1985 USFL PREVIEW

USA TODAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985

As the USFL prepares for its third season, there is much to anticipate and much to decide. With the league filing an anti-trust suit against the NFL, tensions between the two leagues has never been higher. It is anticipated that this may be the last season before an all out talent war erupts between the two. With many of the original 1983 USFL season signees now reaching the end of their 3-year contracts, players who have become household names, names such as Greg Boone, Joey Walters, Nolan Franz, William Cesare, Marcus Marek, Frank Malamaleuga, Jackie Cline, Maurice Carthon, and many more, will be available to the NFL for the first time. And with a limited salary cap structure, and significantly lower revenue streams, it may be difficult for the USFL to compete to retain their stars. This, and questions about the future of at least 2 franchises (Boston and Chicago) as well as continued concern about low attendance revenue in several other larger markets, have the league looking at 1985 as a make-it or break it season.

For many USFL teams the same feeling is palpable. While franchises such as Tampa Bay and Michigan have seen both on-field and financial success, others, including the LA Express, New Jersey Generals, Washington Federals, Chicago Blitz and Oakland Invaders have struggled in both arenas, and will need to find themselves on a solid footing in the league’s third season if they are going to remain viable franchises going forward. There are new coaches trying to feel out the USFL game, Dick Vermeil in Oakland and long-pursued Frank Kush in Arizona. There are new stars ready to shine, such as Heisman winner Doug Flutie in New Jersey, RBs Owen Gill and George Adams, and wideouts Eric Martin, Gerard Phelan, and Reggie Langhorne. But after a draft that was heavy on linemen and defense, the league seems to be ready to balance the scales between its shining stars and the grunts in the trenches. There is a lot on the line in 1985, so let’s get to it. Here is a look at all 16 USFL Franchises and their prospects for the 1985 season:

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Prediction: 1. Philadelphia Stars 2. Washington Federals 3. New Jersey Generals 4. Boston Breakers

PHILADELPHIA STARS

1984: 9-7, Division Winner, lost to Birmingham in Conference Finals.

Returning Stars: QB Chuck Fusina, HB Kelvin Bryant, LB Sam Mills, DE William Fuller, SS Scott Woerner

New Arrivals: DT George Little (Iowa), WR Gerard Phelan (BC), DE Tony Simmons (Tenn)

Prospect: The Stars have been the class of the Atlantic Division for its first two years and we don’t see that changing this year. They are not flashy, but they play solid football in all phases. With an emphasis on defensive depth in this year’s draft, the Philly defense may again prove to be the key to another division title.

WASHINGTON FEDERALS

1984: 7-9, 4th in Division, no playoff appearance.

Returning Stars: QB Reggie Collier, HB Craig James, WR Joey Walters, DE Coy Bacon,

New Arrivals: WR Herman Fontenot (LSU), TE Mark Bavaro (NDame), DE John Cade (Lville), FS Mark Kelso (W&M)

Prospect: The Federals came close to their first playoff berth last year, falling just short on the final week of the season. In Reggie Collier they have found their QB for the future, and now, with some added weapons for Collier in the form of wideouts Gunn and Fontenot, and the camp hero Mark Bavaro, they may just be able to break through. The defense should also be better as two promising rookies, Cade on the line and Kelso in the backfield have garnered starting positions. We don’t expect the Feds to rip through the league, but a 9-7 or even 10-6 season is within their grasp.

NEW JERSEY GENERALS

1984: 8-8, 3rd in Division, no playoff appearance.

Returning Stars: HB Herschel Walker, FB Maurice Carthon, LB Jim LeClair, SS Gary Barbaro

New Arrivals: QB Doug Flutie (BC), HB Jamie Covington (Syr), DE Lionel Washington (Rutgers), WR Lam Jones (NY Jets)

Prospect: New Jersey has been touted as the flagship franchise of the USFL ever since their 1983 signing of Herschel Walker, but while Walker has lived up to the hype, the Generals have not. They are on their third starting QB in three years, and we are just not sure he will be ready for what awaits him. The Generals are not particularly frightening at WR, though the addition of the speedy Lam Jones from the NY Jets will help, and their defense has never been able to put together a full season. There are some pieces in place, but we don’t see enough to expect the Generals to truly challenge for the division this year.

BOSTON BREAKERS

1984: 9-7, 2nd in Division, lost to Tampa Bay in Divisional Round.

