The UFL’s opening weekend promised fireworks—and the DC Defenders lit the fuse.

Just a couple days after a stunning head coaching shakeup, the Defenders pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent UFL memory, beating the two-time defending champion Birmingham Stallions 18-11 in a physical, defensive slugfest at Audi Field.

Welcome to the Shannon Harris Era

Let’s not bury the lede: Shannon Harris had no business winning this game—on paper, at least. He was promoted just a week ago after the Defenders’ original head coach left to pursue a college opportunity. What followed was one of the most disciplined, prepared, and aggressive performances we’ve seen from a DC squad in recent years.

“Next man up” wasn’t just a mantra—it was a masterclass.

Harris leaned into DC’s defensive identity, trusted his veteran quarterback, and let his staff coach with urgency. The result? A signature win that puts the entire league on notice.

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Ta’amu vs. McGough: A Tale of Two Halves

The QB duel was real. Jordan Ta’amu, under heavy pressure to lead an offense that sputtered in stretches last season, started slow—but found his rhythm late in the first half. He finished with over 160 total yards, zero sacks allowed in the first half, and a clutch TD pass to Chris Rowland to close out the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Birmingham’s Alex McGough looked like a magician at times—until DC’s front seven turned into a wrecking crew. The Defenders sacked McGough several times, picked him off once, and repeatedly stalled drives with red zone pressure.

The difference? Ta’amu managed the chaos. McGough couldn’t escape it.

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DC’s Defense Was the Real MVP

The headline might focus on the coaching storyline, but make no mistake: DC’s defense won this game.

Led by Kyle Phillips and DeAndre Baker, the Defenders brought relentless pressure. Every time Birmingham looked to swing momentum, DC responded with a sack, a tipped ball, or lockdown coverage. They held the Stallions to just 11 points—none in the fourth quarter—and forced four drive-killing sacks in the second half alone.

That final stand? Pure grit. Back-to-back sacks on Birmingham’s last drive sealed the game and silenced any comeback hopes.

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Birmingham’s Cracks Begin to Show

For the Stallions, this game raises tough questions. Penalties were a killer. Offensive rhythm was sporadic. And despite a few explosive scrambles from McGough, the playcalling felt disconnected and tense—especially in the third quarter, where visible confusion on the sideline led to multiple blown opportunities.

There’s also growing buzz around why Matt Corral didn’t see the field. After McGough struggled to adapt to DC’s pressure, fans may start calling for a change under center if things don’t improve in Week 2.

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Final Takeaway: Don’t Sleep on DC

This was supposed to be a rebuilding week. Instead, it turned into a defining moment.

The Defenders now move to 1-0 with momentum, confidence, and a locker room fully bought in to Shannon Harris’ leadership. Ta’amu looks like a true field general. The defense is championship-caliber. And kicker Matt McCrane quietly 100% on field goals.

This is what spring football is all about—chaos, heart, and storylines you can’t script.

Welcome to the UFL.