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It was another week of unexpected results and stellar performances. Ron Dayne helped Baltimore spoil Boston's home opener. Atlanta used 3 pick-sixes to hold off the expansion Monarchs, and the Portland Stags pulled a major upset in only their 2nd game as a franchise, knocking off their Cascade competition in Seattle. It was a week that saw Ohio rebound to take out Orlando, while Michigan, Philadelphia, Jacksonville and Memphis continue to impress. Washington has jumped out to a surprising 2-0 start, while LA stumbles without their starting QB available. In other words, it is a typical week in the often surprising, but always entertaining USFL. PORTLAND STAGS 19 SEATTLE DRAGONS 14 A game as stunning as it was fun to watch as the Dragons, clear favorites in the Pacific Division fall at home to the expansion Portland Stags. Add in all the pressure of a regional rivalry about to take shape after a lengthy hiatus, and a Dragon team that now finds itself as the only winless team in the division and you have plenty of drama in this one. The Stags came into this one a prohibitive 10-point underdog on the road in one of the tougher places to steal a win. Seattle had dropped their opener in Oakland, but that was a game that was expected to be close and it was no real shock that the Invaders had pulled off the win. This game, the home opener for the defending division champ, was supposed to be a quasi-bye week before facing the Thunder in Las Vegas in Week 3. An expansion club in their 2nd game against a proven winner, a clear advantage to Seattle, but it was also a perfect setup for a trap game. Seattle had very little film on the Stags, and Portland had all the incentive to make this game their Summer Bowl in what is expected to be a long and difficult year of development. What we got was a fired up Portland squad against a Seattle team that was perhaps a bit too overconfident and cocky. Seattle got its in initial warning in the first half, when the Stags held the Dragons scoreless, disrupting Dragon drives with solid 3rd down defense (Seattle would go 2 of 12 on the day). Neither offense could do much and the Stags led at the half by the measly difference of 3-0. In the third quarter it seemed Seattle had finally found their Starbucks and given themselves some caffeine. They scored twice in the quarter, a Rashied Davis TD catch from Leftwich and a Corey Dillon 9-yard run. Up 14-3, it seemed the Dragons were doing what they needed to so that they could add a W to their tally. But the 4th quarter started about as badly as a quarter can for Seattle. On a play that was wrong from the get go, QB Byron Leftwich and HB Darren Sproles collided in the endzone trying to set up a play action pass with Seattle backed up to their own 2 yard line. Both players went down, and Sproles was touched down by Portland DE Ebenezer Ekuban. Worse, Byron Leftwich was dinged up and would not return to the game. Seattle was still up 14-5, so there was no panic at Qwest Field, at least not at first. Things got a bit dicier when, on the ensuing free kick, Portland started at their own 49 and seemed to build some momentum. It would take them 7 plays, but they would find the endzone with A. J. Feeley connecting with Craphonso Thorpe for a score that made the game a 2-point affair, 14-12 Seattle. With only 2:58 left in the game, the advantage was still clearly Seattle’s. But the advantage would not last long. Seattle’s Rasheed Davis would make a short catch, get hit from both sides by Portland defenders, and cough up the ball. Portland recovered on their 48 and once again had only half a field to go to possibly take the lead, less if they could draw down the clock and kick a field goal. The strategy of drawing out the clock apparently did not occur to Stag head coach Rich Brooks. He called a play action pass on 1st down, sending TE Bubba Franks on a seam route while faking the ball to HB Jonathan Stewart. The call caught Seattle, its fans, and pretty much everyone watching on TV, by surprise. Franks caught the Feeley pass in stride and suddenly it was 18-14 Seattle. They would kick the extra point, and with just barely 1 minute left to play, Seattle was in real trouble. Seattle, with Tee Martin in at QB, simply could not respond. They failed on 3 straight passes and gave over possession with 22 seconds left. A. J. Feeley took a knee and the city of Portland celebrated as their new USFL club not only got the first win in franchise history, but won the opening matchup against the city’s archrival, Seattle. A bad day for the Dragons, a moment to celebrate for the Stags and for Portland, back in the USFL game after several years on the sidelines. CHARLOTTE 20 ATLANTA 39 Charlotte QB Chris Weinke threw 4 TDs in this game, but unfortunately 3 of them were Atlanta TDs as Fire CBs Andre Woolfork (2) and Charles Woodson (1) each returned picks for scores to propel the Fire to a big home win. Weinke started the game well, connecting with TE Dan Campbell for a score, but the wheels came off the bus in the second half when, trailing 22-10, Wienke had to play catchup. The result was an even wider margin of victory for Atlanta. BALTIMORE 24 BOSTON 22 A big win for the Blitz as they move to 2-0 and knock off the favored Cannons in Boston. Ron Dayne was simply unstoppable, rushing for 154 yards and 3 scores to propel the Blitz to the 2-point win. Drew Bledsoe threw for 2 scores as the Blitz did a decent job against rookie HB Rashard Mendenhall, holding him to only 64 yards on the day. TE Antonio Gates also played very well for the Blitz, racking up 115 yards to pace all Blitz receivers. ARIZONA 16 NEW JERSEY 19 OT A sloppy game for both clubs went to overtime, where New Jersey got a field goal with only 4 minutes left in the extra period to take the W. Once again backup James Jackson outshone rookie HB Ray Rice for New Jersey, while Arizona QB Jake Plummer struggled to connect on deep balls to Fitzgerald or Moss, overthrowing the speedy receivers several times. Plummer tied the game in the 4th with a TD to Kevin Everett but could not produce points in overtime. NEW ORLEANS 13 PHILADELPHIA 20 The Breakers again play their favored opponent very tight, but again come up short. Steve Slaton scored for the Stars to give them a 20-10 lead, and the Breakers simply could not come all the way back. Matt Forte played well, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, but 2 picks from Eli Manning hurt the comeback attempt. Philadelphia moves to 2-0 after their first 2 home games. LOS ANGELES 10 DENVER 28 Jeff Lewis struggled, throwing 2 picks and gaining only 168 through the thin air of Mile High as Denver scored the first 21 points of the game and then just held LA in check to finish out the game. Matt Leinart had a much better 2nd game, throwing for 3 scores as Denver got their 2nd win of the season. MEMPHIS 27 BIRMINGHAM 17 Favre Bowl II in Birmingham went much the same way as last year’s clash, with the visiting Showboats getting the win. The loved-hated QB threw for 263 and 2 scores but was also sacked 8 times by an aggressive Stallion front 7. Jason Campbell did not fare much better, sacked 5 times by the ‘Boats. In the end the Showboats just had too much for Birmingham as they move to 2-0 and send the Stallions to 0-2. TEXAS 20 WASHINGTON 31 Washington surprises many at 2-0, but they looked very good against Texas. Deuce McCallister’s 154 yards rushing paced the Washington offense, and the D managed to temporarily knock Texas QB Joe Flacco out of the game. Chris Simms played most of the second half, with Flacco returning briefly at the game’s conclusion. Ed Reed capped off a solid day with a game-ending pick in the endzone to stifle Texas’s 2-minute hopes for a miracle comeback. TAMPA BAY 3 PITTSBURGH 7 Cold biting winds and freezing rain greeted the Bandits when they arrived in Pittsburgh, as the weather kept both fans and points away from Heinz Field. Both teams struggled to move the ball and keep warm at the same time as this game was almost as painful to watch as it was to play. The lone TD was a DeShaun Foster 1-yard run following a Labrandon Toefield fumble on the 6-yard line as Tampa simply could not function in the weather. OHIO 17 ORLANDO 7 The Glory offense has not lived up to expectations, but the defense came up huge this week to help the Glory level their record at 1-1. Randy Moss did show up big, scoring both Glory TDs, but was also limited to only 4 receptions. Orlando’s Najeh Davenport could not repeat his Week 1 success, rushing for only 21 yards on 13 carries. The Renegades had some chances, but simply could not connect when a big play was needed, leading to Ohio getting the 10-point win. LAS VEGAS 20 OAKLAND 14 Despite 144 yards from Ricky Williams, the Invaders could not get the W at home. Las Vegas also focused on the run game, with Marshawn Lynch carrying the ball an exhausting 31 times for 90 yards, but the surprise star was backup Earnest Graham, who used a 41-yard TD dash to build towards an even 100 yards on only 9 carries. Oakland had a chance to take the lead late, but Joey Harrington missed a wide-open Greg Jennings on a late deep ball and Las Vegas held on to earn the W. CHICAGO 22 ST. LOUIS 7 The 2008 Skyhawks are looking a lot like the 2007 squad that won only 1 game. Against Chicago they mustered only 231 yards of offense as the run game was simply nonexistent. Chicago, on the other hand, got 117 yards and a score from Michael Turner to take control of the game. The defense did the rest, with Brian Urlacher leading all defenders with 8 tackles in the game. MICHIGAN 17 HOUSTON 10 Panther fans have to be happy not only with a 2-0 start, but with the play of their rebuilt D-line, which harassed Matt Hasselbeck all game long. The run game was also working for the Panthers, with both Justin Fargas and Leon Washington going over 100 yards. Fargas gained 103 on 18 carries and Washington added 108 on 15 carries as Brian Griese was all but given the day off against a Houston run defense that could not find their way. JACKSONVILLE 27 NASHVILLE 17 The Sunday nightcap game was a pretty good one with both teams showing their strengths. Frank Gore rushed for 123 for the Knights’ run-first offense, while Antowain Smith did one better, gaining 160 yards on only 22 carries for the Bulls. Good thing too because Jake Delhomme was not having a strong night, connecting only 7 of 26 passing for a miserable 26.9% completion rate. But, 4 turnovers by the homestanding Knights helped Jacksonville earn the win. Jake Cutler was the guilty party on all 4, with 3 picks and sack-fumble in the game. Ron Dayne Outguns the Cannons While this weekend’s 154-yard day was not a personal best for halfback Ron Dayne (He rushed for 203 against the Stars in 2004), this week’s huge game against Boston was certainly one of the most rewarding for the big back and for his team. Dayne has been a solid back, some would say elite since his arrival in the USFL back in 2000. But after rushing for 1,200+ yards in his first two campaigns, he has yet to recapture that pace, peaking at 1,192 in 2005. Still , he has been consistently among the league’s top rushers, while never getting much praise for his game. Dayne’s style is more bulldozer than gazelle to be sure. He is a straight-line runner with a tendency to lower the shoulder and plow right into tacklers instead of juking around them. And while Dayne has been solid year in and year out, the Blitz as a whole have largely been viewed as a mediocre, middle of the pack squad. That too is understandable, with the team fluctuating between 6-9 wins ever since the new millennium began. But this game, and this season is a possible break out for the club. The team spent sizeable amounts of cash this offseason to sign speedy WR Tory Holt and veteran DT Sean Gilbert. They drafted two offensive tackles and two tight ends in hope of building up a more dominant run game, and if the game against Boston is any indication, these investments are ready to pay off right away. Baltimore is now 2-0, winning both games on the road and in both cases using sound defense and the power running of Ron Dayne to get it done. Next week they open their home slate with the 2-0 Philadelphia Stars in town. As with this week’s win in Boston, a win against Philly could represent a sea change in the Northeast and the arrival of the Blitz as serious contenders. If that happens, you can believe that it will once again be on the shoulders of Ron Dayne and the pounding the Blitz give defense with their run game. Atlanta’s Secondary Steps Up After a tough 15-6 loss in their home opener Week 1, Atlanta exploded against Charlotte for 39, but before you praise Coach Gruden’s