The first football movie to be highlighted on the road to Hollywood is a perfect fit for the week of the underdogs. "Rudy" tells the story of an undersized kid from northern Indiana whose dream is to play for Notre Dame. His drive, determination and grit inspire those around him and lead to one of the best final scenes in any sports movie ever made.
A week where upsets were the order of the day. Maybe in 3 months time we will look back and say that some of the games this week were not truly upsets, simply teams we were underestimating, but right now, right here, we have at least 5 games that the Vegas books, and a lot of us watching at home, got wrong. It was also a week that saw the injury ranks swell as several key players are now sidelined at least temporarily. Finally, it was a week that produced more eye-popping statistics as we saw a 200-yard rusher and an early OPOTY candidate go for nearly 250 in combined yards. But we start with the five games that surprised us and then we can get into the nitty gritty as we review all the week’s action.
Upsets Highlight Week 2 Action
Football is a game of inches, and sometimes that means that all the logical predictions we make can be thrown aside. This week was one of those weeks as not one, not two, but 5 underdogs found a way to beat the odds. That’s five teams that were at least a 5-point underdog surprised us with a big win. On Saturday we saw Dallas, a team we all may be undervaluing right now, go into Charlotte and largely shut down the Monarch offense on their way to a 17-9 victory. That same night we saw two upsets on Saturday Prime Time as New Jersey defended their home turf and stunned an Atlanta club we all had as a potential division champion, followed by Houston laying the lumber to the league champions, scoring a major victory at NRG Stadium. Finally, on Sunday, we got more of the same with St. Louis upending Michigan at Ford Field and Memphis stunning San Diego in the Showboat season opener.
In all five games we saw the underdog doing something that our profiles and research pretty much said they could not do. New Jersey ran the ball right into the heart of the Atlanta defense, and did it with so much success that their lead back, Maurice Jones-Drew, was able to top 200 yards on the ground. Dallas played shut down defense, keeping Charlotte out of the endzone and nearly doubling the Monarch offensive production. St. Louis held the ball for nearly 38 minutes and kept Michigan’s offense off the field, holding the Panthers to only 189 total yards. Memphis played solid D as well, with a little help from a bum ankle for Marshawn Lynch, and kept the San Diego Offense out of the endzone for 3 ½ quarters. Finally, Houston broke down the stingy Baltimore defense and produced a 35-0 scoring run that turned a battle into a blowout.
This is the nature of pro football. Unlike the college game where teams can pad their schedule with opponents who simply cannot measure up, in pro football there is enough parity, enough equity of talent, that on any given Sunday (as the phrase goes) a team can find its way and do the unexpected. And who knows, perhaps by Week 16 we will look at one of these five underdogs and say that this week’s big win was the start of them turning a corner and surprising us all with an excellent season. We should remember, after all, that last year we all predicted Baltimore to finish dead last in the NE Division, not to make a Summer Bowl run. It’s the beauty of the game, well, for those of us who are not coaching the Thunder, Panthers, Fire, Monarchs or Blitz that is.
PHILADELPHIA STARS 23 WASHINGTON FEDERALS 24
No upset in Washington, except for the small but loud contingent of Philly fans who made the drive to RFK stadium in our nation’s capital. What we got instead was an evenly matched game between two proud organizations, neither of which wanted to come out of the gate with an 0-2 start. Washington had lost their opener on the road in Pittsburgh, but were determined not to fizzle in front of their home crowd. Philadelphia had already suffered a bad defeat in their home opener, beaten by 17 by the Blitz, and were hoping to rebound with a strong showing against a Federals team they viewed as ripe for the picking.
So, we had two proud teams, both seeing this as a chance to step up and set a tone for the year. Only one would come out on top, but we would not know who until the final minute of play as once again the GOTW came down to the final seconds of play. It was an even game pretty much across the board, with both teams faring well in the run game, both putting up solid, if not spectacular passing stats, and both having their share of defensive stops. For Philadelphia, playing without Matt Gutierrez, the key was protecting Chad Henne from the pressure of carrying the team. For Washington it was about getting their stars more involved after a surprising lack of production in Week 1.
