1991 USFL Preview

USA TODAY, March 2, 1991

Season nine of the USFL kicks off in just over one week and it may be one of the most open-ended seasons in league history. After a stunning rise from basement to penthouse, the Washington Federals enter the season as league champions, but still do not seem to be getting a lot of respect. After an offseason in which retirements were the biggest story there are questions about continuity, with the Central Division possibly up for grabs after seismic shocks in Michigan and New Orleans. Can anyone rise up in the Pacific? Will someone oust Washington from their perch in the Atlantic? Which Southern team can separate from a very competitive pack? Is there another surprise team in the works this year? So much to discuss, so many hopes on the line for this season. Let’s get started with our team reviews and then hear from experts across the USFL world to see what people think about the upcoming season.

EASTERN DIVISION

WASHINGTON FEDERALS (11-5, Atlantic & League Champions)

What’s New?: The league champions focused on resigning their stars, including Wr Joey Walters, LB Dante Jones and FS Mark Kelso. The biggest addition was a swing for the fences that landed as Washington was able to sign UVa wideout Herman Moore from their protected territorial draft. Moore is expected to become an immediate starter opposite Walters, moving Duane Gunn to the slot.

Strength: The D-Line is one of the best in football with Dexter Manley and Charles Haley outside and Jerome Brown inside. Washington will likely continue to pressure with a 3-4 alignment and blitzes from either Jones or Zavala.

Weakness: The run game was just not there last year. Neither Kevin Harmon or Alfred Jenkins getting it done. Coach Rutigliana has been experimenting with putting FB Barry Word at the top of the I and signed a 2nd fullback to make that possible. So do not be shocked if Word’s carries increase significantly this year.

What we expect: Washington just edged Philadelphia for the division title with a late season home victory. It will almost certainly be a down to the wire finish again.

PHILADELPHIA STARS (10-6, 2nd in Atlantic)

What’s New? After the retirement of DT Jumpy Gaethers Philly may have to adjust their defense and count on LB’s Andre Collins and Danny Lockett to provide more in run support. The biggest addition for the Stars is likely not to be a factor this year, as Philadelphia inked QB Browning Nagle of Louisville to be the heir apparent for the oldest QB in the league, but Fusina still has the fire so expect him to start this year once again.

Strengths: Offensive continuity is key for Philly. With Fusina, Kelvin Bryant, Mike Quick and Quinn Early the core of the Stars offense has been solid for years and remains dependable if not explosive each week.

Weaknesses: The D-Line is beatable, and with the second DT position being given to untested rookie Leon Lett of tiny Emporia State, there is a lot of concern that this line will need the LB’s to hold up against some of the better running teams, including New Jersey and Pittsburgh in their own division.

What we expect: Last year proved that Coach Bicknell could take the talent left him by Jim Mora and build a solid record. This year he will almost certainly try to put his own stamp on the team. Just what that means is unsure, but expect Philadelphia to do what they always do, outlast and out-discipline their opponents.

NEW JERSEY GENERALS (8-8, 3rd in Atlantic)

What’s New?: The feud between Flutie and Timm Rosenbach is over, but bringing in Chris Miller from Jacksonville hardly gives Flutie a sense of security. We expect that despite winning a title only 1 year ago, that Flutie is feeling pressure and with most of the rookie signings on defense, he does not have a lot of new weapons at his disposal.

Strengths: As it always has been, the offense is predicated on teams overcompensating for Herschel Walker’s talent, allowing Flutie to find open receivers on play action or open lanes on the bootleg. Flutie ran more last year than ever before, including some 100-yard games when Walker wasn’t even playing. Don’t count on a repeat of that, but do expect Coach Perkins to include some scripted QB runs once again.

Weaknesses: The defense has been shuffled from top to bottom. Phil Hansen, a rookie from North Dakota will now line up opposite Gary Jeter, LB Todd Bell moves inside, and CB Kirby Jackson has locked up the 2nd CB slot, but so much movement means a lot of unknowns for a defense that has looked shaky more often than it has looked scary.

