2011 USFL Week 2 Recap: Topsy Turvy Start to Season Continues

A surprising start to the year as the range of 2-0 teams and 0-2 teams across the league is not what many preseason picks would have us expect. Following a week of close games and revelations about who is ready for the spotlight, we find Philadelphia, Chicago, Michigan, Portland, and New Orleans all sitting at 0-2 and wondering what has gone wrong, while Birmingham, Arizona, Tampa Bay, and St. Louis, all predicted to struggle this year, are sitting pretty at 2-0.  The Skyhawks win their 2nd divisional game in two weeks, this time on defense.  Birmingham proves that Legion Field still has some home cooking to it as they upset the Baltimore Blitz, and Arizona takes the early lead in the Southwest thanks to a big offensive outburst against Portland.  If the first two weeks of the season are any indication, we are in for a roller coaster this year.  Let’s get right to the action and see what we see in a topsy turvy Week 2.

WASHINGTON FEDERALS 28   PHILADELPHIA STARS 24

Two weeks into the season and we have featured the Philadelphia Stars twice.  Those who accuse us of East Coast bias are going to love this, but with Washington in town, and having already dropped a game to the Houston Gamblers, the Stars were already feeling pressure to come out strong in their second home game, while the Federals, fresh off a Week One win over Texas, were looking at the  very real possibility that they could go up 2 games on the defending division champs after only 2 weeks of play.

The game started off with both clubs a bit tenuous, which led to two quick three-and-outs.  Philadelphia got their initial first down on their second drive, but the drive soon fizzled as Washington got the first of what would be seven sacks on the day.  Following the Stars’ punt, and a nice return from Sheldon Brown, Washington had the ball at their own 36 yard line.  It would take them only 1 play to put the first points on the board.  On a perfectly executed play action pass, the safeties bit on the fake to McCallister, leaving them out of position when Darnerian McCants, the former Blitz, Dragon, and Monarch wideout, got past the corner.  David Garrard, rolling to McCants’s side of the field, hit the receiver in stride and 64-yards later he went untouched into the endzone for the first score of the game.

The crowd in Philadelphia was stunned, a huge play given up by a secondary that had looked a bit shaky against Houston, but which now had to be a concern.  The Stars’ offense, however, had looked very dangerous against the Gamblers and in the 2nd quarter they would prove to be a handful, even with Washington sending a wide array of blitz packages against Kurt Warner.  Philadelphia would score twice in the quarter, securing both of Warner’s TD tosses on the day.  The first came only 1:31 into the period, when the Philly QB found receiving back Leon Washington on a swing pass that took the ball into the endzone from the 7.  Just 5 mnutes later, following a good defensive stop, the Stars again were on offense and again moved the ball well before Warner found Stevie Johnon, his new number one receiver, on a fade route for the second Star touchdown of the day.   The lead would hold and Philadelphia would go to the break up 7.

In the third, both defenses came after the quarterbacks.  Kurt Warner saw two drives end with sacks, and David Garrard found himself scrambling or tossing the ball away.  However, midway through the period, the Federals caught a break when  a tipped ball found its way surprisingly into the hands of Heath Miller, who took it 14 yards on a key 3rd and 11 play.  That play plucked up the Feds, and they moved the ball down to the 3 before Garrard connected on his second TD toss, a quick hitch to Kellen Davis for the equalizer.  The game would go to the final period tied up at 14 apiece.

In the 4th, Philadelphia again retook the lead just 41 seconds in as Mike Nugent connected on a 53-yard field goal to give the home team a slight advantage.  It would take Washington 5 minutes to wipe that advantage out.  Garrard connected on his third TD of the game, a 31-yard strike to Deion Branch to swing the score towards the Federals, 21-17. Philadelphia would respond, driving the length of the field on their next possession, with Leon Washington again getting the score, this time on a pitch to the left that got him in from the 1.  Philadelphia was back on top at 24-21 with 5:01 left to play.