Early on it looked like the Stars may have had the game under control. They scored the only points of a slow-paced first quarter, a 40-yard kick from Mike Nugent, but then exploded for touchdowns on consecutive drives to make it a 17-0 lead. On the first drive Chad Henne connected on 3 of 4 passing to drive the Stars down the field, then connected with Stevie Johnson on a play action pass at the goal line. The second drive saw the run game take over, with backup Leon Washington making his case for more carries with a 21-yard scoring run. Washington would finish with fewer carries on the day than starter Zac Stacy (14 to 19) but would see much better results, rushing for 117 yards to lead all rushers, and blowing past Stacy’s 47-yard day.
But, despite getting in an early hole, Washington was not knocked out. They rallied late in the half and found their first score when David Garrard got his top receiver involved. The Feds’ QB connected with Deion Branch on what should have been a quick 11-yard in-cutting route, but which turned into a 41-yard touchdown when Branch eluded a defender and cut towards the sideline, outracing the safety to the endzone. The Federals went into the half down 10 but with a sense that momentum had changed.
In a defensively-dominated 3rd quarter the only points put up were from the foot of Washington kicker Adam Vinatieri, who added a 40-yarder to bring Washington within 7. Philadelphia added their own 3-pointer right as the 4th quarter began, a 30-yard kick that resulted from a sack of Henne that nearly produced a drive killing fumble. Henne was able to recover the ball, but the blown 3rd down play forced the Stars to settle for 3. Up 20-10, they would need to hold off the Federals for nearly a full 15 minutes of game time. That proved difficult.
The Federals continued to feed Deuce McCallister the ball, helping him hit the century mark with 104 yards on 16 carries, but the pacing was different. Washington used “muddle huddles” or short half-way huddles to get the basics of a play set up, then rushed to the line and made adjustments. This kept Philadelphia from substituting as much as they would like, and it gave David Garrard more control of the playcalls. He used that autonomy to call several successful plays, leading the Feds deep into Philadelphia territory. The drive came to an end when Garrard found TE Kellen Davis alone in the endzone and delivered a frozen rope to get the big receiver the ball before the safeties could converge. Philadelphia’s lead was cut to 3, 20-17.
The Stars moved the ball well in response to Washington’s drive, pushing the ball all the way to the Washington 3 before the wheels fell off the bus. A false start pushed them back 5, then a missed receiver in the endzone, a run by Stacy to get them back to the 3, and a 3rd down play that ended with Henne sailing the ball practically into the stands to avoid a sack. Seeing the difficulty his team was having with Washington’s short-yardage defense, Coach Jim Harbaugh opted to go for 3 and take his chances that his defense could hold Washington out of the endzone with only 1:46 left on the clock.
Second guess Coach Harbaugh if you wish, certainly a 10-point lead would have been nearly impenetrable, but there was no guarantee that the Stars could score on a 4th and goal from the 3. They took the 3 points and set their defense up to defend against a Federals offense that was not known for quick strikes. Washington, for their part, opted to stay in a 3-receiver set, allowing Deuce McCallister to play the safety valve while still putting Branch, LaFell, Kellen Davis and Kelvin Benjamin on the field. In only 7 short plays, and using 2 of 3 timeouts, Washington drove the ball well into range to take some endzone shots as the clock started to get tight.
Once again Garrard looked to his most trusted receiver, and once again Deion Branch would come through. With a post-corner pattern, supported by Brandon LaFell taking a hard inside cut to occupy the safety, Branch got into a footrace with CB Sam Shields instead of the quicker Cortland Finnegan. Branch got a step on Shields and Garrard did the rest, throwing a perfect ball into the endzone for Branch to reach out and snag. The veteran receiver dragged his 2nd foot along the turf, and the ref raised his hands to signal the touchdown with only seconds left on the clock.
