2003 USFL Week 11 Recap: Glory Downs DC, Ending Perfect Season Bid

It was a week that saw the only team with an undefeated season knock off this season's only undefeated team, a battle of two teams with one combined win, the birth of a potential new rivalry, and some of the best longstanding rivalries in the league, including the California Derby, the Cascadia Clash, the Battle of Texas, and the Memphis-Birmingham Border War. So, to say it was a big week would be a bit of an understatement. Add to this the big referendum in Memphis that all but determines the future of the Showboats and you have a lot to talk about. Let's get right to it.

OHIO GLORY 17 WASHINGTON FEDERALS 10

It was billed as the “Game of the Season”, some calling it the game of the decade, and while it did not have the fireworks we expected, what we got from the showdown of the defending champion and the unbeaten Federals was a display of intense USFL football. Ohio found just enough holes in Washington’s formidable defense to end the Federals’ dream of an undefeated season, preserving their own legacy as the league’s only unbeaten team in its 21 seasons of play. And while there was no champagne popping as we see from the NFL Dolphins whenever the last unbeaten team falls each fall, there certainly was a lot of celebrating as Ohio is well on track to a potential defense of their title, and another record, since no team has ever repeated as champion in 20 USFL seasons.

Ohio pulled off the road win in RFK using a strategy that simply did not seem likely, but which proved effective. They allowed Washington to set a slow tempo, and they ran the ball. We expected the Glory to go to the air early and often, and, of course, that is what the Federals’ defense prepared for, but what we got was 22 carries for Eddie George, and the former Buckeye came through with 137 yards, a 6.2 YPC average, the highest the Feds have given up all year. Now, this is not to say that Kerry Collins stayed quiet all game. He did throw for both Ohio touchdowns, but he attempted only 25 passes, far below his season average. Joey Galloway reeled in 4 of those, including the first score of the game to lead Ohio.

The first score came on Ohio’s first drive, a 6 minute, 10 play drive that showcased George and a new contributor, FB Mike Templeton (who caught 2 balls on the drive). The drive ended when Collins found Galloway over the middle, a spot the receiver rarely occupies, and one that seemed to surprise Washington. Galloway bounced off his tackler and into the endzone to send Ohio to an early lead.

Washington would struggle on offense in the first quarter, trying to get the run game going. Ohio was ready for the strategy and loaded the box. Deuce McCallister would end the day with only 36 yards rushing, a 2.0 YPC average as Ohio dared Kordell Stewart to beat them in the air all game. By the second quarter the frustration was mounting as Washington had punted on their first 3 possessions. When Ohio doubled their advantage with a 2nd successful drive, this time capped off by a Stephen Alexander TD, the frustration was palpable on the Washington sideline.

The anxiety among RFK’s 51,202 fans, nearly all sporting Federal green, when the Federals finally put some points on the board. On their only TD drive of the game, Washington took a poor punt from Ohio and used the field position to run their 2-minute offense. The shift in strategy worked and Washington soon got on the board with Stewart finding Cedrick Tillman to cut the Ohio lead in half. But it would be Ohio who finished off the scoring in the 1st half, racing down the field with less than a minute to play before sending John Carney out to kick a field goal with 4 seconds left. Washington would trail at home at the half, 17-7.

The second half saw both defenses adjust to the opposition. Washington was able to keep Ohio off the board, despite the success the Glory were having moving the ball and eating up clock with a 13 point lead. The Federals increased the pressure on Collins whenever there was a clear passing down, leading to a total of 6 sacks for the Federals, including 2 from DE Greg Spires. Ohio, for their part, kept Washington from developing their run and play action game, forcing Stewart into uncomfortable third downs. Washington would convert only 3 of 12 third downs for the game, and went 1 for 7 in the second half.

The Feds added a field goal midway through the third, but were frustrated time and again as they tried to come back in the 4th. Meanwhile Ohio just kept using up clock, moving the ball but themselves unable to add more space to the lead. It would be a one score game when Washington got the ball one last time with 3:23 left to play. This drive would determine the game.