Returning Stars: HB Buford Jordan, WR Nolan Franz, TE Dan Ross, LB Marcus Marek, SS Joe Restic

New Arrivals: QB Matt Robinson (JAX), DE Richard Byrd (So Miss), LB Jamie Kimmel (Syr)

Prospect: Boston has been a feel-good story for its entire existence. Forced to play in undersized stadiums in the Boston area, with a low-end budget, and stars built out of sheer grit, the Breakers broke into the playoffs in 1984, but now, with the retirement of the actually geriatric Johnnie Walton, they must build again. Last year’s big name signing, QB Tony Eason, will be the key. If he can click with the talented but unheralded receiving corps of the Breakers, the offense could be solid. We do worry about their no-name defense, however. Marcus Marek is a beast at MLB, but he cannot do it alone. We think this could be a rough year as Boston not only seeks a new team owner, but a new identity as well.

SOUTHERN DIVISION

Prediction: 1. Tampa Bay Bandits 2. Birmingham Stallions 3. Memphis Showboats 4. Jacksonville Bulls

TAMPA BAY BANDITS

1984: 12-4, Division Champion, lost in Divisional round to Birmingham.

Returning Stars: QB John Reaves, RB Gary Anderson, WR Eric Truvillion, DT Adam Carreker, LB James Harrell, K Zenon Andrusyshyn

New Arrivals: WR Cris Collinsworth (CIN), DT William Perry (Clemson), CB Tyrone Davis (Clemson)

Prospect: Tampa had very few weaknesses last year and they have kept their core of offensive stars intact. They may even have improved on their passing game by trading Danny Buggs and finding a replacement in former Bengals and U. of Florida wideout Cris Collinsworth. On defense the Bandits are solid, and we are all intrigued to see if rookie William “The Refrigerator” Perry, weighing in at well over 300 lbs, will have the impact Tampa is hoping for. It will likely be a nip & tuck battle with Birmingham all year, but we anticipate a 3rd consecutive Division Title for Steve Spurrier and the Bandits.

BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS

1984: 10-6, 2nd in Division, Lost in USFL Championship to Michigan

Returning Stars: QB Cliff Stoudt, HB Joe Cribbs, WR Jim Smith, DE Jackie Cline, LB Rich D’Amico, SS William Cesare, K Scott Norwood

New Arrivals: LB Kevin Greene (Auburn), DT Dallas Cameron (Miami), CB Issaic Holt (Alcorn St.)

Prospect: Birmingham had a late season run to remember, blasting into the playoffs, upsetting Tampa in Tampa, and surging all the way to the USFL Championship before falling to the juggernaut Panthers. For 1985 they went all in on the defense, spending most of their draft capital on that side of the ball. We are excited to see the roll that Auburn’s Kevin Greene will have in the LB corps, and we expect DT Dallas Cameron to crack the starting lineup in short order. Birmingham will play games close and count on All-USFL RB Joe Cribbs to shorten games and bring home wins. They have a shot to knock off Tampa just as they did in the playoffs, but will need to do so one game, and perhaps one drive at a time.

MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS

1984: 5-11, 4th in Southern Division, no playoffs.

Returning Stars: QB Walter Lewis, HB Marcus DuPree, WR Willie Gault, DE Reggie White, CB Jeff George

New Arrivals: QB Damon Allen (Fullerton), CB Derrick Burroughs (Memphis), WR Tim Moffett (Ole Miss)

Prospect: Memphis spent much of 1984 just trying to become a team, a typical expansion issue. They started the year depending on their defense, but by year’s end they were forced to try to outscore opponents. In the offseason they built up depth across the board, nothing flashy, but the 1985 version of the Showboats looks like it has the depth needed to last the full season. DE Reggie White remains the star, but HB Marcus Dupree has a lot of flash and could be the engine for this offense. They may still struggle to keep pace with Tampa and Birmingham, but a wild card may not be out of the question.

JACKSONVILLE BULLS

1984: 6-10, 3rd in Division, No playoffs.

Returning Stars: QB Doug Williams, WR Gary Clark, WR Perry Kemp, LB Vaughn Johnson

New Arrivals: QB Ed Luther (SDG), HB George Adams (Kentucky), DE Willie Broughton (Miami), G Duval Love (UCLA)

Prospect: Last year the Bulls were basically the Doug Williams aerial show. They found a gem in WR Gary Clark, who led the league in receptions and was Top 5 in yards. But, that was not enough to provide a winning record. In the offseason they have tried to add a more dynamic run game, adding both Kentucky’s George Adams and Tennessee’s Johnnie Jones in the rookie draft, and they looked to bolster their defense as well, with the signing of U. of Miami DE Willie Broughton. Is it enough? In this division we just don’t think so. They may challenge Memphis but we don’t see them faring well in a battle against either the Bandits or the Stallions for a division crown. For now, as in 1984, they may have to settle for having the strongest fanbase in the league.

