2021 USFL Week 16 Recap: 10 Teams, 4 Spots, Prepare for Chaos
- USFL LIVES
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We are down to 4 playoff spots left and 2 division titles yet to decide as the USFL heads into Week 17. Orlando and New Jersey got their golden tickets this week, though the Generals hardly feel like celebrating as they dropped their 3rd game in a row, a tough loss to the Michigan Panthers. Orlando is feeling a lot better, having just won their 5th in a row and now in position to claim the 4th seed and a home playoff game. In the West, Michigan has now won 5 in a row and is still only 1 game behind Chicago for the Central crown. Denver locked up the SW Division with a win and a Wrangler loss, and Ohio steps back into the 6-slot after a win and some help. We will, of course, recap all of this week’s action, and, most importantly, break down the Week 17 scenarios as it looks like only 2 teams, Tampa Bay and Birmingham, are in a position to rest starters. Prepare for some mayhem this week, and for playoff football a week early all across the USFL. All that, plus our big story as a former “future face of the franchise” quarterback says that he is ready to move on. We start with that story as a frustrated Paxton Lynch is ready to part ways with Coach Ryan and the Showboats.
Lynch Won’t Return to Showboats After "Disrespect" from Ryan
After a 2020 season that saw Paxton Lynch throw for 3,500 yards, 27 touchdowns and a division title, you can understand how the Memphis QB thought his spot atop the depth chart was secured. Paxton was, after all, the “Future of the Showboats” back in 2016, when Memphis used the T-Draft to select the local star from the University of Memphis. Lynch would become the full time starter a year later, and has missed only 2 games since then, throwing for over 15,000 yards and 92 touchdowns as the Showboat starter, not to mention two playoff seasons and a division title at 13-3 last season. And yet, 3 weeks ago, with Memphis still marginally in the playoff hunt at 6-6, Coach Rex Ryan announced that he was changing things up and starting NFL import Blake Bortles over Lynch.
The thing is, Lynch is hardly the reason that Memphis was only sitting at .500 after 12 games. His 2,422 yards and 13:9 TD:INT ratio were not as strong as 2020, but they were hardly troubling numbers. He was completing 67% of his throws and had made some big plays in the Showboats’ 6 wins. Meanwhile, the run game, which was touted as the core of the Showboat offense, had proven far less effective in 2021 than the season before, with Todd Gurley’s per carry average dropping from 4.5 YPC in 2020 to 3.8, and the defense, well, there is a story there. Memphis had one of the league’s most aggressive defenses in 2020 and that aggression led to takeaways, sacks, and a lot of 3-and-outs. Turn to 2021, and even with the successful integration of NFL superstar DE J. J. Watt, the defense is just not the same. Memphis is allowing nearly 25 points per game, ranking 20th in the league and a solid 8 points below their 2020 pae. They are also 22nd against the run.
None of this is Paxton Lynch’s fault, and yet, when it got to be desperation time for the Showboats, Coach Ryan put the blame on his quarterback, calling him out and benching him. So, what is Lynch to do. Coming up on the conclusion of his extended deal, Lynch had a choice to make, and that choice involved returning to more negativity from Coach Ryan or moving into the free agent market and taking his chances that he could find a better situation with a coach who saw Lynch’s 2020 season and could imagine better years to come. And so, Lynch made it very clear to the Memphis brass, and to the media this week that he would not be resigning with the club, and that he and his agent would be headed into free agency in hope of finding a better fit.
Coach Ryan had few words about the Lynch situation this week, preferring instead to focus on the issues that had produced 3 consecutive losses (all with Bortles at the helm) and saying that he was hoping to use the season’s final game, at New Orleans, to evaluate talent as he and the Showboats head into the offseason. As for Lynch, he will likely be near the top of a small QB group in free agency. There are some rumors that New England will be letting either Ryan Tannehill or Jameis Winston go after Week 17, and many anticipate that Jimmy Garoppolo will be let go after a very rough year in Charlotte, so Lynch may well garner a good bit of attention from teams this September. Whoever signs him may well get a very motivated QB with a pretty big Rex-Ryan-shaped chip on his shoulder.
ARIZONA WRANGLERS 17 SEATTLE DRAGONS 18
It was billed as a showdown between the perennial power and the new challenger, but what it really was could best be described as a battle of two of the better teams in the West, both trying very hard to ensure that they would not show too much ahead of the playoffs. Of course, Arizona is still not assured a spot in the postseason while Seattle is sitting pretty atop the conference, guaranteed a spot but still potentially vulnerable to losing their 1 seed and home field advantage.
The Dragons had the home field edge on Saturday night, as they hosted the Wranglers. Lumen Field was rockin’, with more than 48,600 in attendance, and the fans were there to see their club defeat the dominant team of the past 6-8 years in the USFL’s Western Conference. Arizona was there to try to get another win, a 4th in a row, and hopefully challenge Denver for the Southwestern title. Both were ready to prove that they had what it took for a deep playoff run this year, and what both proved is that their defenses are very capable of stepping up when needed.
