2021 USFL Week 3 Recap: Unbeaten & Unexpected.

Week 3 saw Arizona, New England, San Antonio, Washington, Memphis, and Seattle all earn their first wins of the season, but we also saw Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Michigan, Chicago, and surprising Denver and Philadelphia all move to 3-0, while New Jersey, St. Louis, Jacksonville, and Charlotte have yet to find the right formula to get their first W. It was a week with more big passing games, some solid rushing performances, and some huge plays from both the offenses and the defenses across the league. We will run through every game, look at the players making a splash. We will also reveal the 10 semi-finalists for the USFL’s Hall of Fame Class of 2021, but we start it all off with the two most surprising unbeatens after 3 weeks, the Denver Gold and the Philadelphia Stars.

Stars & Gold Shining at 3-0

Three weeks into the USFL season and we have 6 teams still unbeaten. Of those six, four are not a huge surprise, with Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Chicago, and Michigan all predicted to be playoff, if not Summer Bowl contenders. But the other two, well, those two are unexpected. The Denver Gold, who finished 2020 at 6-10 and who many predicted to finish either 4^th or 5^th in the Southwest Division, have emerged as a far more dynamic and explosive team than anyone anticipated. But perhaps even more surprising are the Philadelphia Stars, who were the worst team in the league last year, earning the top pick in the 2021 Draft with a 3-13 record. 

The Stars have done it with an infusion of new talent, starting at QB, where former Eagle Carson Wentz switched leagues and seems to have recovered the form that had him in the NFL Pro Bowl in 2017. Add in rookie LB Micah Parsons, free agent CB Dwayne Gratz, and former Orlando LB Jonathan Bostic, and you have a roster with a whole new attitude. Of course, not everyone on the squad is new, but the influx of new talent and enthusiasm has impacted the returning players as well. Halfback Derrick Henry has rebounded from a rough 2020 and is again looking like a contender for a rushing title. Rookie WR Elijah Moore and 2^nd year receiver K. J. Hamler are providing explosiveness, while veteran Randall Cobb is looking like a man on a mission, especially after a 106 yard outing in Week 2. Coach Dan Quinn, who had success in the NFL before being released and signed by the Stars, is bringing a new attitude, and a lot of accountability to the team, and it has led to the Stars surprising us all with 3 consecutive wins. 

Denver has also been a huge surprise, not only knocking off two questionable squads (San Diego in the opener and Las Vegas this week), but also the 6-time division champion Wranglers (though without David Carr, it should be noted). And they have done it with a newly-recalibrated offense that centers not on the run, as it has in past years, but on the talents of QB Josh Allen. Allen, now in his 4^th year, has started this season absolutely on fire, opening the season with a 322-yard, 4-TD game, then racking up 7 more touchdowns the past two weeks, with another 626 yards passing. Allen, who sits as the leauge’s top-rated passer is going deep far more often, finding receivers in space, and making plays with his legs, avoiding pressure to extend plays.

Veteran Golden Tate has had 3 huge games, racking up 112, 91, and 125 yards in his three season-opening games, and has 5 TDs after only 3 weeks. Second year receiver Darnell Mooney, acquired in trade with the Bandits, has brought a bit of Bandit Ball with him, averaging nearly 20 yards per catch after 3 weeks and already with 4 touchdowns, 3 more than he had as a rookie with the Bandits. The newfound aggressiveness of the Gold passing game has helped Denver begin the year with 28, 38, and 41 points. That was not expected from a team that rarely topped 25 in any game last year, and it has the Gold thinking that the pundits had it all wrong. Coach Hufnagel, who had led Denver to 4 straight winning seasons before last year’s 6-10 slump, made a choice to change things up and refocus his offense, and if the first 3 weeks of the season show us anything, it may be that “Huff Knows Football” as the local commercials in Colorado love to say.

MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS 30  HOUSTON GAMBLERS 29

A huge game in the South as the 2-0 Gamblers hosted the 0-2 Memphis Showboats. The defending division champs could not afford a drop to 0-3, while Houston has started quickly with Colt McCoy putting up impressive numbers in the season’s first two games. This had all the makings of an early desperation game, and Rex Ryan’s team certainly came into it with a sense of urgency.

