2003 USFL EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW

We begin our two-part preview of the USFL Season by looking at the Eastern Conference, home to the past two league champions. The whole league is wondering if they will again be chasing the Ohio Glory, last year’s unbeaten champion. We are all aware that no team has ever repeated as champion of the USFL, and we have had 10 different champions in the past 10 years, so the odds against Ohio are daunting. So just who is prepared to take them on? Will the challenge come from within their own division, perhaps the defensive fortitude of Chicago? Or could we see a young QB like Tom Brady of New Jersey step up to challenge the Glory? Can Orlando regain their glory with Joey Harrington at the helm, or is Jacksonville ready to rise up? Can a change of scenery change the destiny of the Atlanta Fire, now the Boston Cannons, ready to kick off a new identity? And what team will surprise everyone and emerge from last year’s also-rans to challenge the playoff clubs from 2002? A lot of questions, and we will do our best to present the best case for each club, along with the changes that impact their roster and provide both promise and peril.

We start division by division, looking at the news for each club and our best estimate of what lies ahead for the 12 teams of the Eastern Conference.

NORTHEAST DIVISION

NEW JERSEY GENERALS

2002: 8-6, 1st in NE, Lost in Conf. Championship

Retirements: None

Free Agent Departures: DT L. Webster (NFL), LB B. Houston (NFL), CB K. Gales, WR J. Tucker, HB A. Zeroue, WR W. Harris

New Veteran Arrivals: LB Jeff Posey (NFL), LB J. Armstead (JAX), LB Tarek Salah (TRADE-TEX)

Rookies to Watch For: CB Andre Woolfork (OU), WR David Tyree (Syr), DE Jimmy Wilkerson (OU), CB Kevin Garrett (SMU), OT David Diehl (Ill), S Gerome Sapp (NDame), HB Brock Forsey (Boise)

The Biggest Offseason Story: After a very solid season that took the Generals all the way to the Conference Title Game, Coach Parcells largely stood pat. He lost a few bench contributors in free agency, and losing LB Bobby Houston to the NFL will hurt, but New Jersey landed 3 LB replacements through trade, free agency, and the draft. So far in camp the most impressive new face has been rookie CB Andre Woolfork, who could be a week 1 starter for the Generals.

Team Outlook: New Jersey found themselves last year. This is a team that uses the run to set up the pass, has a solid QB in Brady who makes smart decisions with the ball, and the potential to have a Top 5 defense. Phil Hansen continues to rack up sack numbers that challenge the all-time leaders, and he now has more talent around him. We see the Generals as a true contender in the East.

Predicted Finish: 9-5, 1st in NE

WASHINGTON FEDERALS

2002: 7-7, 2nd in NE, Lost in Wild Card Round

Retirements: DT J. Brown, WR L. Tillman, SS L. Oliver

Free Agent Departures: WR J.J. Stokes (SEA), DT T. Kirschke (LA)

New Veteran Arrivals: WR K. Lockett (NSH), DE Steve Bates (TRADE-NOR) Rookies to Watch For: G Scott Tercero (CAL), DE Dewayne White (Lville), S Curry Burns (Lville), C Mike Mabry (UCF)

The Biggest Offseason Story: Jerome Brown’s retirement was a big blow to the Federals, but missing out on rookie DT Dewayne Robertson to the NFL is a bigger blow. They truly had no solid backup plan if Robertson did not sign. What was the strength of their team now looks like a gaping hole in their plans. They still have a lot of good talent on this squad, but this offseason seems to have made them weaker, not stronger.

Team Outlook: We see Washington taking a step back. If Baltimore or Philly can show improvement, they might leapfrog the Feds as Washington has some retooling to do.