John Carney had missed on a 47-yard attempt that would have pushed the lead to 10, so the Feds had the ball on their own 30. On first down Stewart completed to Deuce McCallister for 6 yards, the n got the first down with a short pass to Tillman on 2nd down. But on 1st and 10 from the 47, Cedrick Harden got to Stewart and sacked him for a loss of 6. On 2nd and 16 Stewart recovered and gained 14 of the yards back with a pass to Bryant Johnson, who, subbing for Deion Branch this game, would end up as the Federals’ top receiver. Facing a 3rd and 2, and recognizing that the run game had not been reliable all day, Stewart faked the ball to McCallister and started to roll left. He was immediately faced with Nick Griesen, the Ohio linebacker blitzing on the play. Griesen got just enough of Stewart’s leg to start him stumbling. He fell to the ground for a loss of 7, creating a 4th and 9 to keep the drive alive.

The play became 4th an 4 after Harden was called offsides trying to jump the count. Stewart again took the snap, looked first for Johnson, then turned and looked for Tillman. Both were covered and with pressure coming Stewart desperately threw for FB Tommy Vardell in the flat. The ball sailed high and the Federals’ dreams of a 14-0 season were over. Ohio players cheered and surrounded Coach Luginbill, dumping Gatorade on both him and a good portion of the coaching staff. Washington players lowered their heads and went to the locker rooms, still leading their division, still a game up on Ohio for the top seed, but certainly feeling a bit deflated after their first loss of the year.

BOS 34 NJ 31

The most thrilling game from a scoring perspective came in New Jersey where a new rivalry may have just been born between the Generals and Cannons. Both Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe played exceptionally well, with both throwing for 3 scores. Tiki Barber was his usual self, rushing for 125 on the day. The game was tied when Brady hit Becht for a 47-yard TD with 4:14 left, but that proved to be too much time as Bledsoe positioned the Cannons in field goal range and Jason Elam kicked through the gamewinner with 23 seconds left on the clock to keep Boston’s playoff hopes alive.

ORL 20 MGN 14

While it was hardly Clash of the Titans, the game between the 1-win Renegades and 0-win Panthers turned out to be a pretty decent affair. Michigan lost the turnover battle 3-0, which in the end kept the Panthers winless, but the game was close throughout, tied at 14 well into the 3rd quarter before Orlando added two field goals and Michigan suffered a fumble and a pick to lose in the end. Michigan's Laverneus Coles was the offensive standout with 103 yards and a TD, while DE Derrick Alexander of Orlando stood out on defense with a sack, a forced fumble and a recovery.

JAX 26 BAL 42

Coach Infante gave Garcia the start, one most thought he had lost last week, and Garcia came through, completing 22 of 28 passes for 236 yards and 2 scores. Ron Dayne and Travis Minor also both added 2 scores as the Blitz had their best offensive performance of the season. They also looked solid on defense, holding new Bull HB Antowain Smith to only 15 yards rushing. Rookie backup Fred Jackson had more success with 48 yards and a TD on 9 carries, but it was not enough for the Bulls, who are now tied with Boston at 6-5.

TBY 7 CHI 33

A week after overlooking Orlando, Tampa Bay again had major issues as Chicago’s defense limited them to only 184 total yards. Kent Graham completed only 15 of 33 passes for 136 and Willis McGahee found no room at all against the Machine defense, rushing for only 26 yards on the day. Chicago, for their part, kept picking at Tampa’s defense, with Jeff George finishing the game with 4 touchdowns and 303 yards. Curtis Conway was offensive player of the week thanks to his 188 yard, 3 TD performance against Tampa’s secondary.

PIT 31 PHI 16

The Maulers looked every bit a contender as they scored the first 24 points of the game and then held Philly at bay to score a 15-point win. Charlie Batch threw 3 touchdowns, but it was Terrell Davis once again who dominated the game, rushing for 168 yards on 24 carries, including a 60-yard touchdown run that broke the game open early for the Maulers.

LA 3 OAK 17

A shocker in the California Derby as the Oakland Invaders shut down LA’s offense on what was just a bad day all around for the Express. Cade McNown completed only 14 of 36 passes and was sacked 7 times as the Express offense just seemed completely out of synch. Oakland got a TD from Salaam, despite only rushing for 33 yards on the day, and added another from Dante Stallworth to earn their 2nd win of the year.