In a game that heated up late, five minutes was an eternity for Washington to put together another drive, and that is exactly what they did, marching 72 yards on 11 plays, and putting the ball in the endzone from the 9 when Garrard, having a career day, found Deion Branch once again, this time from the 9.  Washington, right at the 2-minute warning, had again flipped the scoreboard, Feds up 28-24. 

That 4-point margin was to be key, because it meant that the Stars could not position themselves for a game-tying field goal.  They would need to go for 7 and the win.  Following the Graham kickoff and a touchback, they would have 2 minutes, 2 timeouts, and 75 yards to go to snatch the win. Warner, initially facing only a 4-man rush, would find early success on the drive.  He connected with TE Eddie Williams for 15, then rookie Daniel Fells for 8.  After hitting Stevie Johnson for an 11-yard gain, Washington would change strategies.  They again returned to the high risk, high pressure plays that had worked for them earlier in the game.

On first and 10 from the Washington 27, the Feds brought that pressure, and it paid off.  LB Cameron Wake got to Warner, tripping him up and sending him to the ground for a 6-yard loss.  On 2nd down, it was DT Corey Liuget, the top rookie prospect on the Feds’ defense, who got immediate pressure up the middle, forcing Warner to go to his outlet, Washington.  The play gained back 4 of the 6 yards lost, but forced Philadelphia to use their last time out.  Third and 12.  The Stars would again be under pressure, but would go for it all on a deep ball to Stevie Johnson.  Corner Brandon Flowers was ready for it and had position over Johnson.  The Washington corner would time his jump well and come down with the ball in the endzone for a touchback and a game-ending pick. 

Philadelphia drops to 0-2, and with their first road game of the year next week at Baltimore, could be staring at 0-3 unless they find a way to tighten up both the defense and the pass protection for Warner.  Washington, feeling very differently about their prospects, moves to 2-0, but will have a tough task of their own as they head home to host the Bandits, also sitting at 2-0, in Week 3.

NASHVILLE 17   NEW ORLEANS 10

The first of two annual battles between these two Southern rivals goes to the Knights.  Nashville rookie Demarius Moore continues to impress, adding a 3rd TD to his total.  Jay Cutler also connects with Jake Ballard as the Knights move to 2-0 and send New Orleans to a shaky 0-2 start.  Breaker rookie Patrick Peterson landed his first pro interception, while Knight Mario Addison got his first USFL sack.

LOS ANGELES 24   JACKSONVILLE 34

The Bulls showed some explosiveness as Tim Tebow connected on 21 of 32 and threw three touchdowns, two to veteran Rashaun Woods. Kevin Kolb was benched after 3 quarters.   Brodie Croyle came in, hit Keyshawn with a 70-yard TD but also threw a pick-6 to Jacksonville’s Eric Weddle. 

DENVER 19   OHIO 3

Denver’s defense comes up big against Dereck Anderson and the Glory.  Ohio was held to 174 total yards on the day in their home opener, with Anderson picked off twice.  The Gold also ran the Glory into the ground, with Javon Ringer getting 18 carries for 111 yards and Maurice Hicks another 20 carries for 82 yards as Denver ran the ball 41 times in total on a rainy day in Columbus.

NEW JERSEY 16   HOUSTON 27

Houston’s consecutive win streak hits 15 as they win the home opener thanks to a 21 of 27 day for Matt Hasselbeck, highlighted with 3 TD passes.  Shaun Alexander added 86 yards rushing and the Houston defense, kept Sam Bradford in check, completing only 19 of 36 passes and taking 3 sacks.  Houston has now not lost since Week 6 of the 2010 season.

ST. LOUIS 10   MICHIGAN 6

Last week it was the offense, this week the defense as St. Louis wins another divisional game to open the season.  Josh Freeman struggled, completing only 9 of 22 passes, but the Skyhawk defense was there, holding Michigan to only 4 of 14 on third down and 0-3 on fourth down attempts.  The star on offense for the Hawks was Antowain Smith, whose 131 yards and 20-yard TD run were huge in this close game.