What we expect: This Generals squad is only 1 year removed from a championship season, and they have the talent to return to form in 1991. The defense needs to return to form after a rough year, and Doug Flutie has to once again prove himself after the Generals traded away the unhappy Timm Rosenbach, but brought in a 2nd potential starter who will challenge Flutie if the former BC Eagle does not play well.

PITTSBURGH MAULERS (7-9, 4th in Atlantic)

What’s New: Pittsburgh hopes they found a perfect bookend receiver to line up opposite Raynard Brown. Rookie Mike Pritchard comes to the Steel City with a lot of hype, but can he help revive Alan Risher’s pass game?

Strengths: It is easy to say Mike Rozier, but we also need to recognize that the Mauler O-line is one of the best run-game lines in football. Tackles Lance Smith and Randy Dixon are athletic bulldozers and center Thomas Ponder is one of the best pulling linemen in the game. They may slip up a bit on the passrush, but in the run game they are Rozier’s best friends.

Weaknesses: The defense has always been an issue for the Maulers. This year’s squad still looks a bit shaky. The interior D-line with tackles Tony Siragusa and rookie Moe Gardner looks susceptible to a strong inside run game, which means more tackles will have to be made by MLB Eric Kumerow. We like Quintin Jones as the #1 corner, but the rest of the defensive backfield is mediocre on a good day, and that spells trouble in the pass-happy USFL.

What we expect: Every year seems to be the year people expect more from Pittsburgh, and every year they get a lot of the same thing, erratic offense and sieve-like defense. We really don’t see enough has changed on the roster to expect more this year.

BALTIMORE BLITZ (6-10, 5th in Atlantic)

What’s New?: Baltimore added depth with some free agents like HB Rodney Carter, WR Clarkston Hines and TE Donnie Dee, but none of these additions will dramatically improve a roster that went 6-10 last year. The best new addition may be rookie FS Joe King from Oklahoma State, who should start week 1.

Strengths: The interior D-line is one of the best in football with former NY Jet Joe Klecko backed up by a solid young intimidator in John Randle. Combine that with a solid LB crew led by veterans Ben Apuna and Ed Brady, and bolstered by the hard hitting Bryce Paup and savvy Sam Norris, and this will be a tough team to run against.

Weaknesses: Where will the pass rush come from ? As good as the interior D-line is, we are just not impressed by the combo of Mike Piel and Charles Buchanon at DE. Coach Schottenheimer has to find a way to pressure quarterbacks without exposing his DB’s in one-on-one coverage but the D-line and Linebackers both seem better suited to hold up the run game than the passing game.

What we expect: The arrival of Marty Schottenheimer was met with great enthusiasm in Baltimore, but if he cannot get more out of this veteran team in his 3rd year a housecleaning may be in order. Marty’s key will be ensuring that a roster overhaul does not include a front office overhaul as well.

SOUTHERN DIVISION

TAMPA BAY BANDITS (10-6, Southern Champion)

What’s New?: Not much from a team that came within 1 game of a title. Despite a late trade that sent Brett Perriman and Mark Sclereth to Houston to acquire G Chris Thatcher (and WR Reggie Thornton) , the Bandits will again depend on Aikman throwing to Truvillion, Collinsworth, and Gillespie. The run game was not improved as Tampa could not sign their top HB candidates in the draft. The biggest addition for the offense was a rookie tight end, Ben Coates, who will likely be on the field very little as Tampa rarely uses 2 TE formations.

Strengths: It’s that passing game. Even without a run game to keep defenses honest, Troy Aikman has torn most defenses to threads with accurate throws and effective deep balls. His receiving corps remains one of the league’s best, but is dynamic passing enough?

Weaknesses: The run game is the obvious answer, and yet Tampa will once again feature Lars Tate and Speedy Neal at tailback. That combo did not work last year, and we are not sure they can gear up the run game this year.

What we expect: Tampa will be right in the thick of it all year in this competitive division, but without a run game, we worry that they will be overtaken by more balanced squads.

MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (9-7, 2nd in South)

What’s New?: Memphis lost the venerable Mel Gray to a well-deserved retirement. So, did they sign a stud rookie wideout? Nope. They did not even sign a rookie receiver in the later rounds. They did sign another aging vet, former Gold and Renegade wideout Vic James, but after 2 years languishing on the Renegade bench, we are not sure what he has to offer. And just before the opening of camp they made a move to get a true speedster, trading Buford Jordan to the LA Express to bring a disgruntled Jo-Jo Townsell to Memphis. Expect Townsell to play in the slot for the Showboats.

Strengths: We all know about Reggie White on defense, the defending league MVP, but Memphis also has a sneaky good halfback rotation, one which may have gotten even better in the offseason by signing former Colorado Buffalo Eric Bienemy. The rookie is an excellent 3rd down option, proficient in the pass game, something that will compliment well Greg Boone, much as Greg Anderson did in his Tampa days. Fans are not happy that the Showboats traded Buford Jordan, a local favorite, but Bienemy looks to have much more breakaway big play potential, and the Showboats still have Spencer Tillman on the bench in case of emergency.

Weaknesses: It has to be the receiving corps. Third year TE Keith Jackson is primed to become a top target for Mike Kelley, and he may have to be with a wideout corps led by Bobby Joe Edmunds, Robb Thomas and the veteran James. Once Townsell gets up to speed (literally and figuratively) he could also be a major player, if he still has some of the magic he showed in his early years in LA. Kelley will absolutely miss Mel Gray, who has led the league in receptions too often to count, but expect him to turn his eyes on Jackson if Townsell’s speed and Vic James’s savvy do not prove effective.

What we expect: Memphis will rely on the run game and defense to win games. Not exactly what the USFL is known for, but it is a formula that can work. They simply need to avoid the late season swoon that has wilted the Showboats down the stretch the last couple of seasons.

ORLANDO RENEGADES (8-8, 3rd in South)

What’s New?: For a team with a very solid offense, the Renegades seem to have opted to double down on it to make it even better. Orlando added two receivers (Rob Carpenter and Shawn Jefferson) to a squad that was already packed with playmakers. They also added security behind Curtis Bledsoe, signing Pitt pounder Curvin Richards to spell their lead back.

Strengths: We are often so mystified by the Orlando offense that we forget to praise the defense. This is a top 10 group with talent at all three levels. Veteran DE Ray Childress and dynamic DT Tracy Rocker are a deadly combo, and then Rueben Davis swoops in to fill out the line. Linebacker Winston Moss is playing as well as anyone even if he is not getting the recognition, and a secondary led by CB Melvin Jenkins and FS Tim McDonalds is more than capable of turning a QB error into 6 points.

Weaknesses: Despite all this talent, Orlando simply cannot reach their potential. Back to back 8-8 seasons have to be frustrating for everyone from Coach Schnellenberger to the entire roster and the fans as well. Orlando never seems to put together a string of games where both the offense and the defense play their best. If they did, they would be a dangerous team.

What we expect: We are still not sure how Orlando only won 8 games last year. This is a team with dynamic playmakers, a top level quarterback and a top 10 defense. They should be stringing together 10-12 win seasons and yet they seem stuck at 8-8 and a wild card. If they don’t jump ahead of either Memphis or Tampa this year, the blame may fall squarely on Howard Schnellenberger.

BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (7-9, 4th in South)

What’s New?: We may not see it right away, but it looks like Birmingham is about to have a generational shift. With Cliff Stoudt, Joe Cribbs, and even wideout Ernest Givens getting on in years, the 1990 draft for the Stallions looked like a revolution about to happen. They first signed Auburn HB James Joseph to back up Cribbs, then Seminole wideout Lawrence Dawsey to compete with Clarence Collins and maybe even Givens in the receiver group, and then, with considerable fanfare, they used their Territorial Draft pick and a bundle of cash to sign young gunslinger Brett Favre from Southern Mississippi to back up Stoudt. Favre is a hot commodity, but also a raw talent. A year behind Stoudt and he may be ready to take the mantle.

Strengths: Just like Pittsburgh, the Stallions’ offensive line is built to dominate. A better pass protecting group than in their rival steel city to the north, this group can do it all. Richmond Webb has developed into perhaps the best LT in the game, while Chuck Pitcock brings fire to the center position and Emory Yates is a very capable RT to balance the line. If they could teach TE Shannon Sharpe to block, this group would be unstoppable, but Sharpe is so valuable in the pass game they may never ask him to block again.