POR 24 SEA 47

Seattle’s offense continues to impress as they move to 6-5 thanks to 467 combined yards. Corey Dillon was rested for part of the game and backup Brian Mitchell had a strong 61-yard performance in the second half. Byron Leftwich went 15 of 18 for 342 as the deep ball was there all game despite the absence of David Boston. J.J. Stokes led all receivers with 163 yards on the day, while Corey Bradford caught 2 TDs for the Dragons.

ARZ 14 DEN 26

Denver did what Denver does, play tough defense and win home games. They held the Wranglers to only 2 late scores after building up a sizeable lead, limiting Jake Plummer to only 261 yards passing and eliminating him as a runner by having their nickel back shadow him all game. The result was -6 yards on 7 carries for Plummer.

HOU 16 TEX 28

Texas kept their playoff hopes alive by handing Houston their eighth consecutive loss. T.J. Duckett had his best game since coming over from Michigan with 74 yards on 13 carries. Ike Hilliard and Johnnie Mitchell added touchdown catches and the Texas defense held Houston in check all game as Texas moved to 5-6.

BIR 41 MEM 22

Brett Favre went off against a Memphis defense that lacked a pass rush today. Throwing for 299 yards and 5 touchdowns, Favre had one of his best games in recent memory. Lawrence Dawsey also seemed to find the Fountain of Youth, catching 6 balls for 124 yards and 3 scores as the Stallions improved their record to 6-5, knocking their rivals down to the same record with the win.

NOR 34 NSH 20

The Breakers took advantage of Memphis’s loss to build up a 2-game lead in the South thanks to a comfortable 14-point win in Nashville. Ricky Williams had his best game since returning from suspension, 77 yards on 25 carries and backup Troy Hambrick added another 44 as New Orleans dominated on the ground against the Knights. Falling behind early Nashville was forced to reduce the role of Ahman Green and depend on Todd Collins, which is never their best strategy. The Knights fall to 5-6 in the tough Southern Division.

Rucker’s Big Day

We focused on the offense in our summary of Birmingham’s win in Memphis, but we need to acknowledge the day, and the season, Mike Rucker is having for the Stallions. Birmingham managed 4 sacks against Heath Shuler in Sunday’s game, and Mike Rucker was credited with 3 of them. He was simply unblockable, getting to Shuler repeatedly, including a pass deflection and several big hits in addition to the sacks. Outside of Phil Hansen, whose continued productivity is astounding, Rucker may well be the most feared pass rusher in the league. His 3-sack day moves him into a tie with Hansen with 16 sacks on the season, and he could become the only player outside of Hansen to record 20 sacks in a 14-week season (something Hansen did last season). If Birmingham is able to make a run and finish at or near the top of the Southern Division, Rucker has to be a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, and at 27 the Stallions can look forward to several more years of top flight production from the disruptive end.

Michigan to Protect Brees with Benching

It seems clear that word has come down from the Owner’s Box that Drew Brees is at too much risk. Coach Lovie Smith, acting as interim, announced this week that they are shuttering Brees for the final two weeks of the season and will start Spergon Wynn this week to “see what he can offer us”. The premise that the Panthers are exploring QB options is preposterous. Brees is clearly the #1 and will be next year as well, but he is getting beaten up behind a bad line and has no run game to protect him, so it seems pretty obvious that Al Taubman and the ownership group has given Smith a directive to remove him from danger during this lost season, one in which Michigan could easily finish 0-16. What is likely Lovie Smith’s decision is that Wynn, and not Spence Fischer, will get the remaining starts. Wynn is younger and more mobile than Fischer, so he stands to do better behind the porous line the Panthers have. Fischer got starts earlier this season while Brees was dinged up, and to say it did not go well might be an understatement. So, Drew Brees can hit the showers, or more likely the trainer’s table to work out some of his lingering bumps and bruises, and Michigan will finish the season and look forward to hopefully brighter days ahead.

Chad Ochocinco Makes it Official

After a year of trying to convince sportscasters to refer to him as “Ocho Cinco”, Chad Johnson has found the one way to ensure it happens. This week he finalized the legal paperwork to officially change his name from Chad Johnson to Chad Ochocinco. Bizarre as that sounds, it is legally binding, so expect sportscasters to start using the new name, though you cannot prevent them from commenting on it.