CENTRAL CONFERENCE

Prediction: 1. Michigan Panthers 2. Houston Gamblers 3. Pittsburgh Maulers 4. Chicago Blitz

MICHIGAN PANTHERS

1984: 14-2, Division Champion, USFL Champion.

Returning Stars: QB Bobby Hebert, HB John Williams, WR Anthony Carter, WR Derek Holloway, LB John Corker, LB Ray Bentley, CB Clarence Chapman

New Arrivals: DE Bob Otto (Idaho St), DB Garry Kimble (Sam Houston), DE Kevin Brooks (Michigan)

Prospect: Michigan was utterly dominant in 1984. They lost two games, one when they rested a banged-up Bobby Hebert, and the second when they rested their starters for a meaningless Week 17 matchup. As long as Hebert stays healthy, this team will roll. They did not add much flashy talent in the offseason, holding only to the rookie draft, but with some additions to the defense, and depth all around, they look like a championship squad again. Our only concern is that last year we saw a rash of QB injuries, derailing many seasons. Michigan has not invested in a trustworthy backup to Hebert, so they had better hope they can keep him on the field this year.

HOUSTON GAMBLERS

1984: 7-9, 3rd in Central, no playoffs.

Returning Stars: QB Jim Kelly, WR Ricky Sanders, WR Gerald McNeil, LB Kiki DeAyala, FS Donald Dykes

New Arrivals: QB Fred Besana, HB Paul Ott Caruth (Bama), HB Lynn Cain (ATL), DE Simon Fletcher (U. Houston)

Prospect: Houston was an exciting team to watch last year, as OC Mouse Davis’s Run & Shoot offense kept the ball in the air. Jim Kelly is the perfect QB to run a gunslinging offense, but the inability of the Gamblers to balance their 3-wide passing system with a solid run game was a major issue. The Gamblers hope they have solved that issue with the combination of NFL veteran Lynn Cain and U. of Alabama star Paul Ott Carruth now sharing the carries with Todd Fowler. On defense the Gamblers gave up too many big plays, and had no luck rushing the passer. They signed local star Simon Fletcher to help on both counts. We think Houston is on to something with this offense, and in a weaker division, that may be enough to at least garner a wild card placement.

PITTSBURGH MAULERS

1984: 6-10, 4th in Division, no playoffs.

Returning Stars: QB Todd Blackledge, HB Mike Rozier, TE Mike Shaw, SS Dave Duerson

New Arrivals: WR Danny Buggs (TBY), WR John Jefferson (SDG), FB Ron Wolfley.

Prospect: Pittsburgh’s offense was anemic last year, despite the strong rushing performance of 1983 Heisman Winner Mike Rozier. They simply could not generate a consistent passing game to complement Rozier. For 1985 the Maulers added two weapons out wide, luring former Air Coryell wideout John Jefferson from the NFL and trading with Tampa to get slippery WR Danny Buggs. Hopefully having this talent out wide will help QB Todd Blackledge develop further. On defense the Maulers still rely on a team concept, with few recognizable names on that side of the ball. In our estimation, the defense will still be an issue if Pittsburgh wants to get over the hump and into the playoffs.

CHICAGO BLITZ

1984: 7-9, 2nd in Division, no playoffs.

Returning Stars: QB Vince Evans, WR Jackie Flowers, DE Junior Ah You, HB Calvin Murphy

New Arrivals: HB Tim Spencer (ARZ), W Reggie Langhorne( Eliz City), DE Mike Golic (NDame), DB Ken Stills (Wisc)

Prospect: It seems clear that the full-franchise flip between Chicago and Arizona did the Windy City no favors. Chicago’s woes deepened when former NFL QB Vince Evans went out for the season on IR. Evans is back, and raring to go in 1985, and the Blitz were able to retrieve HB Tim Spencer, a bright spot from the 1983 team, but they already had a decent run game with HB Calvin Murphy, so we are not sure how much better the Spencer move will make them. We like the look of rookie wideout Reggie Langhorne, but we suspect that Chicago will still be a ground & pound team at heart. On defense, the Blitz have an absolute beast in 2-time Sack Leader Junior Ah You. Have they added enough around him to mount a truly scary defense? We don’t see it. Chicago could surprise us. We just have not seen enough out of them yet to know, and that does not fill us with confidence about this team.

PACIFIC DIVISION

Projection: 1. Los Angeles Express 2. Oakland Invaders 3. Denver Gold 4. Arizona Wranglers

LOS ANGELES EXPRESS

1984: 9-7, Division Winner. Lost in Conference Championship to Michigan.