Despite the urgency for Memphis, it was Houston that had their way in the first half. The Gamblers would take a 20-7 lead at the half thanks to a combination of offensive firepower and defensive muscle. Memphis had two bad turnovers in the first half that helped Houston rack up points. Leading 7-3 early in the 2^nd quarter, Memphis back Kenneth Gainwell had the ball pop out of his hands on his very first carry, giving Houston the ball on the Showboat 22 yard line. It would take the Gamblers only 4 plays to punch the ball in, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire taking it off tackle on from the 1 to give Houston a 10-7 lead. They would add to that lead only 5 plays later, when a poorly targeted Paxton Lynch pass was snagged by Camalei Correa, who returned the pass 49 yards for another Houston TD, giving them a 17-7 lead. They would add a field goal at the end of the half and went into the break feeling very confident, up 13 points.

But Memphis was not done fighting. The Showboats got the ball first in the 2^nd half, and their initial possession produced a 13-play, 74-yard drive and a touchdown. Paxton Lynch went 4 of 6 on the drive, and when David Williams took the ball at the 6 and found the edge to reach the endzone, it was down to only a 6-point lead for the Gamblers. Houston would add a field goal on their next drive, boosting the lead to 9 points, but they were about to have their own turnover issue. After stopping Memphis’s offense on the ensuing possession, Colt McCoy got a bit cocky on the first play of the next Houston possession. A play action throw to Mike Evans was short, and with Evans in double coverage, it was primed for Memphis to take the ball away. Cornerback Rashaan Gaulden turned just in time to see the underthrown ball coming his way. He spun, caught the ball, and with safety Calvin Pryor taking Evans out of the play, Gaulden was able to return the ball 37 yards for a Memphis pick-six. That score pulled Memphis within 2 at 21-23.

The Showboats would add to that score, flipping the lead on the first drive of the final period, adding a Lewis Ward field goal to take a slim 24-23 lead. But after a pair of defensive stands, Houston finally got their offense back in gear. This time it was the run game that helped them move the ball against Rex Ryan’s defense. Carlos Hyde had a 16-yarder and a 9-yarder to help move the chains, but it was Edwards-Helaire who put the ball over the goal line once again, building on his role as a short yardage specialist. Up 5, Coach Phillips went for 2, but when McCoy’s pass to TE Gerald Everett came in too low, the Gamblers were stuck with only a 5-point lead at 29-24.

Memphis would get the ball back with just over 7 minutes left to play. They would slowly work the ball down the field, using 15 plays, and getting a bit of help from a well-executed hard count by Lynch, causing a Houston offsides call on 3^rd and 2. Memphis drove the ball slowly into Houston territory, and when Todd Gurley plunged into the endzone from the 2, there was only 1;40 left to play. Memphis too went for the 2-pointer, and they too failed, which gave them a 1-point lead at 30-29. But with 1:40 left, Houston would have a shot.

The Gamblers would move the ball somewhat erratically, but by the time they spiked the ball with 6 seconds left, they were in the outer range of Younghoe Koo’s range, with the ball sitting at the Memphis 36, setting up a 53-yard attempt. Koo came on for what would be the final play of the game, a 53-yard attempt to win the game for the homestanding Gamblers. The snap was good, the hold good, but Koo’s kick sliced left, pushing past the outside of the upright. Memphis got the win they desperately needed, Houston dropped from the unbeatens, and the Southern Division once again provided USFL fans with a great game and a lot of drama.

PITTSBURGH 3  NEW ENGLAND 16

It was a celebratory atmosphere in Foxboro, MA when the Steamrollers took to the field at Gillette Stadium for the first time in franchise history. An estimated 52,500 were on hand and the home team did not disappoint. Despite Andy Dalton returning to action for the Maulers, the Steamroller D dominated the game, limiting Pittsburgh to one late field goal. The offense, led by backup C. J. Beathard, was a bit plodding, but did enough, including setting up Eddie Lacy for a 1^st quarter TD that was the game winner. First win of the year and New England is now unbeaten all time in Foxboro.

POTG: New England DT Aaron Donald: 6 Tck, 2 TFL

CHICAGO 13  PORTLAND 10

The Machine move to 3-0 thanks again to their defense. After falling behind 10-7 in the 2^nd quarter, the Machine D held Portland scoreless in the final 30 minutes, allowing only 4 first downs in the entire half. The Portland defense also played a good game but gave up one huge play in the 4^th that gave Chicago the win, a 52-yard toss from Sam Bradford to Chase Claypool that turned a 10-7 deficit into a 13-7 win (missed PAT).