The PAT from Vinatieri would seal the fate of the Stars, dropping them to 0-2 and giving Washington the win they felt they needed to help recalibrate after a disappointing 7-9 season a year ago. So, on to week three for both, with the Feds headed to St. Louis with hopes of putting back-to-back wins on the field, while Philadelphia would return home to face a familiar foe, their rival, the Generals in a third straight divisional matchup to start the year.
SEATTLE 14 PORTLAND 17 OVERTIME
Another rainy game in Portland, but another win for the waterlogged Stags. Ryan Fitzpatrick again gets the start as Coach Hamilton wants Mariota to watch and learn, but it was a day for the mudders, as both Jonathan Stewart and Joseph Addai go over 100 yards rushing. The two slog it out into overtime before a nice drive gives the Stags what they need to get Mason Crosby into range and end the game with a 29-yard field goal to send Portland to 2-0.
POTG: Stags HB Jonathan Stewart: 23 Att, 132 Yds, 1 TD.
DALLAS 17 CHARLOTTE 9
Dallas’s defense continues to surprise and impress as they hold Charlotte to 3 field goals and only 23 total yards. Wheedon completes only 18 of 41 attempts and McFadden is held to 2.9 yards per carry as the Roughnecks improve to 2-0. Dallas also got it done on the ground with Mendenhall (93 yards) and Pittman (62) combining to wear down the Monarch defense.
POTG: Dallas HB Rashard Mendenhall: 14 Att, 93 Yds, 2 TD
TAMPA BAY 25 BIRMINGHAM 33
The Bandits found some offense as Sanchez thew for 343 and 3 scores, but his 2 picks helped Birmingham get the win. Rookies T. J. Yeldon (95 yds on 17 carries) and Amari Cooper (5 for 124 yards) came up big for the Stallions, as did LB DeMeco Ryans, with 11 tackles. Santonio Holmes had 109 yards receiving for the Bandits, with Santana Moss bringing in 2 scores.
POTG: Stallion rookie WR Amari Cooper: 5 Rec, 124 Yds.
DENVER 22 CHICAGO 6
No snow this week in Chicago, but a blustery, cold day and a rock hard turf made life difficult for both teams. It did not affect Denver kicker Greg Zeurlein however, as he went 5 of 6 kicking and accounted for 15 of the Gold’s 22 points. Brady Quinn was booed as he left the field after a 16 of 33, 150 yard day for the Machine. Two rough starts in rough weather for the Chicago starter.
POTG: Denver DE Justice Cole: 6 Tck, 2 Scks
ATLANTA 17 NEW JERSEY 21
The Generals shock Atlanta as Maurice Drew goes off against the Fire defense. MJD rushes for a stunning 210 yards and accounts for 2 of the 3 New Jersey touchdowns in an unanticipated failure by the Fire D. The New Jersey back averaged 8.4 yards per carry on the day, making life easy for Sam Bradford, who threw for 2 scores (one to MJD). The Generals’ D also came through, holding Kyle Orton to 205 yards passing and snuffing out a late game drive with a key sack by Chase Blackburn to preserve the win.
POTG: Generals’ HB Maurice Jones-Drew: 25 Att, 210 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Rec, 12 Yds, 1 TD
BALTIMORE 21 HOUSTON 42
An astonishing 35-0 run by the Gamblers shellshocked Baltimore and gave the home team a margin they would not lose. Touchdowns from Williams, Hyde (2), and Evans (2) on 5 consecutive drives showed the firepower of the Gamblers as Baltimore’s defense seemed utterly lost. Ben Roethlisberger would throw for 393 in an attempt to come back, but the Blitz fell far short as the Gamblers simply dominated offensively.