LAS VEGAS 34   OAKLAND 10

Marshawn Lynch went medieval on the Invaders, rushing for a nasty 219 yards on 24 carries, a 9.1 YPC average.  He and Rashard Jennings combined for 3 rushing TDs and Jake Plummer added a 4th as the Oaklannd defense just had no answers at all.  Invader rookie Ryan Williams had a much better second outing, rushing for 60 carries on 11 attempts (5.5 YPC) but was dwarfed by the clinic Beast Mode put on.

CHARLOTTE 17   TAMPA BAY 35

The game was close at the half (7-7), but the Bandits had a monster 3rd quarter, with a Culpepper to Galloway TD pass, the combo’s 2nd of the year, and a Philip Buchanon pick-six, as Tampa Bay pulled away and assured themselves a 2-0 start to the year.  Charlotte ran the ball well, with Fred Jackson and Taiwan Jones combining for 139 yards, but 2 picks of Delhomme and 11 penalties did them in during the second half.

MEMPHIS 9   ORLANDO 34

Eli Manning threw for 3 scores against a well-known foe, and Knowshon Moreno got 27 carries and added 107 yards as the Renegades rolled to their first win of the year.  Rookie QB Ryan Mallett looked a bit frantic, throwing 3 picks and taking 8 sacks, including 4 from a riled up Calais Campbell as the Orlando D dominated this game from kickoff to final whistle.

BALTIMORE 21   BIRMINGHAM 24

Watch out for the Stallions!  Birmingham moves to 2-0 after edging the Blitz at Legion Field. NFL signee Joseph Addai rushed for 103 yards and a score while rookie QB Cam Newton threw for 189 but connected on 2 scoring tosses, including one to fellow rookie Julius Thomas.  Birmingham is 2-0 and the defense limited Ron Dayne to only 9 carries, a feat in itself.

BOSTON 14   TEXAS 21

The Outlaws get a nice win at home as Joe Flacco goes 14 of 17 and Marques Colston collects 5 balls for 134 yards against the Boston D.  McPherson went 26 of 49 for the Cannons but could not find the endzone.  Texas CB Michael Boulware was the defensive star with 10 tackles and 2 pass breakups on the day. 

ATLANTA 27   SEATTLE 20

Atlanta made the long flight out to Seattle and flew home with a W.  Kyle Orton went 17 of 25 and threw 3 scoring tosses, two of them to Demaryious Thomas.  Rookie Anthony Allen had a big day, rushing for 84 yards and outgaining Darren McFadden by nearly 60 yards on the day.  Seattle got 2 TDs from Nate Burleson, but a late drive to tie the game fell short when Chris Chambers dropped a 4th and goal pass as time ran out.

ARIZONA 34   PORTLAND 17

Portland drops to 0-2 under A. J. Feeley as the Stags’ QB was sacked 5 times.  David Carr had a better day, throwing 3 TDs while LT rushed for 104 on 23 carries as Arizona moves to 2-0 in the young season.  MLB Pat Angerer had a big game for the Wranglers, leading the club with 9 tackles and adding a sack. 

CHICAGO 28   PITTSBURGH 29

The Sunday Night closer was a beauty of a game, with the two Central Division foes going back and forth on the scoreboard.  Both Vincent Jackson and Victor Cruz both went over 100 yards on the day, Cruz helped by a 37-yard TD strike from Pickett in the 3rd quarter.  Michael Turner rushed for 109, but it was not enough as a late Ryan Succop field goal was enough for Pittsburgh to escape with a win, while Chicago falls to 0-2.

Stars, Panthers, Breakers, Stags,  Machine, and Generals Fear 0-3 Start

Hard to believe there are desperation games in early April, but for the 0-2 clubs, particularly those that were expected to do much more, a drop to 0-3 will be a huge hit.  That is what 6 playoff contenders are facing as they dropped both their opening two games and now have to stare the potential for 0-3 in the face. 

Philadelphia has played well, but back to back games against Houston and Washington have not been an easy way to kick off the season.  It does not get a lot easier in Week 3 as the Stars have to travel down I-95 to face the Baltimore Blitz.

