(Each week in 2008 we will use a jersey from the past to identify the week, beginning with Anthony Carter's iconic Michigan Panthers #1 jersey). Feel free to use the comment section at the end of each week's recap to take your best guess at who is next. Two hints, all players highlighted are either real USFL stars or players who had outstanding careers in this alt reality simulation, and, to make it just a bit easier, we will not use any active players in 2008 and we will not repeat any team, so 16 different teams will be represented. Next up is #2, a possible toughie, but not the toughest we will see.)
Perhaps our preseason picks were too wrapped up in hype after all. Ohio goes down at home despite the arrival of Randy Moss, the defending champion Showboats struggle to defeat New Orleans, Chicago and Seattle also suffer unexpected defeats on opening week. A rough Week 1 for other clubs, with LA losing their starting QB, and both New Jersey and St.Louis looking very shaky. It’s only Week One of a newly-expanded 16-week season, so there is a long way to go, but we certainly got a lot to talk about on Monday morning in the office from the USFL week that was.
New Orleans 20 Memphis 26 OVERTIME
The defending champs opened their season at home in front of a raucous 55,202 in the Liberty Bowl, but they also started the season with a tougher-than-expected challenge from the New Orleans Breakers, a team that had won only 1 game in the entire 2007 season. The Breakers took the Showboats to overtime in a game that easily could have swung the other way. Yes, we can say that there was some early season rust, but there was also solid play from the Breakers’ defense and a good showing from the very young group of receivers New Orleans has put together.
The Breakers have essentially retooled their entire skill group on offense, with rookie Matt Forte now their lead back, and both rookie Early Doucet and 2nd year WR Dwayne Bowe at wideout. Four year vet Chris Cooley at TE is basically the old man on the field when the offense takes over, although much embattled QB Eli Manning, entering his 5th season in the USFL, is the actual senior statesman of the group. This group put together a pretty good run at Memphis this week, primarily through the air. Eli Manning would put the ball up 41 times, completing 27 for 291 yards. Doucet would lead all receivers with 8 catches for 77 yards and Manning’s only TD pass. Dwayne Bowe would average 21.5 yards per carry on 4 catches, while rookie HB Matt Forte had 4 catches to go along with his 15 carries.
Memphis would have better numbers overall, with Brett Favre completing 19 of 31 for 365 yards and 2 TD tosses, but they struggled to put away the Breakers all game. Robert Ferguson, Lee Evans, and, surprisingly, HB Cadillac Williams would all be major contributors in the passing game. And yet, despite the advantages of playing at home and what most consider a distinct talent advantage, the Showboats struggled to hold onto a lead.
Memphis would start the game with a solid drive, moving the ball 44 yards before settling for a Jeff Hall field goal on their first drive. On the Breakers’ first drive, they too would move the ball effectively, driving down to the 18 yard line before they too settled for 3. In the second quarter it would be New Orleans to build a lead, scoring on consecutive drives, but both times settling for red zone field goals, including one from the 2 yard line when three straight goallline plays failed to produce a TD. Down 9-3, Memphis would finish out the first half by conducting a lightning fast 42 second drive that produced the first TD of the day. Favre hit Lee Evans on a 43-yard pass, then rookie Pierre Garçon with a 13-yarder to get the ball to the 1. Maurice Smith would plunge over from there with just seconds left in the half and Memphis would enter the locker rooms up only 10-9 after 30 minutes of play.
The third quarter produced a scoreless 15 minutes, including a very frustrating Memphis drive that ended with a poor decision by Favre, leading to a pick in the endzone from Breaker FS Will Hunter. New Orleans held possession for much of the quarter but could not get in scoring position. As the quarter came to a close, Memphis was knocking on the door again. They would score on the first play of the 4th when Cadillac Williams, who finished the day with 42 yards rushing and 83 through the air, plunged into the endzone to give Memphis a 17-9 lead.
New Orleans did not fade away down 8. The Breakers mounted one of their best drives of the game, marching 74 yards in 8 plays, capped off by a 4-yard Manning to Doucet TD toss. The rookie receiver had to all but wrest the ball away from the defender but came down with the score. On the 2-point PAT, Manning would hit reliable TE Chris Cooley on a bootleg play, and we were back to a tie game at 17.
Memphis would drive down the field and kick a go-ahead Jeff Hall field goal with only 1:49 left to play, a seeming game winner. Once again New Orleans refused to go down. The Breakers responded with their own lightning strike, a 4 play drive that brought them all the way to the 19 yard line, thanks in large part to a 56-yard reception from Dwayne Bowe. The Breakers took one shot at the endzone, but with time waning the had David Green come out to kick the game-tying field goal and take their chances in overtime.