offense, best to check out the boxscore. Three of Atlanta’s four TDs on the day were from the secondary running back pick-sixes, not the Fire offense. Yes, Atlanta did have offensive success against the expansion Monarch defense, but they had to keep settling for field goals. It was the defensive scoring that gave them the 21 points needed to beat Charlotte by 19. All three picks were impressive. The first was Andre Woolfork snagging a pass intended for Brandon Marshall, weaving through tacklers and diving into the end zone 51 yards later. The score put Atlanta up 22-10, starting an avalanche that would bury Chris Weinke and the Monarchs. On Charlotte’s 1st drive of the second half, Woolfork did it again. This time it was a pass intended for TE Dan Campbell, tipped into the air by LB Na’il Diggs, and snatched by Woolfork again. Just 24 yards and 4.3 seconds later, Woolfork was again posing with his teammates in the endzone. Apparently jealous of all the attention Woolfork was getting, Atlanta’s star free agent signing, multiple-time All-USFL cornerback Charles Woodson got into the act only 2 minutes later. Woodson undercut a pass intended for Charlotte’s #1 receiver, D. J. Hackett and had a clear path to the endzone down the sideline. Woodson did a summersault into the end zone, untouched, to put Atlanta up by a dominating 36-10. What was for Weinke, Coach Mora and the Monarchs, was a festival for the Atlanta defense and the Fire fans in the Georgia Dome. A pick-six can be a momentum-shifting play. Two is almost certainly a game-winning combo, but to snag three in one game is truly a rarity. If the combo of Woolfork, Woodson, and safeties John Howell and Marcus Washington can continue to ballhawk, the Fire defense could be a real problem for the rest of the SE Division. The Fire rank 6th in total defense after the first 2 weeks. Coach Gruden is hoping to rise even higher, and with games like the one this week they well could. QB Slow Starts A Sign of Trouble? As much as we want to celebrate the day defenses like Atlanta’s had, we should also recognize that no team gives up a lot of takeaways without making mistakes of their own. So far this season several teams have struggled with erratic production, too many turnovers, and poor decision making on the field. When that happens the question automatically becomes the quality of the QB. As we look around the league, and particularly at the QB rankings, there are several teams that may already have concerns. New Jersey: Kevin Kolb won the starting job by going 3-0 at the tail end of a lost season last year in New Jersey. The hope would be that he, like Spence Fisher and Tom Brady before him, could step into a starting role and take it over. So far this year, that does not appear to be the case. Yes, the Generals got their first win this week, but currently Kolb ranks 3rd from last among USFL starters, with only Chris Weinke and the LA combo of Wallace & Lewis behind him. Two picks, no touchdowns, and a completion rate of 50% are all worrying signs for the 2nd year QB. So, could Kolb be in real trouble of a short leash and a quick exit from the starting position? While too early to say so now, the Generals did sign former Houston backup Kris Kershaw this offseason. Kershaw has never truly gotten the chance to start, backing up Matt Hasselbeck most of his career, but has played solid football when called upon. If Kolb cannot show growth in the position by midseason, we could see Coach Crenell try another direction. As bad as Kolb has been, Charlotte has to be upset that NFL veteran Chris Weinke has been even worse. Weinke, who suffered a brutal 3-pick-six game this week. He now leads the league with 4 picks in 2 games, and with only 357 yards passing in those 2 games, Charlotte’s offense has struggled. Of course, the Monarchs are an expansion team, so we cannot expect their offense to come out of the gate in synch. Growing pains are a natural product of putting together a roster from scratch, but Weinke had better start showing better judgement and better vision if he hopes to hold off #2 QB Henry Burris. The former Thunder and Federals QB has had several opportunities to start in the USFL and he certainly would cherish another. In St. Louis, first year coach Doug Williams went out of his way to bring in a new QB in Seattle backup and former Fire starter Jeff Blake. He sent Luke McCown to the bench and declared Blake the starter from day one. The former NFL starter in Cincinnati has repaid him by completing only 49% of his passes for only 372 yards (186 a game) while tossing two early picks. With an All-USFL receiver in Taylor Jacobs and depth with Sinorice Moss, Bryant Johnson, and rookie Jordy Nelson also in the receiving corps, Blake has the weapons he needs to succeed, but so far it has been more of the same for a Skyhawks club that went 1-13 last season. Finally, we could not talk about disappointing starts for USFL quarterbacks without mentioning Jay Cutler in Nashville. Cutler was to be the new Golden Boy for the Knights, taking over when longtime starter Todd Collins left for the NFL. Cutler, the 3rd year QB out of Vanderbilt, has the arm, to be sure, but has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Cutler missed 5 games last year to injury and threw only 7 TDs to 8 picks in the 9 games where he did see action. This year, in his first 2 starts, he has 1 TD to 3 picks, is completing only 50.8% of his passes and has led the Knights to only two touchdowns in 13 drives. This is not what Knight fans hoped for as they went into 2008. Yes, the Knights got a win against Atlanta in Week 1, largely due to the defense, but the game this week at home against Jacksonville was a big disappointment, and with Philly, Boston and Seattle on the first half schedule for the season, the schedule will not be getting any easier. A very good start to the year in general as we are two weeks in and still have not seen a player added to the IR. Yes, week one saw QB Seneca Wallace and CB Antonio Cromartie out for significant time, but in Week 2 we can say that there was not a single injury expected to cost a player more than 2 weeks at the most. Philadelphia was hit again as former Cannon WR Reche Caldwell will miss this week’s game and could miss their Week 4 match as he deals with back spasms. In Baltimore the concern was for CB Chris McCallister, but he too is expected back in a week or two after a fracture in his hand has time to reset. New Jersey will be without DE Greg Ellis after a concussion sent him to the sideline last week, but he is expected back by Week 4. Staying in the Northeast, Washington guard Chad Ward will be out this week with a hamstring pull, while in the Southeast, Atlanta has guard Rex Hadnot as questionable after suffering an injury to his big toe (likely a turf toe situation.) Several starting players key to their teams are listed as probable after missing some of last week’s games. This includes QB Steve McNair in Las Vegas, Byron Leftwich in Seattle, and TE Greg Olsen for the Renegades. Most insiders believe all three will start this weekend, despite some lingering pain. Financial Crisis a Concern for USFL Bottom Line Stepping away from the field and into the murky waters of league finances may not be what the average sports fan would want us to do, but with the current “Great Recession” impacting businesses, households, and even large enterprises such as the USFL, it is undeniable that the underlying financial success of the league is a major story. The truth is that the league, like so many aspects of the U.S. economy, is feeling the impact of the recession. This is true on the macro level, with access to credit and borrowing more restricted and cash flow now a significant concern leaguewide, but also on the individual team level, with the crisis impacting ownership in disproportionate ways. The overall impact is just beginning to be felt across the league, and the prognosis is troubling. A recent study in Money magazine looked at several major professional sports leagues, including the USFL, and while the overall prognosis was positive, there were some significant challenges to be faced, with the USFL perhaps in a more precarious situation than several of the more established leagues such as the NFL, Major League Baseball, or the NBA. There are three primary issues that concern USFL leadership and which were highlighted in the Money magazine article. First, the impact of the recession on leaguewide operations is not immaterial. The league will encounter more difficulty with borrowing, whether that is to balance out cash flow between the slow trickle of funding that comes from ticket and merchandise sales or the large quarterly influx of funds through the various sponsorship and television contracts held by the league. The likelihood that the USFL will have some difficulties with irregular revenue and expenditure patterns is significant. That imbalance, particularly between the season and offseason periods will be exacerbated by the increased cost and reduced availability of both credit and loans to allow for short-term mediation of revenue delays in relation to expenditure. In layman’s terms, the ability of the league to obtain the funds needed to pay bills, salaries, and commitments such as stadium construction or renovation costs will be more irregular and likely come at a higher overall cost due to limited credit options. Second, individual teams, and in particular, individual team owners may see significant financial losses during the crisis. We should remember that while the USFL is largely a self-sustaining entity, driven by television revenue, sponsorship deals and fan expenditures (ticket & merchandise sales), each club is owned by either a single primary investor or a small cadre of investors who have committed and regularly commit their own personal finances to the team’s ongoing budgetary needs. As with many other professional leagues, it is the ability of the team owners to invest funds that provides the capital for everything from stadium renovation to local marketing, even in some cases, staff and player compensation. Much of this is offset by the league’s revenue sharing plan, but not all of it. When we consider how many league owners are engaged in the very financial sectors at the heart of the current economic crisis: real estate development, mortgage and real estate finance, speculative development and hedge fund management, as well as banking in general and investment banking in particular, it is not difficult to see why the personal finances of many USFL owners will be restricted, if not negatively impacted in significant ways. Now, we are not asking the average fan to weep for the plight of the multimillionaire and billionaire owners, but it should be acknowledged that one of the very real impacts of the current crisis could well be owners looking to reinvest in their own personal portfolios by seeking to sell off assets, and for nearly all their USFL franchise is considered an asset. The impact of having several USFL franchises up for sale at once cannot be understated. It increases instability, creates potential risk for the team and the league as a whole, and could produce greater franchise instability, as we have seen in the past when teams change hands. Relocation, or reallocation of resources is a very real possibility. Finally, we should mention the average fan, the season ticket holder or just the casual USFL fan. The reality is that a prolonged recession will lead to greater unemployment, greater instability, and potential decline in personal finances, and, with housing at the center of the crisis, greater financial loss in the value of property and real estate. This, in turn, forces many families to reassess their expenditures, “tighten the belt” as it were, and cut down on discretionary spending. USFL tickets, merchandise, and season passes certainly fall into the category of discretionary spending, which is likely to take a significant hit as families are forced to alter their expenditures in necessities such as housing and face potential layoffs or extended unemployment. While the expectation is that this may only produce minimal impact for the 2008 season, where season tickets were already allotted and most families have already committed the costs for their USFL fandom, there is significant concern that the league could see further revenue issues not only from a reduction in corporate spending, but also very much a reduction in season and individual game ticket sales for 2009 as well as dips in all other ancillary expenditures (merchandise, and all other game day revenue streams). The financial crisis we find ourselves in will have wide sweeping impacts