Only two weeks have passed since the Summer Bowl and already the offseason is in full swing. We have had a spate of retirements which have altered the priorities of several teams, leading to some early trades, and some interesting roster shifts, and while there are only a few big names in the current USFL free agent pool, there is still plenty to follow as we work our way through the offseason. In this offseason “Preview” (Midview?) we will look at each club, where they stand, and what they need to do to make a move in 1996. We start in the Pacific and will work our way east.
PACIFIC DIVISION
Arguably the weakest division thanks to two expansion clubs and a pretty mediocre top of the division, the Pacific lags behind the rest of the league in QB talent. Only Bobby Hebert strikes fear into opposing teams, so the question becomes whether the likes of Bosco, Trudeau, Brunell or Brent Pease can get the job done. And who will be the QB in Seattle after the Dave Krieg experiment seems to have been a misfire.
SEATTLE
Coach: W. Widenhofer
Retired: M. Shively-OT
FA/Released: D. Krieg-QB, D. Hill-WR, R. Fuller-CB
Outlook: The 1-15 Dragons have a lot of work to do to become a contender in this tight division. Their first season saw a lot of issues and not a lot of upside. The Dragons finished 24th in all 4 main statistical categories (points, yards, points allowed, yardage allowed). That means their needs are many. They need to look at the QB position, which saw both Dave Krieg and David Klingler struggle, but they also need a lead back, as their leading rusher, Dereck Loville, only gained 572 yards last year. Roosevelt Potts is clearly not the answer. Seattle jumped into the offseason quickly, trading some picks to nab All-USFL receiver Eric Metcalf from Texas, but they need a lot more. Among the positions of greatest need we find tackle, Free Safety, and D-Line, but they have to consider a QB as well. They are letting Dave Krieg test the Free Agent waters, and quite frankly they can do better. If the rumors are true and they are seeking to sign former Breaker QB Timm Rosenbach, that might be a start for an upswing in Seattle.
Move we want to see: Sign Rosenbach at QB, it just makes too much sense not to do it.
LOS ANGELES
Coach: R. Neuheisel
Retired: None
FA/Released: B. McAlister-SS
Outlook: Four wins in their first season back in the City of Angels was not great, but unlike Seattle, there was some fight in the Express. It looks like they have a QB in Brent Pease who can be part of the big picture. With Mike Pritchard’s 1,487 yards, they definitely have a receiver. Marcus Allen needs help on the O-line if he is going to return to any semblance of his Raiders form, and the defense, 23rd in the league, needs some attention as well. Expect LA to seek a 2nd receiver, either at WR or TE, to take pressure off Pritchard, and to look for some impact linemen (easier said than done), but they also need to try to bring in defensive talent, especially in the secondary.
Move we want to see: Draft and sign Keyshawn Johnson from USC to line up opposite Pritchard.
OAKLAND
Coach: J. Mora
Retired: L. White-LB
FA/Released: T. Moss-HB
Outlook: The Invaders crashed pretty hard last year, and now, with Jim Mora replacing Dick Vermeil, we can expect a bit of a different focus in 1996. Expect more from Siran Stacy, and less reliance on Hebert to play the hero each game. The biggest issue for Oakland was pass defense (23rd in the league), and they absolutely need to upgrade both at CB and LB to be able to play Mora’s aggressive style. Don’t be surprised if they also try to bring in some O-line help.
Move we want to see: Trade down in the draft, maybe to pick up a LB or more picks.
DENVER
Coach: W. Phillips
Retired: K. Call-OT, T. Smith-HB
FA/Released: J. Mueller-HB
Outlook: The Gold looked solid at times, but their 9-7 record was also buoyed by 4 games against Seattle and LA. One of their biggest concerns has to be at HB, with Timmy Smith retiring and Jaime Mueller a free agent. That leaves only Salaam in the backfield. Their defense is solid, 1st against the run, so they can focus on improving their 14th rated scoring offense, and perhaps a change-of-pace back could help. We are also not sold on the Mark Carrier-Odessa Turner duo as sufficient at wideout for Mark Brunell to truly shine.