After defeating Las Vegas 37-29 last week, the Wranglers were feeling like their offensive attack was hitting on all cylinders, while Seattle, themselves 30-17 victors over Jacksonville in Week 15, had felt good about their attack, especially the run game led by league leader Knowshon Moreno, for several weeks. But, in this matchup, points would be hard to come by and defenses would find ways to stifle drives before they hit paydirt. That reality emerged pretty early, with both defenses starting the game very aggressively, and both offenses struggling to get things going. The first 13 minutes of the game saw only 1 first down between the to clubs and 4 punts, but when Seattle got the ball for a 3rd time ,they finally found a big play and some points. The play was a first down play action, with Arizona left in man coverage as they overreacted to the fake to Moreno. Brett Hundley found Amari Cooper down the right sideline and 45 yards later, they were solidly in Arizona territory. But the Wrangler D recovered, stopping Moreno on a 3rd and 3 run and forcing Seattle to settle for a Jeffery Harris field goal.
The second quarter would see 3 similar drives and 3 more field goals, two from the Dragons and one from the Wranglers. Seattle took a 9-3 lead into the half, but the two teams had combined for less than 250 total yards in the half, and it looked like this could be a game settled by the kickers. That was certainly the sense of things after Jeffrey Harris connected on a 49-yarder early in the 3rd quarter, his fourth kick of the day. Now down 12-3, Arizona could not afford to continue to falter on key plays or to even settle for 3-point kicks. They would need a touchdown.
Following the Seattle kick, the Wranglers came out with purpose, intent on finally reaching the endzone and getting back in the game. They started the drive with a 14-yard connection between David Carr and TE Robert Tunyan. The early success helped open up running lanes for Crowell and Carey, as the two managed 23 yards on 5 carries on the drive, including Isaiah Crowell’s 1-yard plunge for the game’s first touchdown. But before that score was perhaps David Carr’s best throw of the game, a laser between the corner and the safety that found Victor Cruz and got the ball to the 1. With one solid drive the Wranglers were right back in the game at 12-10.
That is how the third quarter ended, with Seattle holding a narrow lead, but Arizona having found some offensive success. The two teams traded short drives and on Seattle’s 2nd possession of the final quarter, a sack by Bud Dupree, his second on the day, forced a punt after only 4 plays, and Arizona got the ball back with 4:11 left in the game, trailing by 2. They would need only 37 seconds to flip the game’s script and take the lead. It was a 3-play drive that covered 71 yards. Play one was a swing pass to Ka’Deem Carey that would go for 21, a simple play but a missed tackle gave Arizona a nice starter to the drive. The Wranglers then hit on a deep ball, with Victor Cruz gaining 25, to the Dragon 25, on another nice throw from Carr. Finally, from the 25, a sweep by Carey proved the perfect call as Seattle failed to set the edge and LB Khalil Mack was blocked off his pursuit by the TE Tonyan, allowing Carey to dart down the field, along the sideline and in for a go-ahead score. With 3:43 left on the clock, Arizona had gone up 5 for their first lead of the game, 17-12.
But, as we all know, 3:43 is plenty of time for an offense to put together a drive, and a 5-point lead is a very precarious situation. Arizona was aware of both realities but still found themselves somewhat impotent against a Seattle attack that came on the field with fierce purpose. The Dragons maintained balance, using Moreno even as the clock ran down, confident that with all 3 timeouts in their possession, they would have the time they needed. Moreno would have one of his best drives of the day, adding 31 yards to his total, for a final tally of 93 on 14 touches. The drive included a pair of 11-yard runs, both producing first downs, a 7-yarder on 1st and 10, and a key 3rd down 3-yard run when 2 were needed. Those runs were intermixed with short passes from Brett Hundley to Kyle Rudolph, Greg Jones, and Marshall Newhouse before the dagger in Arizona’s heart. With a first and 10 at the 5, and just over 48 seconds to play, Seattle lined up in a standard I-formation, with Cooper and Newhouse wide. Hundley handed off to FB Greg Jones, who took the ball to the 3, but it was a set up.
Seattle quickly came to the line, with Hundley barking out “Tuesday, Tuesday”, a line call that most recognized as a repeat of the prior play. Arizona certainly read it that way and shifted their line tight, pulling the linebackers and safeties in, preparing to stuff Jones on a 2nd attempt. But the ball did not go to Jones. Instead, Hundley pulled the ball out of Jones’s gut and quickly threw a pass out to the flat, where Amari Cooper was racing. Cooper snatched the ball inside the 1 and fell into the endzone for the score with 39 seconds on the clock. The dummy call at the line had worked to perfection as Arizona had only the corner defending Cooper and the flat route pulled the ball away from coverage and into a spot where only the receiver could bring it in.
Seattle would go for 2, trying to lock in a 3-point advantage, but Arizona was able to chase Hundley towards the sideline and force a wild throw that was uncatchable. Down 1 point with 39 seconds on the clock, the Wranglers would need some big plays to reach field goal range for Elliot Parson. What they got instead was a 1st down turnover, with David Carr’s pass finding CB Chidobe Awuzie instead of receiver DeMarcus Robinson. Awuzie played inside coverage but was fast enough to undercut Robinson when the Wrangler receiver made his outward cut. With the pick the game was all but over. The Seattle crowd celebrated as Hundley took a knee. Seattle was now 12-3, still atop the conference, while Arizona dropped to 9-6 and very much would need to play a good game in Week 17 to ensure a Wild Card berth.
TAMPA BAY 41 BALTIMORE 21
The Bandits continue to roll, this time getting touchdowns from 5 different players as they roll past the Blitz, putting up 31 unanswered points to turn a 7-7 game into a 38-7 advantage and an eventual 20-point win. Dalvin Cook rushed for 114 and a TD, while Dak Prescott also connected with Dez Bryant and TE Jordan Cameron before Coach Trestman took him out up 31. B. J. Daniels finished the game off with a TD to B. J. Daniels as the Bandits cruised to their 13th win of the year.