Predicted Finish: 6-8, 3rd in NE

BALTIMORE BLITZ

2002: 6-8, 3rd in NE

Retirements: WR L. Thomas, DT M. D. Perry, G C. Thatcher

Free Agent Departures: LB D. Bickett (NFL), G H. Haynes (NFL), FS L. Evans (HOU), T K. Stringer (PIT)

New Veteran Arrivals: DE Chuckie Nwokorie (NFL), DT Jeff Zgonina (NFL), WR MarTay Jenkins (NFL), T Blake Brockmeier (LA), DT Paul Grasmanis (DEN), T Matt Hill (TRADE-POR) Rookies to Watch For: G Eric Steinbach (UGA), S Chris Crocker (Marshall), LB E.J. Henderson (Maryland), QB Seneca Wallace (Iowa St), TE Antonio Gates (Kent), S Derek Pagel (Iowa)

The Biggest Offseason Story: Baltimore was one of the most aggressive teams in free agency, snagging talent from the NFL in the form of DT Jeff Zgonina and DE Chuckie Nwokorie, then landing some big names within the USFL like tackle Black Brockmeier and DT Paul Grasmanis. They needed the defensive help last year, and they went out and got some this year. Add in a very good rookie in LB E.J. Henderson and the defense should be a lot better.

Team Outlook: The defense looks improved, and on offense signing a quality tackle like Brockmeier is sure to help QB Jeff Garcia. If he falters, they may turn to rookie Seneca Wallace, who had a very strong final season in Ames.

Predicted Finish: We are optimistic, 8-6 and a Wild Card.

PHILADELPHIA STARS

2002: 3-11, 4th in NE

Retirements: QB C. Hartlieb, DT C. Zorich

Free Agent Departures: T P. Gruber (NFL), CB D. Figures (NFL), T M. Van Der Poel (OHI), SS L. Wigham, CB R. Williams

New Veteran Arrivals: CB Todd McBride (NFL), DE Carl Powell (NFL), T Flozell Adams (NFL), CB W. Williams (HOU), LB Henri Crockett (BIR), QB Brian Griese (TRADE-SEA) Rookies to Watch For: DT Jimmy Kennedy (PSU), HB Larry Johnson (PSU), TE Dallas Clark (Iowa), S Yeremiah Bell (EKU)

The Biggest Offseason Story: The trade with Seattle was huge for the Stars. They now feel that they have their QB of the present in Brian Griese, a smart player who should do well in Coach Jim Mora Jr’s offense. They also added a solid grinder in HB Larry Johnson from Penn State and a good target for Griese in Iowa TE Dallas Clark.

Team Outlook: This team is going in the right direction, but they need time to gel and perhaps one more draft to bring it all together. Losing Paul Gruber at tackle is a concern, but Flozell Adams coming over from the NFL is a good option for them now.

Predicted Finish: The going could be rough as the team finds itself, but they could play spoilers down the stretch. 5-9, 4th in NE.

SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION

JACKSONVILLE BULLS

2002: 9-5, 1st in SE, Lost in Divisional Round

Retirements: None

Free Agent Departures: SS I. Ohalete (NFL), LB J. Armstead (NJ), WR D. White (LA), HB L. McElroy, DE T. Faumui

New Veteran Arrivals: LB Keith Newman (NFL), S Omar Stoutmire (NFL), WR Bobby Shaw (TBY) Rookies to Watch For: LB Alonzo Jackson (FSU), WR Anquan Boldin (FSU), WR B. McMullen (UVa), DE Bryant McNeal (Clem), HB Fred Jackson (Coe)

The Biggest Offseason Story: Not a lot of big stories or splashy signings for the Bulls. We like the addition of Newman and Stoutmire from the NFL, and rookie WR Anquan Boldin has impressed many in camp, but is it enough? Losing Jesse Armstead could hurt this club, and we see Orlando gaining on them.

Team Outlook: If Jake Delhomme could cut his picks in half, this team could be dangerous. He has weapons to work with, but is it enough? That may depend on how good the defense can be. IF they can keep opponents under 20 points a game, they could win a lot of games this year.

Predicted Finish: We think Jacksonville is in a dogfight with Orlando all season, but perhaps come out on top in the end. 9-5, 1st in SE.