Move we want to see: Draft a speedy 3rd receiver, like LSU’s Eddie Kennison or Nevada’s Alex Van Dyke.
PORTLAND
Coach: V. Tobin
Retired: R. Lott-SS, C. Reddick-WR
FA/Released: K. Bell-QB, M. Junkin-LB
Outlook: The 9-7 Thunder came on strong to lock up 2nd in the division late last season, and there is certainly some strength on offense to build on. They did lose two solid players to retirement in safety Ronnie Lott and wideout Cornelius Reddick, and we expect QB Kerwin Bell to leave Portland as a free agent, but once again Portland was in the bottom 5 in rush defense, a bugaboo they simply have been unable to shake. Expect them to add a young safety to patrol the middle, perhaps an early pick on a DT, and maybe even a solid 4th linebacker to help on the weak side. Beyond that, they will likely try to build some depth behind Webster Slaughter, and perhaps find themselves a TE with ball skills and blocking chops too.
Move we want to see: Draft or sign a run-stuffing DT, even if it means going to the NFL to snag a beast like Ted Washington or Russell Maryland.
ARIZONA
Coach: T. Tollner
Retired: L. James-HB, L. Bell-CB, T. Orr-TE
FA/Released: T. Newberry-G
Outlook: Sure, the Wranglers won the division, on tiebreakers, but their quick and unceremonious departure from the playoffs is a clear sign that they need to make some changes. Fans are tired of the lackluster play from Robbie Bosco, but with a weak draft, a trade may be the only option if Ted Tollner shares their concern. With Lionel James and TE Terry Orr retiring, and guard Tom Newberry likely leaving, the Wranglers will have to focus on offense this offseason. With the 4th best scoring defense in the league, they may just devote the entire offseason to building greater offensive firepower.
Move we want to see: Two really. Give Trent Green a shot at QB (rumors are saying this will happen) and sign a speedy compliment back for Tim Lester, like Kentucky’s Moe Williams or UCLA’s Karim Abdul-Jabbar.
CENTRAL DIVISION
Houston and Chicago both put up impressive seasons last year, and with Texas, Michigan, and New Orleans all looking like teams in need of a makeover, they may again dominate the division. St. Louis hopes they found their new QB in Todd Collins, while Michigan’s gambit on Joe Montana did not pay off, as the 4-time Super Bowl winner could not recreate that success in the USFL and retires after only 2 seasons of spring ball.
ST. LOUIS
Coach: J. Johnson
Retired: T. Moffett-WR, V. Rafferty-DE, C. Banks-LB, G. Clark-WR
FA/Released: S. Anno-LB
Outlook: After an 0-6 start to the year, the Knights went 5-5 down the stretch, and beat some pretty good teams doing it. The defense improved, especially against the pass, but the offense could not average 20 points a game, and that cost them games. With Todd Collins expected to be the man at QB this year, St. Louis may try to find trade value for David Archer. Expect them to sign a backup behind Collins, maybe a John Fourcade or Kerwin Bell, but their main focus will likely be at halfback and at LB. Chip Banks announced his retirement, and the Knights also expect to lose Sam Anno to free agency. They need to replace those two. They also need to develop some wideouts as both Tim Moffett and former Bull Gary Clark have announced their departure from the game.
Move we’d love to see: If Archer is gone, as may be the case, bring in a savvy vet like Fourcade or Dave Krieg to support and guide Collins.
NEW ORLEANS
Coach: M. Ditka
Retired: R. Mayes-HB
FA/Released: T. Rosenbach-QB
Outlook: The Breakers hung around the middle of the pack most of the year, finishing at 7-9. They hope they have their new QB in Jamie Martin, who came in after an injury to Rosenbach and threw for almost 2,500 yards and 18 TDs. With rookie Terrell Davis developing into a potential cowbell back, the main offensive concern for New Orleans is along the line. Expect them to also work on that defense this offseason, with DE and CB being key areas of need.