POTG: Bandit HB Dalvin Cook: 15 Att, 114 Yds, 7.6 YPC, 1 TD
NEW JERSEY 31 MICHIGAN 36
The Panthers needed 16 points in the 4th quarter to overcome a 31-20 deficit, but they get the win and sent New Jersey to a 3rd consecutive loss. The defense sacked Nick Foles for a safety, but it was two late Kirk Cousins TD passes that truly got the Panthers the win, hitting Cody Latimer for a 75-yard momentum shifter before finding TE Martellus Bennett with the game winner in the final minute of action. Cousins was picked 3 times by the Generals but came out on top in the game’s final minutes.
POTG: Michigan QB Kirk Cousins: 28/36, 357 Yds, 3 TD, 3 Int
DALLAS 34 MEMPHIS 14
A big win for the Roughnecks as they stay in the hunt at 8-7. A 21-point 2nd quarter helped them take control of the game, with Memphis not scoring until the 4th. Touchdowns by Samaje Perine and Tim Wright were followed by a Patrick Peterson 53-yard pick-six to wrap up the 2nd quarter. Peterson then added another long pick-six in the 4th to put the game away. With the offense struggling in the 2nd half, Peterson’s 2nd return of the day closed the door on any hope Memphis had for a comeback.
POTG: Dallas CB Patrick Peterson: 6 Tck, 2 Int, 2 Def TD
PITTSBURGH 10 ST. LOUIS 17
The Maulers playoff hopes may be alive, but they are fading fast after yet another defeat, this time in St. Louis, where the Skyhawks got another big game from Tyrod Taylor, throwing for 347 yards and 2 TDs. The Skyhawk defense also came up big, holding Pittsburgh to 53 yards rushing and only 2 of 11 on third down in a very disappointing day for Mauler Nation. At 7-8, there is still a mathematical chance, but they will need a ton of help to get to the postseason at 8-8.
POTG: St. Louis QB Tyrod Taylor: 18/28, 347 Yds, 2 TD, 0 Int
SAN DIEGO 22 PORTLAND 29
It was a beautiful summer day in Portland, and it appears that most folks opted to spend it somewhere other than Columbia Sportswear Stadium, with only 19,272 showing up to watch the Stags face the Thunder. Those who attended saw Portland put up a pair of TDs, including a Dale Luong pick-six, to take the win over the Thunder. Both Josh Gordon and Brandin Cooks also scored for the Stags, while San Diego starter Christian Hackenberg went 7 for 23 with 3 picks before being pulled, not for Christian Ponder, but a rare Case Keenum sighting.
POTG: Portland CB Dale Luong: 2 Tck, 2 Int, 1 Def TD
DENVER 26 LAS VEGAS 7
The Gold wrap up an unanticipated Southwest Division title, the first not won by the Wranglers since 2014. They did it with a stifling defense that sacked Gardner Minshew 4 times and held Kareem Hunt to only 35 yards rushing. The Denver offense was not explosive, with Josh Allen going only 19 of 31 for 272, but it was balanced, with Patrick Lindsay and Golden Tate both scoring for the Gold in their 19-point division-clinching victory.
POTG: Denver WR Golden Tate: 7 Rec, 114 Yds, 1 TD
ATLANTA 14 ORLANDO 29
The Fire get doused as the Renegades surge to 10-5, locking up a Wild Card berth in the process. Chris Carson ran for 88 yards and Russell Wilson found TE Crockett Gilmore for his lone TD on the day, but it was enough as Pat White struggled with 2 picks and even Nick Chubb was contained, gaining only 50 yards on 13 carries. Atlanta is still alive at 8-7, but they need help, while Orlando now eyes the possible 4 seed and a home playoff game.
POTG: Orlando safety D. J. Swearinger: 6 Tck, 2 PDef, 2 Int
NEW ENGLAND 14 OHIO 17
The Steamrollers could well have won this game, but Jameis Winston flashed some of his 2020 style, throwing 4 picks in a game that got away from him. Justin Fields capitalized with 2 touchdowns off the turnovers, finding both Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin for scores. New England’s D should get some credit in defeat as they did what few have this year, held Fields to negative yardage rushing, but all to no avail.
POTG: Glory CB Chimdi Chekwa, 12 Tck, 1 Int, 1 FF
CHARLOTTE 16 SAN ANTONIO 37
The Gunslingers got their biggest victory of the year against the winless Monarchs as 3 different Gunslinger backs found paydirt. Melvin Gordon led all rushers with 110 yards, but C. J. Prosise and FB Rod Benjamin also scored for San Antonio. Charlotte got 105 rushing from Nyheim Hines but 3 Kyle Boller picks helped San Antonio pull away.
POTG: Gunslinger HB Melvin Gordon: 21 Att, 110 Yds, 1 TD
PHILADELPHIA 17 BIRMINGHAM 20
The Stallions lock up the 2-seed after edging the Stars at Protective Stadium. The game came down to a 55-yard field goal attempt by Eddie Pineiro in the final seconds, but the kick hooked wide and the Stallions celebrated, knowing a bye was headed their way. Tim Tebow was only 9 of 20, but still produced 2 scores for the Stallions, who now will likely rest several starters next week as they await the playoff return of Cam Newton. The Stars still have a shot at the NE Division but need a win next week and another New Jersey loss.
