The United Football League (UFL) kicked off with a bang this weekend, treating fans to three exciting matchups from Friday to Sunday. As we gear up for Week 2, scheduled for April 3, 4, 5, and 7, let's dive into the action from the opening weekend.
The reigning champs, the DC Defenders, hit the road to face the St. Louis Battlehawks, the league's sole team with an indoor stadium.
This season, the UFL has introduced some intriguing rule changes, including a game-changer: field goals from 60+ yards now count as four points. DC's kicker, Matt McCrane, took full advantage, nailing a 60-yarder in the first quarter to give his team an early 4-0 lead.
McCrane's journey is one of perseverance. After a standout career at Kansas State, he found himself in the Arizona Cardinals training camp in 2018.
Despite impressing many, he was edged out by veteran Phil Dawson. But McCrane got his shot later that season, stepping up when Dawson was injured, and went 3-for-3 on extra points against the Raiders.
Though the Cardinals struggled that year, McCrane's potential was clear.
The UFL serves as a proving ground for players like McCrane, offering them a platform to showcase their skills and keep their NFL dreams alive. Many players have had stints on NFL rosters or practice squads, making the league a hotbed of talent.
In their matchup against the Battlehawks, the Defenders faced a critical decision with 9:08 left in the first quarter. After a third-and-10 sack stalled their drive at midfield, they were left with a fourth-and-14.
Under the UFL's new rule, teams can't punt if they've crossed midfield. Head coach Shannon Harris, confident in McCrane's leg, opted for the long field goal attempt.
The indoor setting eliminated weather concerns, and McCrane, known for his powerful kicks, stepped up. The crowd, buzzing with anticipation, watched as McCrane's kick sailed through the air. It was on target, and with ample distance, it cleared the crossbar, marking the first-ever four-point field goal in UFL history.
McCrane's calm demeanor was evident as he confidently walked back to the sideline, arms outstretched, knowing he'd made history. Despite his heroics, the Battlehawks edged out a 16-10 victory.
McCrane's career has taken him through several NFL teams, including the Cardinals, Raiders, Eagles, Lions, Browns, and Steelers. He also played for the New York Guardians in the XFL before the pandemic halted the league.
While McCrane's kick was a UFL first, it's not the first four-point kick in American football history. Field goals were initially worth five points, then four in 1904, before settling at three points in 1909. However, the UFL's yardage-based rule adds a unique twist to the game.
As the UFL season unfolds, keep an eye on McCrane and other players looking to make their mark. With innovative rules and a platform for talent, the league promises plenty of excitement ahead.