POTG: Chicago LB Manti Te’o: 9 Tck, 2 TFL, 2 Sck

BALTIMORE 16  OHIO 23

A stunner in Columbus as the Glory, 10-point underdogs at home, stunned the Baltimore Blitz, thanks to a momentum-shifting sack, scoop & score from DE Robert Quinn. The 17-yard fumble return shifted a 6-3 Blitz advantage to a 10-6 Ohio lead. Baltimore would tie the game two more times, at 13 and 16, but with 4:37 left to play Ohio got a TD from Isaiah Pead and the D held Baltimore out of scoring range in the final minutes to move Ohio to a 2-1 mark.

POTG: Ohio DE Robert Quinn: 3 Tck, 1 Sck, 1 Def TD, 1 FF, 1 FR

ATLANTA 24  JACKSONVILLE 22

“So close and yet so far” seems to be the theme for Trevor Lawrence and the Bulls. They again fall in a tight game where they had some chances. Atlanta got 162 yards from their 2 backs (Chubb with 92 and Drake with 70) and Aaron Murray hit the game-winner, a12 yard toss to A. J. Green, as the Fire improve to 3-0 and Jacksonville drops their third straight to start the year despite a nice 152-yard game from receiver Tee Higgins.

POTG: Fire HB Nick Chubb: 17Att, 92 Yds, 1 TD, 3 Rec, 29 Yds

LAS VEGAS 19  DENVER 41

The Gold move to 3-0 with another dominant offensive performance. Patrick Lindsay rushed for 78 yards and a TD, but it was once again Josh Allen at the center of the action, throwing for 341 yards and 4 TDs, including 2 to Golden Tate as the Ageless One racked up 125 yards on 7 receptions. Las Vegas receiver Aaron Dobson got 10 receptions for 102 yards, but the Vipers just could not put enough points on the board against the Gold.

POTG: Gold QB Josh Allen: 17/24, 341 Yds, 4 TD, 0 Int

WASHINGTON 37 NEW ORLEANS 31

Rookie Travis Etienne helped drive a strong offensive day for the Feds as they upset the Breakers in New Orleans. Etienne finished with 130 yards on 20 carries. That helped set up the play action pass, which produced all 3 of Ryan Nassib’s touchdown throws, including a nice 37-yarder to TE Kellen Winslow II as the Feds outlast the Breakers in a shootout despite a huge game from Tajh Boyd (443 Yds, 3 TDs).

POTG: Federals WR Keenan Allen: 8 Rec, 101 Yds, 2 TD

DALLAS 27  BIRMINGHAM 34

Despite a solid return to action for Justin Herbert (251 Yds, 2 TD, 2 Int), the Stallions won this one with a combination nof balanced offense (Tate & Harris combine for 101 yards) and Dallas turnovers (both Herbert picks). Tashaun Gipson returned one Herbert throw 67 yards for a pick-six, while the D held Dallas without a converted 3^rd down all game long (0 for 11).

POTG: Birmingham CB E. J. Biggers: 2 Tck, 2 PDef, 1 Int

OAKLAND 21  LOS ANGELES 17 

The Express defense held Christian McCaffrey in check but got burnt by Tom Brady’s 32 of 44 day, with the veteran QB throwing for 345 yards and all 3 Oakland TDs. Zach Ertz again led all Oakland receivers with 109 yards and a score, but Davante Adams and Taylor Gabriel also got into the act. It was Adams’s TD in the final minute that gave Oakland the road victory and moved them to 2-1 on the year.

POTG: Oakland QB Tom Brady: 32/44, 345 Yds, 3 TD, 2 Int

ORLANDO 20  PHILADELPHIA 23  OVERTIME

It took them an extra period, but the Stars moved to a surprising 3-0 mark by knocking off the Renegades in front of nearly 50,000 happy Philadelphians (a rare sight). The hero of the day for Philly was HB Derrick Henry, who had a whopping 35 carries for 148 yards. The defense also came up big, holding Orlando out of field goal range in overtime before Carson Wentz engineered a drive to get the ball in range for Eddie Pineiro’s game winning kick.