POTG: Stallion WR Henry Ruggs: 3 Rec, 120 Yds, 1 TD
HOUSTON 34 NEW ORLEANS 31
Geno Smith almost pulled it off, throwing for 401 yards and 4 TDs, but in the end, the Gamblers found a way to win and kept themselves in control of their playoff destiny at 9-6. Colt McCoy also threw for 4 scores, including a 43-yarder to Mike Evans and a 56-yard seam route to TE Gerald Everett. DeMarco Murray did a bit of everything for the Breakers, leading the team with 12 rushes for 47 yards but also catching 5 Smith passes for 137 yards and a score. In the end, however, the Breakers drop to 5-10, and the Gamblers stay playoff focused.
POTG: Houston WR Mike Evans: 6 Rec, 149 Yds, 1 TD
JACKSONVILLE 16 LOS ANGELES 10
A devastating home loss for the Express as they let Jacksonville stay close and it bit them in the end. With Kyler Murray dinged up it was Matt Gutierrez at the helm for LA, and the former Philly Star looked very rusty, completing only 12 of 31 passes and throwing 2 picks, one of which set up the lone Jacksonville TD, a Devin Singletary 1-yard plunge. LA is still mathematically alive, but with less than a 1% chance of making the postseason after losing this must-win game.
POTG: Bulls CB A. J. Terrell: 5 Tck, 5 PDef, 2 Int, 1 FF
OAKLAND 17 OKLAHOMA 24
A bad day in California as all three Golden State teams fall. Oakland fell behind 24-7 before a late rally, but it was too late as Oklahoma picked off rookie QB Davis Mills twice. Jalen Hurts threw for 2 scores, both to Nick Toon, and Eddie Lacy added a third as the Outlaws improve to 6-9, while Oakland drops to 8-7 and out of playoff position. They still can get there but will need help as Ohio now holds the tiebreaker.
POTG: Oklahoma LB Dont’a Hightower: 7 Tck, 3 Sck
WASHINGTON 12 CHICAGO 30
The Machine took care of business at home, improving to 11-4 and staying in the hunt for the 2 seed in the West. They need a Denver loss in Week 17, but they did their part, outpacing the Federals thanks to a combined 142 yards rushing from Jeremy Hill, Marion Mack, and Tony Jones Jr.. They also got help from the defense as a Jason Pierre-Paul sack of Jacoby Brissett took the Federals’ QB out of the game and put back a rusty Ryan Nassib.
POTG: Chicago safety Jordan Poyer: 6 Tck, 1 Sck, 1 PDef
Living Large vs. Life Support
Week 16 results have several clubs feeling pretty spry, while others are clinging to life, at least postseason life. It’s hot vs. cold as we head into the first ever 17th week of the USFL season. So, who is feeling on top of the world and who has their fans nervous? Here is our breakdown:
LIVING LARGE
Birmingham has won 5 in a row, with Tim Tebow coming to the rescue after Cam Newton’s injury. The Stallions have wrapped up the 2 seed in the East, meaning that next week’s game is a chance to rest some starters and give Cam Newton an extra week to mend and prepare for his return.
Orlando’s winning streak also hits 5 games as they rocket past the Fire and claim a Wild Card berth at 10-5. Statistically, the Renegades excel in only 1 area, pressuring the QB with Montez Sweat, but they are pulling out games and making the right calls when it matters. They cannot catch Tampa Bay, but if they claim the 4 seed, they will get a home playoff game for their efforts.
Denver has won 5 of their last 6 and this week claimed their first Division Title since 2009. One more win and they too will have a bye week, joining Seattle for a respite before the Divisional Round. They are doing it despite the league’s 2nd worst rushing attack, mixing a dynamic passing game with a pretty solid defense, allowing only 63.3 yards per game on the ground.
Chicago won their 4th in a row this week but still have Michigan on their heels. They can lock up the division title next week with a win in Philadelphia, where the Stars will be playing for their playoff lives. A win and a Denver loss and it is Chicago enjoying a bye week.
Michigan is still very much in the mix. After a rough midseason that saw them lose 5 of 6, the Panthers have rebounded with 5 consecutive wins and now find themselves 1 game behind Chicago and assured of no worse than a Wild Card. A win in the finale at Pittsburgh and a loss by the Machine and Michigan will return to the top of the Central once again.
LIVING ON LIFE SUPPORT
Pittsburgh has now lost 4 in a row, with this week’s loss to lowly St. Louis perhaps the low point of their season. They sit at 7-8 and need multiple games to go their way next week to sneak their way into the playoffs. Their offense has dropped down the rankings, now 27th in scoring, while their 7th rated defense is being asked to do far too much.
Los Angeles is another team that just cannot score points to save their lives, which is what they need to do right now, sitting at 7-8 and needing even more support than the Maulers. LA may not have the long losing streak of some other fading teams, but their average of 16 points per game is not encouraging as they head to Portland to face the Stags in the season finale.
Baltimore was the preseason favorite to win the NE Division but now needs help to eke out a 6th seed wildcard. They face the Skyhawks in the finale, a team that seems eager to spoil things for others. They will need more out of their 18th ranked offense and give some help to the league’s best defense for yards allowed. Too many short and pointless drives on offense give opponents too many short fields.
Atlanta was a darling to challenge Tampa Bay in the Southeast but now sit at 8-7 and need to get some support to make the playoffs. They likely won’t see most of the Bandits’ star players in the finale, since the Bandits don’t want to risk injury, but they cannot take this game lightly. A loss and they have no shot at a Wild Card.
