2023 DC Defenders season
The 2023 DC Defenders season was the second season for the DC Defenders as a professional American football franchise. The Defenders played their home games at Audi Field and were led by head coach Reggie Barlow. At the first home game security staff prevented fans building the "Beer Snake", a signature feature from the 2020 season, and fans started throwing lemons on the field. The league made the proper arrangements for the "Beer Snake" to be allowed during Defenders home games. Earning their first playoff berth and clinching first place in the North Division, the Defenders eliminated the Seattle Sea Dragons in the North Division title game in the playoffs. With the win, the Defenders advanced to the XFL Championship Game where they faced the Arlington Renegades, losing by a score of 26-35. Roster

Background 

The 2020 season was the inaugural season for the DC Defenders as a professional club. They were playing as charter members of the rebooted XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the season. The Defenders played their home games at Audi Field and were led by head coach Pep Hamilton. Their inaugural season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the XFL officially suspended operations for the remainder of the season on March 20, 2020. The Defenders finished the season with a 3–2 record. Schedule
All times Eastern

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Seattle Sea Dragons

Week 2: at Vegas Vipers

Week 3: vs. St. Louis BattleHawks

Week 4: vs. Vegas Vipers

Week 5: at St. Louis BattleHawks

Week 6: vs. Houston Roughnecks

Week 7: at Orlando Guardians

Week 8: at Seattle Sea Dragons

Week 9: vs. Arlington Renegades

Week 10: at San Antonio Brahmas

Standings

Postseason

Schedule

Game summaries

XFL North Division Finals: vs. (2) Seattle Sea Dragons

XFL Championship Game: vs. Arlington Renegades

Staff

References 

DC
DC Defenders
DC Defenders seasons