ORLANDO RENEGADES

2002: 7-7, 2nd in SE, Lost in Wild Card Round

Retirements: DE C. Doleman, QB G. Frerotte

Free Agent Departures: DE I. Ifeanyi (LA), HB M. Cloud (BOS), QB M. Pawlowski, CB M. Kerner, G. S. Zahursky

New Veteran Arrivals: QB Jason Garrett (NFL), G. B. Williams (CHI), QB M. Bulger (BOS), DE Sedrick Clark (TRADE-MEM) Rookies to Watch For: WR Doug Gabriel (UCF), DT Ian Scott (Florida), C Dan Koppen (BC), OT Scott Kooistra (NC State)

The Biggest Offseason Story: The retirement of Chris Doleman, the heart and soul of Orlando’s defense. That was a big blow. Sedrick Clark seems a major step down at the position, but he is all the Renegades were able to bring in. They did get some help on the O-line, mostly through the draft, and now have two new backup QB’s behind Joey Harrington.

Team Outlook: Despite the big loss of Doleman, and some concerns about speed on offense, we still like what Coach O’Leary has in this Renegade squad. Could take the division if everything trends as they hope.

Predicted Finish: We think they stumble just enough for Jacksonville to outlast them. 8-6, Wild Card

TAMPA BAY BANDITS

2002: 6-8, 3rd in SE

Retirements: None

Free Agent Departures: HB E. Rhett (NFL), WR B. Shaw (JAX), FS G.Jeffries, QB T. Sacca

New Veteran Arrivals: G L. Friedman (BIR) Rookies to Watch For: HB Willis McGahee (Miami), S Bryan Scott (PSU), TE George Wrightster (Oregon), WR David Kircus (GVSU), QB Ken Dorsey (Miami), P Mike Scifres (WIU)

The Biggest Offseason Story: Fans initially panicked about the loss of Errict Rhett, but they quickly got excited when Tampa Bay announced the signing of Miami Hurricane Willis McGahee. He is a dynamic player who fits right in with Tampa’s tradition of good pass-catching backs.

Team Outlook: We are still baffled at Tampa Bay’s nonchalant search for WR help, passing on rookie Andre Johnson and failing to sign any free agentst the position. That is going to hurt them as teams load up on Randy Moss.

Predicted Finish: We see slight improvement. 7-7 and 3rd in the SE.

BOSTON CANNONS

2002: 3-11, 4th in SE (as Atlanta Fire)

Retirements: DE B. Smith

Free Agent Departures: CB T. Hughes (NFL), WR W. Chrebet (NFL), QB M. Bulger (ORL), WR S. Beach, LB S. Foley, DE C. Combs

New Veteran Arrivals: LB Chris Claiborne (NFL), FB Richie Anderson (ARZ), HB Mike Cloud (ORL), WR Isaiah Byrd (NOR), WR Robert Ferguson (TRADE-OHIO), QB Jim Miller (TRADE-PIT) Rookies to Watch For: DE Ty Warren (TAMU), OT Jon Stinchcomb (UGA), C Austin King (NW), CB Leigh Bodden (Duq), QB Brian St. Pierre (BC), CB B.J. Tucker (Wisc)

The Biggest Offseason Story: A new city, a new fanbase, a new outlook. That is the hope for this terminally moribund club. Drew Bledsoe returns to New England and the Cannons spent pretty freely in free agency to get him some talent. WR Robert Ferguson is going to get a chance to shine with Boston, and adding veteran NFL LB Chris Claiborne should help the defense as well. We also love the signing of FB Richie Anderson, who could help Tiki Barber win a rushing title in Beantown.

Team Outlook: Boston added beef on the O-line with two good rookies (Stinchcomband King) and they upgraded their receiver group as well. Is it enough? Well, the defense still worries us quite a bit.

Predicted Finish: A better team, but their record may not show much for it. 4-10 and 4th in the SE.