New Jersey had one of the most impressive winning streaks in the league, a 9-game beauty, but they have just lost their 3rd in a row. A 4th and they could easily lose the division crown to Philadelphia. It will not help at all that they face the Ohio Glory, a team that earns a playoff berth with a win. Expect this one to be a tough one as both teams can ill afford to go out with a loss in Week 17.
Patrick Peterson Has Monster Game to Keep Dallas Alive
The Roughnecks suffered a bad loss to the Breakers in Week 15 and could not afford another Southern Slipup as they faced Memphis in Memphis. To stay alive for the postseason chase, they needed to go 2-0 down the stretch, but their offense was struggling and their defense had not exactly been dominant in weeks. Enter cornerback Patrick Peterson, who already had 2 pick-sixes on the season, one against Joe Flacco and the Gunslingers in Week 7 and another against Jalen Hurts and the Outlaws in Week 9. Well, against Blake Bortles, he stepped it up another notch, recording not one, but two pick-sixes against the former NFL quarterback. The Roughnecks may have eked out a win against a sloppy Memphis club, but with Peterson providing 14 key points and helping to ramp up the Roughneck bench, the veteran corner did more than enough to ensure that Dallas’s playoff hopes would live one more week.
Newton Unlikely to See Action in Finale
For Stallion fans who are eager to see Cam Newton back on the field, you likely will need to wait close to a month to get your wish. While Newton was cleared this week to practice with the team, the Stallions, winners of 5 in a row, and 4 with Tim Tebow under center, simply won’t risk their former MVP candidate in what is now a meaningless Week 17 game in Arizona. No need to risk Newton against Bud DuPree and the Wranglers since the Stallions wrapped up the 2 seed and will have a guaranteed bye in the first round of the playoffs. Expect to see Tim Tebow under center, and a lot of backups on the field. We do not anticipate seeing several Stallion stars, including rookie HB Najee Harris, WR Henry Ruggs or TE Hunter Henry. We may also see Coach Haley hold out DE Dante Fowler, and CB Pacman Jones ahead of the playoff bye. That is great news for the Wranglers, who will wrap up a Wild Card spot with a win in their home finale. It is also great news for Newton, who can practice fully with the team for 3 weeks before returning to action, at home, in the Divisional Round.
Brady & Phillips Make it Official
Two big retirement announcements confirmed this week as both Oakland QB Tom Brady and longstanding Houston Head Coach Wade Phillips announce that they will be retiring from football at the conclusion of the 2021 season. Brady, who turned 45 this year, is already the oldest QB in the league, and after being sent to the sideline in favor of rookie Davis Mills, announced this week that he hopes to play in the postseason with Oakland, who need a win and help this week to qualify, but that either way he will step away from the game and take the offer from Fox Sports to join their NFL and USFL broadcast teams.
Wade Phillips is likely not done after next week’s regular season finale. Houston is in position to control their own destiny and can return to the playoffs for 8th consecutive year with a win against Oklahoma this week. However, despite a strong likelihood of another playoff run, Wade Phillips did make it official this week, telling local radio station KFNC that he would retire after the 2021 season, following a run of 21 seasons that began in 2001 and which has seen Phillips claim 2 league titles in 15 playoff seasons. A sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer from the USFL, Phillips has helped Houston become the only team in the league with 5 John Bassett Trophies, and one of the most consistent winners in the league. Phillips turns 74 this year, well beyond the age when we see many coaches leave the game, but he still has one more game, and possibly one more playoff run to make with the Gamblers before he rides off into the sunset.
With 8 of 12 spots now claimed, Orlando and New Jersey joining Michigan, Chicago, Denver, Birmingham, Seattle, and Tampa Bay as 2021 playoff squads, there are 4 spots left, and with one week of action yet to play we have 10 teams still in the hunt, though some are closing in on their prey while others are lost In the woods and will need help sniffing their target. Here is our breakdown of the entire field as we head into Week 17 action and the final positioning for the 2021 playoffs.
Tampa Bay (13-2): Assured the 1 seed, home field and a bye. They will almost certainly rest their starters in their somewhat anticlimactic home finale against Atlanta.
Birmingham (11-4): This week’s win over Philly not only won the Stallions their first Southern Division Title of the new century (yup, since 1999), but also locked in the 2-seed, meaning Birmingham’s bye week is assured and they too are likely to rest several starters as they prepare for the playoffs and the likely return of Cam Newton under center.
New Jersey (9-6): Losing their last 3 games is not how New Jersey, or any team wants to clinch a playoff spot, but, with only 1 week left to go, their midseason 9-game win streak did enough to lock up at least a Wild Card. But, they could still win the NE Division, all they need is a Week 17 win. The problem is that they are facing an 8-7 Ohio team that can only get into the postseason with a win, no gimme for sure.
Philadelphia (9-6): Tied with the Generals, but missing out on the tiebreaker after a Generals’ sweep of their series, the Stars are in with a win this week over Chicago, but, if they can get the W and the Ohio Glory take down New Jersey, Philadelphia will return to the top of the NE Division only 1 year after a 2-14 season had them picking first in the draft.
Orlando (10-5): The Renegades cannot catch Tampa Bay, but a win over Jacksonville and they are the 4 seed with a home Wild Card Game. That alone is a pretty nice feather in the cap of Coach Rivera, who was on the hot seat for sure before they put together what is now a 7 of 8 streak.
Houston (9-6): The Gamblers cannot capture the Southern title, but with a win over Oklahoma, they are playoff bound once again, their 8th consecutive appearance and a very appropriate swan song for Coach Phillips.
