The Tampa Bay Vipers failed to win their second game of the season as they fall to 1-4 at the half-way point of the 2020 inaugural XFL season with a 41-34 loss to the Los Angeles Wildcats. The Vipers built an early 17-0 lead of the Wildcats, but Tampa Bay's defense couldn't hold LA quarterback Josh Johnson silent for much longer as the Cats found a way to come all the way back in front of their home crowd sending Tampa Bay home with the loss.
The Wildcats fell into a deep hole early to Tampa Bay, trailing 24-6 by halfway through the second quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Vipers offense taking advantage of three early turnovers by the Wildcats as Jacques Patrick scored on a one-yard touchdown score followed by a Taylor Cornelius two-yard quarterback keeper giving Tampa Bay the early 17-0 lead.
But quarterback Josh Johnson helped lead a Wildcats rally, as they scored a series of 21 unanswered points to take the 27-24 lead by the third quarter. The Cats' defense helped seal the win with a recovery of a fumble by Cornerlius for a touchdown at 5:32 in the fourth. Tampa Bay attempted a late rally down 7 points with under a minute to play, but an end-zone interception ended Tampa Bay's attempt at a rally and sent the Vipers to 1-4 on the season.
Cornelius finished the game 22-34 for 300 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Tampa Bay will host St. Louis this coming Saturday at Raymond James Stadium.
Photo Courtesy Of Tampa Bay Vipers