Michigan was hoping for a quick and conclusive bounce back after a bad 2010. They have Brian Griese back, but so far this season they have looked nothing like the 11-3 Panthers from 2009, much less the 2008 league champions.  They face another desperate team, the 0-3 Machine, in what may be the most important early season divisional game we have seen in a decade.

Chicago is right there with Michigan, praying they don’t come out of Week 3 without their first win.  The Machine have given up 28 and 29 points in their first two games and rank dead last, allowing 418 points per game after 2 weeks.  That is not a winning formula to be sure.

Portland’s issue has been offense, though, giving up 34 to Arizona also seems an issue.  The Stags have only averaged 63 yards rushing per game, which, for a team that bases its offense on the run game, is not a good start.  They have to travel to Denver this week, never an easy place to steal a win, but they will do it with a new QB under center as Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the starter in Week 3.

New Orleans was hoping for more from Drew Brees in their opening games, but the Breakers have only managed 20 points over 2 games, scoring 10 each game, while giving up 47 points over that same span.  They will host Orlando this week in the much-anticipated Manning-Brees reunion, but so far Manning has had the better time of the season. 

Finally, we have New Jersey, who had hoped to make an immediate impact with games against Baltimore and Houston, but they fell in both games.  They now head to 0-2 Boston, before a huge game against the Federals.  The Generals need to get this road win or risk falling very far behind as this Boston game is the first of 5 consecutive divisional games. No time to find themselves, they need to find wins now or drop so far out of the race as to be irrelevant by midseason.

Free Agent Arrivals Help Spark Their Teams

Last week we focused on the rookies making first impressions on their USFL clubs, this week we look at some of the free agents who are making an impact on their new teams.  Two weeks are in the books and we are already seeing signs that some of the big name players who have relocated are finding success in adapting and contributing to their new clubs, while others may need more time to make the fit work.  Here are 8 of the most talked about free agents (and 2 players traded, you can guess who) and how their first 2 games have gone.

INSTANT IMPACT 

Troy Polamalu (ARZ): No surprise here.  Polamalu has come to the Wranglers and helped inspire a new spirit of competitiveness and aggressiveness on the Arizona defense.  The Wranglers have started the year 2-0 and while we cannot give Troy the credit for the club averaging 30 points per game over their first two outings, we absolutely should look to him as a big reason they have also given up only 15 points per game.  With Karlos Dansby down to injury, Polamalu now takes on an even more prominent role in the defense, both in his on-field contributions and his ability to motivate and energize the team.

Steve Smith (OHI): To look at his catch totals (9) and yards (95) over 2 weeks you would not think that we would call Steve Smith’s arrival in Ohio a clear immediate impact, but when we add in the 2 touchdowns already, and the attention he is drawing from defenders, allowing Dereck Anderson to find other receivers open, the game film shows us a player who is having an impact.  With Ohio expected to switch from Anderson to Young within the next couple of weeks, we think that Smith’s numbers will improve, but for now he is creating space for others like Aurelious Benn, Javon Walker, and rookie Randall Cobb to get favorable matchups.

Joey Galloway (TBY): Brought in on a short-term deal, Galloway is already providing the type of top tier impact that you would expect of the future hall of famer.  He leads the 2-0 Bandits with 12 receptions for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns, and, as with Smith, the need to account for him on every play has made life a lot easier for Chris Doering (10 catches for 173) and rookie TE Luke Stocker.  The Bandits boast the league’s 6th best passing game and are averaging over 27 points per game.  Galloway’s presence is a big reason for that. 

Antonio Cromartie (BIR):  While all the hype has been about Cam Newton and the Stallion offense, we should not ignore the fact that the Stallions now have a Top 10 defense in both yards and points allowed, and that cornerback Antonio Cromartie has been a big piece of that newly stiffened defense.  He leads the team with 17 tackles, and has been effective both against Tory Holt and Early Doucet in his first two games.  He comes up to help on the run, and is helping to shape the attitude of the Stallion secondary. 