Baltimore (8-7): The Blitz are currently on the outside, looking in, but a win over St. Louis paired with a loss by Philadelphia and they claim the final Wild Card over the Stars.
Atlanta (8-7): The up-and-down Fire are still alive, but they need everything to break their way. They need a win over Tampa Bay and losses by both Philadelphia and Baltimore to qualify as the 6 seed. Not impossible, but even with a playoff spot they would be favored to be one-and-done in the tourney.
Seattle (12-3): They have the best record in the West, have claimed the Pacific Division crown, but have not yet locked up the coveted 1-seed. A win over Oakland guarantees them home field throughout as well as the bye, but a loss and either Chicago or Denver could overtake them.
Denver (11-4): While Gold fans are overjoyed to see the Gold win the SW Division, they want more, and there is more to be had. A win over San Antonio means no lower than the 2 seed and a Wild Card bye, but if Seattle loses, then we may need a coin flip for who is the 1 vs. 2 as the tiebreakers are looking very even.
Chicago (11-4): Still hoping to clinch the division but with Michigan hot on their heels, a win over Philadelphia gives them what they want, and if Denver loses to San Antonio, they will snatch away the 2 seed. A loss and the Panthers could steal away the division title too, so a lot to play for.
Michigan (10-5): A 5-2 division record, compared with Chicago’s 4-4 mark means that a win over Pittsburgh and a loss by the Machine and Michigan reclaims the Central Division. Regardless of the Chicago score, Michigan is in, but they would love a shot at that division crown.
Arizona (9-6): The loss to Seattle means the division is not going to be theirs, but they are still in good position for a Wild Card. A win over Birmingham (who likely rest several starters) gives them a chance in the playoffs, and no one wants to face the veteran Wranglers with advancement on the line. A win plus a loss from the Panthers and Arizona even gets a home Wild Card game as the 4 seed.
Ohio (8-7): The only 8-win team that controls their own destiny, it is very basic for the Glory: a win over New Jersey and they are the 6 seed. Of course, New Jersey needs the W as well, which is why this is a game to tune in for this week.
Oakland (8-7): They had destiny in their own hands, but the loss to Oklahoma blew it. Now, to claim the 6 seed, they need a win over Seattle and a loss by Ohio. Certainly feasible, but with Seattle needing a win to lock up the 1-seed, there will be no backups in the starting lineup for the Dragons. Oakland will need to beat the Dragons on the up and up.
Dallas (8-7): With most of the league asking, “Are they still in it?”, the Roughnecks must defeat Las Vegas and hope for two positive results, that Seattle beats Oakland and that New Jersey beats Ohio,m for them to leapfrog both the Glory and the Invaders to claim the 6-seed.
Pittsburgh (7-8): Now we are getting into some murky waters. The Maulers must first beat Michigan to reach 8-8 and then hope for losses by Ohio, Oakland, and Dallas. If that happens and we have a 4-way tie at 8-8, well, then the tiebreakers get really complicated, but the Maulers are at least in the mix with a 7-5 conference record.
Los Angeles (7-8): To quote “Dumb & Dumber”… “So you are saying there’s a chance?” Yes. LA can potentially win the 6 seed with a victory over Portland and losses by pretty much everyone we have named (Ohio, Oakland, Dallas, and Pittsburgh). But, even then we start getting into some complex tiebreakers, and it may come down to point differential, where LA’s offensive mediocrity (we are being kind) means they may need to run up the score on the Stags to have any shot. Honestly, that feels really unlikely, especially if Kyler Murray is still sidelined.
With so many teams still in the playoff hunt, we are going to do the injury list a bit differently this week. We are focusing on teams in the hunt, and we will list any new injuries as well as any players with injuries that could impact both this week and the first 2 rounds of the playoffs. That way you can see where the issues may be for each playoff team and the contenders for the final spots. Keep an eye on the Kyler Murray situation as that certainly will impact LA’s chances. Also worth noting is the loss of Stephenson in New Jersey, Silatulo in Orlando and Klien in Arizona. The Bandits and Stallions will play lots of backups, so they have time (3 weeks) to rest their injured players, including Cam Newton, who is expected to reclaim the starting job over Tim Tebow in 3 weeks, despite Tebow’s obvious success in the final month of the season.
OUT
WR John Brown SEA Groin IR
DT Ego Ferguson ORL Groin IR
OT Mitchell Van Dyck ARZ MCL IR
DT Kawann Short TBY Wrist IR
OT Donald Stephenson NJ Fractured Arm 2-4 Weeks
LB Preston Brown TBY Hernia 1-2 Weeks
DT Marcell Dareus TBY Toe 1-2 Weeks
G Amini Silatulo ORL Ankle 1-2 Weeks
T Greg Robinson BIR Back 1-2 Weeks
LB A. J. Klien ARZ Hamstring 1-2 Weeks
DOUBTFUL
WR Kelvin Benjamin ATL Abdominal
T Rashawn Slater PIT Hernia
LB Devin Bush MGN Concussion
CB Michael Jackson ORL Neck
WR Chad Williams DAL Broken Arm
G Nick Allegretti CHI Leg
QUESTIONABLE
CB Kevon Seymour OHI Leg
QB Cam Newton BIR Hip
LB Clay Matthews DAL Arm
CB Dre Kirkpatrick MGN Shoulder
T George Fant NJ Concussion
DE Taylor Hart DAL Knee
DE Datone Jones OHI Neck
DE Danielle Hunter PHI Hip
QB Kyler Murray LA Concussion
Milestones to Watch for in Week 17
For many teams across the USFL, and for many fans as well, Week 17 Is all about playoff positioning, locking in berths or improving the team’s seeding, but for many players it is also about reaching milestones. With only 2 teams expected to be in a position to rest their starters, there are a lot of players who will be striving to meet season totals that trigger bonus payments, others trying to attain personal bests, and some trying for some landmark numbers. We are going to focus on that last group, players close enough to major statistical markers to potentially be a factor in how they play this week and how coaches utilize them. Here are several such players, all within range to hit some impressive totals.