POTG: Stars’ HB Derrick Henry: 35 Att, 148 Yds, 1 TD

CHARLOTTE 20  TAMPA BAY 44

No doubt in this one as it was 17-0 Bandits after 1 and 27-3 at the half. B. J. Daniels did his best Dak Prescott impression, throwing for 307 yards and 4 scores as the Bandit Ball offense did not miss a beat. Dez Bryant finished with 111 yards and 2 scores, while both Dalvin Cook and Jordan Cameron also scored for the 3-0 Bandits.

POTG: Tampa Bay WR Dez Bryant: 5 Rec, 111 Yds, 2 TD

MICHIGAN 27  ST. LOUIS 7

The Panthers had an answer for the dual threat of Lamar Jackson, sacking the QB 4 times and limiting him to only 5 yards on 12 rushes thanks to the alternating spy coverage of LB Sean Porter and SS Jabril Peppers. Throw in a turnover-free outing from Kirk Cousins and you get a comfortable win for the 3-0 Michiganders.

POTG: Panther CB Ronald Darby: 4 Tck, 2 PDef, 1 Int

ARIZONA 30  OKLAHOMA 24  OVERTIME

Mark Andrews scored twice in the final 10 minutes to pull Oklahoma back from a 24-10 deficit, but it was all for naught when Arizona TE Maxx Williams broke 3 tackles on his way to a jaw-dropping 75-yard TD in overtime. It was a huge play for the winless Wranglers and for QB Brock Osweiler, again in for David Carr. Osweiler had a great game, completing 14 of 30 for 316 yards and 4 touchdowns by the time it was done, spoiling a 3-TD day for Oklahoma’s Andrews.

POTG: Arizona QB Brock Osweiler: 14/30, 316 Yds, 4 TD, 0 Int

NEW JERSEY 10  SAN ANTONIO 19

Both expansion teams win at home as the Gunslingers used a 2-TD third quarter to get past the Generals and new QB Teddy Bridgewater. The former Bull QB had a rough opening outing, sacked 3 times and throwing 3 picks, one of them leading to a Flacco to Goodwin TD toss in the 3^rd. Goodwin had both Gunslinger scores while Brandon LaFell led the team with 7 catches for 129 yards.

POTG: Gunslinger QB Joe Flacco: 22/34, 331 Yds, 2 TD, 0 Int

SEATTLE 27  SAN DIEGO 17

The Dragons notch their first win of the season thanks to a balanced attack that saw Hundley throw for 232 and 2 scores, Moreno and Smallwood combine for 104 yards rushing, and Amari Cooper cross the century mark with 109 yard and a score. Chris Sims impressed again for San Diego, rushing for 102 on 22 carries, but the Thunder could not take advantage, with 2 turnovers in Seattle territory.

POTG: Seattle LB Khalil Mack: 4 Tck, 1 Sck, 1 FF, 1 FR

Machine D a Thing to Behold

Three games in and the Machine have yet to give up more than 10 points in any game. While Sam Bradford and the offense have been a bit plodding (42 points over 3 weeks), they don’t seem to need to do much with a defense that is averaging only 9 points allowed per game. Chicago currently ranks 1^st in points allowed, as you would expect with that average, but they are also top 5 in both yards allowed and passing yards, allowing a meager 187.7 passing yards each game.

They are doing it with a variable approach, sometimes a 3-4 alignment, others adding Eddie Goldman to the line and taking Tony Fields out for a 4-3 look. It is a flexible approach that seems to be forcing teams to prepare for both formations but never knowing which will be in use on any given play. At the heart of the scheme are the Chicago linebackers, with Kevin Minter leading the team with 21 tackles, while Manti Te’o is only 1 back at 20. It is also a defense that brings blitzers in from everywhere on obvious passing downs. That is why when you look at the Machine’s 13 sacks over 3 weeks, you see they come from 7 different players, with LB Manti Te’o and DE Jason Pierre-Paul currently leading the club with 3 apiece.

Chicago needs to push a bit more on offense, where they rank 27^th in scoring and 24^th in total yards, but with their defense working this well, they certainly don’t need to be a 30-point-per-game squad to find success. They will face San Diego this week, then the 0-3 Skyhawks before a huge home game against Michigan in Week 6, just before their early bye in Week 7.

