XFL scores, updates, highlights in Week 3: Battlehawks dominate Guardians, Wildcats upset Defenders

Keep up with all the latest from Sunday's XFL action in our live blog

Entering Sunday, the DC Defenders were considered one of the best teams in the league. They were 2-0 and supposedly had one of the best defenses and quarterbacks in the league, but Sunday was a different story. The previously winless Los Angeles Wildcats dominated all three phases of the game from beginning to end, as they secured a 39-9 upset victory in front of their home fans. 

Quarterback Josh Johnson completed 18 of 25 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns, while Martez Carter rushed for 34 yards, two touchdowns and also caught a touchdown pass. While Nelson Spruce entered this weekend as the top receiver in the league, Sunday was about Tre McBride. The former second-round pick of the Defenders caught five passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns in his revenge game. As for the Defenders, Week 3 was an absolute nightmare. Cardale Jones completed 13 of 26 passes for 103 yards and four interceptions, and DC struggled to get anything going all game on offense. The Defenders' first touchdown came late in the fourth quarter, when Nick Brossette broke free for a 38-yard score. It was a brutal beatdown from beginning to end, and it's clear that we are still trying to figure out these new XFL teams.

Earlier on Sunday, professional football's return to St. Louis was successful, as the BattleHawks beat down the New York Guardians, 29-9. The BattleHawks kept the ball on the ground for the majority of the game, and Matt Jones finished with 95 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries while Christine Michael rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. The Guardians struggled mightily once again this week, and coach Kevin Gilbride actually used three different quarterbacks. The third, Luis Perez, entered the game in the fourth quarter and led the Guardians to their only touchdown of the game -- an eight-yard catch by Austin Duke. 

Whether you're fired up or just curious, CBS Sports' XFL coverage is here for you. We've got you covered. If it's the games themselves you're interested in, you came to the right place. Relive all the updates, highlights and analysis from Saturday's action below.

XFL scores, Week 3

Saturday, Feb. 22
Houston Roughnecks 34, Tampa Bay Vipers 27
Dallas Renegades 24, Seattle Dragons 12

Sunday, Feb. 23
 New York Guardians 9, St. Louis BattleHawks 29 
DC Defenders 9, Los Angeles Wildcats 39 

[Feb 23, 2020 at 8:52 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Without a doubt. As for the Defenders, it will be interesting to see how they rebound after this horrific showing.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 8:51 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

What a great win for Winston Moss and the Wildcats. Been the most improved team in the XFL since Week 1. It all came together today.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 8:32 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Tyree Jackson in at quarterback for the Defenders.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 8:25 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Give Carter all the MVP awards. This guy is hilarious.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 8:23 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Nelson Spruce's second catch goes for 45 yards. He's up to 66 on the day.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 8:15 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Can't say enough about what Winston Moss has done with this defense -- and with backup corners, no less. They've been generally good in man coverage and really confused Jones with their zone scheme. Very little open downfield.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 8:13 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

That's four interceptions for Cardale Jones. My goodness. Let's get a running clock going.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 8:12 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Cardale. Four picks. Woof.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 8:09 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Rashad Ross finally gets his first catch of the game. The former Wildcat goes for 17 yards on that one.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 8:01 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Flying front flip touchdown LA is the XFL's best team hands down

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:57 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Oof, McBride got crushed.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:56 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

That's a catch (in my eyes) but if all else fails, go by the adage that if it's awesome, it counts.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:55 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Wow! When I saw it live I thought it was incomplete but the replay certainly shows he caught it.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:55 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

I think that's a catch. What an effort by Spruce.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:54 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

They should review that!

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:52 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

McBride now has four catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns. He's having himself quite the revenge game.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:49 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Cardale should never have thrown that ball. Coverage downfield has been outstanding for LA today.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:49 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

ANOTHER interception. Jones' third of the game. Oof that was the very last thing DC needed.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:45 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

The Defenders will feel a lot better if they can score at least 7 points here. Still a lot of time.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:34 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Some halftime stats:

(LA) Josh Johnson: 10-14, 128 yards, 2 TDs
(DC) Cardale Jones: 6-14, 39 yards, 2 INTs

(LA) Tre McBride: 3 receptions for 73 yards and 2 TDs
(DC) Donnel Pumphrey: 5 rushes for 28 yards

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:34 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

I'd feel more optimistic if it was a 14-point game, not 24. D.C. hasn't played well, but LA really has.

[Feb 23, 2020 at 7:31 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

As a lifelong Defenders fan, I appreciate the optimism, Ben.