USFL Preview: Central

CENTRAL DIVISION

We turn now to the second “split” division coming out of the USFL expansion. The Western Conference’s Central Division has 1983 returnees Michigan and Chicago, and will be joined by newcomers Houston and Pittsburgh, forming their own “Black & Blue Norris Division” in the heartland.

MICHIGAN PANTHERS (12-4, Wildcard in 1983)

Michigan was looking like a serious championship contender in the Central Division last year, but a late season injury to their breakout star QB Bobby Hebert left them limping into the playoffs, where they were dispatched by the less-talented Denver Gold. This year, with their top two rivals now in a different division, the Panthers are primed to dominate what could be the weakest division in the league. Expect Hebert and the Panthers to rip through the division and possibly earn a trip to the Championship in 1984.

Returning Stars: QB Bobby Hebert, RB John Williams, WR Anthony Carter, WR Derek Holloway, LB John Corker, LB Ray Bentley, and DE Ronnie Paggett.

Departures: No players of note.

New Additions: DB Keith Bostic (Mich), FS Evan Cooper (Mich), LB Rick Naylor (N Dame), C Tom Dixon (Mich)

Projections: We see championship potential for the Panthers. Their offense is both consistent and explosive and they added some good new pieces to the league’s best defense. That is a winning combination in any league.

CHICAGO BLITZ (5-11, 4th in Central—or in Pacific, really)

When owners Ted Dietrich and Jim Joseph essentially swapped franchises this offseason, it meant that this year’s “New’ Blitz were not the 5-11 franchise from ’83, but were now basically the equally bad 5-11 Arizona Wranglers. Only a few players remain from the 1983 Blitz, but Chicago has also added some talent to a streaky Wranglers roster. The one downside is that instead of going from geriatric QB Greg Landry to the exciting gunslinger Alan Risher, Risher jetted off to the NFL, and Chicago once again found themselves searching for a QB. They are hoping that former Bear backup Vince Evans can find life with his new Windy City team. New Head Coach, former Chiefs leader, Marv Levy has a lot of “ifs” to deal with.

Returning Stars (From AZ): RB Steve Howell, WR Jackie Flowers, TE Mark Keel, LB Sam Norris, DE Junior Ah You (CHI in ’83)

Departures: Most of the CHI roster, including QB Greg Landry, RB Tim Spencer, WR Trumaine Johnson, and LBs Stan White and Jim Farnhorst. Coach George Allen

New Additions: QB Vince Evans (NFL), QB Blair Kiel (N Dame), RB Mel Gray (Purdue), LB Ed Brady (Illinois)

Projections: The roster has some talent, but it was talent that led to a 5-11 season last year in Arizona. We are not sure the addition of Vince Evans is enough to right the ship and help Chicago compete with Michigan. Honestly, there is likely a better chance they finish below one of the expansion clubs than that they overtake the Panthers for the Division title.

HOUSTON GAMBLERS (Expansion Franchise)

The Houston Gamblers are going to be fun to watch, that is for sure, but whether the new “Run & Shoot” offense being prepared by Head Coach Jack Pardee and his OC “Mouse” Davis will lead to high scoring aerial assaults or a potential injury trap for their star rookie, QB Jim Kelly is a big question out there. The franchise focused almost exclusively on offense with their draft and free agent acquisitions, the lone exception being the signing of outstanding U. of Texas LB Kiki DeAyala. This is a team that may fall flat on its face, or may revolutionize offensive football. Only time will tell.

Potential Stars: QB Jim Kelly (Miami), WR Gerald McNeill (Baylor), WR Rick Sanders (Texas St.), LB Kiki DeAyala (Texas), S Donald Dykes (NFL)

Projection: Of the four expansion clubs, Houston has the most buzz, largely due to their signing of Jim Kelly away from the NFL, but also because they are trying something new. We don’t know if a pass-happy 3-4 receiver offense will work at this level, but it has us interested.

PITTSBURGH MAULERS (Expansion Franchise)

Former Steelers and Philly Stars coach Joe Pendry has a tall order in front of him with the Maulers, but he has some talent on this squad, as well as some local names to draw in curious fans, especially if the Pirates slump this year. The biggest name on the roster is Heisman winner Mike Rozier out of Nebraska. Rozier likely had a better O-line in Lincoln than with the Maulers, so he will need help to continue running to daylight. At QB, the Maulers will likely start the season with former Cowboy Glen Carano at the helm, but we expect West Virginia’s elusive Jeff Hostetler to get a shot as well. The defense is largely no-name, but we like the early looks we have had of former Golden Domer Dave Duerson at Strong Safety. In what may be a long year in the Steel City, we think there may still be signs of hope for spring football at Three Rivers.

Potential Stars: QB Jeff Hostetler (WV), RB Mike Rozier (Nebr), TE Mike Shaw (Va Tech), DB Dave Duerson (N Dame)

Projection: This is a team where big name players may simply not be able to overcome the deficiencies on the rest of the roster. No wideouts of note, and lines on both sides which may have difficulty keeping pace with other USFL squads are not a great formula in a league that prides itself on big plays and explosive scoring. Pittsburgh may find itself falling short this year, but can they do enough to build interest for the future?