Heading into their Week 5 matchup, the 1–3 Stallions looked to their new quarterback to secure a big win against the 3–1 D.C. Defenders.
Week 5 Recap
The Defenders wasted little time applying pressure on Dorian Thompson-Robinson in his debut, scoring an opening major. After a huge kickoff return, they needed to go just 28 yards to find the end zone. D.C. still managed to burn over three and a half minutes off the clock, capping the drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Ta’amu to Javon Antonio. It would be Antonio’s lone reception of the game, but it was a big one.
On the ensuing drive, Thompson-Robinson made his first appearance under center for the Stallions. They moved the ball well, gaining 45 yards before coughing it up deep in enemy territory. Fortunately, the Defenders were forced to punt on the ensuing possession, but it was still a costly missed opportunity for the Stallions.
After getting the ball back from the punt, the Stallions set up shop on D.C.’s 24-yard line. This time, they capitalized with a major score of their own. Thompson-Robinson found Deon Cain for a 12-yard touchdown. Cain finished the day with 57 receiving yards on five receptions, including the touchdown catch. The extra point was unsuccessful, making the score 7–6 in favour of the Defenders.
In the second quarter, the Defenders’ offense heated up, scoring a pair of touchdowns. The first came on a two-yard rush by Xazavian Valladay, followed by a 45-yard pass from Ta’amu to Ty Scott. This gave D.C. a 21–6 lead over the Stallions late in the quarter.
Now down by two scores, the Stallions needed to respond. With just over four minutes left in the first half, there was plenty of time to put together a solid drive. Thompson-Robinson not only moved the ball efficiently but also chewed up the clock. The Stallions went 80 yards in just under four minutes, capping the drive with a one-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Thomas. The score was 21–13 heading into halftime.
The Stallions got the ball back to start the second half and, now down just one score, were in a prime position to make it a game. It took only four plays to go 68 yards, as the Stallions found the end zone again. This time, a one-yard rush from Snoop Conner cut the deficit to two. They attempted a two-point conversion but were unsuccessful.
The remainder of the third quarter belonged to D.C., as they scored 17 unanswered points to take control of the game. First, Ty Scott caught his second touchdown pass, this one from 37 yards out. The Defenders then added three points on a 47-yard field goal by Matt McCrane. Late in the quarter, Valladay punched in his second rushing touchdown of the night. The score stood at 38–19 at the end of the third quarter.
The onslaught of scoring didn’t end there, as the Defenders added another midway through the fourth quarter. Ta’amu recorded his fourth passing touchdown of the game with a one-yard pass to Briley Moore.
The Stallions added a late score that served mostly as a stat boost. Thompson-Robinson did it himself from 12 yards out, and they also converted the three-point attempt afterward.
Make the final 45-28 for the Defenders.
Stud of the Game
Jordan Ta’amu is all I have to say. He threw for 275 yards and four touchdowns, while adding another 33 on the ground. The best stat? No interceptions. Take a bow.
I’ll give a solid silver medal to Thompson-Robinson. He went 28-of-43 for 313 yards, throwing two touchdowns and running in another. The one major blemish was his two interceptions, which could have been the difference if the Stallions had capitalized.
Donkey of the Game
Just a brutal showing from the Stallions’ defense. They couldn’t stop a horse with no legs from scoring at this point. The offense delivered one of its best performances of the year, but they still gave up 45 points. Good job.
Week 6 Preview
The only way the Stallions win this week is if Thompson-Robinson delivers a performance similar to Week 5 and the defense suddenly turns into the best unit in the league. I could sit here and give you stat angles that might favour Birmingham, but let’s be real—what’s actually going to happen on Sunday?
The line sits at -5.0 in favour of the Storm, and I would SMASH that. This game could get ugly fast. Sure, Thompson-Robinson gets another week of practice and more time to build chemistry with his offence, but it won’t matter if the defense can’t do its job.
Birmingham has given up the third-most rushing yards (546) and the most passing yards (1,090) this season. They’ve also allowed the most passing touchdowns (9). Surprisingly, they’re tied for the fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (3), but that’s largely because opposing teams know they can attack through the air.
The Storm have allowed the fewest rushing yards (385), the fewest rushing touchdowns (3), and the fewest passing touchdowns (4). They are the second-worst in passing yards allowed (1,045), but clearly this defense knows how to bend without breaking near the end zone.
Power Rankings
- Orlando Storm (-)
- D.C. Defenders (-)
- Dallas Renegades (-)
- St. Louis Battlehawks (-)
- Columbus Aviators (-)
- Louisville Kings (-)
- Houston Gamblers (-)
- Birmingham Stallions (-)
When & Where to Watch
The Stallions head into Orlando on Sunday afternoon for a 3:00 p.m. CT kickoff. The game will be broadcast live on Fox.