Osweiler Wrangles a Big Win for Arizona

There were some snickers around Phoenix when the Wranglers settled on Brock Osweiler as their backup for David Carr. After failing to sign NDSU’s Trey Lance in the draft, there was not a lot of support given to Coach Tomsula and the Wranglers when they brought in Osweiler. After all, the former Express and Glory QB had started only 2 games the prior two years, and he had struggled in the games where he had seen action. But Coach Tomsula saw something he liked in Osweiler, and when Carr went down in the season opener, the big, somewhat immobile QB got a chance to show the rest of us.

In his first full game (Week 2 vs. Denver), Osweiler threw for 322 yards and 4 TDs, but still could not bring a W. This week, it took overtime, but Osweiler got the win, and in the process threw for another 4 scores. That gives him 9 TDs to 2 picks in his 3 games of action this season. And while Arizona may be expecting David Carr’s return in Week 4, they have to be happy that their gambit on a backup seems to have produced a solid option and a player who can win games.

 

Daniels Works the System in Bandits Win

With Dak Prescott still in concussion protocol after a Week 2 blow to the head, the big question for the Bandits was whether their offense, so explosive the past year, would come to a grinding halt with B. J. Daniels at the helm. Well, after putting up 307 yards and 4 TDs it is pretty safe to say that those fears were unwarranted. Daniels had himself a brilliant game, averaging 18.1 yards per completion as he turned 14 of 17 into more than 300 yards passing. While he only connected with 4 different receivers on the day (Bryant, Grant, Cook, and Cameron), he hit each multiple times, with Bryant leading all receivers with 5 for 111 and 2 touchdowns. Cook had a 53-yard touchdown on a simple swing pass, Jordan Cameron a 34-yarder on a seam route, and Dez Bryant was the red zone specialist with 2 TDs within the 20.

Tampa Bay also got help on special teams, where slot receiver Deebo Samuel, who was not targeted all game on offense, still found a way to make an impact, returning a 2^nd quarter kickoff 105 yards for a score. So, for those who feel that two-time defending MVP Dak Prescott is essential to the operation of Bandit Ball, you now have to recognize that the Bandits will be just fine even if you manage to remove Prescott from the equation.

OBJ Not OK with 0-3

Never one to keep quiet when he is displeased, New Jersey receiver Odell Beckham Jr. let loose after the Generals fell to 0-3 with a lackluster 10-19 outing in San Antonoi. Beckham, who, earlier in the week, seemed excited to have Teddy Bridgewater under center, seemed less than enthused by the team he sees around him. And, we hate to side with a diva wideout, but he may well be right.

New Jersey is currently ranked 29^th in the league in scoring, averaging only 12 points per game. They also rank 26^th in passing and 25^th in overall yards per game. Perhaps surprising, the run game is their best offensive component, at least statistically. DeLone Carter returned to the team after spending the past 3 seasons in Ohio and he has been something of a pleasant surprise, rushing for 199 yards in his first 3 games back. Tony Pollard, who has only had 23 carries in 3 games is averaging 4.6 YPC and has over 100 yards. The problem appears to be in the passing game, where Nick Foles struggled to 2 TDs and 5 picks in the first two weeks. Teddy Bridgewater got the start this week and managed only 187 yards with 2 picks of his own.

Beckham did not name names, but it is clear that he is upset with pretty much everyone from Coach Saleh down to his own receiver group. After himself, with 23 catches in 3 games, there is a huge dropoff before you find Muhamed Sanu with 12 and TE Jonnu Smith with 11. All three top receivers are averaging less than 12 yards per catch, meaning that New Jersey is not getting vertical. That may be the result of an offensive line that is struggling to maintain a clean pocket. It is not just the sacks given up (8 in 3 games), but the pressure both Foles and Bridgewater have faced. OBJ may not be the most tactful voice in the Generals’ locker room, but he is not wrong when he claims “This team ain’t goin’ nowhere unless we can put some goddam points on the goddam board!”

Denver loses LB Houston for the Season

The big injury news this week comes from the Gold, who will lose LOLB Justin Houston for the year after the 10-year vet suffered a torn hamstring in Denver’s victory over Las Vegas. Houston, was 2^nd on the team with 15 tackles after week 2, was in pursuit of Vegas HB Kareem Hunt when he suddenly hopped to a stop mid-play. It was a clear sign of a hamstring injury. Houston went to the sideline, was evaluated and then carted back to the locker room. In the post-game presser, Coach John Hufnagel confirmed that it was a hamstring tear. The next day the severity of the tear was confirmed and Houston was placed on IR.