across all sectors of the national, if not global economy, and the potential damage done not only to financial structures and industries but to families and communities will be felt by all sectors of the economy. Professional sports is not immune to this, and the USFL will have to be diligent in its financial modeling, its resource management, and its speculation on future projects to weather this storm without significant negative effects coming to pass. The fact that the USFL enters this period of economic uncertainty without a CBA in place with the USFLPA players union is not a good starting point, for either party. The position of the players very much hangs on the concept that league revenue continues to increase, something that may not prove true over the next few years. The ownership position is also weakened by any instability within the small group of investors that make up the league, as well as the difficulty with credit and capital-enhancing loans. Projects such as the new Meadowlands stadium, for example, will prove more costly, while the potential for very real reductions in advertisement and corporate partnership could put a strain on the talks between the league and the unions, at a time when neither can feel very secure about the future. After the popularity of our “Looking Back” tributes during the USFL’s 25th season, we decided to continue the feature, but with a twist. Over three months this offseason we pitched to each USFL franchise’s fanbase the premise of selecting the club’s Mt. Rushmore. We asked fans in each club’s season ticket pool as well as the facebook fan group for each club who they would nominate, from retired players only (no coaches, no current players) for 4 slots as the best of the best for their beloved team. The results were interesting, with several clear choices and many much-debated names. Over the course of the 2008 season, we will reveal the Mt Rushmore selections of each team, two at a time, one each from each conference. We will finish with a week dedicated to the very young teams of the 1995 expansion, the only Mt. Rushmore foursomes which are allowed to contain current players. We start this week with the New Jersey Generals and the Oakland Invaders, two clubs from the Original 12, each with their own easy slam dunk player and several debates. New Jersey Generals To say that Herschel Walker was a slam dunk, first ballot, Mt. Rushmore staple is an understatement. Like Washington on the original Mt. Rushmore, a Generals’ tribute to players would make no sense without Walker being there. Over the course of our research and fan feedback, we saw absolutely no one advocate for leaving Walker off the list. So we take him as a given. The second name was almost as unanimous as Walker. Defensive End Phil Hansen set just about every record a DE could set and was the lone bright spot on a lot of mediocre General squads before winning his first title. After these two obvious choices, it got a bit complicated. Some folks wanted to vote for Tom Brady, but since he is still an active player (though in the NFL not the USFL) we have ruled him out. That left QB Doug Flutie as the 3rd highest vote getter. A solid pick, Flutie played 11 seasons for the Generals and still holds several team records. He also led New Jersey to their first USFL Title in 1989. Flutie remains a very popular figure in the area despite leaving the club for the Michigan Panthers in 1996. So, who is our fourth Rushmorian? The Teddy Roosevelt of the group? There was a lot of debate, a lot of names thrown around, even a surprising number of votes for a kicker with Roger Ruzek getting a lot of support, but in the end the choice was wide receiver Johnny “Lam” Jones. Jones came to New Jersey as a rookie in 1985 and played his entire career with the Generals, retiring after 11 seasons. In that time he caught 792 passes for over 13,000 yards and 86 touchdowns. Certainly strong numbers for consideration. Oakland Invaders With only 1 player currently in the USFL Hall of Fame, it was pretty clear who was going to be the top votegetter for the Invaders. Henry Ellard was everyone’s favorite to make the 4-man list and he certainly deserves that honor with a 15-year career by the Bay. Ellard was the Oakland offense for more than a decade, working with QBs from Fred Besana to Brian Sipe to Bobby Hebert. He racked up over 16,000 yards receiving and 122 touchdowns. Another “Washington” for the Mt. Rushmore. Second place was another controversial vote. If you asked the Oakland fans we messed up by not allowing coaches to be considered as former Invader head coach and Hall of Famer Dick Vermeil was a very popular candidate. Without Vermeil as an option, the Invader fans struggled to make a clear #2 known. In the end, the final vote tally led us to name tight end Raymond Chester as the Lincoln to Ellard’s Washington. With 9 seasons in Oakland, Chester was one of the founding stars, arriving from the Raiders in 1983 when the club first took the field. He was a 5-time nominee to the USFL Hall of Fame, but never got the requisite leaguewide votes to make the Hall, but in this informal poll, he is one of the 4 for the Invaders. A bit of a surprise at #3 with a kicker joining the group. Now, when that kicker is Kevin Shea, and when your kicker has as many game winning kicks as Shea does, it becomes understandable why fans revere the special teamer as much as they do. Shea could actually make the Mount with two teams, having played with Oakland from 1983 through 1991 but also with Memphis from 91 through 98. For now he is assured a spot on at least one mountain, voted on by the Invader Fans. Once again we get to our Teddy Roosevelt, the 4th and most debated player. Several names were frequent mentions, including HB Albert Bentley, QB Brian Sipe, fan favorite Fred Besana, and LB Gary Plummer, but in the end it was cornerback Aeneas Williams who got the most votes. The ballhawking corner played 9 seasons with the Invaders before shorter stints in Arizona and LA (something about that Pacific Division). He was one of the best defenders on the squad for his entire career and with 7 defensive TDs, has certainly made some memories that Oakland fans cherish. So, there you have it. Two teams down, 22 to go (We are not including the 4 new expansion clubs, of course). Next up is Philadelphia and Arizona, so start those debates now. Fusina or Hebert? Stouffer or Neuheisel? Landeta or Trout? Some tough choices with both clubs. A great Week 3 lineup as we have seven teams, including Seattle, trying to avoid the dreaded 0-3 starts, while we have another 7 teams, including surprising Baltimore and Washington, going for 3-0 to start the year. Get those clickers (that is what old folks call the remote control) ready. Lots of action to tune in for this weekend. FRIDAY @ 8pm Memphis (2-0) @ Jacksonville (2-0) NBC SATURDAY @ 12pm Washington (2-0) @ New Jersey (1-1) ABC SATURDAY @ 12pm St. Louis (0-2) @ Ohio (1-1) ABC SATURDAY @ 12pm Orlando (1-1) @ Tampa Bay (1-1) FOX SATURDAY @ 4pm Atlanta (1-1) @ Chicago (1-1) ABC SATURDAY @ 4pm Denver (2-0) @ Michigan (2-0) FOX SATURDAY @ 8pm Philadelphia (2-0) @ Baltimore (2-0) ESPN SUNDAY @ 12pm Birmingham (0-2) @ New Orleans (2-0) ABC SUNDAY @ 12pm Boston (1-1) @ Charlotte (0-2) ABC SUNDAY @ 12pm Pittsburgh (1-1) @ Houston (1-1) FOX SUNDAY @ 4pm Nashville (1-1) @ Los Angeles (1-1) ABC SUNDAY @ 4pm Oakland (1-1) @ Portland (1-1) FOX SUNDAY @ 4pm Texas (0-2) @ Arizona (0-2) FOX SUNDAY @ 8pm Seattle (0-2) @ Las Vegas (1-1) ESPN

(Each week in 2008 we will use a jersey from the past to identify the week, beginning with Anthony Carter's iconic Michigan Panthers #1 jersey). Feel free to use the comment section at the end of each week's recap to take your best guess at who is next. Two hints, all players highlighted are either real USFL stars or players who had outstanding careers in this alt reality simulation, and, to make it just a bit easier, we will not use any active players in 2008 and we will not repeat any team, so 16 different teams will be represented. Next up is #2, a possible toughie, but not the toughest we will see.) Perhaps our preseason picks were too wrapped up in hype after all. Ohio goes down at home despite the arrival of Randy Moss, the defending champion Showboats struggle to defeat New Orleans, Chicago and Seattle also suffer unexpected defeats on opening week. A rough Week 1 for other clubs, with LA losing their starting QB, and both New Jersey and St.Louis looking very shaky. It’s only Week One of a newly-expanded 16-week season, so there is a long way to go, but we certainly got a lot to talk about on Monday morning in the office from the USFL week that was. New Orleans 20 Memphis 26 OVERTIME The defending champs opened their season at home in front of a raucous 55,202 in the Liberty Bowl, but they also started the season with a tougher-than-expected challenge from the New Orleans Breakers, a team that had won only 1 game in the entire 2007 season. The Breakers took the Showboats to overtime in a game that easily could have swung the other way. Yes, we can say that there was some early season rust, but there was also solid play from the Breakers’ defense and a good showing from the very young group of receivers New Orleans has put together. The Breakers have essentially retooled their entire skill group on offense, with rookie Matt Forte now their lead back, and both rookie Early Doucet and 2nd year WR Dwayne Bowe at wideout. Four year vet Chris Cooley at TE is basically the old man on the field when the offense takes over, although much embattled QB Eli Manning, entering his 5th season in the USFL, is the actual senior statesman of the group. This group put together a pretty good run at Memphis this week, primarily through the air. Eli Manning would put the ball up 41 times, completing 27 for 291 yards. Doucet would lead all receivers with 8 catches for 77 yards and Manning’s only TD pass. Dwayne Bowe would average 21.5 yards per carry on 4 catches, while rookie HB Matt Forte had 4 catches to go along with his 15 carries. Memphis would have better numbers overall, with Brett Favre completing 19 of 31 for 365 yards and 2 TD tosses, but they struggled to put away the Breakers all game. Robert Ferguson, Lee Evans, and, surprisingly, HB Cadillac Williams would all be major contributors in the passing game. And yet, despite the advantages of playing at home and what most consider a distinct talent advantage, the Showboats struggled to hold onto a lead. Memphis would start the game with a solid drive, moving the ball 44 yards before settling for a Jeff Hall field goal on their first drive. On the Breakers’ first drive, they too would move the ball effectively, driving down to the 18 yard line before they too settled for 3. In the second quarter it would be New Orleans to build a lead, scoring on consecutive drives, but both times settling for red zone field goals, including one from the 2 yard line when three straight goallline plays failed to produce a TD. Down 9-3, Memphis would finish out the first half by conducting a lightning fast 42 second drive that produced the first TD of the day. Favre hit Lee Evans on a 43-yard pass, then rookie Pierre Garçon with a 13-yarder to get the ball to the 1. Maurice Smith would plunge over from there with just seconds left in the half and Memphis would enter the locker rooms up only 10-9 after 30 minutes of play. The third quarter produced a scoreless 15 minutes, including a very frustrating Memphis drive that ended with a poor decision by Favre, leading to a pick in the endzone from Breaker FS Will Hunter. New Orleans held possession for much of the quarter but could not get in scoring position. As the quarter came to a close, Memphis was knocking on the door again. They would score on the first play of the 4th when Cadillac Williams, who finished the day with 42 yards rushing and 83 through the air, plunged into the endzone to give Memphis a 17-9 lead. New Orleans did not fade away down 8. The Breakers mounted one of their best drives of the game, marching 74 yards in 8 plays, capped off by a 4-yard Manning to Doucet TD toss. The rookie receiver had to all but wrest the ball away from the defender but came down with the score. On the 2-point PAT, Manning would hit reliable TE Chris Cooley on a bootleg play, and we were back to a tie game at 17. Memphis would drive down the field and kick a go-ahead Jeff Hall field goal with only 1:49 left to play, a seeming game winner. Once again New Orleans refused to go down. The Breakers responded with their own lightning strike, a 4 play drive that brought them all the way to the 19 yard line, thanks in large part to a 56-yard reception from Dwayne Bowe. The Breakers took one shot at the endzone, but with time waning the had David Green come out to kick the game-tying field goal and take their chances in overtime. Memphis would not give the Breakers that chance. Winning the coin toss, Memphis took the opening kickoff and turned it into a game-winning scoring drive. Maurice Smith broke free on a 26-yard run to open the series, and then Favre hit Robert Ferguson and TE David Martin on consecutive plays to get into Breaker territory. 