Weaknesses: While there are some individual talents on defense, like LB Kevin Greene or CB Anthony Blaylock, the entire defense is not particularly impressive. It is too easy for offenses to take Greene or Blaylock out of a gameplan and then there is not a lot to fill in behind them. For a team that likes to win ugly, you need more on defense to make that formula work.

What we expect: Coach Reese had a magical first season, riding a wave of comradery and well wishes after the passing of Rollie Dotsch, but two years later the spirit of solidarity is waning and fans want to return to the glory days of division titles and playoff appearances. If the Stallions hover around 5-7 wins again, that will not bode well for Reese, despite those who wish him well.

JACKSONVILLE BULLS (6-10, 5th in South)

What’s New?: What is not new? Coach Hall clearly felt that change was needed to move the Bulls out of a rut of 6-win seasons, and after starting the year at 0-8, even getting six wins was a bit of a miracle. Out is Chris Miller and in is disgruntled New Jersey backup Timm Rosenbach. Out is the 1-back system that simply did not work for veteran James Wilder, and in is a dual back approach with Wilder and former Chicago Machine lead back Jamie Morris. Add in several rookies who could end the year starting on defense, including LBs Mo Lewis and James Goode and you have a very different team.

Strengths: Timm Rosenbach could not ask for a much better receiving corps than Hassan Jones, Brian Blades, Weegie Thompson and Lawyer Tillman. The TE position is not quite so flashy, but with a lot of 3-4 WR sets, Rosenbach could put up big numbers with this group of wideouts.

Weaknesses: They say wars are won in the trenches and unfortunately both the O-line and D-line for Jacksonville seem subpar. They have a quality LB group, and the safety combo of LeRoy Butler and Mark Carrier are murder on inaccurate QB’s but without a good trench game (on either side of the ball), it is tough to win a lot of games.

What we expect: We will have to see if swapping Miller for Rosenbach makes the kind of difference that Coach Hall hopes. The team seems to be improving in some areas, but unless they can get better protection from the offensive line, and more pressure from the defensive line, it could easily be another last place finish for the Bulls.

CENTRAL DIVISION

NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (13-3, Central Champions)

What’s New?: The retirement of Nolan Franz and Marcus Marek remove both top end players and veteran presence from the Breakers roster. Fortunately there is a lot of depth on this roster and a lot of other veterans who can step up to help guide the franchise. The LB corps has talent to fill in for Marek’s departure, but at wideout, the Breakers opted to try to sign some talent to help fill the huge hole from Nolan Franz’s departure. Charlie Smith, Herman Fontenot and Floyd Turner will all likely move up the depth chart, but do not be surprised if good-looking rookie wideout Michael Jackson gets some playing time with the starters as well.

Strengths: This is a pretty solid roster from top to bottom, but the addition of rookie Erric Pegram to the backfield means that even if Hilliard or Dupree need a spell, there is depth there. FB Greg Paterra is an underrated contributor, simply because he rarely touches the ball, but he is pivotal to one of the best rushing duos in this league (or any other right now).

Weaknesses: While there are not a lot of holes in the Breaker roster, their two offensive tackles are not particularly solid, impacting both the run game and pass protection. Rookie Eduardo Vega may take over RT immediately, but is still raw. Veteran John Wojciechowski will man the QB’s blind side, but has been shown to be vulnerable to speed rushes, so watch out when the Breakers play some of the teams with quick ends.

What we expect: The Breakers remain the prohibitive favorite to win the Central Division, even after losing two veteran leaders. The question for New Orleans is still the same, can they win the big game and finally get their hands on a USFL Championship? Past history says no, but no one can pinpoint why.