Houston has been a stalwart on the Gold defense since coming over from Atlanta in 2018, averaging 80 tackles per year. He was named an alternate on the ALL-USFL team last year, his second such accolade. He will be replaced temporarily by 4^th year linebacker Harold Landry, but the Gold have not ruled out seeking an option through a trade or free agency. With a pretty thin LB pool in free agency after both the USFL and NFL picked the pool clean during the recent transfer window, trade may be the only option left to the Gold if Landry struggles.

In addition to the Justin Houston injury, the main story this week was the loss of two quality tight ends across the league, with both Washington’s Rob Housler and Oklahoma’s James Casey looking to be out over a month after their injuries. Washington will likely have Kellen Winslow II step into the starting slot, while Oklahoma still has Mark Andrews as the starter, and with the season Andrews is having, they are certainly solid there. Rumors have them in discussions with veteran Andrew Quarless for a possible 1-year deal as a potential 2^nd option.

OUT

LB       Justin Houston         DEN      Torn Hamstring              IR

TE           Rob Housler             WSH     Broken Ribs                    6-8 Weeks

TE           James Casey           OKL       Torn Biceps                   6-8 Weeks

CB          Donte Jackson        OHI       Wrist                              4-6 Weeks

LB           Dont’a Hightower   OKL       Broken Jaw                   2-4 Weeks

CB          Zach Bowman          CHA      Shoulder                      2-4 Weeks

G            Trevor Canfield        PHI        Neck                             1-2 Weeks

TE           Jonnu Smith             NJ           Pinched Nerve                 1-2 Weeks

HB         Samaje Perine         DAL       Hip                                    1-2 Weeks

FS           Nate Allen              ARZ       Toe                                   1-2 Weeks

DE          Eddie Goldman       CHI        Covid Protocol               1 Week

QUESTIONABLE

G            David Griggs         HOU     Hand                                   

FB          Arthur O’Dell         PIT         Foot

WR         Doug Baldwin         NE          Hip

DE          Porter Gustin           LV           Wrist

CB          Germaine Kelly       DAL       Hernia

FS           Tre Boston                CHA      Concussion

2021 Hall of Fame Semifinalists Named

The names came out this week, the 10 former USFL stars who will be in consideration for only 5 slots in the Hall of Fame Class of 2021. It was a year with a heavy predominance of first-year nominees, with the newly eligible players taking 7 of the 10 slots, but with a retiring group back in 2016 as deep as that group was, it is no surprise that 7 of those players found themselves in the running this year. So, who are the nominees? Here you go, the full list, along with our handicapping of each candidate’s chances to be given the gold jacket and the bronze bust in Canton this October. 

QB Matt Hasselbeck (DEN 1998, HOU 1999-2016)

One of the favorites to earn a gold jacket in his first year of eligibility, Hasselbeck was a 4-time All-USFL quarterback whose 2010 season not only led to a league title for the Gamblers, but saw Hasselbeck earn both the league MVP title and the playoff MVP for his role in the Gambler title run. Hasselbeck played 19 seasons in the USFL, retiring in 2016 with over 55,000 passing yards, 394 career touchdowns, and a lifetime QB Rating of 93.7. Expect the former Gambler QB to join fellow Houston HOFer Jim Kelly in Canton.

QB Byron Leftwich (SEA 2003-16)

The starter in Seattle for nearly 15 years, Byron Leftwich was the 2003 Rookie of the Year, a 6-time All-USFL quarterback, and the 2005 USFL Playoff MVP in that wild year when a 6-8 Dragon club ran the table, winning all 3 playoff games on the road and taking home a league title in true Cinderella fashion. With numbers that are certainly strong (43,862 yards, 306 TD and a 95.8 QBR) but not quite as eye-popping as Hasselbeck’s, we could see Leftwich viewed as the 2^nd best QB and that could mean that being a 2021 finalist could be a big ask. 

