” Brahmas coach Hines Ward said. “We can’t turn the football over and that was a momentum killer.”
With San Antonio leading 10-6 in the third quarter, Sinnett was intercepted by defensive back Joe Powell. That allowed Arlington to drive downfield and punch the ball into the end zone on De’Veon Smith’s one-yard score, putting the visiting team up 12-10.
San Antonio’s defense kept Arlington out of the red zone for the rest of the game and allowed one final chance to score for the Brahmas. Coan’s pass was intercepted by Shakur Brown, sealing the win for Arlington.
The game was just the second at home for the Brahmas since their home opener. A smaller but passionate crowd showed up late, to the delight of Ward but he also felt disappointed the team could not get the win.
“We’re a 1-4 team but we are better. It is frustrating,” he said. I love San Antonio. I’m more disappointed in myself not just for the players but the fans. They spend their hard-earned money to support us. It’s my job as a coach to put a better product on the field.”
Before leaving the podium, Ward made a promise to his team and the fans.
“I’m going to get this right,” he said.
UP NEXT:
The Brahmas are now 1-4 on the season and will return to the field next Sunday when they face the Arlington Renegades once again in a rematch at 2 p.m. from Choctaw Stadium.