3 plays later Favre found Ferguson again, this time a 26-yard TD strike on a perfect corner route. The fans erupted in what had to be as much an expression of relief as it was of victory. For the Breakers it was another “almost there” performance. They will need to start turning those close calls into wins if Coach Nolan wants to keep his place with the club, but as opening weeks go, against the league defending champion, there were a lot of positives for the Breakers despite the L. MICHIGAN 34 OHIO 23 An absolutely huge win as the Panthers spoil Ohio’s home opener. Brian Griese throws for 370 yards and 4 scores as the Panthers build a 34-13 lead and slow the game down in the final period to secure the win. TE Bennie Joppru scored twice, but it was Hines Ward with 123 yards receiving who tortured Ohio all day. New Glory WR Randy Moss had only 2 catches, but they averaged 28 yards a piece. Not enough for the Glory, who could not sustain drives despite the occasional big play. NEW JERSEY 0 PHILADELPHIA 24 The Generals could only muster 224 yards of offense as Philadelphia records the first shut out in the long history of their rivalry with New Jersey. Michael Robinson got the majority of the carries for the Stars, earning 43 yards and a score, while rookie Steve Slaton carried only 7 times. New Jersey rookie Ray Rice carried 15 times, but struggled against the Stars’ D, gaining only 25 yards on the day. CHICAGO 10 TAMPA BAY 17 A bit of a surprise in Tampa, where the Bandits defense played very well, limiting Brady Quinn to only 120 yards passing. Chris Doering caught 5 balls and both Tampa TDs as he stepped up in the absence of Randy Moss to become Culpepper’s favorite target. BIRMINGHAM 21 JACKSONVILLE 35 Jake Delhomme was in midseason form, throwing for 358 yards and 4 scores, 3 of them to Rashaun Woods. Three different Bulls receivers went over 100 yards, with Hayes and Whitten joining Woods above the century mark. Birmingham QB Jason Campbell played well despite the loss, throwing for 221 and 3 scores, but the run game of Barber and rookie Felix Jones could get nothing done, rushing for only 15 combined yards. BALTIMORE 23 ARIZONA 20 The Blitz get an Antonio Gates TD with only 14 seconds left to steal a win in Glendale. Jake Plummer threw for 2 touchdowns, but had no time to mount a comeback after the Blitz touchdown. New Blitz receiver Tory Holt paid immediate dividends, catching 7 balls for 91 yards and a score in his debut with Baltimore. BOSTON 31 TEXAS 20 Joe Flacco completed 28 of 47 passes, but it was not enough as Drew Bledsoe put on a clinic. Bledsoe threw for 350 yards and 4 scores. Rookie Rashard Mendenhall made a good first impression for the Cannon faithful, rushing for 103 yards on 24 carries as Boston pulled ahead in the second half and slow-played the Outlaws until the final whistle. LAS VEGAS 16 LOS ANGELES 19 A good defensive game in LA as the Thunder and Express went down to the wire. Seneca Wallace went down late and may be lost for the season in a very bad turn for the Express. Jeff Lewis came on in relief and will get the start next week. LA wins without scoring an offensive touchdown, getting 4 FG from Steve Christie and a pick-six from Dante Hughes to pull out the narrow win. NASHVILLE 15 ATLANTA 6 A bit of a sloppy first week for both clubs, but Nashville got a solid 85 yards from Frank Gore while rookie Darren McFadden struggled, with only 29 yards against stacked defenses all game long. Josh Reed was Atlanta’s best player, catching 8 balls for 135, but it was not enough as Atlanta was limited to 2 field goals by the Knights’ D. DENVER 13 PITTSBURGH 10 The Gold came into Pittsburgh and played the Mauler defense snap for snap. LB Kendrell Bell led the Gold D with 12 tackles. A TD from 3rd down back Mewelde Moore and a field goal in the 4th were enough for the Gold to edge the Maulers in front of a somewhat sparse 29,200 in Heinz Field, a disappointing opening crowd to be sure, though a cold and constant rain may also have played a role in that total. WASHINGTON 21 CHARLOTTE 17 The expansion Monarchs gave Washington a scare, but the Feds scored 13 unanswered points to turn a 17-8 deficit into a 21-17 victory. Deuce McCallister rushed for 106 on the day, but it was a TD from receiver Courtney Roby that sparked the comeback for the Federals. Charlotte was led by 84 yards from former Seahawk D. J. Hackett and 41 yards rushing from veteran Autrey Detson. HOUSTON 30 PORTLAND 20 The Stags also started strong, but could not contain Houston’s offense for 60 minutes as Roy Williams caught 5 balls for 95 yards. Both Kevin Faulk and Shaun Alexander combined for 2 scores, including a 9-yard TD run by Alexander in the 4th. For Portland, A. J. Feeley went 15 of 33 and connected on two touchdown tosses. ORLANDO 30 ST. LOUIS 3 The Renegades dominate, with Drew Brees throwing for 3 scores and a surprisingly strong day for veteran Najeh Davenport, who carried the ball 22 times for121 yards. TE Greg Olsen caught two of Brees’s three touchdowns as Orlando gets the opening week win. SEATTLE 10 OAKLAND 24 The Oakland Invaders assert themselves against the division favorite, beating Seattle by 14. Ricky Williams rushed for 91 yards and a score and WR Plaxico Burress added another, but the big story was the Oakland defense. Byron Leftwich was sacked 6 times and picked once on a rough day in Oakland. The Invaders started the game and the season on the right foot, with rookie WR DeSean Jackson taking the opening kickoff 99 yards for a score, a great sign of good things to come for Jackson and the Invaders. Express Lose Wallace for 2-3 Months One of the big question marks going into this year for the Express was whether or not Seneca Wallace could improve upon his 2007 season, one in which he was statistically sub-par but still led the Express to a playoff spot. Well, that conversation is going to have to wait. Midway through the game against Las Vegas, Campbell went down, twisting his leg in a very unpleasant way, and was helped off the field. On Monday the MRI results came in and it was what the entire franchise feared, significant knee damage. The Posterior Cruciate ligament is the issue, and it means at least 2 months down, possibly as many as three. That is essentially the entire regular season, or at least until Week 10. Head Coach Hue Jackson expressed concern for Wallace as well as faith in backup, and former starter for the Outlaws and Fire, Jeff Lewis. “Lewis is no newcomer to this league, and we believe he will be able to help us stay the course while Seneca recovers.” Stated the Express coach in his weekly radio show, adding “We still expect to compete for this division and to improve each week.”. With only an undrafted rookie, Robert Long of Cal-Davis on the roster behind Lewis, rumors are already starting that the Express will try to reach out to veteran Jeff George, though we have seen nothing to indicate that this is the direction Coach Jackson and the franchise are headed. We do expect a third QB to be brought in, but there are several options, including possible trade to bring in an active player. For now, the job is Jeff Lewis’s and the chance to reclaim his position as a USFL starter. Rookie HBs Struggle to Keep Pace With the lone exception of Rashard Mendenhall for the Cannons, this was a week where the new class of rookie running backs discovered that they are going to have to up their game in the pros. There are no Eastern Kentuckys or Morgan States on the schedule in the USFL, and the pace of the game is both dizzying and tiring for young players who just came off a full NCAA season. There will need to be time to adjust, as was evident in the stats this week from the rookie backs. We mentioned that Mendenhall was the exception, and that was certainly the case as his 24 carry, 103 yard day helped propel Boston to victory over the Texas Outlaws. Others were not so fortunate. Atlanta’s Darren McFadden, the first back taken in the Open Draft, got 18 carries but only produced 29 rushing yards, a paltry 1.6 yards per carry. Breakers’ HB Matt Forte got plenty of touches with 15 carries and 4 receptions, but mustered only 31 yards on the ground. Expansion Portland showed some fire, scoring 20 against the Gamblers, but rookie James Stewart averaged only 2.8 yards per carry for 48 yards and ended the game on the bench after a bad fumble. Charlotte, the other expansion team, gave Robert Edwards only 11 touches as they had better success with veteran Autrey Denson toting the rock. Others barely saw the field, with Birmingham’s 1st round pick Felix Jones only getting 3 touches on a day when Marion Barber carried 14 times for only 13 yards. Ray Rice, the new lead back for the Generals, had more opportunities, getting 15 carries, but could only muster 1.7 yards per carry against a Philly D that shut down and shut out the visiting Generals. Not a good start overall, but if we know anything from 25 past seasons of USFL action, it is that there is a learning curve, and that these rookie backs will find their stride. Some may never develop into the types of backs their teams hoped for, but we know that there will be, by season’s end, some very happy teams with very solid run games based on rookies who have caught up with the game and found a way to let their talents shine. Campbell & Chris Long Start Strong Two players who needed no time to get up to speed with the pro game were defensive ends Calais Campbell and Chris Long. The two highly-touted edge rushers lived up to expectations in their first regular season action, making Orlando and Washington happy with their investments in the draft. Campbell was an immediate fan favorite of the Gades fans on hand in St. Louis, snagging a sack of Jeff Blake on the 2nd play from scrimmage. He would add a second later in the game, but would also make 5 tackles, 2 for a loss, and have a strip fumble canceled by an offsides call against a linemate. A very strong start for the former Miami Hurricane. Long, the star of Washington’s Territorial Draft out of Uva, may not have had the numbers that Campbell put up, but he was a force for the Feds in his first pro action. Long spent most of the day harassing the expansion Monarchs left side, chasing Chris Weinke and producing problems for left tackle Wayne Gandy, an All-USFL pick last year. Long finished with only 1 sack, but if there was a stat for grey hairs created, Long would have been among the league leaders after his first week. The two defenders showed that pure athletic talent, speed, and strength can make up for a less-than-fully-developed understanding of the pro game, at least in a position as instinctive as DE. Both still have a way to go as fully-rounded professionals at the position, but the Feds and ‘Gades could not have asked for a better start from their two new defensive studs. Flacco Impresses in Loss One final rookie report. The Outlaws may not have gotten the W against a very tough Boston squad, but don’t put the blame on their loss on rookie QB Joe Flacco. The 6’4” former Delaware Fightin’ Hen earned the praise of Head Coach Norv Turner. Flacco stood in against a pretty solid Cannon pass rush, suffering 3 sacks, but completing 28 of 47 passes for 362 yards and a TD. Flacco was also not afraid to spread the ball around, hitting 9 different receivers over the course of the game. He particularly showed a penchant for the long ball, connecting on several deep balls, including a 44-yarder to TE Johnny Mitchell and a beautiful deep out route to Marques Colston over the course of the game. Like many rookies, there were some rough spots, and clearly Flacco is going to need to work on his accuracy a bit, particularly when under pressure, but this was a good start for the Division 1-AA QB and a good sign that the Outlaws may have finally found their man at the position. The big story this week is the loss of LA quarterback Seneca Wallace after only one game. Sacked, with his right leg bent awkwardly, Wallace came out of the game and on Monday we all got the news that he has, in fact suffered a significant tear to his posterior cruciate ligament, an injury that will have him out at least 8 weeks, but could cost him the season. LA has not put Wallace on IR as of yet, so he can still come back. They will start