HB Deuce McCallister (WSH 2001-16)

A no-brainer if ever there was one. The career Federal rushed for over 19,000 yards in his 16-year career, winning 3 rushing titles and the 2011 Offensive Player of the Year along the way. A dual threat back, McCallister had 33 receiving TDs to go with his 105 on the ground. The only thing missing from his portfolio is a league title, but we just don’t think anyone will dock him for that failing. McCallister is one of the greats in USFL history and we expect he will be making a speech in Canton this October. 

TE Antonio Gates (BAL 2003-16)

A converted basketball player, Gates was a revelation at the tight end position, essentially creating the “box out” play where his sheer size blocked the defender from making plays. Gates won a title with the Blitz, the franchise’s lone championship, in 2014. He was a 3-time All-USFLselection, retiring with nearly 9,000 yards and 750 receptions. While not a slam dunk to get in as a first-year candidate, we would not be surprised if Gates was awarded this year. 

C Jeff Faine (MGN 2000-16)

It is always tough for offensive linemen to get the recognition they deserve. There just are not enough stats to impress the voters who are not intimately aware of what makes an lineman great. What stats there are, Faine has. Just think about this number: 182 starts and 18 career sacks given up. That means that the Michigan center gave up a sack roughly once every 10 games, less than 2 per year. Now, centers are not the most likely linemen to give up sacks (sorry to all the tackles out there) but even for a center, that is an impressive number. Throw in 703 career pancakes and a league title in 2008 and we think Faine is a Hall of Famer. Is he a first ballot guy? Hard to say. Again, O-linemen tend to get overlooked when there is a big first year group, as we have this year. 

DE Reynaldo Wynn (NJ 2008, TEX/OKL 2009-16)

A classic speed rusher, Wynn retired in 2016 with 137 career sacks, but the former Outlaw was also a very solid run-defender, with 90 career tackles for loss and a total of 459 career tackles. Wynn also had a penchant for forcing the ball out, with 24 forced fumbles in his short 8-year USFL career. And it is that short career that could be an issue. Wynn was forced to retire early in his 30’s so his numbers are not what we have seen with other edge rushers, but when you look at his production in only 8 seasons, there is an argument to make. 

LB Brian Urlacher (CHI 2000-16)

Do you want to argue with Urlacher about his qualifications? We thought not. We see the former Chicago MLB as a surefire first ballot Hall of Famer. A former safety at New Mexico, the Machine moved Urlacher to MLB and that move worked out about as well as any we have ever seen in the league. With 10 All-USFL accolades, 3 Defensive Players of the Game, and career numbers that likely make offensive coordinators queasy, Urlacher was the total package at linebacker. Those numbers? How about 1,904 tackles (182 for a loss), 51 forced fumbles, 36 sacks, and 18 picks. Urlacher could do it all, and this October we expect him to be the most intimidating man on the podium in Canton. 

WR Steve Smith (PHI 2001-10, OHI 2011-15) 2^nd Year of Eligibility

Back on our list for a 2^nd year, if you want to know why Steve Smith should get a bust in Canton, just ask him. He will not be shy about it. The wideout for the Stars and Glory has the numbers—5 All-USFL seasons, the 2013 OPOTY, 1,136 receptions, 15,000 yards, and 94 career touchdowns. Smith could go deep, could shake loose early, and was not afraid to go over the middle. He missed out last year, when Hines Ward got the nod, but we think this year could be his year.

DT Shaun Rogers (POR/LV 2001-15) 2^nd Year of Eligibility

Another 2^nd year candidate, Rogers was a 4-time All-USFL player and a stalwart of the Thunder defense for 14 seasons. His numbers overall, however, could be an issue. Defensive tackles tend to have lower totals in key categories (tackles, sacks) than positions like LB or DE, and that has made it tough for many to make the cut. Rogers, with 655 tackles and 35 sacks, has good numbers for a DT, but will that be enough? 

LB Antonio Pierce (WSH (06-14) 3^rd Year of Eligibility

Federals fans are still shocked that Pierce has not made the hall yet. This is his 3^rd of 4 years of eligibility, and we are not sure he can make the cut yet again, especially with Urlacher clearly a first-time nominee. Pierce played only 8 years in Washington, and, as we said for Wynn, that can make it a bit tougher to get recognition. In those 8 years he had 3 All-USFL seasons, winning the 2010 DPOTY honor, and retired with 862 tackles, 110 for a loss (nearly 1 in 8, 32 sacks and 33 forced fumbles, all really strong on a per year basis, but is 8 years enough to get the gold jacket?

