Former spring football and UFL stars played a major role in the two highest-scoring games Sunday in NFL Week 4.
Sunday’s slate of games began with the 2-1 Detroit Lions hosting the 1-2 Cleveland Browns. The game featured four former UFL standouts, with the Lions’ outstanding Jake Bates (UFL Michigan Panthers) squaring off against Cleveland’s talented kicker Andre Szmyt (St. Louis Battlehawks), along with San Antonio Brahmas‘ long snapper Rex Sunahara, and former Battlehawks’ All-UFL Team running back Jacob Saylors.
Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker ( St. Louis Battlehawks)
Both teams had momentum heading into this game following thrilling Week 3 upset victories. The Browns were riding high after their 13-10 victory over the 2-0 Green Bay Packers on a walk-off 55-yard Szmyt field goal.
Although Szmyt was the clutch hero in Week 3, the Lions’ defense proved to be too much for the struggling Cleveland offense. The Lions held the Browns scoreless for the entire second half, forcing two interceptions and one fumble. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco was sacked three times and couldn’t propel the offense into field goal range for Szmyt to come to the rescue. When the score was 20-10 and a Browns victory was still within reach, Szmyt had another opportunity to kick a 56-yard field goal, but the kick missed. As a result, the former Battlehawks star was held to one 33-yard field goal and an extra point in the Browns’ 34-10 loss.
Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns long snapper (San Antonio Brahmas)
With the Detroit team building up a 24-point lead over Cleveland and keeping the offense from scoring, Sunahara had a busy afternoon assisting punter Corey Bojorquez.
Next week, the 1-3 Browns will try to get back on track when they travel to London to take on the 2-2 Minnesota Vikings. The game will be televised on Sunday, October at 9:30 am EDT.
Jake Bates, Detroit Lions kicker (UFL Michigan Panthers)
On an afternoon when the Lions’ defense showed who was boss against the number one-ranked Cleveland defense, Detroit’s special teams did their part. Bates had a perfect outing, contributing four out of four extra points and two field goals. He booted a 48-yard field goal that split the uprights and then matched his previous longest kick of 58 yards. Although the long ball initially veered to the right, it went through cleanly for the score.
Jacob Saylors, running back (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Once again, Jacob Saylors proved to be a force on special teams for the Lions, handling kickoff returns and seeing some end-of-game action on offense. He had two kickoff returns against the Browns for a total of 51 yards. Saylors also saw his first rushing plays for the offense with two carries for 11 yards. Continuing to impress Dan Campbell and the Lions’ coaching staff with his rapid development, Saylors is seeing increased opportunities every week.
Next week, the first-place NFC North division Lions travel to Cincinnati to take on the 2-2 Bengals. The game starts at 4:25 pm EDT.
Parker Romo, Atlanta Falcons kicker (XFL San Antonio Brahmas)
Former Brahmas kicker Parker Romo continues to get the job done in Atlanta. On Sunday afternoon, Romo had another perfect outing, going two for two on field goals and kicking four of four extra points. His longest field goal was from 38 yards, as the Falcons beat the Washington Commanders by a score of 34-27.
Next week, the 2-2 Falcons are off to enjoy their Bye week and rest.
LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle (XFL St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former XFL St. Louis Battlehawks DT LaCale London stepped up for the Falcons’ defense last week with three solo tackles. However, he did not record any stats for Week 4.
Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle (Arlington Renegades)
Minnesota Vikings DT Jalen Redmond may have had the biggest play of his NFL career when he flattened Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a huge sack on Sunday. The teams were playing in Ireland in the country’s first-ever NFL game. It was Redmond’s second sack of the game and the former Arlington Renegades DT had an outstanding day. Although the Vikings wound up losing 21-24 to the Steelers, Redmond’s performance was definitely one of the day’s highlights.
Next week, the Vikings will remain in the United Kingdom to take on the Cleveland Browns.
Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
In a game that ended in the second-highest-scoring tie in NFL history, former D.C. Defenders punter Daniel Whelan only punted twice for a total of 83 yards on Sunday night. The game ended in a 40-40 tie, leaving both teams thoroughly frustrated.
Next week, the 2-1-1 Packers will have an opportunity to regroup when they have their bye week.
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys kicker (USFL Birmingham Stallions)
Two-time Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey was perfect Sunday night, kicking five of five extra points and one 22-yard field goal. In addition, Aubrey’s ability to precisely place the football exactly where he wanted it proved instrumental. On the kickoffs, he had several touchbacks that pinned the Packers in their own territory on the 20-yard line.
KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals)
With Cee Dee Lamb sidelined due to injury, former New Jersey Generals wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin became an increasingly important part of the Cowboys’ offense.
On Sunday night, Turpin had three receptions for 30 yards, including a brilliant 15-yard pick up where he managed to come down in bounds. He also had one carry for four yards. But the Pro Bowl athlete had an even bigger contribution on kick returns, where he logged six returns for 175 yards.
Next week, the 1-2-1 Cowboys will try to get back on track when they visit the 0-4 New York Jets.
Dondrea Tillman, Denver Broncos offensive linebacker (Birmingham Stallions)
Former Birmingham Stallions OLB Dondrea Tillman recorded one tackle in the Broncos 28-3 blowout win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. The second year Denver OLB has four tackles this season along with six quarterback pressures.
Check back here next week for an update and to learn which spring football players made the biggest impact for Week 5.