What makes Chad Ochocinco’s extroverted style and love of media intriguing this season more than others is that as of today the artist formerly known as Chad Johnson is not signed for next season. Ohio has some serious cap restrictions and both Johnson and Joey Galloway are in the last year of their contracts. It has been posited that the cap room is simply not there for Ohio to sign both Galloway and Johnson/Ochocinco. If they have to choose between the two, it seems logical that Galloway would be the choice, which means that 85 will be a free agent, able to sell himself to anyone looking for a top level WR and not afraid of one with a bit of a diva complex. This should be entertaining, to say the least.

Top 10 Unsigned Veterans Who Could Join Free Agency

Thinking about Chad Ochocinco’s situation put us in a mind to look over the current players in their final years of a contract. Typically we see signings throughout the season, as has been the case this year, and by this time the players who are not signed are often those who are considering free agency, including a possible leap to the NFL, as a potential option to maximize their value. We see it every year, players using the NFL as well as other USFL teams to leverage a better deal out of ownership, but we also see many cases where the threat of departure turns into an open market scramble for top talent. In some cases there are players, as we may see with 85, who simply cannot be fit within a team’s cap, and that means that they move on. In other cases it is the player who seeks a change of scenery, as we have seen now twice from Ryan Leaf. So, as we enter the final month of the regular season, who are the players as of yet unsigned, who could be about to venture into the choppy water of the Free Agent Sea? Here is our Top 10 potential free agents for 2004:

Stephen Davis, HB, PHI

Davis has had a solid 3 seasons with Philadelphia after coming over from the Stallions. But, if you look closely, the 30 year old back has seen declining numbers since reaching 1,100 yards in both 2000 and 2001. Last year he finished with an even 800 on similar carries to the past two years, and this year he sits around 750 with 2 weeks to go, but with an equal 3.7 YPC as last year. These are not horrible numbers but they may be just the kind of numbers that allows Philadelphia to explore the value of rookie Larry Johnson and potentially allow Davis to hit the free market.

Renaldo Turnbull, DE, BIR

At 34 years old, Turnbull is a risk for any team that signs him. He is a talented edge rusher, but his numbers have not been as good since coming over from Michigan to Birmingham. In Michigan he had 4 straight years of 10 or more sacks, but his last 3 years in Birmingham have seen 8, 8, and now 9 this season. With Mike Rucker the clear #1 De in Birmingham, Turnbull might be a perk that the Stallions can no longer afford. If he reaches 10 sacks, which seems possible, he could be a high value commodity for a team looking for a 1-2 year run at a title, like an Ohio or Memphis, for example.

Amani Toomer, WR, LA

That Amani Toomer has talent is not in question. He had 4 consecutive 1,000 yard seasons in Nashville before cashing in on a lucrative deal with LA. But that deal is about to expire and Toomer may be hoping for more. He is a #2 in LA, behind Tory Holt, and he has not reached 1,000 yards or 5 TDs with the Express. We see Toomer as a good prospect to choose the free agent route again, and to look for a chance to be a true #1.

David Rocker, DT, LA

Another Express player who may be squeezed out by cap room or may choose to seek another opportunity, David Rocker is a very solid DT, but 2004 would be his 13th season in the league, and at 32 he is hitting a dangerous period for such a physical position. Rocker is in peak shape, always more athletic than bulky, so he could have another 3-5 years in him if he is placed with a team that uses him as part of a 4-man front. He is just not suited to be a nose tackle. We could see him ending up somewhere like Philly, Portland, or Tampa Bay if the money is right.

Tyrone Legette, CB, BOS

One of the Tyrone Bros. up in Boston (formerly in Atlanta), Legette is often the highest graded of the Tyrones. With the USFL always a pass-first league, that equals opportunity. Legette could be the best free agent CB available (depending on what Birmingham does with Deion Sanders), and as such would have no shortage of suitors offering him big time money.

