The Michigan Panthers put on an offensive clinic at Ford Field on Sunday 4th as they dismantled the DC Defenders 38-14 in a matchup of two UFL powerhouses. This victory marked a strong bounce-back for Michigan after their narrow road loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks last week.
Bryce Perkins proved why he stands as the frontrunner for UFL MVP with another spectacular performance. Many fans who frequent the biggest and best crypto sports betting sites noticed the odds shifting dramatically in Michigan’s favor as Perkins tore through the DC defense both through the air and on the ground. The dynamic quarterback threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns while adding 96 rushing yards and another score without a single turnover.
The Panthers set the tone early with an impressive 95-yard opening drive that culminated in a Toa Taua one-yard touchdown run. This drive showcased the dominant offensive line play that became a theme throughout the contest.
Though DC responded with a touchdown pass from Jordan Ta’amu to Braylon Sanders, the Defenders failed to convert their PAT attempt, which left them trailing 7-6. From that point forward, Michigan seized complete control of the game.
A highlight-reel play came in the second quarter when Perkins, seemingly trapped in the pocket, escaped pressure and connected with Cole Hikutini for a touchdown. This play epitomized the frustration DC faced all afternoon as they simply could not contain Perkins or bring down Michigan ball carriers.
The Panthers continued to build their lead in the third quarter. After Perkins scrambled for 31 yards on a crucial third-and-20 play, Nate McCrary punched in a touchdown run. On the subsequent PAT attempt, Perkins added insult to injury with a no-look pass to Malik Turner.
DC showed brief signs of life when Ta’amu connected with Chris Rowland for a 65-yard touchdown, but poor discipline and tackling issues plagued the Defenders throughout the contest. Their comeback hopes effectively ended when they opted to punt midway through the fourth quarter while trailing by 16 points.
Toa Taua turned in an impressive performance for Michigan with 19 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown. His journey from being cut during camp to becoming a key contributor stands as one of the more compelling stories in the UFL this season.
The Panthers’ offense set several marks in the victory, including a UFL season-high 38 points, which also established a new Michigan Panthers franchise record. They amassed 401 total yards with 213 coming on the ground, converted all four of their red zone opportunities, and averaged an impressive 7.2 yards per play.
For DC, Chris Rowland remained a bright spot with nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown. He added over 50 return yards to finish with 198 all-purpose yards, continuing his All-UFL caliber season despite the loss.
With the victory, Michigan demonstrated why they rank among the most feared teams in the league, while DC will need to address their defensive issues after surrendering 30+ points for the second consecutive game. The Defenders now sit at 4-2 on the season, while the Panthers improved their position in the competitive UFL standings.