POTG: Gambler HB Carlos Hyde: 19 Att, 141 Yds, 1 TD, 4 Rec, 83 Yds, 1 TD
ST. LOUIS 17 MICHIGAN 14
Another surprising result in Detroit as the Skyhawks move to 2-0 with a road win against the Panthers. St. Louis got 108 yards from Eddie Lacy and scored 10 in the final period to upend the Panthers. Kirk Cousins struggled all game, completing only 13 of 27 passes and throwing a costly pick midway through the 4th, leading to the game winning field goal from Rob Bironas.
POTG: HB Eddie Lacy of St. Louis: 20 Att, 108 Yds
SAN DIEGO 10 MEMPHIS 19
Memphis win their home opener with an upset of San Diego, thanks in large part to the play of LB NaVorro Bowman. Bowman’s safety in the 3rd quarter gave Memphis a 2-score lead, and they held San Diego to a field goal the rest of the way. Eli Manning threw TDs to Nate Washington and Sidney Rice and rookie HB Todd Gurley added 71 on the ground as the Showboats get the upset win over the Thunder.
POTG: Showboat LB NaVorro Bowman; 7 Tck, 1 Sck, 1 Sfty
ORLANDO 24 JACKSONVILLE 17
Coach Del Rio goes with McPherson again and the veteran almost gets the Bulls to the promised land, but 115 yards from Knowshon Moreno and a late TD from Wilson to Maclin put and end to the upset bid as Orlando moves to 2-0 and Jacksonville’s losing streak reaches 18 games. NFL import Reuben Randle looked good for the Bulls, catching 6 for 93, while the defense played well against a somewhat erratic Russell Wilson.
POTG: Orlando CB Syd’Quan Thompson: 6 Tck, 1 Int, 1 Def TD, 1 FF, 1 FR
LAS VEGAS 9 TEXAS 41
An angry Outlaws team after their opening game loss vented their frustration against the Vipers, building a 27-0 lead before Las Vegas got on the board. Flacco threw for 275 and 2 scores, with Colston again the primary target with 6 catches for 130 and 2 touchdowns. A Clyde Adams pick-six made things even worse for the Vipers, who head home for the grand opening of Wynn Arena at 0-2.
POTG: Texas WR Marques Colston: 6 Rec, 130 Yds, 2 TD
LOS ANGELES 10 OHIO 25
Ohio moves to 2-0 with another strong defensive performance, highlighted by 7 sacks as they drive Aaron Murray out of the game and Tim Tebow sees his first action in an Express uniform. Troy Smith connected with Steve Smith 6 times for 103 yards on the day, but the big story again was the Ohio pass rush, with 6 different players recording sacks and free agent acquisition Kamerion Wemberley adding 2 more to his total for the year.
POTG: Ohio CB Ashton Youboty: 6 Tck, 1 Int, 1 Def TD
ARIZONA 16 OAKLAND 26
Oakland improves to 2-0 with a nice home win against the Wranglers. Joey Harrington kept pace with David Carr and the Oakland defense got to the Arizona QB 5 times, including a safety from Ellis, to help build a 26-9 lead that they would not relinquish. Gore was held to only 38 yards rushing and Harrington connected with both Davante Adams and Pierre Garçon as the Invaders upend the Wranglers.
POTG: Invader DT Sedrick Ellis: 6 Tck, 3 Sck, 1 Sfty, 1 FF
NEW ORLEANS 28 PITTSBURGH 27
It took 59 minutes and 50 seconds, but New Orleans got the last second score to spoil Pittsburgh’s shot at 2-0. After trailing most of the game, it was Brees to HB Jeremy Hill with 10 seconds left to give the Breakers the 1-point victory. Brees finished 26 of 41 for 277 and 2 scores, while Andy Dalton again dominated the Mauler offense, throwing for 381 in what ended up being a losing cause.