Jeff Lewis in Week 2 with unheralded rookie Robert Long as the backup, but expect the Express to sign a veteran free agent to fill out the QB room. Among those available are former Chicago and Texas starter Jeff George, former Invader Marques Tuiasosopo, and former Fire and Stallion QB Eric Zeier. A second big loss in the league, as Philadelphia CB Antonio Cromartie is also expected to miss up to 3 months with a fractured skull, a nasty injury that occurred when Cromartie ran headlong into the goal post, missing the padding and hitting the post high and right across the crown of the helmet. Other injuries this week include NJ center Jeremy Newberry (arm, 4-6 weeks), Texas DE Tim Crowder (hernia, 4-6 weeks), Chicago SS Sammy Knight will miss at least a week after suffering a concussion. St. Louis tackle Ross Verba could also be out next week with a broken nose. TE Bennie Joppru caught 2 TDs for Michigan but is now doubtful for Week 2 with a jammed toe. Déjà vu for Coach Glanville If you caught the end of the Las Vegas-Los Angeles game, you may have imagined you were back in the late 90’s once again. No, Jennifer Anniston was not at the game, but a sight straight out of 1997 did take place on the sideline. Frustrated by his team’s offensive woes, Coach Glanville reverted to past form and laid into his offensive coordinator on the sideline, even chest-bumping Coach Bobby April in anger as the 4th quarter began. No punches this time, but we have seen this kind of thing from “the Man in Black” before. An incident between Glanville and OC Kevin Gilbride back in 1997 with the Bandits was a contributing factor in Glanville being dumped, despite putting together a strong Bandit squad. The club would win a title the next year with George Seifert at the helm, while Glanville was exiled to a Division 1-AA college team until he returned to the league with the Thunder 7 years later. No word yet on any league sanctions. Fortunately, with no punches thrown, it is unlikely that the fiery head coach will be suspended or fined, but it is something to watch. Glanville, who is considered to be on a bit of a hot seat due to the Thunder’s issues with offensive production, has largely turned over the offense to April, while he focuses on his top level defense. But, it seems clear that Glanville is not happy with the team’s production, and that is going to be an issue moving forward for the club and its hot-headed coach. Attendance Outpaces Performance for Expansion Clubs While both Charlotte and Portland failed to pull off upset wins at home this week, the two newest USFL franchises certainly outperformed at the box office. Portland opened up their new stadium, Columbia Sportswear Stadium, with a sellout of 54,550 on Sunday. Charlotte, while not selling out the expansive 74,000 seat Bank of America Stadium, did pull a crowd of over 51,000 on Sunday, a great sign for the new franchise. Charlotte had trailed Portland in total season ticket sales, but that was expected as the Stags built up a loyal fan base of former Thunder fans over the 3 years since they were announced as an expansion site. Add to that the taste of USFL football that Portland fans got when the Breakers temporarily relocated to the Rose City after Hurricane Katrina, and it is understandable that the Stags would be a team with a strong fanbase from game one. We should also point out that both of the 2006 expansion clubs also fared quite well in their home openers this week, with St. Louis drawing 47,220 to the Dome at America’s Center, while Atlanta drew just over 44,000 for their game in the Georgia Dome against Nashville. Atlanta did benefit from a pretty hefty contingent of Knight fans who made the drive from Nashville, but they still look good with nearly 28,000 season tickets sold this year. Always good news for the league when attendance is strong for new clubs. There are still some issues around the league, including “undersized” stadia in Boston and Las Vegas, and lagging attendance in both LA and Pittsburgh this weekend, but the overall picture is good, with average attendance well over the 40,000 goal for the league. NFL and USFL to Renegotiate “Truce” Policies Finally, news out of New York this week as the NFL and USFL have agreed to meet over the next few months to discuss inter-league dealings, the Transfer Window, and the rising cost of player signings. We are not sure which league instigated the conversation, but it is one that needs to come to fruition soon, as both leagues have negotiations with their unions in play as the CBA between the NFL and NFLPA is coming due and the USFL is playing without a valid CBA in place this year (it is extended as talks continue, but there is nothing in place for 2009). Free agency and player compensation as a portion of total league revenue are major union planks for both league negotiations, and a big part of that will be the discussion of interleague transfer of players. It appears that both the NFLPA and USFLPA agree that the current system of two one-month transfer windows is impeding player movement as well as the ability for players to use one league against the other to negotiate for higher salaries. Of course, the two leagues are find with any impediment on salary increases, but they also understand that if one league creates a significantly more player-friendly CBA agreement with the union, it would be a major issue for the competing league. As much as we have gotten used of the idea of the NFL and USFL as competitors, there are some ways in which the interests of each league depend upon cooperation and not competition with the other. Labor agreements, free agency, and labor costs are certainly three areas where the two leagues are likely to be very much in agreement, just as the two unions appear to be. Week Two is a chance for half of the league to get back on the right foot, or for the other half to start to roll downhill. Fourteen 1-0 teams, but also fourteen 0-1 teams, none of whom want to be 0-2. And for many, a home opener to try to excite the fans. That is what Week 2 brings to the USFL season. FRIDAY @ 8pm Charlotte (0-1) @ Atlanta (0-1) NBC SATURDAY @ 12pm Baltimore (1-0) @ Boston (1-0) ABC SATURDAY @ 12pm Arizona (0-1) @ New Jersey (0-1) FOX SATURDAY @ 12pm New Orleans (0-1) @ Philadelphia (1-0) FOX SATURDAY @ 4pm Portland (0-1) @ Seattle (0-1) ABC SATURDAY @ 4pm Los Angeles (1-0) @ Denver (1-0) FOX SATURDAY @ 8pm Memphis (1-0) @ Birmingham (0-1) ESPN SUNDAY @ 12pm Texas (0-1) @ Washington (1-0) ABC SUNDAY @ 12pm Tampa Bay (1-0) @ Pittsburgh (0-1) ABC SUNDAY @ 12pm Ohio (0-1) @ Orlando (1-0) FOX SUNDAY @ 4pm Las Vegas (0-1) @ Oakland (1-0) ABC SUNDAY @ 4pm Chicago (1-0) @ St. Louis (0-1) FOX SUNDAY @ 4pm Michigan (1-0) @ Houston (1-0) FOX SUNDAY @ 8pm Jacksonville (1-0) @ Nashville (1-0) ESPN

NOTE: Check out the Teams and Hall of Fame pages for 2008 updates, including the logos and uniforms of all 4 expansion clubs and the very defense-heavy HOF Class of 2007.

We wrap up our look at the upcoming USFL season with our team previews, and a little bonus, fantasy rankings for the top 15 players at each key fantasy positions. We will help you prepare for the USFL fantasy season, but, more importantly, we will prepare you for the USFL season. We have already given you our prediction for an Ohio-Orlando Summer Bowl this July in Jacksonville. Now we take a closer look at the 28 teams that will be competing this year. We look at their recent records, their preferred schemes, and the players who have departed and arrived this offseason. We finish up each review with a brief summary of important aspects of each team's season as they hope to do what Memphis did last year, take the season by storm and take it all the way to a league title. Past 3 Seasons: 31-11 Head Coach: John Fox Style of Play: Vertical & Power Run, 4-3 Defense Departures: HB Tiki Barber, G Edwin Mulitalo, FB Justin Green, CB Tyrone Poole,LB Will Witherspoon Veteran Arrivals: FB Damien Shelton, G Chuck Johnson Rookie to Watch: HB Rashard Mendenhall Outlook: While Boston still looks like the clear frontrunner in a pretty weak NE Division, they are not without their questions as the season begins. Can Coach Fox build an offense around a more traditional power back like Mendenhall instead of the more dynamic Tiki Barber? Can the defense improve in case the offense cannot carry the team? Will Drew Bledsoe’s announced retirement impact this team negatively? All of these are important questions. We just don’t think they are big enough issues to threaten Boston’s bid to win the division for a 2nd straight year. Past 3 Seasons: 22-19-1 Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: HB Ahman Green, WR Amani Toomer, SS Reggie Tongue, LB Zach Thomas, C Mikchael Cheever Veteran Arrivals: SS Lance Schulters, WR Reche Caldwell Rookie to Watch: LB Dan Connor Outlook: The Stars suffered some pretty big hits this offseason, led by Ahman Green’s unexpected retirement announcement and followed by significant free agent departures. Schulters is a solid safety, so the loss of Reggie Tongue is somewhat offset by his arrival, but the Stars now will try to cobble together a run game with Michael Robinson and rookie Steve Slaton out of West Virginia. That could be a challenge. Expect Coach Harbaugh to utilize the short passing game as a run alternative, at least until he knows what he has with Slaton and Robinson. Past 3 Seasons: 22-19-1 Head Coach: Tom Coughlin Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: WR Eddie Kennison, TE Daniel Graham, LB Terry Killens, OT Ephraim Salaam Veteran Arrivals: DT Sean Gilbert, WR Tory Holt Rookie to Watch: LB Tavares Gordon Outlook: The Blitz found what their offense has needed for a long time, a true #1 wideout. Landing Tory Holt has to make Ben Roethlisberger’s life easier. Adding Sean Gilbert, even if only for 1 year, will also be a very positive addition this year. The Blitz still need to draft better, but their ability to bring in talent through free agency is a plus in the short term. Now, can they translate that into enough wins to get over the hump and into the postseason? Past 3 Seasons: 17-25 Head Coach: Sean Payton Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: CB Charles Woodson, TE Bubba Franks, WR Andre Davis, OT Stacy Andrews Veteran Arrivals: WR Eddie Kennison, G Chad Ward, OT Jerry Wunsch, S Gibril Wilson Rookie to Watch: DE Chris Long Outlook: The loss of Woodson is a big blow, no denying that, but the shrewd addition of NFL safety Gibril Wilson to pair with Ed Reed and Bob Sanders gives the Feds one of the best nickel options in the league. The offense will largely depend on how Kordell Stewart returns this year after missing all but a few snaps last year. Coach Payton is hoping to show off an offense that features Stewart throwing to Deion Branch and new #2 Eddie Kennison, fresh from rival Baltimore. The Feds need to show growth. Another 4-win season will not go over well with famously fickle DC fans. Past 3 Seasons: 25-17 Head Coach: Romeo Crennell Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 3-4 Defense Departures: FS Brian Dawkins, G Chad Ward, SS John Howell, WR Terry Glenn, HB Curtis Enis Veteran Arrivals: QB Kris Kershaw, FS Curtis Fuller, C Casey Wiegmann, DE Reynaldo Wynn, HB Kerry Joseph Rookie to Watch: HB Ray Rice Outlook: An untested QB in Kevin Kolb, and you lose both your leading rusher in Enis and your leading receiver in Glenn. This is the definition of rebuilding for the Generals. The problem is that the departures are a far more impressive list than the arrivals. CFL halfback Kerry Joseph will compete for carries with rookie Ray Rice. The receiving corps will be led by T. J. Houshmanzadeh and Mark Clayton, neither of whom are a true #1. So, suffice it to say, we are not expecting New Jersey to appear in Summer Bowl 2008 as they did in ’04 and ’06. Past 3 Seasons: 18-22-2 Head Coach: Emmitt Thomas Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: CB Fernando Bryant, HB Sedrick Irvin, G Bobbie Williams, TE Ricky Dudley, LB Jeff Gooch Veteran Arrivals: LB Will Overstreet, TE Daniel Graham Rookie to Watch: DE Calais Campbell Outlook: Despite some pretty big departures, the Renegades are feeling good about their chances in 2008. Drew Brees came alive in the second half of last year. The club loves their offensive weapons, even with Irvin gone and two low profile backs (Najeh Davenport and rookie Jacob Hester) forming the new HB rotation. The defense is likely to be better, and all eyes are on rookie DE Calais Campbell, who looked like a monsters in preseason action. We picked Orlando to represent the East in the Summer Bowl, and we don’t think we are alone in that assessment. Past 3 Seasons: 27-15 Head Coach: Brad Childress Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 3-3-5 Defense Departures: CB Terrell Buckley, OT Mo Collins, DE Kenny Mixon, LB Keith Newman Veteran Arrivals: OT Jason Odom Rookie to Watch: CB Charles Godfrey Outlook: The Bulls were handcuffed by the cap, losing more talent than they brought in. Tha tis a concern, as is a draft that did not produce any clear-cut starters. The Bulls still have a very talented offense, led by Jake Delhomme, and their defense should still be in the upper half of the league. That feels like a Wild Card resume to us, not a division champ. Past 3 Seasons: 13-15 (2 seasons) Head Coach: Jay Gruden Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: HB Terrell Davis, CB Aaron Beasley Veteran Arrivals: CB Charles Woodson Rookie to Watch: HB Darren McFadden Outlook: The Fire did not sign a lot of free agents, but the one they got is sure a big one. Woodson is an instant upgrade to a Fire defense that was pretty good in 2007, after being outstanding in their first season. The offense lost Terrell Davis, but the Fire selected and signed the #1 ranked back in the draft in Arkansas back Darren McFadden. He may need time to adapt, but by midseason, we expect McFadden to be a name to watch. Atlanta also tried to land a new QB, drafting Matt Ryan, but he went to the NFL, so it is once again a debate between David Garrard and Tyler Thigpen. For now it looks like Garrard gets the start, but it is by no means certain that he retains that position all year. Past 3 Seasons: 24-18 Head Coach: Steve Spurrier Style of Play: Vertical Passing, 4-3 Defense Departures: WR Randy Moss, HB Autrey Detson, WR Kevin Johnson, DT Darwain Walker Veteran Arrivals: QB Brad Gradkowski, CB Barron Miles, DT Ellis Wyms, HB Maurice Hicks Rookie to Watch: DE Derrick Harvey Outlook: Tampa Bay had a solid draft, and they were very active in the NFL-USFL transfer window, but even with that, the lingering feeling in the region is that the Bandits are a team without an identity after losing Randy Moss in free agency. One thing is clear, with a starting trio of Chris Doering, Karl Williams, and Roscoe Parrish, the Bandits may have the weakest WR room in the league. When is the last time we said that about a Bandits team? If Tampa Bay is going to have any success this year, it will be because Coach Spurrier puts together a defense that can keep them in games. That feels like a lot to ask. Past 3 Seasons: 0-0 (1st Season) Head Coach: Jim Mora Jr. Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: None, Expansion Team. Veteran Arrivals: QB Chris Weinke, HB Autrey Detson, TE Dan Campbell, WR Curtis Conway, WR Az-Zahir Hakeem, OT Wayne Gandy, OT Sean Bubin, DE Julius Peppers, DT Kyle Williams, LB Scott Fujita, CB Tyrone Poole, SS Reggie Tongue, HB Robert Edwards, WR D. J. Hackett, DE Fred Perry Rookie to Watch: LB Jerrod Mayo Outlook: Charlotte ownership was not afraid to go after quality veterans in the Expansion Draft, or to get into it with NFL and CFL signings. The Monarchs went from having no salary to nearly exceeding the cap by signing so many vets. Of course, many could be one-year wonders, which could create an issue next year, but for now, leadership and veteran savvy are not lacking for this expansion club. Can they turn that into a team that meshes quickly and gets a few wins this year? Well, we saw Atlanta do it in 2006, so we know it is possible. Past 3 Seasons: 19-22-1 Head Coach: Jim Haslett Style of Play: Vertical & Power Run, 4-3 Defense Departures: DE Julius Peppers, G Taylor Whitley, LB Will Overstreet Veteran Arrivals: DE Marcellus Wiley Rookie to Watch: WR Pierre Garçon Outlook: The defending champs knew that Peppers would be a big loss, really the only major free agent loss. By signing Wiley away from Denver, they hope they have a short term answer as they look to draft and build more edge rushers. The offense remains one of the league’s most dangerous, though Memphis may want to draft a protégé for Brett Favre soon. For this year, however, the team is in good hands, and once again could compete for a title. Past 3 Seasons: 21-20-1 Head Coach: Jim Johnson Style of Play: Power Run, 3-4 Defense Departures: DT Leonard Renfro, C Jake Grove, WR Bobby Shaw, HB Musa Smith, FB Sammy Morris, Veteran Arrivals: CB Terrell Buckley, DT Grady Jackson Rookie to Watch: S Tyrell Johnson Outlook: Coach Johnson is putting a lot of faith in QB Jay Cutler, so expect him to have a much wider range of options this season. The reins are off. Of course, with Frank Gore one of the best young running backs in the game, Cutler will always have another option. The defense is more of a question mark than in some past years, but if Johnson can get that squad to hang around the Top 10, Nashville could give their in-state rivals a run for their money this year. Past 3 Seasons: 13-29 Head Coach: Kent Austin Style of Play: Vertical Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: HB Shaun Alexander, DT Ryan Sims, TE Nat Dorsey, QB Danny Kanell, CB Ramos McDonald Veteran Arrivals: LB D’onte Curry, QB Dave Dickerson, DT Nick Eason, LB Zach Thomas Rookie to Watch: HB Felix Jones Outlook: As much as fans want to whine about Jason Campbell and the offense, Birmingham’s D also has a lot to prove this year. Veteran LB Zach Thomas will bring leadership, but don’t expect to see him on the field every drive or every down. He will likely be a spot player and more of a coach on the field. On offense, rookie Felix Jones will be worked into the HB rotation and should emerge as the team’s top rusher. If Jason Campbell starts the year off poorly, expect former CFL Grey Cup coach Kent Austin to turn to another CFL refugee, QB Dave Dickenson. For now Campbell has retained the job, but that will be a performance-based decision every week. Past 3 Seasons: 14-27-1 Head Coach: Mike Nolan Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 3-4 Defense Departures: WR Az-Zahir Hakeem, WR Jabar Gaffney, LB Craig Powell, QB Todd Boumann, CB Walt Harris, OT Greg Bishop, WR Keenan McCardell Veteran Arrivals: LB Calvin Pace, CB Billy Austin Rookie to Watch: WR Early Doucet/HB Matt Forte Outlook: in one offseason the Breakers went from having one of the oldest rosters to one of the league’s youngest. Nowhere is that more evident than in the receiving corps, with McKardell retiring and Hakeem off to Charlotte, they are replaced by 2nd year player Dwayne Bowe and two rookies, Donnie Avery and Early Doucet. That is a very young group by any standards. Let’s hope Eli Manning can build rapport with these young receivers quickly, because there was already talk about trading the former Ole Miss star, so a slow start by Manning could find him on the market before Week 10’s deadline. We are picking the Breakers to struggle this year, but will that be because of offensive lack of familiarity or defensive lapses. One could cost Manning his job, the other could cost Nolan his. Past 3 Seasons: 30-12 Head Coach: Al Luginbill Style of Play: Vertical & Power Run, 3-3-5 Defense Departures: P John Jett, DT Sean Gilbert, OT Jerry Wunsch, HB Kenny Watson, K Mike Hollis Veteran Arrivals: WR Randy Moss, OT Tra Thomas Rookie to Watch: LB Philip Wheeler Outlook: We absolutely understand why the arrival of Moss has everyone picking Ohio to win their third title. But, just to be fair, losing Sean Gilbert does make them much more susceptible to the run game, which is Chicago’s forte. This is a team designed to build up a lead and then rush the passer to keep teams from coming back on them. If they ever find themselves trailing, they could be in trouble, but then again, they also should be able to score in bunches. They are a true contender from day one, as they have been fro the better part of a decade. Past 3 Seasons: 27-15 Head Coach: Marty Mornhinweg Style of Play: Power Run, 4-3 Defense Departures: LB Carlos Emmons, DT Brentson Buckner, WR Curtis Conway, WR Brandon Lloyd, OT Israel Rayborn, LB Mike Peterson Veteran Arrivals: QB Andrew Walter, OT Stacy Andrews Rookie to Watch: WR James Hardy Outlook: Chicago made it all the way to Summer Bowl 2006 on defensive muscle and a run game that can be effective in any kind of weather. Brady Quinn had a very strong rookie season and if he can grow into his role in the 2nd year, Chicago could be a true challenger once again. We don’t like the loss of Curtis Conway and Brandon Lloyd, but Chicago still has Donald Driver as a primary target. The defense lost a couple of good playmakers in Emmons and Buckner, but neither were 3-down mainstays, so we still think they are going to be a squad to worry about. Ten or more wins seems eminently doable. Past 3 Seasons: 25-17 Head Coach: Dick LeBeau Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 3-4 Defense Departures: HB Troy Davis, G Chris Liwienski, FB Rick Razzano, DT Grady Jackson, DE Greg Ellis Veteran Arrivals: DE Jevon Kearse, DT Leonard Renfro, Rookie to Watch: WR Mario Manningham Outlook: The Panthers have one of the best LB corps in the league and they spent the offseason trying to build up the D-line to make for a truly formidable front 7. They will need it to go up against the likes of Chicago and Ohio 4 times this year. On offense, they added some interesting weapons in the T-Draft with Mario Manningham and Mike Hart coming over from the Wolverines, but it still looks like the passing game with Griese to Hines Ward and Laverneus Coles will still be essential to their success. Hard to see them leapfrogging either of the clubs ahead of them though. Not unless the run game finally kicks it into high gear. Past 3 Seasons: 12-29-1 Head Coach: Ron Rivera Style of Play: Power Run, 3-3-5 Defense Departures: OT Korey Stringer, G Chuck Johnson, DE Cedric Harden, QB Brad Gradkowski Veteran Arrivals: WR Kevin Johnson Rookie to Watch: OT Jeff Otah Outlook: We really expected Coach Rivera to make a few more moves this offseason. With two starters from the O-line gone, and Cody Pickett not exactly lighting teams up, there is real concern that the Maulers are just not ready to compete in this division when it comes to offensive production. We know Rivera is a defensive-minded guy, but you at least have to make an effort to build a dangerous offense, and we are just not seeing anyone on this roster that will strike fear into defensive coordinators. Past 3 Seasons: 5-23 (2 Seasons) Head Coach: Doug Williams Style of Play: Vertical Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: FS Tyrone Drakeford, C Olin Kreutz, WR Drew Bennett Veteran Arrivals: C Shaun O’Hara, QB Jeff Blake Rookie to Watch: WR Jordy Nelson Outlook: Honestly, the biggest addition to the Skyhawks may just be Head Coach Doug Williams. This will be Williams’s first pro head coaching gig after several years at Grambling, so there may be a bit of a learning curve, but he was a veteran in a leadership position in the USFL for several years, so he knows a lot about how to communicate and motivate players at this level. His first task was to improve the QB room and he went about doing that by signing Jeff Blake from Seattle. If Blake can be mentored up to become a better decision maker, he has the physical gifts to be successful. The other big question is the defense, which was, shall we say, subpar last year. That may take more time to sort out. Past 3 Seasons: 26-16 Head Coach: Wade Phillips Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: LB Randall Godfrey, LB Mike Crawford, C Brad Meester, QB Kris Kershaw Veteran Arrivals: HB Shaun Alexander, G Chris Liwienski, QB Craig Krenzel Rookie to Watch: K Dan Carpenter Outlook: Houston is hoping that some of their young LBs can fill in after the retirements of Godfrey and Crawford. That is really the one negative to an offseason highlighted by the signing of a legitimate stud at halfback. We may finally see a real running game to offset the passing prowess of Matt Hasselbeck. Houston could be a much better offense, which is a worry for many who have relied on their one dimensional attack to make them vulnerable. Now, they are not Ohio or Boston, but the Gamblers could start to win games in different ways, and that likely leads to more wins and a potential top seeding. Past 3 Seasons: 23-19 Head Coach: Dick Jauron Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: DE Marcellus Wiley, TE Lonnie Johnson, OT Jason Odom Veteran Arrivals: DT Kimo Von Oelhoffen, WR Keary Colbert, DE Chike Okeafor Rookie to Watch: OT Ryan Clady Outlook: Denver is a bit of a mystery. They have sat right around .500 for quite a while now, and we are not sure they have what it takes to get much better. We like the addition of Keary Colbert to line up in 3-WR sets with Price and Boldin. That is a very solid trio, but we just have not seen Cedric Benson