Move we want to see: Get some help in the secondary. Bennie Blades is out there, and so is CB James Hasty.
MICHIGAN
Coach: S. Holtz
Retired: R. Hallstrom-G, D. Steinkuller-G, J. Montana-QB
FA/Released: B.J. Edmunds-WR,
Outlook: The Panthers had a very up and down season, starting strong at 4-2, then losing 5 straight before finishing 4-1 to end up with an 8-8 record. They lose QB Joe Montana, who just signed a 1-day deal to retire a 49er, and also saw two guards, Ron Hallstrom and Dean Steinkuller, move on. So, guard will be an issue, but QB has to be a bigger one. Rumors have them talking trade with several clubs, and there are a few (Arizona, New Jersey, Baltimore) who may be looking at moving on. They could also benefit from an upgrade at WR, as Bobby Joe Edmunds, who is testing free agency, barely cracked 1,000 yards last season and seems to have lost a step.
Move we want to see: With a weak QB draft, the Panthers should do what is needed to snag one of the veteran QB’s who is on the outs with his club. That could be Robbie Bosco, Doug Flutie, or maybe even Chris Miller. They can then wait until Danny Wuerffel, Jake Plummer, and Koy Detmer come out next year.
TEXAS
Coach: Jack Pardee
Retired: None
FA/Released: J. Adickes-C, A. Van Pelt-QB, E. Metcalf-WR-Traded to Seattle.
Outlook: Thanks to another 0-4 June/July conclusion to the season, the Outlaws again melted away in the summer heat, which is weird since they play in a dome. They immediately made a move, trading away one of their most popular players, Eric Metcalf, to Seattle, picking up several picks in the process. They will likely make use of those picks to try to sign a backup to Kelly Stouffer, some strength at RT, and to shore up a defense that was good against the run but let too many big plays happen in the passing game. DT, FS, and LB could be areas to watch for Texas.
Move we want to see: There are several decent guards in the free agent pool, but few tackles of any value. Do they try to raid Bruce Wilkerson from the NFL, or go for youth and a draft prospect like Jonathan Ogden or Willie Anderson?
CHICAGO
Coach: M. Schottenheimer
Retired: B. Kiel-QB, M. Munchak-C, M. Munford-LB
FA/Released: None
Outlook: The Machine had a good run, once again defying the odds by rolling with a backup QB. They did it largely with defensive strength (5th in Points allowed and 8th in yardage), and a good blend of short passes and Ricky Watters’ runs. They lost 3 decent contributors to retirement in LB Mark Munford, C Mike Munchak, and backup QB Blair Kiel, but none of these players were essential cogs in the Machine. Chicago would like to be more explosive in pass rush (who wouldn’t?) and could also use some depth on the O-line. They likely will look for a late round rookie QB to sit behind Zolak and McGwire, but that will be a low priority compared to adding more defensive speed.
Move we want to see: Chicago can get decent guards in free agency to add depth, but they also need to improve that pass rush, and the best option there might be right in their back yard, Simeon Rice from the Illini.
HOUSTON
Coach: R. Willsey
Retired: K. Reeves-OT, M. Tracy-C
FA/Released: R. Lewis-TE, G. Williams-DE
Outlook: The Gamblers came within 7 points of winning their 3rd title, and they found a gem last year in the draft in wideout Antonio Freeman. Don’t expect them to be big free agent players, as they have a pretty solid roster. They could lose big DE Gerald Williams to free agency, though they will do their best to resign him. If that is the case, then we know where they will look in the draft. They also need to build depth back up on the O-line with 2 retirements from their top 8 linemen.
Move we want to see: Not a lot of holes, and line help can come from anywhere, but if Williams leaves, DE will be important, so we would love to see Houston draft local star Tony Brackens from Texas.