Memphis would not give the Breakers that chance. Winning the coin toss, Memphis took the opening kickoff and turned it into a game-winning scoring drive. Maurice Smith broke free on a 26-yard run to open the series, and then Favre hit Robert Ferguson and TE David Martin on consecutive plays to get into Breaker territory. 3 plays later Favre found Ferguson again, this time a 26-yard TD strike on a perfect corner route. The fans erupted in what had to be as much an expression of relief as it was of victory. For the Breakers it was another “almost there” performance. They will need to start turning those close calls into wins if Coach Nolan wants to keep his place with the club, but as opening weeks go, against the league defending champion, there were a lot of positives for the Breakers despite the L.
MICHIGAN 34 OHIO 23
An absolutely huge win as the Panthers spoil Ohio’s home opener. Brian Griese throws for 370 yards and 4 scores as the Panthers build a 34-13 lead and slow the game down in the final period to secure the win. TE Bennie Joppru scored twice, but it was Hines Ward with 123 yards receiving who tortured Ohio all day. New Glory WR Randy Moss had only 2 catches, but they averaged 28 yards a piece. Not enough for the Glory, who could not sustain drives despite the occasional big play.
NEW JERSEY 0 PHILADELPHIA 24
The Generals could only muster 224 yards of offense as Philadelphia records the first shut out in the long history of their rivalry with New Jersey. Michael Robinson got the majority of the carries for the Stars, earning 43 yards and a score, while rookie Steve Slaton carried only 7 times. New Jersey rookie Ray Rice carried 15 times, but struggled against the Stars’ D, gaining only 25 yards on the day.
CHICAGO 10 TAMPA BAY 17
A bit of a surprise in Tampa, where the Bandits defense played very well, limiting Brady Quinn to only 120 yards passing. Chris Doering caught 5 balls and both Tampa TDs as he stepped up in the absence of Randy Moss to become Culpepper’s favorite target.
BIRMINGHAM 21 JACKSONVILLE 35
Jake Delhomme was in midseason form, throwing for 358 yards and 4 scores, 3 of them to Rashaun Woods. Three different Bulls receivers went over 100 yards, with Hayes and Whitten joining Woods above the century mark. Birmingham QB Jason Campbell played well despite the loss, throwing for 221 and 3 scores, but the run game of Barber and rookie Felix Jones could get nothing done, rushing for only 15 combined yards.
BALTIMORE 23 ARIZONA 20
The Blitz get an Antonio Gates TD with only 14 seconds left to steal a win in Glendale. Jake Plummer threw for 2 touchdowns, but had no time to mount a comeback after the Blitz touchdown. New Blitz receiver Tory Holt paid immediate dividends, catching 7 balls for 91 yards and a score in his debut with Baltimore.
BOSTON 31 TEXAS 20
Joe Flacco completed 28 of 47 passes, but it was not enough as Drew Bledsoe put on a clinic. Bledsoe threw for 350 yards and 4 scores. Rookie Rashard Mendenhall made a good first impression for the Cannon faithful, rushing for 103 yards on 24 carries as Boston pulled ahead in the second half and slow-played the Outlaws until the final whistle.
LAS VEGAS 16 LOS ANGELES 19
A good defensive game in LA as the Thunder and Express went down to the wire. Seneca Wallace went down late and may be lost for the season in a very bad turn for the Express. Jeff Lewis came on in relief and will get the start next week. LA wins without scoring an offensive touchdown, getting 4 FG from Steve Christie and a pick-six from Dante Hughes to pull out the narrow win.
NASHVILLE 15 ATLANTA 6
A bit of a sloppy first week for both clubs, but Nashville got a solid 85 yards from Frank Gore while rookie Darren McFadden struggled, with only 29 yards against stacked defenses all game long. Josh Reed was Atlanta’s best player, catching 8 balls for 135, but it was not enough as Atlanta was limited to 2 field goals by the Knights’ D.
DENVER 13 PITTSBURGH 10
The Gold came into Pittsburgh and played the Mauler defense snap for snap. LB Kendrell Bell led the Gold D with 12 tackles. A TD from 3rd down back Mewelde Moore and a field goal in the 4th were enough for the Gold to edge the Maulers in front of a somewhat sparse 29,200 in Heinz Field, a disappointing opening crowd to be sure, though a cold and constant rain may also have played a role in that total.