POTG: Breaker LB Kevin Minter: 4 Tck, 1 Int, 1 Def TD
MJD Rushes for 210 in Upset of Fire
Where did this come from? Maurice Jones-Drew looked unstoppable, like a bowling ball on fire in a cluster of pins as he rumbled through the Atlanta defense for over 200 yards. It was a stunning performance by a back that has been criticized in the Tri-State area for his lack of big plays. You cannot say that this week, as the back averaged over 8 yards per carry and broke off a 42-yard run and a couple of tackle-breaking 20-yarders as well. MJD was quick to thank the O-line of the Generals, but the highlights show him single-handedly ripping through tackles and making players miss. It was a great game for the diminutive back (only 5’7”) and a good omen for the Generals if they can figure out a way to get this kind of effort from their lead back each week.
Carlos Hyde Amasses 224 Yards From Scrimmage
Another back making a lot of noise this week was Houston’s sophomore stud, Carlos Hyde. The Ohio State product looked like he was up against Kent State instead of the Baltimore Blitz as he rushed for 141 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry, and then added 4 receptions for another 83 yards. Throw in two touchdowns and you have one heck of a day for the 2nd year player and 2014 Rookie of the Year. Hyde is currently 4th in rushing behind MJD, Eddie Lacy, and Knowshon Moreno, but his 4.9 YPC average is among the best in the game. Add in his abilities in the Houston passing game and this is one player who is going to have to be a focal point for any defense that faces the Gamblers this year.
Big Ben Averaging over 390 Yds a Game
The Blitz may have fallen to the Gamblers this week, but don’t put that on Big Ben. The Baltimore QB is one of 2 in the game right now (Andy Dalton being the other) who is averaging over 350 yards per game, with Roethlisberger at 391.5 to Dalton’s 395. Both QBs are looking nearly unstoppable but both would likely rather have more in the run game to help balance things out. We saw this week, with both the Maulers and Blitz falling to defeat, that a passing game alone cannot guarantee wins. Big Ben and the Red Rifle may be first and third in passer rating and both may be putting up the big numbers, but it is Matt Hasselbeck, currently 2nd in QBR, and an easy 100 yards behind the others, who has the 2-0 record.
Maulers’ Cruz to Miss 2-4 Weeks
Not all is peachy for Pittsburgh as their loss this week to the Breakers also produced a potentially impactful injury. WR Victor Cruz, who leads the team with 250 yards in 2 games, is likely out a month or more after suffering a painful-looking hamstring pull in this week’s game. MRI’s revealed a partial tear, but no ligament or tendon damage, so the timeline for return to play is anywhere from 3-5 weeks. In his absence, Andy Dalton turned to Adam Thielen, who finished this week’s game with 4 receptions for 99 yards, but will need more help from other receivers like Mike Williams, Josh Cribbs, and TE’s Jimmie Graham and Anthony Hill. The Maulers hit the road for the first time this week, heading down to Orlando, where Calais Campbell will be waiting to make life difficult for Dalton and the Mauler passing game.
If Week One felt fortunate on the injury front, Week 2 certainly boomeranged in the other direction, with 13 player ruled out for this upcoming week, including two more added to the IR list and out for the season. St. Louis lost two receivers in the week, with starter Eric Weems now gone for the year. Baltimore will miss All-USFL corner Nnambi Asomugha for possibly a month, as is the case for Mauler WR Victor Cruz. A bad week for several teams as we saw quite a few players leaving the field of play with injuries.
OUT
LB Spencer Larsen MEM Back IR
WR Eric Weems STL PCL IR
TE Tony Moeaki STL Arm 6-8 Weeks
G Zach Martin CHI Groin 4-6 Weeks
OT Joseph Bragg LV Shoulder 4-6 Weeks
CB Nnambi Asomugha BAL Ribs 2-4 Weeks
WR Victor Cruz PIT Hamstring 2-4 Weeks
DT Jonathan Sullivan BIR Back 1-2 Weeks
WR Brian Hartline BAL Pinched Nerve 1-2 Weeks
SS Shaun Schillinger SEA Wrist 1-2 Weeks
DE Malik Jackson HOU Arm 1-2 Weeks
G Mike Briesel POR Neck 1-2 Weeks
TE Daniel Fells ORL Knee 1-2 Weeks
DOUBTFUL
DT DeMarcus Tyler PHI Eye
FS Vinnie Sunseri LV Hand
QUESTIONABLE
FS T. J. Ward CHI Concussion
LB Buster Ward PIT Stress Fracture (Foot)
G Steve Sciulo PIT Neck
HB Marshawn Lynch SDG Ankle
Weather A Factor in Early Season USFL
While the USFL does not have legendary “winter” games like its fall competitor, no Ice Bowls or Frozen Tundra, the early season in March can be a time when the weather does play a huge factor. And while more USFL players complain about late season heat, humidity, and dehydration, the fact is that the league has always dealt with unpredictable March weather for its opening weeks, and this season has been no exception.