Sean Gilbert, DT, CHI

Gilbert is another solid DT in his early 30’s (31) who could be looking for a cash out from Chicago. He is a solid nose tackle and can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4, which means his market is larger than that of Rocker, but he is also a bigger man, so concerns about his long term health are an issue. Knees and ankles tend to become more finicky for players like Gilbert. Staying in Chicago, where he is a centerpiece of the defense, would be an option, of course, but not likely the one that will pay the best.

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, DE, BAL

The best pass rusher in the potential free agent pool. And with the value of an edge rusher that means he is a player who could be a very expensive signing for Baltimore or any other club. KGB is Baltimore’s premier passrusher, with 8 sacks this season, but the Blitz are not in great cap shape and have some major issues, including potentially at QB, so if he wants a bigger paycheck, KGB might think about defecting.

Terrell Owens, WR, JAX

Owens is a premier wideout, one who has regularly had double digit touchdowns and over 1,200 yards receiving, but playing in Jacksonville is not like playing in NY or LA, and for a very attention-driven receiver like Owens, that plays into the equation. With Anquon Boldin now stealing a significant portion of spotlight even in local media, Owens may take the chance to change markets and increase his Q value (marketing clout). Imagine Owens in LA, Chicago, New Jersey, or Oakland. He would be a constant fixture across media platforms.

Chad Ochocinco, WR, OHI

Perhaps the only player more concerned about media exposure than T.O, Chad Ochocinco may get his chance to upgrade markets, but likely not teams. And that is the irony. By leaving Columbus, Ochocinco would almost certainly be able to maximize his media presence, but he is currently on one of the best teams the USFL has ever seen, and the teams willing to pay for him to step into their #1 receiver position are not likely to be very good. So is it title runs, or sponsorship deals for 85?

Deion Sanders, CB, BIR

And no list of media-savvy players would be complete without “Prime Time”. Sanders came over to the USFL from the NFL 4 years ago and has been a human highlight reel ever since. And while Birmingham has been good for him, it is not a big media market like San Francisco or Atlanta in the NFL. We could easily see Sanders leave the USFL for the NFL again if the right team came calling, of course there are plenty of teams in the USFL who would also love a shot at Prime Time. Could you, for example, picture Sanders as a member of the Generals, Stars, or the Boston Cannons? Talk about a media frenzy.

We have more clinched spots after this week’s action as Ohio, Denver, New Orleans, and Los Angeles (despite their loss) have locked up playoff spots. Washington has also clinched the Northeast despite the loss to Ohio, while Birmingham and Seattle have moved into playoff positions. Denver also locks up their division title thanks to a 4 game lead between themselves and the Texas Outlaws.

Houston, Philly and Tampa Bay join Orlando, Oakland, and Michigan as teams eliminated from contention. Right now the teams on the outside includes Boston, whose best shot may be to win the Southeast Division where they are tied with Jacksonville at 6-5. Nashville and Texas are both one game behind Seattle, Birmingham and Memphis, while Baltimore is 2 games behind a cluster of 7-4 teams and needs to win out and get a lot of help to make the playoffs.

Three weeks left in the season, so we can expect some teams to protect star players and start playing rookies and other bench players to protect their assets (mostly non-playoff teams), and we will soon see some playoff teams rest their starters as well. This is because no one at this time in the season wants to see a key player get injured, and yet, injuries happen at every point in the season. This week has been no different. This week we saw Denver lose guard Evan Pilgrim (IR) to a torn ACL, Pittsburgh lost DT Josh Shaw (IR) to an ankle injury, Michigan lost FS Mike Prior (IR) to a groin pull, and Memphis lost WR Justin McCaerins (IR) to a broken arm.

Along with the new IR placements, we have players across the league who could be back in time for playoff runs, but who are likely done for the regular season, including Mempis CB Darrien Gordon (collarbone), and Seattle WR David Boston. Mo Lewis is out at least this week for LA with an injury to his wrist, while NJ free safety Brian Dawkins appears to be out with a hamstring injury. Deion Branch remains out, but has been upgraded to questionable for Washington, as has center Trey Teague for Tampa Bay.

Michael Sinclair in Houston could return this week, as might Dre Bly in Pittsburgh, Chike Okeafor in Arizona, Darnay Scott in Nashville, and Greg Biekert in Portland. Arizona’s Stanley Pritchett is listed as probable, but we hear he is unlikely to play. The same with Tavares Tillman in LA and Godfrey Miles in Seattle.