QB Colt McCoy from Houston is certainly focused on getting the Gamblers into the playoffs, but at the same time he is closing in on a 5,000-yard passing season. He is already at a personal best of 4,891 yards, but with only 110 yards in Week 17 he will have his first 5,000-yard season, a number only reached by 8 other players in USFL history. He is not going to reach Troy Aikman’s 1998 record of 5,675, but he could find himself in the Top 10 all time if he can surpass Heath Shuler’s 2001 career best of 5,040. A 300-yard game, certainly not unusual for McCoy, would put him at 7th all time, ahead of Shuer, Brett Favre’s 1998 season and Andy Dalton’s 2015 total of 5,169.
We have several running backs who are looking at a pretty standard incentive bonus for reaching 1,000 yards rushing, including Oakland’s Christian McCaffrey (22 yards away), San Diego’s Charles Sims (36), Memphis’s Todd Gurley (66), Orlando’s Chris Carson (91), and Las Vegas’s Kareem Hunt (93). Players hoping a solid day will put them over 1,200 yards include Paul Perkins (at 1,162) and Michigan’s LeVeon Bell (1,113). Some Bandit fans want Dalvin Cook to play in hopes he can gain the 96 yards he needs to reach 1,200, but Coach Trestman and the Bandits have loftier goals for the year, and having Cook rest this week is part of their master plan for a repeat championship.
Another huge milestone is the 100-reception mark for receivers. While once again Aaron Dobson has already eclipsed that total with 114 receptions, joined by Portland’s Brandin Cooks, there are several others within range, including Atlanta’s A. J. Green (at 99), San Antonio’s Brandon LaFell (99), Oakland’s Davante Adams (95), and New Jersey’s Odell Beckham Jr. (94). For yardage, we have a huge group already over 1,000 yards, but Mike Evans is hoping to join Dez Bryant and Golden Tate in the rare air of 1,500-yard seasons. He needs only 9 yards to get there and is the only other player with a realistic shot (unless someone tops 150 or even 200.)
One more receiving milestone is exclusively for the Tight Ends. We already have 2 who have reached the elusive 1,000-yard mark, Oklahoma’s Mark Andrews (1087) and Atlanta’s O. J. Howard (1005). Seattle TE Kyle Rudolph would love to join them and is only 12 yards away, while Oakland’s Zach Ertz would need 57 yards and Breakers’ TE Coby Fleener needs 77 to have his second 1,000-yard season.
Among defenders there are not quite as many milestone targets, though we expect that Ohio LB Ryan Shazier will be gunning for 1 more tackle to reach 100, though he would likely forego that if he could be sure the Glory could win and find themselves in the playoffs. The same is probably true for Pittsburgh’s Brian Orakpo (at 98), or Oakland’s Bobby Wagner (93). Among edge rushers, we already have 5 players over the 20-sack mark, with Calais Campbell currently trailing Montez Sweat, 23-26. If Sweat can hold on, he will be the first player other than Campbell to win the sack title in 12 years. Truly stunning. Others over 20 include Memphis’s NFL import J. J. Watt (22), Arizona’s Bud Dupree (22), and Denver’s Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite, Odafe Oweh (21). Close enough to have a shot at 20 we have Dallas’s Connor Barwin (18), and with a very good day, Atlanta’s Mario Edwards (17). Finally, we should mention that Joe Haden, with 8 picks, is only 2 away from tying the league record, but is also only 1 pick ahead of Michigan’s Dre Kirkpatrick, Chicago’s Josh Norman, and Dallas’s Patrick Peterson, who each have 7 on the year.
Nike Back on Board as USFL Provider
With the Under Armour contract coming to a close, and with some teams less than happy with the quality of their uniforms, particularly the light pant sets which are just a bit too thin and a bit too “see through” for the tastes of many fans, the USFL was open to a bidding process, and that bidding process now has a winner. For the first time since the early 1990’s Nike will return as the uniform and team gear provider for the USFL. Back in the early days of leaguewide contracts, Nike had the inside track and won the first leaguewide contract thanks very much to Phil Knight being the majority owner of the then Portland Thunder. This time it was purely a financial advantage that gave Nike the deal once again.
So, while we saw the release of the 30th team design by Under Armour this week (see below), we now know that Nike will be producing the look of each USFL club from 2023 through 2030 in a new 8-year deal. They will need to work with Riddell and Schutt on any helmet redesigns, of course, but as for everything from fan gear to on-field looks for each USFL club, the instantly recognized Nike Swoosh will once again be a part of the league and every team will have a chance in the next few years to develop yet another updated look, including, we anticipate, some throwbacks and an alternate look. If Nike’s work with NCAA and NFL teams is any indication, we could see some very different alternates compared to Under Armour’s attempts to have the alts parallel the primaries instead of being completely different takes. Should be interesting.
