Brahmas' upset of Defenders highlight biggest storylines from UFL Week 4

Payton Pardee wanted to do right by his mentor, Wade Phillips.

Serving as the interim head coach for the San Antonio Brahmas (1-3) in place of Phillips, who took a leave of absence, Pardee wore a cowboy hat and boots to the stadium in honor of the longtime defensive guru.

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On the field, Pardee helped the Brahmas orchestrate an inspiring performance, with their defense keeping the DC Defenders out of the end zone late in the game to seal a stunning 24-18 victory on the road at Audi Field. 

The win was San Antonio's first of the season and marked DC's first loss after being the only remaining undefeated team in the UFL heading into Week 4.

Just added to San Antonio’s roster this week, running back Aidan Robbins finished with two touchdowns. The Brahmas focused heavily on running the football, totaling 98 yards on 32 carries. Mathew Sexton also had an 83-yard punt return for a touchdown that gave San Antonio an early lead and huge momentum.

"With the direction Coach Wade (Phillips) set, this has and always will be a player-led program," Pardee said. "I’m so proud of the way our team fought, but by no means was this a perfect game. We still have plenty we can clean up."

San Antonio’s hard-fought win was part of an overall improved offensive output this week, with this latest slate of games averaging a combined 40.5 points per game. Through the first three weeks, teams averaged just 34 per game. 

Elsewhere, the Memphis Showboats (3-1) beat the Michigan Panthers (0-4) on Friday by double digits, 27-9. On Saturday, the Arlington Renegades (3-1) took down the St. Louis Battlehawks (2-2) at home, 30-15, followed by the Birmingham