Opening the season with two home games, the Chicago Machine have barely been able to put together a viable offense, due largely to the weather conditions. In Week 1 it was a white out snow that not only suppressed attendance but also both the Chicago and San Diego offenses. This past weekend it was the cold and the wind gusts of up to 30 MPH that impacted both the homestanding Machine and the visiting Denver Gold. Both were at least cold-weather teams in their own ways, so there was a bit more action on the field than in Week 1, but both also tried to shorten the game by draining the clock between plays and using the run game to speed things along.
Different issues have impacted the two season-opening games in Portland. The classic Pacific Northwest Rains have produced two sloppy, muddy, and soggy games in Portland. Again, in Week 1 a foe unfamiliar with the typical PNW weather, the Memphis Showboats, fell to Portland in a soggy mudfest. This past week Portland had to struggle against another regional foe in the Seattle Dragons, but again got the W by being better on a slow and wet field.
So, what is the good news on the weather front? First off, that as March moves into April the conditions in both the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest will improve, but also that both teams get a reprieve from their often-unpleasant outdoor conditions. Chicago will be out in sunny and dry Las Vegas, helping the Vipers christen their new domed facility, while Portland will remain in their soggy home, but with a dry 2-3 days anticipated ahead of their clash with Oakland. As nice as it is to open the year with several home games, we suspect that there are Stag players who have circled the back-to-back games in San Diego and Arizona (Weeks 5-6) as very fondly anticipated road trips.
Glory & Federals Land CB Help as NFL Window Closes
They went through camp, through preseason, and into week one, but apparently the Ohio Glory and the Washington Federals were still not feeling great about their rosters. Both clubs made a move just as the NFL-USFL transfer window closed last week, both adding NFL cornerbacks to their rosters in a move to improve depth and provide additional support to their pass defense.
Of the two moves, Washington’s was the most noteworthy, landing former NY Giant Prince Amukamara. Amukamara could potentially take over the nickel position or could challenge for one of the two starting cornerback positions. He arrived in D.C. only this past Thursday and was not cleared to participate with the team in the weekend’s game. We expect we might see Amukamara as soon as Week 4, after passing his physical, acquiring facility access and getting up to speed on the team’s playbook and play call lingo.
Similarly, former Seahawk Jeremy Lane will be joining the Ohio Glory. The product of Northwestern State (LA) played two seasons with the Seahawks and will now join the Glory, likely to see action in Week 4 as well. Lane pencils in as a nickel corner for now. Both players made the move with only 24 hours left in the window. Others who were in negotiations with USFL clubs, including halfback Bilal Powell and quarterback Jimmy Clausen, were unable to come to terms with USFL clubs before the window was shut until next September.
Clausen, in particular, was an interesting case as the former Carolina Panther was reportedly in talks with both San Diego and Ohio in the final days of the transfer window. This could be an indication that both teams are feeling unsettled at quarterback. This is a bit of a surprise in the case of the Thunder as it was thought that Joe Webb, signed in trade with the Federals this winter, was securely locked in as the starter this year. In Ohio, the competition between Troy Smith and Brock Osweiler seemed to have been settled, with Smith getting the start for the season opener and now having produced 2 wins, but feelers sent out to Jimmy Clausen’s agent seem to indicate that the Glory may not be feeling particularly comfortable with their options.