Oklahoma Outlaws the Final USFL Squad to get Under Armour Redesign
Under Armour’s five-year design deal ends with the Oklahoma Outlaws, the 30th team to get their look reevaluated, revised, and reimagined. So, what did UA do on behalf of the Outlaws? While the primary and secondary logos are not impacted, the rest of the look does get a new twist. The Outlaws, always focused on balancing the use of OU crimson and OSU orange, worked at including both in largely equal parts. The new jersey and pant designs incorporate both through the use of a diamond pattern that is meant to evoke the textile crafts of the Apache and Comanche peoples. The pattern uses both colors along with either black or white as both part of the pant stripe and the side panel of the jersey. Each stripe ends with a beveled edge, followed by 3 diamonds in 3 colors.
The Outlaws also updated their number font, using an angular font that includes a center piping line instead of the more traditional external piping. On the black jersey we see white numbers with a crimson piping while the white jerseys have black numbers with orange piping. Finally, both jerseys now have an enlarged team name across the top of the numbers, with “OKLAHOMA” spelled out on both sets. The primary logo remains the only adornment on the glossy black helmets.
Moving on to the alternate look, here is where UA decided to get a bit wilder. We start with the helmet, where the shell shifts from black to an ombre effect that starts as crimson at the base and transitions to orange by the crown. The effect, called “Sundown” by UA and the Outlaws, does evoke a plains sunset. Both the primary logo and the black facemask remain from the team’s primary looks. The jersey is crimson with black numbers and white internal piping, with orange in far less use. The side stripes now only show the 3 diamonds in black, white, and orange, while the pants have another use of the ombre effect, with a crimson stripe at the hip transitioning to orange before the 3 diamond pattern in orange, crimson and black. And, as expected, the Throwback look goes back to the 1987 Oklahoma Outlaws, in black and red, rather than the more recent Texas Outlaws’ looks in Kelly and Royal.
Here we go, the season finale for all 30 clubs, with 8 already booked for the postseason and 10 more fighting for only 4 more spots. We will run down each game’s playoff implications as we review the league’s special Week 17 schedule. With so many Wild Card contenders and two division titles still in the mix, the league was unable to schedule every possible game so that there would be scoreboard watching, but we do see several simultaneous games where the fate of one team will depend on the score of ongoing games, something sure to create some sideline cheers and boos even when the game on the field is between plays.
SAT @ 12 pm St. Louis (5-10) @ Baltimore (8-7)
Baltimore needs a win + Philadelphia Loss for a Wild Card Spot, so they have to win here and then wait.
SAT @ 12 pm Atlanta (8-7) @ Tampa Bay (13-2)
Tampa Bay has the 1 Seed. Atlanta needs a win plus losses by both Baltimore and Philadelphia to earn a berth. They can watch the score in Baltimore if they are winning, but they too need to wait to see the Philadelphia outcome.
SAT @ 12 pm Washington (6-9) @ New England (5-10)
No playoff implications.
SAT @ 4 pm Birmingham (11-4) @ Arizona (9-6)
Birmingham has locked up the 2 seed in the East. Arizona is in with a win and could be the 4 seed if Michigan loses.
SAT @ 4 pm Portland (5-10) @ Los Angeles (7-8)
LA is a longshot, needing a win and losses by 4 other teams to even get into the tiebreaker mix. Even 1 win from the other 8-7 or 7-8 teams and their season is over.
SAT @ 4 pm San Antonio (6-9) @ Denver (11-4)
Denver gets the 2 seed with a win. If Seattle loses on Sunday, they could be in the mix for the 1 seed depending on tie-breakers.
SAT @ 8 pm Oklahoma (6-9) @ Houston (9-6)
Houston is in as a Wild Card with a win, no need to watch other scores unless they lose.
SAT @ 8 pm Orlando (10-50 @ Jacksonville (5-10)
The Renegades lock up the 4 seed and a home game with a win. They too do not need to watch other scores because their playoff berth is secured.
SUN @ 12 pm Ohio (8-7) @ New Jersey (9-6)
New Jersey wins the NE Division with a win. Ohio is in as a Wild Card with a win (or losses by multiple teams). Both teams control their own destiny.
SUN @ 12 pm Chicago (11-4) @ Philadelphia (9-6)
Chicago wins the Central with a victory. They can also gain the 2 seed and a bye if Denver loses. Philadelphia will likely be watching the Generals-Glory game carefully, because if the Glory get the W and the Stars can defeat Chicago, it is Philadelphia claiming the NE Division and a home game next week.
SUN @ 12 pm Michigan (10-5) @ Pittsburgh (7-8)
Michigan garners a home game with a win. If Chicago loses as well, they capture the Central crown. Pittsburgh needs to win and have all the Western 8-7 teams lose to have a chance at a Wild Card. So, expect both teams to be watching to see what happens with Ohio and what happens with Chicago.
SUN @ 4 pm Memphis (6-9) @ New Orleans (5-10)
This game has no playoff implications.
SUN @ 4 pm Charlotte (0-15) @ San Diego (3-12)
This game has no playoff implications.
SUN @ 4 pm Las Vegas (5-10) @ Dallas (8-7)
Dallas is a Wild Card team with a win and a loss by both Ohio and Oakland. The will know if they have a chance before the game, if Ohio loses, but will need to watch the Seattle-Oakland score as well.
SUN @ 8 pm Seattle (12-3) @ Oakland (8-7)
The Dragons earn the 1 seed with a win. Oakland needs to win and have Ohio lose to earn a Wild Card. They will know if they are in or out before they kick off, which certainly could determine how they play and if Brady gets to step on the field for a curtain call.
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