From Colt to Stallion

Joseph Addai (BIR): Another Stallion helping to contribute to their surprising 2-0 start is NFL signee Addai.  After a modest 53 yard opening day, Addai is adapting to his new team and they to him, evident in the 103 yard, 1 TD performance this week against Baltimore.  Addai is providing the bulk of the carries for the Stallion run game (34 compared to Danny Woodhead’s 7 or Ben Tate’s 6) and is averaging 4.6 yards per carry.  The threat of the run has made it possible for Cam Newton to see better protection, and Addai has also served as an outlet on early downs when he is in on play action passing plays. 

Eli Manning (ORL): While not huge numbers in terms of yardage (391 in 2 games), the key to Manning’s early success with the Renegades is his 5:1 touchdown:interception ratio and his ability to guide the Orlando offense.  Manning has effectively taken the lead with the offense, is making calls at the line, and is helping Knowshon Moreno be more effective as well.  Now, could we say that the same would not be true with Drew Brees under center?  Hard to make that case, but what we can say is that the rest of the Renegade offense seems to be listening and following a QB who has, in the past, been criticized for his leadership style.

NOT THERE YET

Jake Delhomme (CHA): Not to say that Delhomme has been a flop so far, he has helped Charlotte to the 7th best passing game in the league after 2 weeks, but the Monarchs have only scored 26 points in 2 weeks.  They got their first touchdowns this week after only 3 field goals in a 9-3 in over Memphis in Week 1, and the 1:3 ratio of touchdowns to picks is not exactly what Coach Mora was hoping for.  But, with a new team, new receivers and new coaches, we should expect that it will take time for Delhomme to feel fully comfortable and for everyone to be on the same page.

Darren Sharper (PHI): The Stars, defending Eastern Champions, are 0-2, and have the 28th ranked scoring defense in the league. That is dead last.  Admitedly, starting the year with Houston and Washington is no easy task, but fans have expected better out of this squad, and out of Sharper.  The former Machine safety is currently 4th on the team in tackles with 12, but has also made some gaffs, particularly in covering Ike Hilliard week one.  If Philadelphia, whose offense has been lights out so far, hopes to return to the Summer Bowl, they are going to have to get more out of Sharper and the defense as a whole.

Mark Simoneau (POR): Another team and another defense that was expected to get off to a better start Is in Portland.  The Stags currently rank 27th in scoring defense, just above Philly.  They have lost to Seattle and Arizona and given up 57 points in their first two games, nearly 30 a game.  Simoneau, who was brought in to replace Mike Maslowski (now in Oakland) was seen as a lateral move, and while he does lead the team with 10 tackles, the results have not been what Stag fans wanted to see.  The defense seems indecisive and out of position far too often, and that often points to a MLB who is not making calls to put them in position.

Drew Brees (NOR): while Brees has more yards than Manning at this point, and his 70.8% completion rate is also quite strong, what we are not seeing from the former Purdue QB is a connection to his receivers or an ability to raise the performances of those around him.  Brees has a younger receiver corps than Manning, and there is certainly some adaptation to a new QB needed, but we have not seen in two games much ability to put together a string of positive plays, or to take command of a game. New Orleans ranks 25th in points, having scored 10 in each of their first 2 games, and don’t seem to have an offensive identity yet.  We won’t put all of that on Brees, but if the Breakers are going to get into the mix in the Southern Division, the personality of this offense is going to have to gel soon, and Brees should be at the center of that.

Fitzpatrick, and Locker to Get A Shot In Week 3

With both Portland and Boston sitting at 0-2, it is not a surprise that Coach Brooks and Coach Fox want to get a look at their new QB talent.  Both coaches announced this week that their new acquisitions would get the start this week.  In Portland there has been a duel between Feeley and NJ import Ryan Fitzpatrick all through camp, and it was familiarity with the offense that helped Feeley get the initial starts, but it seems that Coach Brooks is ready to see what Fitz-Magic can do.

In Boston it was just a matter of time, and an 0-2 start with Adrian McPherson at the helm was all Coach Fox needed to pull the trigger and put in rookie star Jake Locker.  Locker was the number 1 pick in the draft, traded to Boston by the Stallions and Cannon fans have been asking for him to play ever since.  He will get his shot in Week 3 when the Cannons take on New Jersey at Alumni Stadium. No pressure, Jake, just a potential to go 0-3, and to lose to the rival Generals at the same time. 