MICHIGAN PANTHERS (9-7, 2nd in Central)

What’s New?: Michigan, like New Orleans, had two huge roster departures in HB John Williams and John Corker. They are hoping that former Buckeye Vince Workman is ready to step up after a year behind Williams. They have brought in Lydel Carr and still have Stanford Jennings behind Workman to help if he needs a respite from what is typically a heavy workload for the Panthers’ lead back. The answers are harder to come by for the LB group. Scott Stephen will likely slide into Corker’s role, though OLB Hardy Nickerson will likely end up as the defensive team captain and play manager. There is a lot of cohesiveness here, but John Corker was a special talent whose absence will certainly be felt.

Strengths: The Panther O-line is still the strength of their offensive squad and should help Workman produce well, which, in turn, helps Jack Trudeau find open receivers. LT Jeff Wright and RT Arnoldo Gardner are at the top of their game, and the inside is well-stocked with Ray Brown and Ron Hallstrom at guard and Hubert Hicks coming into his own as a starting center.

Weaknesses: We are still not sold on Derek Holloway, Danny Knight and Jonathan Smiley as a receiver trio. Holloway is a top level talent, but his production has clearly taken a dip after the departure of Anthony Carter pushed each team’s top CB over Holloway. It was honestly surprising that Michigan did not draft a wideout this year, opting instead to focus on defense with picks such as LBs Dixon Edwards and Terry Crews, SS Tony Covington, and DT Pio Sagapolutele.

What we expect: Coach Staley knows what he has and knows how to get the most out of them. They will be in the thick of things all year long and should see the playoffs again this year. For some reason our staff had them slide to 4th in the division, but I just do not see how that will happen.

HOUSTON GAMBLERS (8-8, 3rd in Central)

What’s New?: The Gamblers waited until the last minute to make a major move, and they may have sacrificed a starter to do it (Guard Chris Thatcher) but bringing in wideout Brett Perriman from Tampa could prove essential to a resurgence in QB Jim Kelly. Clarence Verdin has just not proven to be a true #1 receiver, while Perriman has flashed some serious talent in Tampa. When Ricky Sanders left the Gamblers for the NFL, Kelly’s production slipped, his interception rate skyrocketed, and the team simply did not have the same killer instinct. Houston fans hope Perriman helps restore Kelly’s swagger.

Strengths: The left side of the Gamblers line is a halfback’s greatest gift. Tackle Howard Ballard is a beast, and LG John Rienstra and C Mark Tracy are able to provide huge holes for Thurman Thomas. Thomas, of course, is a major talent as well, so as the Gamblers get a new RG in shape, expect them to rely heavily on left-leaning plays behind this trio of blockers.

Weaknesses: The defensive line, anchored by DT Michael Dean Perry is not the most athletic, and does not have the ability to pressure from the edges the way Houston would like. That leads to the Gamblers using players like LB Johnny Holand or safety Donald Dykes on blitzes. It is a high risk, high reward gambit by Coach Willsey, but without blitzes it is unlikely that the Houston D-line gets to the QB often enough to disrupt any but the weakest offenses.

What we expect: Houston fans want to believe that their minimal moves this offseason, including the signing of rookies William Thomas (LB) and Michael Sinclair (DE) will be enough to turn the corner on a team that had a good run but has fallen off. If they are not, we could once again be seeing a coaching change in the Space City, as Willsey has simply not wowed anyone in Houston.

TEXAS OUTLAWS (8-8, 4th in Central)

What’s New?: The question on everyone’s mind this offseason was “How is Stouffer doing?”. The good news is that he is back in form and ready to make a run at an MVP trophy again. Texas did not change much on the offense that took over a lot of games last year. Reggie Cobb was dynamic as a rookie and we expect a spectacular sophomore season from him. The combo of Carlos Carson, Eric Metcalf and Dokie Williams is one of the scariest receiving groups in the league. Now, can the defense step up and keep the Outlaws in front from whistle to whistle?

Strengths: It has to be this receiving corps. Several teams inquired about Dokie Williams in the offseason, but Texas was not hearing it. They want to go 3-4 deep with wideouts and they have the ability to do that with this group. Expect two 1,000 receivers and 25 TD combined from Metcalf and Carson, the Texas 2-Step.