Coach Phillips Hints at 2021 Being a Swan Song Season

In his 21^st season with the Gamblers, Wade Phillips has the longest tenure of any coach by no small margin (Arizona’s Jim Tomsula is 8 years behind at 13 seasons), but is the 2021 campaign his last? That is the question being asked after some enigmatic comments by the Houston Gambler coach during this week’s post-game interview. Phillips spoke about the loss to Memphis, about some of his, decisions, but also about feeling he had to make good calls and smart decisions “at this stage of my career.”

That perked up some ears in the press room, as did his comments about wanting to be present and engaged all season, a desire he expressed by saying “I want to be here for these guys, but also for myself, because every game, every practice, every moment with this team is a gift and you never know when those moments will pass.” Phillips, who turns 74 this year, has been coaching since 1969. Think about that. Phillips started coaching as a grad assistant at the U. of Houston while his father was still coaching in the NFL and a full 14 years before the USFL even existed. He has been the head coach of the Gamblers since 2001, and with 186 wins to his name, including 2 league titles and 4 Summer Bowl appearances, he will certainly be a Hall of Fame nominee 5 years after he does step away. But, as all Gambler fans want to know, with that moment be coming this July or August?

Week 4 is another divisional monster week, with 10 rivalry games, including every single matchup on Saturday, on tap. It kicks off on Monday, when the Bandits head down to Orlando to face the Renegades. We also have a really intriguing inter-conference game when former division rivals Houston and Arizona face off in the desert. David Carr is expected back for the Wranglers. Can he lead them to .500 with a home win on Friday Night?

Saturday has 6 games, all divisional matchups, including Charlotte @ Atlanta and Ohio @ Pittsburgh at 1pm, a pair of border war rivalries right there. At 4pm it is Denver @ Dallas in a huge SW Division battle, along with San Antonio traveling to Memphis in the South. The night games feature America’s Favorite BBQ Battle as the Stallions head up the road to Memphis to face the Showboats. Portland is also in a huge game against Oakland as the two face off at the site of this year’s Summer Bowl.

Sunday brings us 3 more divisional games, starting with the unbeaten Philadelphia Stars heading down I-95 to face the Washington Federals. At 4pm it is Oklahoma at Las Vegas, with the winner climbing back to .500 at the ¼ mark of the season. We also have a Pacific matchup on Fox national coverage at 4pm as the LA Express, who have dropped 2 straight, head up the coast to Seattle to take on the Dragons, who earned their first win of the year this week. The Sunday night game should also be a big one as 3-0 Michigan heads into Baltimore to face the Blitz, who were upset this week in Ohio.

FRI @ 8pm ET          Tampa Bay (3-0) @ Orlando (1-2)                    NBC

FRI @ 8pm ET          Houston (2-1) @ Arizona (1-2)                         ESPN/EFN

SAT @ 12pm ET     Charlotte (0-3) @ Atlanta (3-0)                       ABC

SAT @ 12pm ET       Ohio (2-1) @ Pittsburgh (1-2)                           FOX

SAT @ 4pm ET         Denver (3-0) @ Dallas (2-1)                               ABC

SAT @ 4pm ET         San Antonio (1-2) @ New Orleans (2-1)            FOX

SAT @ 8pm ET        Birmingham (2-1) @ Memphis (1-2)                  NBC

SAT @ 8pm ET         Portland (1-2) @ Oakland (2-1)                         ESPN/EFN

SUN @ 12pm ET      Philadelphia (3-0) @ Washington (1-2)             ABC

SUN @ 12pm ET      Jacksonville (0-3) @ New England (1-2)        FOX Regional

SUN @ 12pm ET      New Jersey (0-3) @ St. Louis (0-3)                    FOX Regional

SUN @ 4pm ET       Oklahoma (1-2) @ Las Vegas (1-2)                   ABC Regional

SUN @ 4pm ET       San Diego (1-2) @ Chicago (3-0)                       ABC Regional

SUN @ 4pm ET       Los Angeles (1-2) @ Seattle (1-2)                   FOX

SUN @ 8pm ET       Michigan (3-0) @ Baltimore (2-1)                     ESPN/EFN