Vipers & Thunder Prep for Home Openers
Expect a celebratory vibe at both Wynn Arena in Las Vegas on Friday night and at Qualcomm in San Diego on Saturday. It seems very clear that fans in Las Vegas are saying “good riddance” to the Thunder and ready to embrace their new Vipers team. The game is expected to draw between 55,000 and 57,000 on Friday night, even with the Vipers coming to their first home game at 0-2. We all expected this to be a rough season for last year’s 3-13 Nashville Knights, but that may not matter to fans in Las Vegas who now get to enjoy pro football in lovely climate-controlled conditions, rather than the sweltering oven that was Sam Boyd Stadium.
In San Diego the mood is equally as ebullient. The southern California city has been playing second fiddle to LA for a long time, and that was especially true each spring as LA fans got to experience the USFL through their Express club while San Diegans had to make a road trip up the coast to get spring gridiron action. No longer as the arrival of the Thunder gives Southern California their second club and one that is almost certain to enjoy perfect weather conditions for their entire season in sunny San Diego. To make the situation even better for San Diegans, unlike Las Vegas, the team they are adopting is a pretty solid one. Sure, Jake Plummer is no longer with the Thunder after retiring in the offseason, but Thunder ticket holders will still get to see Marshawn Lynch and Chad Johnson, two of the league’ s more flamboyant stars. Expect a festive experience at Qualcomm this week, and possibly every week this year.
The week ahead of us seems split between divisional rivalries and brand-new homecomings. We open on Friday with the first pro football game to be played in Las Vegas’s shiny new Wynn Arena as the Vipers will play host to another winless club, the Chicago Machine, on NBC’s Friday Night Lights. On Saturday we get the first of two clashes in the New Jersey-Philadelphia rivalry, and then, in the 4pm slot, we get Oakland traveling to Portland in a battle of early undefeated teams in the Pacific. Saturday Night we open another new venue, though the stadium itself is hardly new. Qualcomm Stadium will host its first game as the San Diego Thunder welcome the Houston Gamblers to southern California.
On Sunday it is back to divisional matchups with Memphis heading to New Orleans and Tampa Bay visiting Charlotte. Both the Bandits and Monarchs sit at 0-2, so this late game on Sunday will be huge for both clubs to avoid an 0-3 start. Among other interesting matchups on Sunday, we have Pittsburgh at Orlando and a battle of two unlikely unbeatens as the Ohio Glory hope to make it 3-0 in Dallas but must get past both an improved Roughneck defense and the rowdy and noisy Cotton Bowl crowd.
Friday @ 8pm ET Chicago (0-2) @ Las Vegas (0-2) NBC
Saturday @ 12pm ET New Jersey (1-1) @ Philadelphia (2-0) ABC
Saturday @ 12pm ET Birmingham (1-1) @ Baltimore (1-1) FOX
Saturday @ 4pm ET Seattle (0-2) @ Denver (1-1) ABC
Saturday @ 4pm ET Oakland (2-0) @ Portland (2-0) FOX
Saturday @ 7pm ET Texas (1-1) @ Atlanta (1-1) NBC
Saturday @ 9pm ET Houston (2-0) @ San Diego (1-1) ESPN/EFN
Sunday @ 12pm ET Washington (1-1) @ St. Louis (2-0) ABC Regional
Sunday @ 12pm ET Memphis (1-1) @ New Orleans (2-0) ABC Regional
Sunday @ 12pm ET Pittsburgh (1-1) @ Orlando (2-0) FOX
Sunday @ 4pm ET Michigan (1-1) @ Los Angeles (1-1) ABC
Sunday @ 4pm ET Jacksonville (0-2) @ Arizona (1-1) ABC Regional
Sunday @ 4pm ET Ohio (2-0) @ Dallas (2-0) FOX Regional
Sunday @ 8pm ET Tampa Bay (0-2) @ Charlotte (0-2) ESPN/EFN
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