WASHINGTON 21 CHARLOTTE 17
The expansion Monarchs gave Washington a scare, but the Feds scored 13 unanswered points to turn a 17-8 deficit into a 21-17 victory. Deuce McCallister rushed for 106 on the day, but it was a TD from receiver Courtney Roby that sparked the comeback for the Federals. Charlotte was led by 84 yards from former Seahawk D. J. Hackett and 41 yards rushing from veteran Autrey Detson.
HOUSTON 30 PORTLAND 20
The Stags also started strong, but could not contain Houston’s offense for 60 minutes as Roy Williams caught 5 balls for 95 yards. Both Kevin Faulk and Shaun Alexander combined for 2 scores, including a 9-yard TD run by Alexander in the 4th. For Portland, A. J. Feeley went 15 of 33 and connected on two touchdown tosses.
ORLANDO 30 ST. LOUIS 3
The Renegades dominate, with Drew Brees throwing for 3 scores and a surprisingly strong day for veteran Najeh Davenport, who carried the ball 22 times for121 yards. TE Greg Olsen caught two of Brees’s three touchdowns as Orlando gets the opening week win.
SEATTLE 10 OAKLAND 24
The Oakland Invaders assert themselves against the division favorite, beating Seattle by 14. Ricky Williams rushed for 91 yards and a score and WR Plaxico Burress added another, but the big story was the Oakland defense. Byron Leftwich was sacked 6 times and picked once on a rough day in Oakland. The Invaders started the game and the season on the right foot, with rookie WR DeSean Jackson taking the opening kickoff 99 yards for a score, a great sign of good things to come for Jackson and the Invaders.
Express Lose Wallace for 2-3 Months
One of the big question marks going into this year for the Express was whether or not Seneca Wallace could improve upon his 2007 season, one in which he was statistically sub-par but still led the Express to a playoff spot. Well, that conversation is going to have to wait. Midway through the game against Las Vegas, Campbell went down, twisting his leg in a very unpleasant way, and was helped off the field. On Monday the MRI results came in and it was what the entire franchise feared, significant knee damage. The Posterior Cruciate ligament is the issue, and it means at least 2 months down, possibly as many as three. That is essentially the entire regular season, or at least until Week 10.
Head Coach Hue Jackson expressed concern for Wallace as well as faith in backup, and former starter for the Outlaws and Fire, Jeff Lewis. “Lewis is no newcomer to this league, and we believe he will be able to help us stay the course while Seneca recovers.” Stated the Express coach in his weekly radio show, adding “We still expect to compete for this division and to improve each week.”.
With only an undrafted rookie, Robert Long of Cal-Davis on the roster behind Lewis, rumors are already starting that the Express will try to reach out to veteran Jeff George, though we have seen nothing to indicate that this is the direction Coach Jackson and the franchise are headed. We do expect a third QB to be brought in, but there are several options, including possible trade to bring in an active player. For now, the job is Jeff Lewis’s and the chance to reclaim his position as a USFL starter.
Rookie HBs Struggle to Keep Pace
With the lone exception of Rashard Mendenhall for the Cannons, this was a week where the new class of rookie running backs discovered that they are going to have to up their game in the pros. There are no Eastern Kentuckys or Morgan States on the schedule in the USFL, and the pace of the game is both dizzying and tiring for young players who just came off a full NCAA season. There will need to be time to adjust, as was evident in the stats this week from the rookie backs.
We mentioned that Mendenhall was the exception, and that was certainly the case as his 24 carry, 103 yard day helped propel Boston to victory over the Texas Outlaws. Others were not so fortunate. Atlanta’s Darren McFadden, the first back taken in the Open Draft, got 18 carries but only produced 29 rushing yards, a paltry 1.6 yards per carry. Breakers’ HB Matt Forte got plenty of touches with 15 carries and 4 receptions, but mustered only 31 yards on the ground. Expansion Portland showed some fire, scoring 20 against the Gamblers, but rookie James Stewart averaged only 2.8 yards per carry for 48 yards and ended the game on the bench after a bad fumble. Charlotte, the other expansion team, gave Robert Edwards only 11 touches as they had better success with veteran Autrey Denson toting the rock. Others barely saw the field, with Birmingham’s 1st round pick Felix Jones only getting 3 touches on a day when Marion Barber carried 14 times for only 13 yards. Ray Rice, the new lead back for the Generals, had more opportunities, getting 15 carries, but could only muster 1.7 yards per carry against a Philly D that shut down and shut out the visiting Generals.
Not a good start overall, but if we know anything from 25 past seasons of USFL action, it is that there is a learning curve, and that these rookie backs will find their stride. Some may never develop into the types of backs their teams hoped for, but we know that there will be, by season’s end, some very happy teams with very solid run games based on rookies who have caught up with the game and found a way to let their talents shine.
