The USFL completed its first week of football as a league, with games played Saturday-Monday.
The quality of play was not as bad as anticipated, with many players talented enough to be on an NFL roster, but not good enough to stay. This new league had some exciting games. The league’s eight teams played in a total of four games, three of which ended in a one-score game.
Power Rankings
Some teams looked put together in their minimal amount of time to practice, others did not. Here is a look at my current Week One USFL Power Rankings:
- Tampa Bay Bandits (1-0)
- New Orleans Breakers (1-0)
- Houston Gamblers (1-0)
- Birmingham Stallions (1-0)
- New Jersey Generals (0-1)
- Philadelphia Stars (0-1)
- Michigan Panthers (0-1)
- Pittsburgh Maulers (0-1)
The teams that stood out the most were toward the top and the bottom of these power rankings. The Tampa Bay Bandits, led by quarterback Jordan Ta’amu and a nasty defense, dominated the Pittsburgh Maulers 17-3. The Bandits defense held its opponent to a total of three points and 161 total yards of offense.
Despite the loss, the New Jersey Generals looked to be the most impressive losing team in the USFL. Despite splitting qb reps between Luis Perez and DeAndre Johnson, the Generals offense found a way to throw for 202 yards and rush for 222. With Johnson in the game, New Jersey found most of their running game, however. New Jersey controlled the clock for the majority of the game, but Birmingham was able to score in the final minute, giving it the win.
Though they were not dominated in their loss, the Michigan Panthers had by far the most pathetic qb performance. Former Michigan standout and USFL first overall pick Shea Patterson threw for 192 yards. Though he didn’t turn the ball over through the air, he fumbled three times and lost one of them. Backup qb Paxton Lynch had a day to forget, as he went 2/5 for one yard and an interception.
The worst team in the league by far is the Pittsburgh Maulers. Living up to their name, they were mauled by Tampa Bay and finished their opener with an abysmal 161 total yards of offense. Even though they turned the ball over once, their offense was ineffective and stagnant. Going forward, Pittsburgh needs to evaluate their game plan and figure out how to keep the game closer.
Stat Leaders
Passing- Bryan Scott, PHI (202 yards)
Rushing- De’Andre Johnson, NJ (98 yards)
Receiving- Randy Satterfield, NJ (100 yards)
Total Tackles- Donald Payne, HOU (18 tackles)
Sacks- Davin Bellamy, NO (3 sacks)
Matthew Covers Sports 