Weaknesses: If you want to understand why Brian Bosworth leads the league in tackles so often, first recognize that he is good, but then recognize that the Outlaws D-line is not. Bosworth spends too much time stopping 5-yard runs from turning to 10-yard runs, when a better line would keep the backs from ever getting 5 yards out. Unless they can get better production from the line, expect Texas to be in a lot of shootouts again this year.

What we expect: It is all about offense with the Outlaws. That can push them to the playoffs, or cause them to fall short again. We look at the offense and see 11-12 wins, but then we look at the defense and think 4-6 wins, so 8-8 seems right again. Sorry Outlaw fans, but where’s the beef?

CHICAGO MACHINE (7-9, 5th in Central)

What’s New?: Chicago has had a slow steady improvement since coming into the league in 1987, but this has to be the year when they break through if Coach Bugel wants to stay on another year. There is talent all across this roster, and most of it is young talent. The youngest is new starting HB Ricky Watters of Notre Dame. After trading away the declining production of Jamie Morris, Chicago hopes to get a dual threat in Watters, who has great hands and the ability to make people miss.

Strengths: It does not get the hype of the Texas Outlaw or Tampa Bay Bandit wideut groups, but Chicago’s combo of young talent in Michael Haynes, Wendell Davis, and reggie Langhorne is a top flight group. Add in the sneaky quicks of TE Wessley Walls and we can see how Chuck Long can be at or near the top in passing yards, as he was last year.

Weaknesses: While the linebacking corps of Mark Mumford, Darryl Talley, Gary Reasons and now Fred Smalls (coming in the Jamie Morris trade) has talent, they will need to coalesce quickly. The Chicago defense has been hit or miss the last 2 years, playing lights out some games, and not showing up in others. That has to stop if the Machine want to make a dent in this tough division.

What we expect: Our writers like Chicago as a team that can make a leap this year. Fans seem to agree, as the Machine have had their best season ticket sale season yet, and while there is not a lot of glitz on this squad, there is the type of steady improvement that often precedes a jump in results.

PACIFIC DIVISION

ARIZONA WRANGLERS (10-6, Pacific & Western Conf. Champions)

What’s New?: Arizona is taking a gamble that their Summer Bowl run last year means they have the pieces they need. There was not a more “stand pat” position taken by any team in the league compared to Arizona. Even their draft seemed more about depth and possible future growth than immediate improvement. We like LB Mike Stonebreaker, but he is not going to start over Brian Noble or Broderick Thomas. The only rookie likely to see significant playtime (barring injuries) is punter Jeff Rouen.

Strengths: Consistency is clearly a strong suit for the defending Pacific champion. This is a team who knows who they are and what they do well. The RB duo of James and Clack works well together, Robbie Bosco rarely makes bad mistakes, and in Lipps and Trumaine Johnson, the weapons are there for a balanced attack. Their defense still could be better, but is complementary to the offense when playing well.

Weaknesses: As we saw in the playoffs last year, the Wranglers can win in a variety of ways, but as Washington showed us in the Summer Bowl, they are not so talented that they can overcome a very good team when they don’t play their best.

What we expect: Arizona is hard to gauge. They could easily go 10-6 again or could slip to 6-10. They do not excel at anything, but are also not horrible anywhere either. In a noticeably weak Pacific Division that may be good enough to get them a bye and a home game in the playoffs.

OAKLAND INVADERS (8-8, 2nd in Pacific)

What’s New?: Fans wondered all season if Coach Vermeil would make a switch and just this week he made it official. Longsuffering Jeff Kemp would get his shot to be the starter for the Invaders. Gale Gilbert has had several up and down seasons, and Kemp has always been there to mop up when called on. Well, this year, he will get his shot to show what he can do.

Strengths: The back end of the defense is the strength of the Invaders. There have been some shifts, but the Invaders get great coverage options from CB’s Tory Nixon and Bo Eason, safeties Marcus Quinn and Robert Sparkman, and linebacker help from Ken Harvey and Ron Rivera. Add in top rookie pickup, CB Aeneas Williams, and this could be a defense that frustrates a lot of quarterbacks.

