ORLANDO — The San Antonio Brahmas earned their first win in franchise history with a 30-12 victory over the Orlando Guardians at Camping World Stadium on Sunday afternoon, giving Hines Ward his first victory as head coach.
After blowing a 14-point lead against St. Louis a week ago, Ward and his staff were determined not to let that happen again as San Antonio used their defense to discombobulate the Guardians’ offense.
Here are three main takeaways from the Brahmas’ win over the Guardians:
Coan displays leadership
San Antonio quarterback Jack Coan had a nice outing in Week 1 despite the loss. He followed that up with a solid game on Sunday in Florida. Coan connected with Deon Yelder for a touchdown on the opening drive, setting the tone for the rest of the day for the Brahmas offense.
Not us rewatching this TD by #88 Alize Mack#XFL2023 | #XFL pic.twitter.com/zMGnBu2zq3
— XFL (@XFL2023) February 26, 2023
After being locked in a 6-6 battle for much of the first half, San Antonio took the lead in the second quarter when Coan found Alize Mack for a score, putting the Brahmas up 13-6, a lead they would not give up. Coan finished the game by completing 16 of his 24 passes for 165 yards and three touchdowns. He also tied the team lead in rushing yards with 23 on three carries.
Defense shines bright
In two games, the San Antonio Brahmas’ defense has been the star of the show. Through two games, the Brahmas defense has allowed an average of 15 points. Sunday saw Orlando score on their opening drive of the afternoon but that would be the most their offense would do.
3rd QTR staying spicyyy 🌶 @XFLBrahmas at @XFLGuardians #XFL2023 | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/FyhuzXFph7
— XFL (@XFL2023) February 26, 2023
San Antonio’s defense stopped the Guardians, forcing them to punt the ball three consecutive times. On one punt, the attempt was blocked, setting up another Brahmas touchdown to put the visiting side up 27-6. Despite penalties extending the drive for the Guardians to score late, the San Antonio defense has proven it will be a force to be reckoned with in 2023. They will face their first big test next weekend against Houston.
It feels like the first time
Brahmas head coach Hines Ward picked up the first win of his head coaching career. He was very aggressive in his play calling and he has proven he has an eye for talent with his pick of Coan at quarterback. Ward’s knowledge will be put to the test next week when he goes head-to-head with legendary former NFL coach Wade Phillips.
UP NEXT:
The San Antonio Brahmas (1-1) will stay on the road to face the Houston Roughnecks (1-0) at TDECU Stadium at 7 p.m. central next Sunday.
The Orlando Guardians (0-2) will also hit the road to face the Arlington Renagedes (1-0) in Texas.