Memphis Voters Approve Bond for Showboats

The people of Memphis have spoken, and they have said unequivocally that they want the Showboats to stay. In what was expected to be a close vote on Tuesday to determine if the City of Memphis would issue bonds specifically to renovate Liberty Bowl Stadium and expanded team facilities, we ended up with a pretty clear message. On the proposal, “Yes” defeated “NO” by an 8-point margin, 54% to 46%, far larger than the margin was predicted by polling. The vote means that the city can begin issuing the bonds this fall, and that construction can begin as soon as January 2004. Two items need to be determined in the meantime, firstly, that the Showboats confirm that they will stay in the city and sign a new lease. The USFL has gotten this commitment from the Showboats, but it will need to be proven out and the best way that can happen is with a lease extension.

The second is to determine the timing of the renovations and their impact on scheduling for both the Showboats and the University of Memphis, the stadium’s fall occupant. Renovations are expected to require up to 8 months to complete, which all but guarantees that both tenants will be impacted, but the ideal situation for construction is to begin in early spring and complete the work before weather turns south in fall. That essentially means the entire 2004 season. The Showboats will have to explore other options for the 2004 season if they want to see the renovations completed. Likely options would include playing several games, perhaps as many as 4 of their 7 regular season games at other regional stadiums such as the University of Mississippi in Oxford (103 miles), Nashville’s Adelphia Stadium (208 miles), or, as if this is not ironic enough, in St. Louis, whose presence as an open market inspired the Showboats to threaten relocation in the first place.

Of the options available to them, it seems the most likely would be for the Showboats to try to frontload their schedule with home games in 2004, then perhaps limit their out-of-town home games to 2, and play either at Ole Miss or in Little Rock, where War Memorial Stadium is unused in the spring and summer. Honestly, playing a game in both Oxford and Little Rock may help the Showboats in the long run, as they have always tried to market themselves as a regional franchise that could draw fans from surrounding states like Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and northern Louisiana. Playing a couple of games in those states could actually be a boon for the Showboats in the long run, once Liberty Bowl Stadium is complete.

For now, the good news is that it is almost guaranteed that the Showboats will remain in Memphis. And for St. Louis, which had put together a pretty sweet deal to try to lure the USFL back to town, the chance is still there when in two weeks the league will vote on an expansion plan that specifically would target the Gateway City for a 2006 expansion team.

League Vote Expected to Approve Two Phase Expansion

We mentioned the vote that is anticipated at the Summer Owners’ Meeting in two weeks. With the Showboat situation likely all but locked up thanks to the voters of Memphis, the odds of a positive outcome for cities like Atlanta and St. Louis are significantly improved. The league has been at 24 clubs since 1995, and while the schedule works well with 12 teams in each conference, the presence of several large markets, each with potential ownership groups hoping to join the spring league, the pressure certainly exists to add more franchises.

The proposal that was put forward by the Finance and Competition Committees calls for a two stage expansion, one that would target two cities who recently lost their franchises, St. Louis and Atlanta, for targeted expansion (no other bidding cities) for 2006 and an open bidding for 2 additional franchises in 2008. If the Finance Committee modeling which was requested several weeks ago can allay some of the fears of overexposure and can provide positive modeling of potential revenue growth, then the only real potential hangup is the question of Portland. The Rose City recently underwent an ownership crisis of their own, and the end result was the decision to approve a consortium of Las Vegas-based owners, and that, in turn, has the Thunder leaving for Las Vegas next year.

Will Portland receive the same type of consideration that St. Louis and Atlanta received? It seems unlikely simply based on the economics. Portland is one of the league’s smaller markets, and the stadium in place is the league’s smallest. While there are some in Portland who are pushing for the city to move ahead with the earlier proposed plans for a new football and soccer stadium, those are likely a couple of years away from shovels hitting dirt, if they develop at all. So what would be the league incentive to treat Portland with the same urgency that the owners seem to be giving to the St. Louis and Atlanta markets?