Weaknesses: We are still trying to figure out how good Richard Williams is, because he never seems to have a strong line in front of him. That is the case again this year. They have good games and games where you wonder how any of these guys are starters. That issue, more than anything else, is what seems to hold the Invader offense back.

What we expect: Another enigmatic team that could win the division or slip to a 4-6 win season. We like the rookie class, which, in addition to Aeneas Williams, includes plucky receiver Ed McCaffrey from Stanford, Texas TE Kerry Cash, and a small college gem in HB Fred McAfee from tiny Mississippi College. How much play time these three will get may be the difference in the final results for the Invaders’ season.

PORTLAND THUNDER (6-10, 3rd in Pacific)

What’s New?: Not enough seems to be the common answer. Portland started strong but faded down the stretch last year, and we don’t see how they have fixed what was once again one of the worst defenses in football. Dennis Erickson has some talent there in the form of DT Roland Putzier, LB Cedric Figaro, and especially former San Diego Charger, CB Gill Byrd, but it is simply not enough. The only rookie who looks to get a lot of action is DT Esera Tuaolo. The Thunder traded away too many draft picks to sign offensive talent, but the offense is not enough to turn them into a winning squad.

Strengths: The passing game took a huge leap forward last year when David Archer was healthy. If he can stay off the injury list this year, he has great weapons in wideouts Cris Carter, Webster Slaughter, Aubrey Matthews and Hart Lee Dykes. Add in the reliable outlet of TE Clint Didier and the Thunder could be a yardage leader in the passing game this year.

Weaknesses: Where to start with that defense? To paraphrase former Buccaneers HC John McKay, they don’t block, but they make up for it by not tackling.

What we expect: We like the spirit Coach Erickson brought to the Thunder, but if they want to do more than play spoiler and steal a few wins, they need to figure out a better use of their defensive talent. Their best shot may be to focus on pass rush and then work to build a lead in each game and defend the pass to prevent comebacks. That may be a lot to ask, but it may be their best option at this point.

DENVER GOLD (5-11, 4th in Pacific)

What’s New?: Can you win the MVP for not playing? If that were an option, QB Bob Gagliano may have won it last year. His absence took the 1989 Division Champ and dropped them down to a 5-win team. But that cannot be the only issue, can it? No, the Denver squad has seen a slow attrition of talent over time. With Coach Davis frustrated with ownership, he left, and Denver now places their trust in former NY Jet head man, Joe Walton. Walton will bring a no-nonsense style to Denver, so don’t expect fireworks. Expect this to be a team that plays hard, rarely hurts themselves, and wins close games.

Strengths: Balance on offense is what Denver does well. Bill Brooks and Mark Carrier are not going to blow the roof off a defense, but they, along with Jay Novacek at TE, can sustain drives and keep Denver in games. Add in a 2-back rotation of hard-hitting Barry Foster and elusive Timmy Smith and Denver should be able to grind out a lot of wins.

Weaknesses: There is talent on both sides of the ball, and both offense and defense are capable of keeping Denver in games, but the Gold seem to lack the ability to put teams away. Rarely do they simply overpower a team, and they have let quite a few games come down to the wire, with only a mediocre record of closing those games out.

What we expect: We think Denver is better than their 1990 record shows, but just how much better is up for debate. They could reassume the division, or linger in the middle of the pack. What they absolutely know is that they need to protect Bob Gagliano to have a shot this year.

LOS ANGELES EXPRESS (4-12, 5th in Pacific)

What’s New?: What isn’t new? New head coach in Jack Elway, new starting QB in rookie Dan McGwire of San Diego State, new potential superstar in Notre Dame WR Raghib “Rocket” Ismael. The only thing that essentially stayed the same is the defense, which was solid but asked to do too much last year. A lot depends on if Jack Elway’s instincts about McGwire are correct. He sees him as a less mobile, but equally effective passer as his son, John. Others wonder whether he has what it takes to read complex defenses and avoid the passrush. We shall see. At the very least LA fans cannot say that they don’t have high profile offensive starters any more. Rocket Ismael should be on every billboard in the city by mid-summer.