SOUTHERN DIVISION
As shocking as Jacksonville’s quick rise to the top of the division was, Birmingham’s fall was even bigger. Favre still threw for over 5,000 yards, the defense and lack of a run game made the Stallions’ too predictable. Memphis transitioned at QB, with Shuler likely to be the week 1 starter in 1996, and Orlando showed some potential as well. Atlanta, well, until they can get a halfback to help out Eric Zeier, they will not be able to play the king of game Coach Reeves wants.
ATLANTA
Coach: D. Reeves
Retired: D. Lockett-LB
FA/Released: None
Outlook: With a lowly 59.9 yard per game average, Atlanta’s run game was epically bad. Even a midseason trade for Ricky Blake barely nudged the needle. Expect Week 1 starter Bernie Parmalee to be replaced, either by Blake, or more likely by a new acquisition. We expect Atlanta to swing for the fences for a halfback in the draft. With Ohio State’s Eddie George, Michigan’s Tim Biakabatuka, and Nebraska’s Lawrence Phillips the prime candidates. That may be a futile move unless Atlanta can bolster their line as well. And, of course, their expansion year defense also had some holes, though rookie Tyrone Pool had a great year at CB with 6 picks.
Move we want to see: You know what we want here, a running back. Unless they can lure Herschel Walker back from retirement, it is unlikely to be a Georgia back,and the free agent backs are all solid backups, but nothing more, but we hear that Jerome Bettis is not all that happy with the LA Rams. Could you picture the bus in Atlanta. That would be a move to remember.
TAMPA BAY
Coach: J. Glanville
Retired: M. Behning-OT, S. McClendon-LB
FA/Released: J. Fourcade-QB, J. Gregory-DT
Outlook: Seven wins was a bit of a disappointment for the Bandits, who counted on the combo of Aikman and Rhett to help propel them back to the postseason. Tampa will look to add a slot receiver to help Aikman out, but the biggest help would be new tackles. Edge rushers had a field day with Tampa’s line last year, and if Aikman is going to get hurried and battered, the Bandits will go nowhere next season.
Move we want to see: Tampa needs tackles, and again, that is not a great position in the USFL, so they may have to sign a big rookie like Ogden. In Free Agency, they might want to take a look at Alfred Jackson, who could be an ideal slot receiver.
MEMPHIS
Coach: B. Ryan
Retired: G. Boone-HB,
FA/Released: S. Rogers-DE, B. Blades-SS, M. Douglass-LB
Outlook: A 7-9 year in Memphis was a step back from their 1994 playoff appearance, and it was clear that Heath Shuler had some growing pains, but Memphis now has to worry about the talent around Shuler. Greg Boone announced his retirement this week, and Tommy Agie is not going to work as a lead back, so HB is a key position for the Showboats. With Bennie Blades clearly on the free agent market, safety will be another area to address. Some LB depth and possibly a 2nd or 3rd receiver for Shuler would also be good signings by the Showboats.
Move we want to see: Heath Shuler will need a running back to take the pressure off. We think Eddie George would look awfully good in scarlet and silver sky.
ORLANDO
Coach: G. O’Leary
Retired: R. Childress-DE, E. Moody-CB, J. Jordan-QB
FA/Released: T. Fowler-HB, A. Moyer-LB, D. Cadigan-G
Outlook: The Renegades earned some believers last year, but still have a couple of major concerns. Dalton Hilliard and Todd Fowler are both gone, so the Renegades need to restock their backfield and quickly. They also could look to improve at wideout as Bert Emmanuel, while solid, is not a true #1. Add in a big hole at guard, and a need for a true field marshal at MLB, and Orlando has enough holes to make Swiss cheese jealous.
Move we want to see: Another team in need of a running back. Terry Kirby would be a perfect fit for George O’Leary’s offense because he can catch the ball out of the backfield, but can also run up the middle.