Flacco Atop QB Ratings

With 545 yards and a 5:0 TD:INT ratio after two games, it is Joe Flacco sitting atop the league’s QB Ratings, not something even Texas fans could have anticipated.  Flacco, who usually spends more time handing off to T. J. Duckett than throwing dimes is doing a bit more this year, at least so far, in the Texas offense. The 1-1 Outlaws currently rank 3rd in the league in passing yards, while Duckett is averaging only 62 yards per game.  Is this a shift of philosophy for Coach Landry, or is this just the reality that teams are going to stack the box against the run until Flacco shows he can beat them through the air?  If the latter, it seems Flacco is making a good argument that defenses may need to respect the pass a bit more.

The former Delaware Blue Hen currently sits with a ridiculous 145.1 QB Rating ,and while we do not expect that lofty number to hold over a full 16-week season, it is a good indicator that he is getting time to throw, and finding open receivers to throw to.  And Flacco has not been picky this season, connecting with 10 different receivers over 2 games.  Marques Colston and Brandon Marshall have gotten the majority of targets, but Flacco is also using both tight ends, with Cooley and Jermichael Finley also getting attention.  Roscoe Parrish, the 3rd receiver, is also in the mix.  Flacco’s success may very well force defenses to play a bit deeper and with an eye towards the pass, a dangerous situation when a club has a top tier running back like Duckett as well.  The Outlaws will be tested this week, hosting the Gamblers, and the ability of Joe Flacco to keep defenses honest could be a huge factor in that pivotal game.

A tough blow for the Maulers as CB Will Poole could be out up to 2 months after a tear in his abdominal lining.  That is a pretty rare injury, but it is one that takes time to heal, and time without any physical training either as there are few muscle groups that don’t impact the core.

Others who could miss a month or longer include Washington OT Ryan Considine (knee), Boston FB Sean Smith (leg), New Orleans guard Sean  Mathis (bicepts) and Michigan guard Lennie Friedman (back).  Less severe, but potentially a 1-3 week concern is Oakland FS Chris Conte (arm), Breaker HB Matt Forte (toe), Denver DE Bryce Fisher (concussion) and rookie DE Sam Acho of Memphis (finger). 

USFL Rosters Continue to Evolve as NFL Transfer Window Closes

With two weeks down in the USFL season some clubs are still making moves to add talent, either for injury replacement, or just a desire to improve a weak facet of their team.  We saw a flurry of last second signings from the NFL pool of free agents as the window closed this week, including three defensive backs coming to the USFL to shore up what have been shaky secondaries over the season’s first two weeks.  We also saw LA grab an emergency QB and Oakland try to add some inside power to their run game.  We start, however, with the 4 late NFL signings.

Philadelphia and Chicago have both seen a lot of issues with their pass defense in the season’s opening weeks, so they both reached into the NFL talent pool to try to find an option at cornerback.  For Philadelphia the answer was former Buffalo Bill Drayton Florence, signed to a 2-year deal on the final day of the window. For Chicago it was former Lion Danieal Manning.  Both corners start their time in the USFL on the practice squad, but both are expected to join the active roster by Week 4.  For Chicago the need was pressing after starting CB Marlin Jackson was lost for up to 2 months with a fractured fibula.  For Philadelphia, the addition of Florence should help add depth behind Shields and Jammer, giving the Stars a better option in nickel and dime packages.

For Oakland, the issue has not been at cornerback, but at safety, where Chris Conte has struggled over the first two weeks.  The rookie has made some bad choices and cost the Invaders a few tough third downs. He also suffered an injury this week, putting doubts in Oakland's collective mind about a full 16-game season for the rookie.  The solution, at least in the short term, appears to be former New Orleans Saint safety Roman Harper.  Harper was signed to a 1-year deal and will join the team this week.  Expect to see him on the field at free safety by Week 4.