make hay as a lead back, and we don’t see it happening this year. Unless Coach Jauron fully switches to a pass-first mentality, which feels unlikely, we are not sure Denver has enough on offense to compete with the big boys, or even with Houston for that matter. Past 3 Seasons: 12-30 Head Coach: Norv Turner Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: QB Jeff George, DE Bob Kuberski, CB Jimmy Hitchcock, LB Tarek Salah Veteran Arrivals: CB Michael Boulware, HB Troy Davis, FB Rick Razzano Rookie to Watch: QB Joe Flacco Outlook: It is clearly a retooling year for the Outlaws, especially on offense, but we think that an offense that features one of the best ground & pound backs in the league is a good place for a rookie QB with a big arm to find himself. Play action will be there, and with some new weapons in the passing game, including an excellent 3rd down back in Troy Davis, a big target in rookie TE Jermichael Finley, and a nice addition in slot receiver Danny Amendola, Joe Flacco has some weapons that can help if the line is not as strong as he would like. Now, if they could just get some deep ball receivers too. Past 3 Seasons: 15-27 Head Coach: Jim Fassel Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: DE Chike Okeafor, C Alex Stepanovich, QB Andrew Walter Veteran Arrivals: FS Brian Dawkins, HB Sedrick Irvin Rookie to Watch: C Mike Pollack Outlook: The Wranglers settled for Sedrick Irvin after they lost out in the Shaun Alexander derby, and we are not entirely sure that is a good thing for either the club or Irvin. Unless Arizona can find better ways to free up the run game, Irvin is not the kind of back who will make something out of nothing. So, once again, Jake Plummer, who is not getting any younger, will have all the pressure of the offense on him. And, as much as we hate to say it, we are also not so sure this defense will be any better than what we saw last year. Jim Fassel better hope it is, because it won’t just be coordinators on the chopping block if the Wranglers bring up the rear again this year. Past 3 Seasons: 27-14-1 Head Coach: Marvin Lewis Style of Play: Vertical/Power Run Offense, 3-4 Defense Departures: QB Jeff Blake, LB D. D. Lewis, CB Allen Rossum, Veteran Arrivals: LB Craig Powell, HB Kevin Watson Rookie to Watch: CB Leodis McKelvin Outlook: The Dragons were one game away from a perfect season, but got rusty as they prepared for the playoffs and were knocked off at home in their first playoff game. That has to leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouths. Expect this club to come out guns blazing, trying to recapture their swagger. The defense should be better than last year, with McKelvin occupying the sometimes problematic nickel position. The offense still relies too much on David Boston, but if Justin McCaerins can stay healthy, he will have every chance to prove he is a quality #2. We may not see Seattle as the #1 seed in the West, but they will be right there fighting for a bye come season’s end. Past 3 Seasons: 22-20 Head Coach: Dennis Green Style of Play: Vertical/Power Run Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: DT Jason Fisk, SS Torrian Gray, CB Billy Austin, K Joe Nedney Veteran Arrivals: C Jake Grove, SS John Howell, K Mike Hollis Rookie to Watch: WR DeSean Jackson Outlook: Oakland had a frustrating kind of year in 2007, solid enough to beat Seattle, but too many occasions where they played down to the competition, leaving them on the outside of the playoffs, looking in. They will try to get over that hump this year. Not a lot of huge moves either way (departing or arriving), but we like the addition of a true slot receiver in Jackson as well as three defensive picks in the first 5 rounds of the draft, all signing with the Invaders. Playoffs should be a minimal expectation for this group in 2008. Past 3 Seasons: 15-26-1 Head Coach: Jerry Glanville Style of Play: Power Run, 3-4 Defense Departures: K Mike Vanderjagt, HB Chris Perry, DT Nick Eason, DT Norman Hand Veteran Arrivals: WR Amani Toomer, FB Manuel White, S Chad Scott Rookie to Watch: LB Bryan Kehl Outlook: The Thunder lost some muscle on the D-line, but otherwise came out of the offseason largely unchanged. Toomer should be a good addition to the receiving corps, perhaps helping Steve McNair improve his 3rd down conversion rate, and Chad Scott coming over from the NFL should absolutely be a contributor in the secondary, but the key for the Thunder may be something out of Jerry Glanville’s wheelhouse. He has the defense he wants, but his offense needs to be more dynamic, more productive, and more diverse, and we are not seeing the weapons to diversify beyond Lynch and short passes. Past 3 Seasons: 22-20 Head Coach: Hue Jackson Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: DE Jevon Kearse, WR Tory Holt, FB Manuel White Veteran Arrivals: WR Brandon Lloyd, Rookie to Watch: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Outlook: It is hard to look at the loss of Kearse and Holt and not feel like LA is diminished in two key areas of strength. More pressure will be put on Keyshawn Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew to carry this offense and more on Keneche Udeze to generate pass rush. We love the signing of Rodgers-Cromartie for the secondary, and LB Keith Rivers out of USC could be a find in the T-Draft, but this is a club that may need to take a year to build back up after losing two dynamic playmakers in the offseason. Past 3 Seasons: 0-0 (1st Season) Head Coach: Rich Brooks Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense Departures: None-Expansion Team Veteran Arrivals: QB A. J. Feeley, TE Bubba Franks, WR Koren Robinson, LT Korey Stringer, DE Elvis Dumervil, DT Jason Fisk, LB Mike Maslowski, CB James Trapp, SS Terreal Bierria, K Mason Crosby Rookie to Watch: HB Jonathan Stewart Outlook: Fans in Portland are savvy enough to recognize that it will take time to build a team from expansion to competitiveness. For this year, wins may not be as much of a priority as talent evaluation. That starts at the QB position, where the big question will be just how solid can A. J. Feeley be. If he is a legit starter then Portland has a leg up on most expansion clubs, but if he struggles, then they have to look for alternatives by 2009 to start building a team that can leave the basement of the division. There is some veteran leadership on this team, but rookies will also play a big part in any success they find, particularly HB Jonathan Stewart. Expect this team to have a strong homefield advantage and for any wins they get to be in the rainy but rowdy confines of Columbia Sportswear Stadium. 2008 USFL Fantasy Leaders We have never done this before, but we know how big fantasy football is for all you USFL fans out there, so we thought we would give you fantasy gurus our inside scoop on who to pick as you gear up for this year’s draft. So, here is our ranking of the Top 12 picks at each of the major fantasy positions, based on a standard scoring system. Draft well, everyone. QUARTERBACK 1. Kerry Collins (OHI): No shock here, everyone expects monster numbers this year. 2. Brian Griese (MGN): He proved in '07 that he can put up big numbers. 3. Drew Brees (ORL): Not the greatest receivers, but he just gets yardage and TDs. 4. Drew Bledsoe (BOS): If the run game is an issue, he could throw more than in 2007. 5. Byron Leftwich (SEA): We wish the Dragons had signed a second WR. 6. Jake Delhomme (JAX): Woods, Hayes, & Whitten give Delhomme great options. 7. Ben Roethlisberger (BAL): We rank him higher now that Tory Holt is in town. 8. Brady Quinn (CHI): Perhaps too high, especially with Conway gone. 9. Brett Favre (MEM): He is not getting yards like he used to, but the TDs are there. 10. Kordell Stewart (WSH): We are expecting a bounceback year after the injury in 2007. 11. Jake Plummer (ARZ): Jake is slowing down, but he is still 90% of Arizona’s offense. 12. Jay Cutler (NSH): We expect Coach Johnson to let him risk a bit more and go deep. HALFBACK 1. Frank Gore (NSH): He wants to reassert himself and that could mean a rushing title. 2. Ricky Williams (OAK): Likely to get more carries than any other back. 3. Deuce McCallister (WSH): The Feds rely on Deuce to get it done this year. 4. T. J. Duckett (TEX): Most likely to average over 25 carries a game. 5. Michael Turner (CHI): Defenses will line up to stop him, which could slow him down. 6. Eddie George (OHI): A wide open passing game should open things up for George. 7. Antowain Smith (JAX): Expect him to continue to be a red zone monster. 8. Corey Dillon (SEA): Leftwich gets the glory, but Dillon is the engine for this club. 9. Marshawn Lynch (LV): If Vegas had a better air attack, it would free Lynch up more. 10. Darren McFadden (ATL): The only rookie to make our list, as Atlanta will lean on him. 11. Maurice Jones-Drew (LA): Should take on more carries this year. 12. Cadillac Williams (MEM): Will score TDs even if he does not reach 1,000 yards. WIDE RECEIVERS 1. Joey Galloway (OHI): With Moss opposite him, he will see single coverage. 2. Rashaun Woods (JAX): A bit of an under the radar guy, but not in Fantasy. 3. Taylor Jacobs (STL): A superlative talent on a pretty untalented team. 4. Chad Ochocinco (BOS): Expect another 1,200 yards and 12 TDs. 5. Randy Moss (OHI): Yup, two top 5 receivers on one team. Believe it. 6. Tory Holt (BAL): Ben Roethlisberger’s new best friend will get plenty of targets. 7. Keyshawn Johnson (LA): With Holt gone, KJ is the clear #1 for LA. 8. Plaxico Burress (OAK): If Harrington can stay healthy, Burress will benefit. 9. Robert Ferguson (MEM): Will likely lead the league in receptions. 10. Amani Toomer (LV): We expect Toomer, not Hatchette to lead LV in receptions. 11. Robert Meachem (NSH): The 2nd year receiver should be Cutler’s main target. 12. Hines Ward (MGN): As steady as they come, edging out Larry Fitzgerald in ARZ. TIGHT END 1. Vernon Davis (HOU): Has become a favorite for Matt Hasselbeck. 2. Stephen Alexander (OHI): Huge numbers are to be expected as the inside option. 3. James Whalen (BOS): Bledsoe checks down a lot, Whalen is the reason why. 4. Jason Whitten (JAX): Got injured last year, but was on pace for a Bulls record for TEs. 5. Jim Kliensasser (ATL): A great red zone target and a solid 3rd down option. 6. Antonio Gates (BAL): With Holt outside, Gates will have more opportunities inside. 7. L. J. Smith (LA): A bit long in the tooth, but too talented to ignore. 8. Greg Olsen (ORL): Quickly becoming one of Brees’s favorite targets. 9. Bubba Franks (POR): Portland may not win many, but Franks will be a prime target. 10. Dallas Clark (PHI): A dark horse for a break out season this year. 11. Dan Campbell (CHA): Another high reception count on an expansion team. 12. Bennie Joppru (MGN): Underrated and underutilized most years. KICKERS 1. Doug Pelfrey (WSH): Nearly automatic, and the Feds have trouble scoring 7. 2. Jeff Hall (MEM): The Rebels move between the 20’s better than almost anyone. 3. Josh Brown (OHI): Replacing Hollis, Brown could lead the league in PATs. 4. Mason Crosby (POR): A huge leg and a team that likely will struggle in the red zone. 5. Matt Prater (MGN): Will benefit from a reinvigorated Brian Griese. 6. Matt Stover (NSH): Great from inside 45, and rarely misses a PAT. 7. Curtis Fries (DEN): A bit of a no-name, but Denver always attempts a ton of FGs. 8. Steve Christie (LA): A veteran who does not buckle under pressure. 9. Jason Elam (BOS): If Boston keeps scoring 7, his value could actually dip. 10. Dave Rayner (SEA): Could easily outperform this position. 11. Martin Grammatica (BAL): If the Blitz O improves, so do Grammatica’s numbers. 12. Josh Scobee (ATL): Playing in a dome is certainly a help for Scobee. DEFENSE 1. Chicago: Turnovers and sacks are the key to this top-rated squad. 2. Las Vegas: If they can turn up the pressure, they can stop anyone. 3. Houston: Still have the best 1-2 punch at DE in the league. 4. Michigan: With Kearse now at DE, this LB group just got freed up even more. 5. Washington: Are they living off reputation or are they legit? 6. Orlando: Calais Campbell has fans thinking of Chris Doleman. 7. Jacksonville Bulls: They give up some big plays, but also make quite a few. 8. Seattle Dragons: We focus on the O, but their D is solid too. 9. Pittsburgh Maulers: Our only worry is that the O will have them on the field too much. 10. LA Express: They are talented, but drop a bit after losing Kearse. 11. Denver Gold: We don’t know how, but they always end up in the Top 10. 12. Nashville Knights: They slipped a bit last year. Can they rebound? That concludes our two part preview of the 2008 Season. Let’s line them up and kick this thing off. Are you ready for Spring Football?!?!?