BIRMINGHAM
Coach: R. Erhardt
Retired: S. Norwood-K, C. Pitcock-C
FA/Released: J. Strezlczyk-G
Outlook: The Stallions can throw the ball all over, but if you cannot run, and you cannot stop anyone else from scoring, you are not going to return to the Summer Bowl. Expect lead back James Joseph to take a step back as Birmingham clearly needs a more dynamic starter at the position. They will likely also look to improve at FB, but their main focus will likely be defense, where they should be looking to improve at LB, DT, and FS.
Move we want to see: That first draft pick could be a halfback, but if it is not, the perfect fit, and an immediate upgrade to the run defense, would be Miami’s Ray Lewis. He is a beast, which is what the Stallions need to revive that defense.
JACKSONVILLE
Coach: J. Fassel
Retired: D. Gagne-DT
FA/Released: M. Shula-QB, E. Reid-SS, A. Clark-CB
Outlook: The signing of Chris Chandler from the NFL was huge for the Bulls. Now, if they can keep Natrone Means healthy, they may be on to something. The defense still has issues, especially against the pass, where they ranked 20th of 24 clubs. With DT Donald Gagne retiring and SS Eric Reid in the free agent pool, those also become important positions to fill this offseason. A speedy receiver opposite Brian Blades would also not hurt.
Move we want to see: They may take a shot at Bobby Joe Edmunds in Free agency, or maybe even Irving Fryar, if they can keep him from officially retiring. That would save their top draft pick to get their new Strong Safety, and that pick should be Lawyer Malloy of Washington.
ATLANTIC DIVISION
The Federals looked like world beaters through the season’s first 6 weeks, but were overtaken by truly dominant teams in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. On the other side of the division, New Jersey managed to stumble their way to a 4-win season, landing behind even the expansion Ohio Glory. And Baltimore, well, they were solid, but not explosive, something we seem to say every year. With both Doug Flutie and Chris Miller in a bit of a doghouse with their coaches and the team’s fans, could one or both end up in a new venue next season? It would not shock us.
NEW JERSEY
Coach: R. Kotite
Retired: H. Walker-HB, L. Jones-WR
FA/Released: I. Fryar-WR, A. Fontenot-DE
Outlook: While some expected the Generals to be mediocre, I don’t think anyone last February predicted a 4-win season and ratings near the bottom in several categories. This is a team with a very solid defense (1st in yards allowed) but turnovers, penalties and stupid mistakes caused them to be 20th in points allowed. Coach Wyche experimented with Rob Johnson at QB, with Flutie clearly in the doghouse, but now Wyche is gone. Is Flutie back on top with Coach Kotite, or will he look at Johnson and Tommy Maddox and try to get value by trading away the longtime starter? And with the top two receivers departing, the passing game is unlikely to improve in 1996. And what is the deal with Kotite. Fans in the tri-state area are furious with his hire, and team ownership also seems to be second guessing the signing by the VP of Football Operations. Can a coach be on the hotseat before his first game?
Move we want to see: We could talk about the Generals’ needs all day. Halfback, Wideout, O-Line, but if they are truly done with Flutie, they owe it to him to allow a trade. We think he would look awfully good in a copper Wrangler helmet.
OHIO
Coach: N. Saban
Retired: V. Workman-HB
FA/Released: B. Marion-SS
Outlook: At 5-11, Ohio was the cream of the crop among the expansion clubs. Despite their moxie and grit, they did finish in the bottom half of the league in most major categories of team performance, 15th or lower in all 4. So what does Ohio need? They have a solid QB in Hostetler, a good run game with Byner, though Vince Workman’s surprise retirement means they might look to find a complement to the former Brown at HB. Joey Galloway has talent, but needs to stay healthy. An upgrade at left tackle is like Jeff Hostetler’s biggest wish, but Coach Saban also wants to look at DT and LB to help develop a solid center to the defense.
Move we want to see: I like the potential of the Ohio offense, but Ernest Byner is not getting any younger. Is there a chance Ohio could convince Eddie George to stay in Collumbus? If not, what about upsetting the Buckeye faithful and picking Tim Biakabatuka from that team in maize and blue up north?