Campbell & Chris Long Start Strong
Two players who needed no time to get up to speed with the pro game were defensive ends Calais Campbell and Chris Long. The two highly-touted edge rushers lived up to expectations in their first regular season action, making Orlando and Washington happy with their investments in the draft.
Campbell was an immediate fan favorite of the Gades fans on hand in St. Louis, snagging a sack of Jeff Blake on the 2nd play from scrimmage. He would add a second later in the game, but would also make 5 tackles, 2 for a loss, and have a strip fumble canceled by an offsides call against a linemate. A very strong start for the former Miami Hurricane.
Long, the star of Washington’s Territorial Draft out of Uva, may not have had the numbers that Campbell put up, but he was a force for the Feds in his first pro action. Long spent most of the day harassing the expansion Monarchs left side, chasing Chris Weinke and producing problems for left tackle Wayne Gandy, an All-USFL pick last year. Long finished with only 1 sack, but if there was a stat for grey hairs created, Long would have been among the league leaders after his first week.
The two defenders showed that pure athletic talent, speed, and strength can make up for a less-than-fully-developed understanding of the pro game, at least in a position as instinctive as DE. Both still have a way to go as fully-rounded professionals at the position, but the Feds and ‘Gades could not have asked for a better start from their two new defensive studs.
Flacco Impresses in Loss
One final rookie report. The Outlaws may not have gotten the W against a very tough Boston squad, but don’t put the blame on their loss on rookie QB Joe Flacco. The 6’4” former Delaware Fightin’ Hen earned the praise of Head Coach Norv Turner. Flacco stood in against a pretty solid Cannon pass rush, suffering 3 sacks, but completing 28 of 47 passes for 362 yards and a TD. Flacco was also not afraid to spread the ball around, hitting 9 different receivers over the course of the game. He particularly showed a penchant for the long ball, connecting on several deep balls, including a 44-yarder to TE Johnny Mitchell and a beautiful deep out route to Marques Colston over the course of the game.
Like many rookies, there were some rough spots, and clearly Flacco is going to need to work on his accuracy a bit, particularly when under pressure, but this was a good start for the Division 1-AA QB and a good sign that the Outlaws may have finally found their man at the position.
The big story this week is the loss of LA quarterback Seneca Wallace after only one game. Sacked, with his right leg bent awkwardly, Wallace came out of the game and on Monday we all got the news that he has, in fact suffered a significant tear to his posterior cruciate ligament, an injury that will have him out at least 8 weeks, but could cost him the season. LA has not put Wallace on IR as of yet, so he can still come back. They will start Jeff Lewis in Week 2 with unheralded rookie Robert Long as the backup, but expect the Express to sign a veteran free agent to fill out the QB room. Among those available are former Chicago and Texas starter Jeff George, former Invader Marques Tuiasosopo, and former Fire and Stallion QB Eric Zeier.
A second big loss in the league, as Philadelphia CB Antonio Cromartie is also expected to miss up to 3 months with a fractured skull, a nasty injury that occurred when Cromartie ran headlong into the goal post, missing the padding and hitting the post high and right across the crown of the helmet.
Other injuries this week include NJ center Jeremy Newberry (arm, 4-6 weeks), Texas DE Tim Crowder (hernia, 4-6 weeks), Chicago SS Sammy Knight will miss at least a week after suffering a concussion. St. Louis tackle Ross Verba could also be out next week with a broken nose. TE Bennie Joppru caught 2 TDs for Michigan but is now doubtful for Week 2 with a jammed toe.
Déjà vu for Coach Glanville
If you caught the end of the Las Vegas-Los Angeles game, you may have imagined you were back in the late 90’s once again. No, Jennifer Anniston was not at the game, but a sight straight out of 1997 did take place on the sideline. Frustrated by his team’s offensive woes, Coach Glanville reverted to past form and laid into his offensive coordinator on the sideline, even chest-bumping Coach Bobby April in anger as the 4th quarter began. No punches this time, but we have seen this kind of thing from “the Man in Black” before. An incident between Glanville and OC Kevin Gilbride back in 1997 with the Bandits was a contributing factor in Glanville being dumped, despite putting together a strong Bandit squad. The club would win a title the next year with George Seifert at the helm, while Glanville was exiled to a Division 1-AA college team until he returned to the league with the Thunder 7 years later.
