USA Today, August 7, 1984
With a successful second season behind them, the USFL is looking ahead to 1985, and the 16 franchises that make up the league are doing the same. Some have undergone coaching changes, some have seen retirements from their rosters, others are reshuffling in an attempt to improve their rosters. No team will stand pat this offseason, but some have some major rebuilding (or just plain building) to do. In this article we will look at each franchise to determine what they will hope to do as the Free Agency Period and dual Territorial and Collegiate Drafts loom. How much will USFL teams raid the NFL, and vice versa? Who will use their roster cap exemptions to sign big name players, either from the NFL ranks or the recent class of college players ready for the pro game. No predictions here, just analysis of what each team needs and how they hope to build for 1985.
ARIZONA WRANGLERS (7-9)
Cap Exempt Players: RB Tim Spencer, WR Louis Lipps
Key Needs: HB, DE, QB
Arizona has talent throughout their roster, with their defense improving significantly from ’83 to ’84, but there are two glaring holes in this roster. The first is at RB, where Ohio State product Tim Spencer simply has not produced. The Wranglers may try to trade Spencer, free up an exempt position, and bring in a big name NFL or rookie RB to fill the gap and add some dynamism to their rushing attack. Their second great need is at DE. The Wranglers in 2 seasons have been at or near the bottom in sacks. In a league with so much QB talent, having talented defensive ends to pressure those quarterbacks is essential. We also added QB to the list not because we don’t see Rick Neuheisel as a rising start, but because we suspect that Greg Landry may just retire this offseason and with Neuheisel’s injury history, this is a team that needs a solid backup.
BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (10-6)
Cap Exempt Players: RB Joe Cribbs
Key Needs: DT, TE, CB, FS, RT
The Stallions have 2 exempt slots open, and a decent amount of cap space for a championship contender and they should spend most of that on defense. The Stalliions have quality and depth at most of the offensive positions. They could use an upgrade at RT, and they have made little use of their TE position over their first 2 years, but both of those are low-cost positions. The glaring need for the Stalliions is a run-stuffing DT to fill the middle of the line and then some greater skill in the defensive backfield. These again are not high cost positions, but don’t be surprised if Birmingham goes after a top NFL prospect and uses one of their exempt spots on that DT position.
BOSTON BREAKERS (9-7)
Cap Exempt Players: QB Tony Eason, RB Buford Jordan
Key Needs: QB, CB, DE, OL
The just-announced retirement of QB Johnnie Walton, who has led the Breakers to winning seasons in both USFL outings, means that the team will now be in the hand of 1984 rookie Tony Eason, a major coup of a signing who saw almost no action last year. Boston will need to walk the tightrope of signing someone who can fill in when needed, who may be able to mentor the young Illinois product, but who is not seen as a challenger to the position, creating unneeded controversy. The rest of their needs deal with depth or improvement, such as their desire to increase their pass rush and to solidify the nickel corner position. O-line depth will also be a priority for the Breakers.
CHICAGO BLITZ (7-9)
Cap Exempt Players: NONE
Key Needs: WR, DL, K
While 7-9 is an improvement over 1983’s 5-11 campaign, Chicago will need more to drum up fan support in the Windy City. They spent most of the year with rookie backup Blair Kiel at QB, so they hope for the return of a healthy Vince Evans. They have not signed anyone as an Exempt player, so they have room to make a splash this offseason. Wideout may be the key position to spend some money, as is the defensive line. Also expect Chicago to seek a more consistent kicker, a low cost position, and to try to build depth across the line. Their main concern might just be CB, where neither starter impressed this year.
DENVER GOLD (8-8)
Cap Exempt Players: NONE Key Needs: WR, HB, CB, DL
Denver, known for frugality, may be turning over a new leaf, in part due to league pressure to align their spending with other franchises, a new minimum salary cap, and the new ownership who seem to be a little more inclined to spend. If they are going to spend, they may want to look at RB, where the combo of Harry Sydney and Scott Stamper has been adequate, but uninspiring. Wideout is another area, assuming they trust the combo of Gagliano and Penrose at QB. Vic James was pretty solid last season, but there simply was not a reliable second option out wide. The LB corps is solid, anchored by Putt Choate, but they could look to improve in the secondary and on the line.
HOUSTON GAMBLERS (7-9)
Cap Exempt Players: QB Jim Kelly
Key Needs: RB, G, T,
The Run & Shoot does not call for a lot of run game, but the Gamblers clearly need more than what they got out of Todd Fowler this year. With 2 exempt spaces left, signing a quality RB is a good idea, and then the expansion squad needs to improve on its O-line in year 2, not just for the run, but for Jim Kelly’s safety as well. On defense, the 2 safeties played well and the LB corps is solid, so it will be the CB and DL positions that will garner the most attention.
JACKSONVILLE BULLS (6-10)
Cap Exempt Players: QB Doug Williams, WR Gary Clark
Key Needs: HB, OL, DL, CB
The Bulls lived and died on the arm of Doug Williams, so getting more O-line help is key. It also would benefit them to get a reliable RB to take some of the pressure off Williams. Sidney Thornton was injured for much of 1984, and not particularly impressive when he did play. The backups were absolutely not up to the level they need to be in the USFL. On defense, the D-line needs some dynamism and they could look for a top level CB to compliment a decent set of safeties.
LOS ANGELES EXPRESS (9-7)
Cap Exempt Players: QB Steve Young, G Gary Zimmerman
Key Needs: DL, WR, CB
LA found their franchise QB in BYU’s Steve Young and they have a solid RB rotation with Boddie, Mack and Harrington, but their passing game is limited by a lack of depth at WR. Jo Jo Townsell is solid but the Express, and Young, will want more beyond him at the position. The Express also had major issues on defense last year, due in large part to an overmanned D-line. They should plan to sign several new players along the line to help their D put more pressure on opposing QB’s and keep opposing RB’s from running right around, over and past them. The offense is solid, the D should be the focus this year.
MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (5-11)
Cap Exempt Players: RB Marcus DuPree, WR Willie Gault, DE Reggie White
Key Needs: FS, TE, DL, QB
Memphis used their exempt slots wisely, signing three dynamic playmakers, but this means that they have to be moderate in their budget use while still having some significant holes to fill. Walter Lewis was adequate at QB, and it is unlikely Memphis will sign a big-name QB with their budget, but perhaps a solid backup who can compete and motivate Lewis is in order. They could also use more weapons for Lewis, perhaps at TE or slot receiver. Their defense started the year solid but slipped late. Too much is on 2nd year player Reggie White, so getting either a bookend DE for him, or a solid NT to take on double teams is essential. Improvement at safety, particularly Free Safety would also help this team improve on passing downs.
MICHIGAN PANTHERS (14-2)
Cap Exempt Players: WR A. Carter
Key Needs: Depth, DE, TE
Only Carter is a Cap Exempt player at present, but ongoing negotiations with both QB Bobby Hebert and LB John Corker may quickly fill up the other two slots. That said, a team that went 14-2 is bound not to have as many needs as other squads. Depth will be a key aspect of the Panther’s offseason strategy, but don’t be surprised if they look in the draft for a pass-rushing DE who can take some of the pressure off the Panthers’ outstanding LB corps.
NEW JERSEY GENERALS (8-8)
Cap Exempt Players: RB Herschel Walker, QB Brian Sipe, SS Gary Barbaro
Key Needs: DL, CB, HB, WR
After two grueling seasons of being the only major weapon, Herschel Walker has to be hoping that New Jersey develops more talent in the passing game. Their two 1984 draft picks (Clemmons and Knight) at wideout did not exactly light up the league. It may also be time to consider signing a decent reserve HB to help spell Walker. Giving the ball to FB Maurice Carthon has worked short term, but Walker needs to get some help. New Jersey’s defense had major issues with the run game last year, so expect some capital to be spent on D-Line improvements as well. But, with all 3 exempt slots filled, the Generals are unlikely to sign any big names, unless, of course, they are willing to part with one of those top 3 signees.
OAKLAND INVADERS (4-12)
Cap Exempt Players: WR H. Ellard
Key Needs: QB, DL, OL, HB
The loss of Arthur Whittington last season manifest just how shallow the Invaders were on offense. After two failed seasons we cannot imagine that they will stand pat with Fred Besana at QB, and with new owners on board, perhaps there is interest in a major name signing to draw fan interest in a team that has given them little to cheer for so far. With Ellard and Banks the WR position looks solid of they could get a QB to deliver them the ball. So, perhaps some O-line depth too, to ease the pressure. The Oakland D has some players, but needs to improve, mostly on the D-Line and at cornerback. And signing a solid running back in case Whittington cannot return to his 1983 form may also be a need in Oakland.
PHILADELPHIA STARS (9-7)
Cap Exempt Players: HB Kelvin Bryant, HB Johnny Hector, DE Will Fuller
Key Needs: CB, DT, FB
While a division title is always a good thing, the 1984 season of 9-7 was a far cry from the 12-4 performance of the year before. That said, this is a team with a plethora of talent already. We are not sure that using 2 exempt spaces on the RB position is wise, but it is what it is. So, what should Philly be shopping for in the bargain bin? The defense is solid but could use depth, particularly at CB and DT. And, as weird as it sounds to say, the Stars may want to invest in a 3rd RB, this time a solid run-blocking FB to help spring Bryant and Hector to more big gainers.
PITTSBURGH MAULERS (6-10)
Cap Exempt Players: RB Mike Rozier, QB Todd Blackledge
Key Needs:
Pittsburgh went big last year, signing the Heisman winner in HB Mike Rozier, and then double dipping by signing expected NFL first rounder, QB Todd Blackledge. The problem is they did not do a great job of surrounding those two with a solid team. So, the mission for Pittsburgh this year is quantity. They need to improve in almost every area. The O-line needs more of a pass protection focus, they have weaknesses at every level of the defense as well, so hit those free agency wires and draft well, because Pittsburgh has a lot of improvement needed to be competitive.
TAMPA BAY BANDITS (12-4)
Cap Exempt Players: DT Adam Carreker
Key Needs:
Tampa is in a very enviable position. They have a ton of talent, which is still under pretty low-cost contract. We expect that both Gary Anderson and Eric Truvillion will seek to be exempt players when they renegotiate for 1986, but for the next year, they are not, and that gives Tampa the ability to fix some holes on defense and take a 3rd shot at a championship run. Cornerback is a major area of concern for the Bandits, so expect at least 1 pick there and maybe a free agent too. An edge rusher (at DE or LB) may also be in the cards.
WASHINGTON FEDERALS (7-9)
Cap Exempt Players: RB Craig James
Key Needs: TE, CB, S, LB, WR
Seven wins is a great improvement over 1983’s 3-win season, and the acquisition of QB Reggie Collier almost was enough in itself to propel the Feds into the playoffs. But, in the end, their defense was far too porous and they lacked weapons in the pass game. So, expect Washington to try to address these two areas. We expect them to sign either a speedy wideout or a pass-catching tight end (or both), and to focus most of their draft on defense, trying to find talent at all three levels. They have some Cap Exempt slots to work with, so perhaps an NFL signing is not out of the question.
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