Tampa Bay Vipers Blow 17 Point Lead To Fall To Los Angeles 41-34

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


View Full Site