No word yet on any league sanctions. Fortunately, with no punches thrown, it is unlikely that the fiery head coach will be suspended or fined, but it is something to watch. Glanville, who is considered to be on a bit of a hot seat due to the Thunder’s issues with offensive production, has largely turned over the offense to April, while he focuses on his top level defense. But, it seems clear that Glanville is not happy with the team’s production, and that is going to be an issue moving forward for the club and its hot-headed coach.
Attendance Outpaces Performance for Expansion Clubs
While both Charlotte and Portland failed to pull off upset wins at home this week, the two newest USFL franchises certainly outperformed at the box office. Portland opened up their new stadium, Columbia Sportswear Stadium, with a sellout of 54,550 on Sunday. Charlotte, while not selling out the expansive 74,000 seat Bank of America Stadium, did pull a crowd of over 51,000 on Sunday, a great sign for the new franchise. Charlotte had trailed Portland in total season ticket sales, but that was expected as the Stags built up a loyal fan base of former Thunder fans over the 3 years since they were announced as an expansion site. Add to that the taste of USFL football that Portland fans got when the Breakers temporarily relocated to the Rose City after Hurricane Katrina, and it is understandable that the Stags would be a team with a strong fanbase from game one.
We should also point out that both of the 2006 expansion clubs also fared quite well in their home openers this week, with St. Louis drawing 47,220 to the Dome at America’s Center, while Atlanta drew just over 44,000 for their game in the Georgia Dome against Nashville. Atlanta did benefit from a pretty hefty contingent of Knight fans who made the drive from Nashville, but they still look good with nearly 28,000 season tickets sold this year.
Always good news for the league when attendance is strong for new clubs. There are still some issues around the league, including “undersized” stadia in Boston and Las Vegas, and lagging attendance in both LA and Pittsburgh this weekend, but the overall picture is good, with average attendance well over the 40,000 goal for the league.
NFL and USFL to Renegotiate “Truce” Policies
Finally, news out of New York this week as the NFL and USFL have agreed to meet over the next few months to discuss inter-league dealings, the Transfer Window, and the rising cost of player signings. We are not sure which league instigated the conversation, but it is one that needs to come to fruition soon, as both leagues have negotiations with their unions in play as the CBA between the NFL and NFLPA is coming due and the USFL is playing without a valid CBA in place this year (it is extended as talks continue, but there is nothing in place for 2009). Free agency and player compensation as a portion of total league revenue are major union planks for both league negotiations, and a big part of that will be the discussion of interleague transfer of players.
It appears that both the NFLPA and USFLPA agree that the current system of two one-month transfer windows is impeding player movement as well as the ability for players to use one league against the other to negotiate for higher salaries. Of course, the two leagues are find with any impediment on salary increases, but they also understand that if one league creates a significantly more player-friendly CBA agreement with the union, it would be a major issue for the competing league. As much as we have gotten used of the idea of the NFL and USFL as competitors, there are some ways in which the interests of each league depend upon cooperation and not competition with the other. Labor agreements, free agency, and labor costs are certainly three areas where the two leagues are likely to be very much in agreement, just as the two unions appear to be.
Week Two is a chance for half of the league to get back on the right foot, or for the other half to start to roll downhill. Fourteen 1-0 teams, but also fourteen 0-1 teams, none of whom want to be 0-2. And for many, a home opener to try to excite the fans. That is what Week 2 brings to the USFL season.
FRIDAY @ 8pm Charlotte (0-1) @ Atlanta (0-1) NBC
SATURDAY @ 12pm Baltimore (1-0) @ Boston (1-0) ABC
SATURDAY @ 12pm Arizona (0-1) @ New Jersey (0-1) FOX
SATURDAY @ 12pm New Orleans (0-1) @ Philadelphia (1-0) FOX
SATURDAY @ 4pm Portland (0-1) @ Seattle (0-1) ABC
SATURDAY @ 4pm Los Angeles (1-0) @ Denver (1-0) FOX
SATURDAY @ 8pm Memphis (1-0) @ Birmingham (0-1) ESPN
SUNDAY @ 12pm Texas (0-1) @ Washington (1-0) ABC
SUNDAY @ 12pm Tampa Bay (1-0) @ Pittsburgh (0-1) ABC
SUNDAY @ 12pm Ohio (0-1) @ Orlando (1-0) FOX
SUNDAY @ 4pm Las Vegas (0-1) @ Oakland (1-0) ABC
SUNDAY @ 4pm Chicago (1-0) @ St. Louis (0-1) FOX
SUNDAY @ 4pm Michigan (1-0) @ Houston (1-0) FOX
SUNDAY @ 8pm Jacksonville (1-0) @ Nashville (1-0) ESPN
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