Returning Stars: QB Steve Young, HB Tony Boddie, HB Kevin Mack, WR Jo Jo Townsell, LB Danny Rich

New Arrivals: WR Eric Martin (LSU), CB Ron Pitts (UCLA), DB Raphel Cherry (Hawaii)

Prospect: The Pacific is perhaps the tightest division top to bottom. All 4 teams can make a claim to it, but of course that is because all 4 teams could finish at 7-9 in a division that has yet to have a breakout winner. LA has a lot of weapons on offense, and added what looks like a good complement to Jo Jo Townsell in LSU’s Eric Martin. The problem for the Express is that their defense has been midling at best. They added two new DB’s to try to get stingier against the pass, but without a significant pass rush presence, that may be a moot point. We see LA as the best of the bunch, but it is a bunch, and that means that any of these Pacific teams could leapfrog them if the breaks go their way.

OAKLAND INVADERS

1984: 4-12, 4th in Division, no playoffs.

Returning Stars: HB Arthur Whittington, WR Gordon Banks, LB Gary Plummer, LB Frank Manumaleuga

New Arrivals: HC Dick Vermeil (NFL), QB Brian Sipe (NJ), HB Albert Bentley (MGN), CB Tory Nixon (SDSU)

Prospect: It is a new day in Oakland. They have a new principal owner, a new head coach in former Eagle Dick Vermeil, a new starting QB in Brian Sipe, and a new attitude. This is a team looking for a breakout season. Last year, with Whittington out for most of the year and Fred Besana simply unable to sustain offense, the team went nowhere. With Sipe at the helm, and a solid backup to Whittington in former Michigan Panther Albert Bentley, the Invaders may have the tools they need. The defense is again led by the combination of Plummer and Manumaleuga at LB and they expect a lot from rookie DB Tory Nixon. Oakland has struggled for 2 years, but we like their new direction and we think the enthusiasm of coach Vermeil will lead to some very positive changes in the East Bay.

DENVER GOLD

1984: 8-8, 2nd in Division. Lost to LA in Divisional Round.

Returning Stars: QB Bob Gagliano, HB Harry Sydney, LB Putt Choate, DB Dave Dumars, CB David Martin

New Arrivals: HB Lee Rouson (Colorado), TE Jay Novacek (Wyoming), WR Emile Harry (Stanford), LB Manu Tuiasosopo (NFL)

Prospect: Denver has made the playoffs in both USFL seasons, based largely on a blue collar mentality and a balanced offense. While the team’s new owners may be a bit more willing to open the team’s purse strings, as seen with the signing of LB Manu Tuiasosopo from the NFL Seahawks, the formula may not change much. Manu was the only major free agent signing of the Gold, and while we like the early look of rookies like Jay Novacek and Emile Harry, there are just a lot of high-motor, low-hype players on this squad. It has worked to some degree for 2 years, let’s see if a 3rd will follow the pattern.

ARIZONA WRANGLERS

1984: 7-9, 3rd in Division. Lost in Divisional Round to Michigan.

Returning Stars: QB Rick Neuheisel, WR Trumaine Johnson, DT Kit Lathrop, CB Virgil Livers, LB Jim Fahnhorst

New Arrivals: HC Frank Kush, HB Mike Pruitt (NFL), HB Owen Gill (Iowa), LB Brian Noble (ASU), LB Alex Moyer (Northwestern)

Prospect: It took the Wranglers to sign a new head coach after the retirement of George Allen, but they like what they have gotten in hard-nosed former ASU Head Man, Frank Kush. Kush inherits a team that many say underachieved last year. There is a lot of talent on this squad, including a solid LB corps made even stronger with two promising rookie picks, a strong QB duo of Neuheisel (named the starter) and veteran Greg Landry, and a completely overhauled running game. Gone is Tim Spencer (back to Chicago), and in the fold are former Cleveland Brown Mike Pruitt and rookie Owen Gill of Iowa. If Kush can install a new system in short order and get the most out of his players, this is a team that will challenge for the division title, but there is a lot of work to be done and not a lot of time to do it. For now, we remain skeptical.

SEASON PREDICTIONS

USFL CHAMPIONSHIP: Michigan over Tampa Bay. Not a daring pick, just the most logical one.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jim Kelly, QB, Houston—If, as we suspect, the Run & Shoot will be better in its 2nd year, then Kelly will likely reap the rewards.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Lee Corso, Washington. We like the direction Corso has this team on.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Kevin Greene, LB, Birmingham. It would be easy to say Flutie, but we just don’t see the talent around him to help him shine. Greene comes to a strong team and has a perfect slot at OLB just waiting for him. If he can shine at Legion Field the way he has shone at Auburn, we think he has the potential to be a star in the USFL.