CENTRAL DIVISION

OHIO GLORY

2002: 14-0, 1st in Central, League Champion

Retirements: FS P. Terrell

Free Agent Departures: HB L. Warren (NFL), T R. Hicks (NFL), G C. Johnson (ARZ), FB D. Shelton (MEM), DE T. Hill (TEX), WR A. Coleman, HB M. Riley, LB R. Farmer, K D. Silvestri

New Veteran Arrivals: DE Corey Sears (NFL), G Jamar Nesbit (NFL), K John Carney (NFL), HB Detron Smith (NFL), T Mark Van Der Poel (PHI) Rookies to Watch For: LB Antwan Peek (Cinci), WR Justin Gage (Mizzou), S Mike Doss (Ohio St), HB Musa Smith (UGA)

The Biggest Offseason Story: The post-title hemorrhage of talent is expected but Ohio got picked clean. Losing Shelton at FB, Coleman at WR, and Warren at HB leaves them a bit thin in some key areas. They spent what they could in free agency, but their ability to repeat may come down to how well their rookies learn the pro game.

Team Outlook: The Glory still have the core of a champion. We expect they will not be able to run the table again, but they can still be the top seed in the conference as long as they stay healthy. Depth is their only real concern at this point.

Predicted Finish: We think 10 wins is certainly possible, in fact, we are going to say 11. 11-3 and 1st in the Central.

CHICAGO MACHINE

2002: 8-6, 2nd in Central, Lost in Divisional Round

Retirements: DT G. Little, HB A. Murrell

Free Agent Departures: TE M. Ricks (NFL), G B. Williams (ORL), WR M. Bellamy

New Veteran Arrivals: HB Cecil Martin (NFL), TE Fred Baxter (NFL) Rookies to Watch For: WR Brandon Lloyd (Ill), S Terrence Kiel (TAMU), CB Ike Taylor (Lou-Laf), OT Wade Smith (Memphis), G Sean Mahan (NDame)

The Biggest Offseason Story: We look at the moves Chicago made this offseason and we are satisfied without being blown away. Martin and Baxter are not exactly Herschel Walker and Adrian Cooper, but they will help. WR Brandon Lloyd and CB Ike Taylor could be in the starting lineup right away after good camps.

Team Outlook: Chicago came oh-so-close to beating Ohio all three times they played them. If they can even split the series with the Glory they could be in great shape. No flash, just a solid team.

Predicted Finish: 9-5, 2nd in Central

PITTSBURGH MAULERS

2002: 6-8, 3rd in Central

Retirements: None

Free Agent Departures: C B. Stoltenberg, DT R. Coleman

New Veteran Arrivals: QB Jeff Blake (NFL), T Korey Stringer (BAL), G Paul Zakauskas (TRADE-BOS) Rookies to Watch For: DE Jerome McDougle (Miami), WR Nate Burleson (Nevada), TE Jason Witten (Tenn), OT Lance Nimmo (WVU), LBJoe Odom (Purdue)

The Biggest Offseason Story: The late Jeff Blake signing threw everything we thought we knew about Coach Bicknell’s strategy for Pittsburgh out the window. Did he make the team better by giving Charlie Batch a challenge, or is he creating a 2-headed monster that will devour a team that could otherwise be pretty solid?

Team Outlook: As dubious as the Blake signing is, we love the draft this team had. McDougle could be a force on the outside, WR Nate Burleson and TE Jason Whitten could also be immediate contributors. If nothing else, Coach Bicknell knows college talent when he sees it.

Predicted Finish: If the QB gambit works, Pittsburgh could be in contention, but if it blows up, they could be miserable. Let’s see how much we all trust Coach Bicknell on this one. 7-7, 3rd in Central.