Las Vegas was the other club to address a need, for them a need at Wide Receiver.  The Run & Shoot June Jones wants to operate requires a lot of receivers and particularly smaller receivers with quick moves.  The Thunder hope they have found just what they need with the addition of Legedu Naanee, a small but speedy receiver with quick moves off the line.  He is on the Thunder practice squad after coming over from the NFL Panthers, but expect to see him work his way into the 3,4, and 5-receiver sets Jones likes to implement.

Beyond the NFL window, we did see three signings this week from within the USFL player pool, primarily to deal with injury.  Los Angeles added long time Ohio backup QB and 2010 starter Chris Redman as an emergency QB behind Kevin Kolb and Brody Croyle.  Mark Sanchez is expected to miss several weeks with a broken jaw, so having a 3rd QB was a priority for the Express. 

Nashville also filled an injury-void in their lineup, adding fullback James Meyers to sub for the injured Peyton Hillis.  Meyers was last with Houston, where he appeared in 3 games over the past 2 years. 

Finally, in a move that makes sense but cannot build confidence for their top rookie pick, Oakland has dipped into the free agent pool to sign halfback BenJarvis Green-Ellis.  The big back is expected to take on some short yardage and goalline duties for rookie Ryan Williams as Oakland tries to cope with the retirement of Ricky Williams.  Green-Ellis was on the roster of Nashville in 2008-2009 but did not have a team in 2010.   

The key for Week three are the teams hoping to reach 3-0 and those hoping to avoid 0-3.  We have a matchup of unexpected 0-2 teams as Chicago and Michigan face off on Sunday night.  One of them is going to have a very unpleasant slog to get back into contention if they drop to 0-3.  Philadelphia is hoping to avoid that issue, but with a road game at Baltimore, it will not be easy.  Boston and New Jersey are also both 0-2, and they will clash at Alumni Stadium to see who gets their first win. 

On the other end of the spectrum, the surprising Birmingham Stallions face their first road test and it is a huge one, traveling to Nashville to take on the 2-0 Knights in a key early season divisional game.  Tampa Bay and Washington are also both 2-0 and one will emerge from their Saturday game still unbeaten.  Houston hopes to hit 3-0 but will be in San Antonio for the always tough Texas Tussle.  Finally, the St. Louis Knights get a third straight divisional game and hope to make it a 3-0 sweep as they host the Pittsburgh Maulers on Sunday.

FRIDAY @ 8pm ET            JACKSONVILLE (1-1) @ ATLANTA (1-1)                    NBC

SATURDAY @ 12pm ET   TAMPA BAY (2-0) @ WASHINGTON (2-0)               ABC

SATURDAY @ 12pm ET   NEW JERSEY (0-2) @ BOSTON (0-2)                      FOX

SATURDAY @ 12pm ET   PHILADELPHIA (0-2) BALTIMORE (1-1)                     FOX

SATURDAY @ 4pm ET     SEATTLE (1-1) @ LAS VEGAS (2-0)                        ABC

SATURDAY @ 4pm ET     PORTLAND (0-2) @ DENVER (1-1)                            FOX

SATURDAY @ 8pm ET     HOUSTON (2-0) @ TEXAS (1-1)                            ESPN

SUNDAY @ 12pm ET        OAKLAND (1-1) @ CHARLOTTE (1-1)                    ABC

SUNDAY @ 12pm ET        OHIO (1-1) @ MEMPHIS (0-2)                              ABC

SUNDAY @ 12pm ET       BIRMINGHAM (2-0) @ NASHVILLE (2-0)                FOX

SUNDAY @ 4pm ET          ARIZONA (2-0) @ LOS ANGELES (1-1)                     ABC

SUNDAY @ 4pm ET          PITTSBURGH (1-1) @ ST. LOUIS (2-0)                        FOX

SUNDAY @ 4pm ET          ORLANDO (1-1) @ NEW ORLEANS (0-2)              FOX

SUNDAY @ 8pm ET          MICHIGAN (0-2) @ CHICAGO (0-3)                     EFN