BattleHawks’ Defense Rules as St. Louis Beats Dallas

First Quarter

Dallas started their first drive getting to the St. Louis 35 yard line, but couldn’t get past that line. A strong punt by Drew Galitz pinned the BattleHawks inside the five-yard line. St. Louis quarterback Jordan Ta’amu looked solid able to move around in the pocket to make some throws. Matt Jones looked to be the feature back as he gashed Dallas’ defense on some nice runs in the quarter. A critical turnover by Christine Michael in Dallas’ territory gave the ball back to the Renegades before the end of the quarter.

Second Quarter

After a series of short passes, Philip Nelson hit Jazz Ferguson on a critical fourth and three in St. Louis’ territory to move the drive. Nothing more was produced as Austin MacGinnis converted on a 32-yard field goal to make it 3-0 in favor of Dallas. After St. Louis’ offense moved backward, a penalty on the punting team pushed Dallas into plus territory to start the drive. Hal Mumme’s playcalling was called into question after calling three straight direct snaps to Cameron Artis-Payne on second, third, and fourth down to force a turnover on downs.

The BattleHawks’ running game led by Matt Jones helped moved the team down the field. With some nice throws by Ta’amu, Keith Ford finishes the drive tightroping it on the sidelines for a 14-yard touchdown to make it 6-3 BattleHawks. With only a little over a minute left, Nelson threw multiple times with big plays from Flynn Nagel and Donald Parham. The drive ended with a 42-yard field goal to go into the half with the game tied 6-6.

Third Quarter

St. Louis couldn’t’ do anything on their first drive and punted. Two nice runs by Dunbar and a big completion to Sean Price put Dallas inside the 20-yard line. Despite getting to the three-yard line, Dallas couldn’t punch it in the end zone and settled for a third field goal to make it 9-6 Renegades. Either offense was able to do much after that, but St. Louis started picking up on some momentum at the end of the quarter.

Fourth Quarter

Jordan Ta’amu busted out a 36 yard run at the beginning of the quarter that set up his nine-yard touchdown to Alonzo Russell to make the game 12-9 St. Louis. Dallas stalled out on their next offensive drive after Nelson and Ferguson couldn’t connect on an open deep pass on third down. Dallas punter Drew Galitz responds with a booming punt pinning St. Louis at the two-yard line. De’Mornay Pierson-El caught a short pass from Ta’amu and takes it 42 yards to put the BattleHawks in Dallas territory. That leads to a 42-yard field goal conversion from Taylor Russolino to make it 15-9 St. Louis.

Dallas proceeds to go three and out and punt it away to the BattleHawks. Ta’amu’s completion to Marcus Lucas moved the chains at the two-minute warning. Matt Jones ran twice after that to move the chains and force one Dallas timeout. Dallas’ defense was able to make a stop and get the ball back with 33 seconds left. Nelson throws an interception to end the game with a 15-9 loss for Dallas.

Game Analysis

St. Louis BattleHawks

Jordan Ta’amu developed right before fans’ eyes as he made plays through the air and on the ground. His 77 yards rushing made the difference in the game. Matt Jones proved to be the lead back as he rushed for 85 yards in the win. The defense of St. Louis was able to shut down the passing game not allowing big plays. Their front seven never allowed the running game to open up for the Renegades.

Dallas Renegades

Philip Nelson was efficient but just couldn’t make any big plays. Most of the passes were short five-yard completions with maybe one or two deep pass plays late in the game. Lance Dunbar was able to make some plays on the ground and catching out of the backfield. Nagel Flynn stepped up as he made some nice catches despite not gaining a ton of yards. Defensively, the rush defense is in need of some work as Ta’amu and Jones ran the ball well. The secondary played well with the exception of some pass plays allowed with Russell and Pierson-El.

Key Stats

St. Louis BattleHawks

• Jordan Ta’amu (Passing/Rushing): 20-27, 209 yards, one touchdown/ 9 carries, 77 yards
• Matt Jones (Rushing): 21 carries, 85 yards
• De’Mornay Pierson-El (Receiving): four catches, 64 yards

Dallas Renegades

• Philip Nelson (Passing): 33-42, 209 yards, one interception
• Lance Dunbar (Rushing/Receiving): five carries, 27 yards/ six catches, 29 yards
• Flynn Nagel (Receiving): six catches, 43 yards

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