MICHIGAN PANTHERS

2002: 5-9, 4th in Central

Retirements: None

Free Agent Departures: WR O. Gadsden (NFL), HB J. Bostic (NFL), WR M. Muhammad (POR), SS L. Milloy (BIR), C C. Raymer (MEM), DT J. Flanigan, G J. Hartings

New Veteran Arrivals: S Sammy Knight (NFL), DT J. Manley (NSH) Rookies to Watch For: C Jeff Faine (NDame), TE Bennie Joppru (Mich), DE Jarret Johnson (Bama), WR Charles Rogers (Mich St)

The Biggest Offseason Story: The Panthers needed to provide QB Drew Brees with more weapons, so what do they do, they draft two of the top 3 receivers in the draft. They were unable to land Andre Johnson, who signed with the NFL, but in former Spartan Charles Rogers they have a receiver who could make Brees look very good this year.

Team Outlook: Michigan has a lot of new parts, but they needed upgrades in several areas. We think they are better, particularly on defense, and possibly their receiving corps will step up. Hard to see them escaping the basement, but it may be a basement that goes 7-7 this year in a very tough division.

Predicted Finish: 6-8 and 4th in the Central.

OUR PICKS FROM THE EAST

You have seen how we rank the teams, so looking at 6 playoff spots, we go with Ohio as the top seed, followed by New Jersey, then Jacksonville as division champions. In the Wild Card slots we have Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Orlando. So, that is 5 of 6 clubs repeating in the playoffs. That almost immediately makes us nervous, because that just does not feel like the USFL to us. So, we went outside our offices and asked 5 players from the Western Conference who they think could surprise us all and make a playoff run this year.

QB Jake Plummer (Arizona): “I know it seems a longshot, but I am going to say Michigan. Drew Brees is a much better player than we have seen the past 2 years. I think the Panthers figure out how to maximize his talent and they make a run.”

DE John Abraham (Seattle): “You know I love defense, so I am going to say Chicago. They are mean. They love to hit, and they can make any team look bad when they are on their game. We all saw how tough they played Ohio last year, so why not the Machine this season?”

HB Deshaun Foster (LA): “Man, I don’t know. This is only my 2nd year, so I haven’t even seen all the teams yet. If you press me, I am going to say Tampa Bay just because Randy Moss is a scary receiver who can make you look really bad, and I love me some Willis McGahee too.”

LB Lamar Lathon (NOR): “I am going way out on a limb, but I like Pittsburgh quite a bit. They had a good draft, and they added some real beef up front, which means that Terrell Davis could have himself a monster year.”

QB Heath Shuler (MEM): “You know I am going to go with the QB who impresses me the most, and that, other than Kerry (Collins of Ohio) has to be Tom Brady in New Jersey. The guy just does not make bad plays. He reads the defense really well, is not afraid to check down if needed, and just seems to have a way of leading his guys in crunch time. Gonna say New Jersey because of Brady.”

So, after getting expert opinions we are no closer to understanding who will rise and who will fall this year. So, in an absence of clear alternatives, we are going to pick Ohio to once again represent the Eastern Conference in the Summer Bowl. Heck, they went 17-0 last year, so it’s not like they have a lot to explain. They are just the class of the league right now.

And what about award winners? Ok, here goes, and we promise not to pick anyone to repeat from last season (sorry Ohio Glory).

MVP: With Collins out of the running, we are going to go for our next QB option. A strong year from New Jersey means that Brady has impressed, so we will go with the young QB to put up strong numbers this year.

Offensive POTY: We are going to stick with HB, but we move to Pittsburgh where we think a revamped O-line will allow Terrell Davis to return to top form.

Defensive POTY: You would think we would go for the easy pick and say Phil Hansen, but that feels too easy. We are going to go out on a limb and pick the defender who scares us the most, Chicago MLB Brian Urlacher.

Rookie of the Year: In the east we have some good ones. Charles Rogers in Michigan, McGahee in Tampa Bay, or maybe even a defender like Jerome McDougle. But this is a tough award for a defender to win, so we are going to go with Willis McGahee simply because we know the starting job is his in Tampa Bay from day 1.

Coach of the Year: This award almost always goes to the most improved team or the coach who does the most with the least. We are going to go with the coach with the biggest job to do, John Fox with Boston. If he can get this team out of the basement for the first time ever then he deserves the award, even if they finish with a sub-500 record.