Strengths: LA has a very solid defense, battened down by veterans like DT Jerry Ball, DE Blaise Winter, LB Chip Banks and perhaps the best corner in the league, Raphel Cherry. They don’t have the huge pass rush of a Memphis or Washington, or the run-stuffing ability of Philadelphia, but they are capable of holding a team below 20 points almost at will. Now, if the offense could score 21 a game, they would be on to something.

Weaknesses: LA has talent at receiver, potential at QB, a decent line to block for them, but who is running the ball? Draft pick Darrell Thompson has not worked out as planned, Tim Richardson will get you 2 yards whether you need 2 or 4, and Mel Farr is just not explosive enough to scare defenses. Enter Buford Jordan, brought over from Memphis in the Townsell trade. Jordan has his moments, but is he able to tote the full load for LA? It has been a long time since he was a lead back.

What we expect: Growing pains, decent defense, but offensive struggles. It is tough to come into the USFL as a rookie QB and excel. It is even harder when your main target is likely to be a fellow rookie. Add in a weak run game and LA could be in for another long season, but at least one with some star power.

PREDICTIONS

Rather than simply provide you with the official USA TODAY projections, we thought we would add some other voices to the mix. We asked broadcasters, writers and former players and coaches to tell us what they expect out of this season, the spring league’s 9th.

Keith Jackson, ABC Broadcaster: “I don’t see Washington repeating a title run. The USFL is too balanced for that and there is just too much talent out there. If you ask me to pick a favorite I will have to say New Jersey. Coach Perkins is a heck of a coach and he won’t let the Generals slump again this year, and even after 8 seasons, Herschel Walker can still get it done. He is a hoss!!!”

Mike Lee: ESPN Broadcaster: “The secret to the USFL has been and still is quarterback play, so if you ask me to pick a favorite, I want to know about the quarterback position. In my mind there is no better player at that position right now than Tampa Bay’s Troy Aikman. He came close last year, and with that experience in his pocket I think he and Coach Spurrier will be ready this year to go all the way.”

Lee Corso: Former USFL Coach, Now ESPN Broadcaster: “Not so fast, Mike. While Aikman has all the skills needed, there is a guy in Texas who showed he can get it done at an elite level. If Kelly Stouffer did not get hurt last year there is no way Texas finishes 8-8. With Carson and Metcalf to throw to, who is going to stop these Outlaws. I see Texas taking it.”

Hub Arkush: Pro Football Weekly: “Sure, QB play is big, but defense still wins titles. We saw that with Philly, Michigan, Houston and now with Washington’s dominant D-line. That line is still there, and with even a marginal offense Washington is going to be tough. I am going to predict a repeat, and I know I will be mocked for that but I have Washington over Chicago in the Summer Bowl.”

Gordon Forbes: USA Today NFL Columnist: “I love Hub, but you knew he would pick Chicago to be in the championship. Bit of a homer pick, there, Hub. I like both Chicago and Washington, but not enough to make that pick. I think Houston rebounds and takes the Central. Can they go all the way? It all depends on Jim Kelly. He has so much talent but he has to rein in his gunslinger mentality. Let Thurman Thomas drive the bus, and this Houston team can rebound.”

Rick Neuheisel, Former USFL QB, Now coaching at UCLA: “Wow, everyone is discounting Arizona, and after the season they had last year, I don’t think you can do that. Sure, as a former Wrangler my heart is with the Coppertops, but I still think they are a solid pick. They had no major losses this offseason and they added some good talent on defense, so I am going to stick with the runners up last year and pick Arizona to go one step further this year and take it all.”

Official USA TODAY Sportswriters Pool Projection: We polled the entire sports department at USA TODAY and while there were a lot of opinions, here is where the consensus lay:

ATLANTIC: 1-Philadelphia 2-Washington 3-New Jersey 4-Baltimore 5-Pittsburgh

SOUTHERN: 1-Tampa 2-Orlando 3-Memphis 4-Birmingham 5-Jacksonville

CENTRAL: 1-Texas 2-New Orleans 3-Chicago 4-Michigan 5-Houston

PACIFIC: 1-Arizona 2-Denver 3-Oakland 4-Portland 5-Los Angeles

SUMMER BOWL 1991: Tampa Bay over Texas