If Portland is a non-issue, as some in the league would have us believe, then we fully expect to see the expansion proposal approved and the official market for St. Louis and Atlanta ownership proposals to begin. We covered Atlanta’s efforts last week, and we are well aware of St. Louis’s interests as a city, but would have to wait and see who might come forward as a potential ownership consortium for the city. And, before you ask, while Atlantans have organized an effort to retain the Fire moniker and branding for a new team, no such popular effort has been made by fans in St. Louis, in part due to the fact that the current ownership of the Knights will almost certainly push for language protecting their rights to retain the Knights identity in Nashville as part of any St. Louis expansion approval.

So, now we wait, just two weeks, to see what the owners decide. Will it be St. Louis and Atlanta in 2006 and two more unnamed cities in 2008, or will the league remain at 24 clubs with a high risk of further relocations and franchise instability in the near future?

Houston Gamblers’ 2004 Uniform Goes Full Country

One final note for the week. In the midst of a pretty heartbreaking season, one that saw Houston jump out to a 3-0 start only to lose their next 8 games, the Gamblers are trying to rebrand, and apparently they have gone full country in the effort. Reebok this week revealed the new look for the Gamblers in 2004, a look brought on by the poor sales of the Gamblers’ most recent design, an awkward mix of side panels, shoulder yokes, and uneven striping that simply annoyed Gambler fans and football aesthetic fans as well.

The new look does away with both of the more annoying elements of the prior uniform, but doesn’t go back to traditional stripes either. The look leans heavily on a Western/Country motif, using elements commonly found in traditional “cowboy wear” as part of the uniform. Gone is the shoulder yoke and in its place is a faux embroidery pattern based on Western-styled button down shirts. The embroidery pattern takes up the upper chest and shoulder pad area on both home and away jerseys. Black embroidery effects on the white jersey and reversed on the back. The design features swirls and curls, but also a 5-pointed star at the center of the chest. The jerseys also feature a two stripe pattern at the cuff of each jersey as well as the team’s familiar Texas “G” logo on each sleeve.

A similar embroidery pattern is seen on the pants, with a thin line occupying most of the leg and broadening into an almost denim-pocket pattern from a pair of jeans on the hip. The only red in the pants is a thin band around the knee. The helmet remains largely unchanged, with no center stripes and a slightly enlarged logo on each side. Frankly we like the new look, but the real vote of confidence will come when jerseys and other gear sporting the new team wordmark are available for sale to the public. As has become the trend since Reebok took over uniform production, we should expect to see the new look on the field at the Gamblers’ final home game, which will be Week 13 against Jacksonville.

It is the first of the season-ending All Divisional weekends (Week 14 being the other) as all 24 teams are going to face off with divisional foes this week. This includes some major playoff impact games as we enter the final month of the season. We start with a key matchup in the Central Division where Chicago and Pittsburgh will clash at Heinz Field. Both enter the game at 7-4 and 2 games behind Ohio. The loser is almost certainly looking at a road game in the Wild Card round. The winner still can dream of a division title, but at the very least a likely home game in the playoffs.

The South has two games with huge playoff implications. Memphis is in Nashville for a Tennessee Tussle, and if the visitors can steal the win, they likely end Nashville’s playoff chances, but if Nashville uses home cooking to upend their in-state rival, they may be right back in the mix in the South. New Orleans leads the division by 2 games and can all but wrap it up if they can hold off the hard-charging Birmingham Stallions at the SuperDome. A win for Birmingham puts them in great position with 2 weeks left.

Arizona and Texas face off in the Alamo Dome, and the loser can pretty much start planning for Golf in July. Arizona may be done regardless at 4-7, but could spoil Texas’s season with road win in San Antonio. In the Pacific, the Express try to rebound from a stunning loss in Oakland but face the offensive juggernaut that Seattle has become. The Dragons can move to 7-5 and almost certainly a Wild Card spot with a win.

In other action Oakland visits Portland, Denver hopes to get their 10th win in Houston, Michigan hopes not to be embarrassed by Ohio when they visit Columbus, Boston hopes to rebound in Tampa Bay, Orlando hosts the Bulls in the Citrus Bowl, Baltimore is in Washington, where they likely will face an angry Federals team, and New Jersey is in Philly, hoping to lock up a playoff spot with their 8th win of the year.