BALTIMORE
Coach: L. Infante
Retired: R. Delaney-OT
FA/Released: R. Brooks-HB, C. Scotts-DT
Outlook: The Blitz barely held off Orlando and Birmingham to snag a Wild Card, but no one was happy about it. In this tough division, the Blitz will need to improve to be competitive. The defense is a beast, 1st in scoring defense and 6th in yards, but the passing game is 23rd, and a lot of that falls on Chris Miller. The Blitz did not have a 1,000 yard receiver, and Derrick Fenner led the team with only 753 yards rushing. Expect the Blitz to revamp the entire offense, and that could mean a trade for Miller, or an early draft pick on a halfback.
Move we want to see: Somehow, despite all the cries from the fans, we just don’t see Infante giving up on Chris Miller, but they need something to spark this offense. Buckeye wideout Terry Glenn could be just what they need.
WASHINGTON
Coach: P. Hackett
Retired: A. Blaylock-CB, J. Walters-WR, D. Massey-OT
FA/Released: K. Hawes-TE, T. Kirby-HB,
Outlook: After a 6-0 start, the Federals had a rough slide when Majkowski went down for several weeks and Mike Hohensee could not get the job done. But, in a meaningless Week 16 game, Kordell Stewart seemed to show that he was the future for Washington. So, QB may not be a concern. HB might be, as Terry Kirby will be a hot commodity on the free agent market. Washington could run with just Barry Word, but that does not seem like their style. With a new coach coming from within, in Paul Hackett, former OC being upgraded to Head Coach, expect continuity to be key for DC. Joey Walters has retired, so a wideout is one key need area. Tackle, a DE opposite Dexter Manley, and a QB3 will likely also be on the Feds’ wish list.
Move we want to see: The Feds still have a lot of solid pieces in place. The retirement of Joey Walters will be tough to fill, but with Herman Moore as the #1, they could go with more of a controled route-runner in the draft, and for that role we like Syracuse wideout Marvin Harrison.
PHILADELPHIA
Coach: R. Berry
Retired: G. Phelan-WR, D. Trout-K
FA/Released: J. Hasty-CB, A. Jackson-WR, M. Zandofsky-G
Outlook: Had the Stars not played in the same division as the Maulers, they might have dominated their division as well. Philadelphia has a lot of the pieces already in place. They will have to replace David Trout, who retired after 13 seasons in Philly. Also gone are WR Gerard Phalen and WR Alfred Jackson. Depth along the front lines will also be a target area, but don’t expect the Stars to spend big to lure away another USFL or NFL vet. They seem poised to add youth as one of the older teams in the league.
Move we want to see: Philly lives and dies by defense, so as much as we think they may need more offensive firepower, the prospect of them signing a Ray Lewis, Reggie Brown, or local small college star John Mobley of Kutztown State is awfully enticing as well.
PITTSBURGH
Coach: T. Marchibroda
Retired: R. Wolfley-FB, T. Richardson-HB, L. Smith-OT
FA/Released: S. Smith-DE
Outlook: The newly-crowned league champions avoided a double-barrel shot to the gut when both Alan Risher and Mike Rozier announced that they would be back for 1996. That avoids the dreaded “rebuilding” phase, and allows Pittsburgh to build for the future. Expect the Maulers to go after an upgrade at Free Safety, and they will need to replace the retired FB Ron Wolfley. Adding youth at tackle and maybe a better slot option could also be priorities. With Dorsey Levins looking like a solid heir to Rozier, HB may not be a position of need, despite the retirement of journeyman Tim Richardson.
Move we want to see: Ron Wolfley was a stud at FB, but rarely got to carry the ball. If you don’t want Rozier, in what (again?) may be his last year, to get too banged up, there is a perfect fullback with running ability in the draft. Picture Purdue’s Mike Alstott as a Mauler.