Just 3 days until the USFL Kickoff Classic in Columbus, where the Glory will unveil their Double Trouble combo of Joey Galloway and Randy Moss against the Michigan Panthers. There is a buzz of anticipation around the country. Two new teams, a lot of new faces, a rookie class looking to make an immediate impact, and what feels like a wide open field, all gunning to take what Memphis won last year, the John Bassett Trophy. It is also a year in which we may have more coaches beginning the season on the proverbial hot seat than ever before. A lot of stories to follow this season, a lot of games to enjoy, and a lot of excitement all around. We will analyze the season to come in two parts, starting with the big stories of the new season, a review of the USFL Draft, and our predictions for what may be a very unpredictable year. In part two we will do our usual team by team analysis, providing you with players to keep an eye on and teams that may surprise you. We get started with our 10 Stories to Follow in 2008. 10 Stories to Follow in 2008 A lot has changed across the face of the USFL this offseason, and with America still debating the San Diego Chargers’ surprising upset of the 18-0 Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XLI, fans are eager for more football action. From the look of it the USFL is ready to provide what America wants. As we look to the 2008 USFL season, kicking off this week, there is a lot to focus on, a lot of stories to monitor. Here are the 10 we believe will be worth tracking all year long. 10) Texas Lone Star Eight years in and the 2000’s have not been kind to the Texas Outlaws. Five 10-loss seasons, only 1 winning season (7-6-1 in 2002) and only 1 playoff appearance (a quick exit in the Wild Card round in 2003) to show for eight years of efforts. To say that San Antonio’s club has been underwhelming would be selling short just how bad it has been. Average attendance has dipped nearly 10,000 fans per game over that time, and a sense that the club was spinning its wheels has been unavoidable. Coach Norv Turner was brought in to try to change that culture, but last year struggled to a 4-10 record, once again relying on an over-the-hill QB to try to get it done (George, after Dilfer). But Coach Turner is beginning to build the club he wants and that starts with a new direction at QB. George was benched to finish last season, and let go in the offseason (He has not officially retired yet, but it is expected.) In his place is a rookie QB who fits the mold of the prototypical pocket passer, a 6’6” tower of a QB with a cannon for an arm and a reputation for fearless throws. Joe Flacco is the new face of the Texas Outlaws, direct out of the University of Delaware, where he led the Blue Hens to the FCS National Championship. Flacco will not be going it alone, Texas also brought in talent across the roster, including a promising young TE from nearby UT in Jermichael Finley, a jitterbug of a slot receiver in Texas Tech’s Danny Amendola, and free agent help in fullback Rick Razzano (MGN) and 3rd down back Troy Davis (MGN). The hope, of course is that these additions will diversify the offense, allowing T. J. Duckett to find more room as the lead back, and providing Texas with a team capable of competing with what has been a pretty mediocre Southwest Division. But make no mistakes, the focal point of this new look Outlaw offense is Flacco. He has a solid and very speed-oriented receiving corps, led by veteran Muhsin Muhammad and featuring Marques Colston and Tim Dwight as downfield threats, with Dedrick Ward and Amendola underneath. The hope is to improve 2007’s 22nd ranked offense and 23rd ranked passing game, hoping to complement a defense that plays well against the pass (7th in 2007). While the rookie class of 2008 has a lot of potential stars, the only one that matters in Texas is this lone star, Joe Flacco and, as the song goes, the eyes of Texas are upon you, young man. 9) Run Game Revival? While Texas hopes for a new aerial attack, many teams across the USFL are hoping they have done enough to retool their run games. On the one hand we have teams like Atlanta, New Jersey, and Boston, who are hoping they have done enough to replace retired bellcow backs Terrell Davis, Curtis Enis, and Tiki Barber. On the other you have teams that have struggled to find a run game hoping their free agent spending spree will change the narrative. Houston nabbed the biggest HB prize in free agency, landing former Stallion Shaun Alexander to be the new lead back. Arizona took the next best option, landing Orlando’s Sedrick Irvin as they once again try to find a way to develop an offense beyond Jake Plummer. Each club has gone a different way, but all with the same goal, produce a viable rushing attack. For Atlanta the solution was to land Arkansas back Darren McFadden with their first round pick. McFadden opens the season as the undisputed #1 back. That is not the case for another top rookie back, as New Jersey’s Ray Rice is expected to continue to compete with returning free agent James Jackson for carries. In Boston a third rookie is also competing for carries as Illinois’s Rashard Mendenhall will battle former Golden Domer Tony Hunt to see who gets the lead position. For Houston and Arizona, their new backs are known commodities. Both Alexander and Irvin have proven they can tote the load as a lead back, but each was looking for a more promising opportunity. We are not sure they have found it. Both the Gamblers and the Wranglers have struggled with run blocking and with putting together a coherent run-based game plan. Will that change this year? Arizona has another new OC, while Houston is lead by a defensive-minded head coach in Wade Phillips, so the question of whether or not landing a quality back in free agency is enough to revive a legitimate rushing attack will be on display in both cities. 8) New Faces in New Places Halfback is not the only position where free agency has changed the face of the league. Several big name free agents jumped ship this year, finding new homes and now trying to find their place in new systems. Among the bigger names are, of course, Randy Moss, who we will discuss a little later, as well as fellow wide outs Tory Holt and Curtis Conway, cornerback Charles Woodson, and DE’s Jevon Kearse and Julius Peppers. Which ones can adapt quickly and which ones find themselves in a better place, that is the question being asked. It seems obvious that Conway is likely going to be a focal point for the Charlotte offense, but an expansion team is a tough place to play. Holt is certainly in a more ready-built scenario in Baltimore, where he will catch passes from Ben Roethlisberger. Charles Woodson is sure to be just as effective as a shutdown corner no matter where he plays, but will that help revive an Atlanta defense that slipped a bit last year from their early 2006 success? For Kearse and Peppers, the goal is to solidify their place as elite pass rushers. Peppers returns to North Carolina, where he played his college ball, and will be the focal point of the expansion Monarchs’ defensive scheme. Kearse finds himself in Michigan, where the Panthers already boast one of the best linebacking corps in the league. Can he do for the Panthers what he did in LA, turning the team into one of the sack leaders in the league? Early bets are on big impacts from Kearse and Holt, and more measured upticks for Conway, Peppers and Woodson, but we have been wrong before. 7) Wild, Wild West The Pacific Division was one of the most intriguing and exciting races last year, though largely a battle for 2nd place with 13-1 Seattle well out in front. In 2008 it looks like it could be even more competitive. Seattle still looks like a team that could go all the way to another title, led by QB Byron Leftwich and HB Corey Dillon. The Dragons are hoping a healthy Darnerien McCants means they finally have a 2nd receiver to pull coverage away from David Boston. They also hope that rookie CB Leodis McKelvin helps to solidify a secondary that had some issues. If Seattle falls back, all three remaining Pacific clubs are hoping they will be the ones to step up. Los Angeles eked out a 2nd place finish last year on tie breakers with Oakland. They lost Tory Holt this offseason, a big hit to be sure, but feel good about free agent acquisition Brandon Lloyd lined up opposite Keyshawn Johnson. They are also high on two rookies who look to start on defense from Week 1, first round pick Dominique Rodgers Cromartie at corner and yet another USC Trojan from the T-Draft Keith Rivers at LB. Oakland feels they have done what they need to if they want to leapfrog the Express and catch up with the Dragons. Oakland added rookie depth on defense with DT Sedrick Ellis (USC) , LB Stanford Keglar (Purdue), and cornerback Zackary Bowman (Nebraska), but the rookie they are most excited about was T-Draft selection DeSean Jackson, who they plan to give a lot of looks in the slot. The speedster adds a quick strike option that the combo of Plaxico Burress and Greg Jennings lack. Finally, Las Vegas put together a league-leading defense last year, and Coach Jerry Glanville doubled down on that D in the offseason, signing safety Chad Scott away from the NFL and adding rookie talent in LB Bryan Kehl (T-Draft) and DT Red Bryant (Texas A&M). But Glanville also addressed some offensive needs, signing veteran WR Amani Toomer to line up opposite Matthew Hatchette. The offense will still focus on 2nd year back Marshawn Lynch, but Glanville is counting on more balance to help keep drives alive and provide his top flight defense with more rest, which can lead to more aggression. 6) NFL to USFL Transitions Compared to last year, perhaps compared to most years, the NFL-USFL transfer window produced fewer shocks than usual. Yes, there were some losses in the form of free agents heading to the fall. Players like CB Jimmy Hitchcock, DE Cedrick Harden, S Torrian Gray, or WR Drew Bennett left holes in USFL rosters, but nothing like what we saw in 2007 with Tom Brady and Cade McNown both jumping ship. Coming in from the NFL we also saw a mix of underutilized players and some who the NFL simply seems to have given up on. Perhaps the biggest name is former Carolina Panther QB and likely Charlotte Monarchs starter Chris Weinke. After 5 seasons with the Panthers, Weinke spent 2007 as a backup in San Francisco. Charlotte saw potential in the former FSU quarterback and signed him to a 3-year deal. After competing with former CFL QB Henry Burris and former NFL and New Jersey starter Kelly Holcombe in camp, Weinke has been named the starter. Another NFL rehabilitation product who is expected to start this week is halfback Robert Edwards, the first player signed by the Monarchs. Edwards saw his career resuscitated last year with Montreal of the CFL and is now hoping to prove himself once again in the U.S. game with the expansion Monarchs. Two quality receivers who found themselves in bad situations also jumped leagues this year, with Carolina’s Keary Colbert headed to Denver and Seattle’s D. J. Hackett also joining the expansion Monarchs. Others making the jump include HB Maurice Hicks (49ers to Bandits), CB Michael Boulware (Oilers to Outlaws), LB Calvin Pace (Cardinals to Breakers), DE Reynaldo Wynn (Saints to Generals), DT Kimo Von Oelhoffen (Eagles to Wranglers), and Portland’s big gamble, quarterback A. J. Feeley. Which of these former NFL players will survive the rigors of back to back seasons and make waves in the USFL? Which teams will benefit from a shrewd signing across the transfer window? We will find out soon enough. 5) The Expansion Derby Two new teams join the league this year, but with St. Louis finishing 1-13 and hiring a new coach in the offseason, it feels almost like we have 3 expansion clubs to discuss (Congratulations to the Atlanta Fire for moving themselves out of this category with two solid opening years.) The Skyhawks have the advantage of two years of experience in the league, experience and roster building, and yet it feels very much like they are starting over with former USFL QB Doug Williams at the helm as their new head coach. Williams wasted little time putting his stamp on the club, signing former Orlando and Seattle QB Jeff Blake to run his offense and trading last year’s starter, Luke McCown, to Houston for a 4th rounder and backup Sage Rosenfels. He also drafted for offense, with Kansas State’s Jordy Nelson expected to compete for snaps with Bryant Johnson and Sinorice Moss, both opposite Taylor Jacobs, the lone All-USFL player on the Skyhawk offense. Charlotte made a splash by signing away 5 NFL players during this January’s transfer window. In the haul they found their starting QB in Chris Weinke and their #2 receiver in D. J. Hackett. They also dipped into the CFL to land DE Fred Perry and lead back Robert Edwards. In the expansion draft they landed some big name talent in the shape of TE Dan Campbell, WR Brandon Marshall, LT Wayne Gandy, DT Kyle Williams, and CB Carlos Rogers. In Free Agency they landed Julius Peppers to provide pass rush, Curtis Conway and Az-Zahir Hakeem to haul in passes, and safety Reggie Tongue to solidify the secondary. It is an impressive roster-building effort by the front office and head coach Jim Mora Jr., but how quickly can this group of individuals become a team? A similar question faces Portland Stags’ head coach Rich Brooks. The former Oregon coach built his roster knowing that he would be competing in a very tough Pacific Division. He started with NFL QB A. J. Feeley, added free agents like TE Bubba Franks, WR Andre Davis, LT Korey Stringer, and DT Jason Fisk, but focused most of his attention on the expansion draft and rookie draft. In the ED he landed some big names as well, with the draft bringing big time talent like FB Ovie Mughelli, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, WRs Koren Robinson and Roddy White to the offense, and DE Elvis Dumervil, LB Channing Crowder, and CB James Trapp to the defense. Portland found their starting HB in the T-Draft, signing Oregon star Jonathan Stewart, and in the Open Draft they added WR Leslie Hawkins (Cal) and OT Breno Giacomini (Louisville). On paper St. Louis looks the most likely to win more games, as we expect they should, but we are particularly intrigued by the roster that Charlotte has put together. If Jim Mora Jr. can get this team to gel they could prove to be a tough squad to face, and certainly the Southeast Division may be an easier path than either the Central or the Pacific. But, since we never saw a 7-7 season and playoff appearance in the cards for expansion Atlanta in 2006, we are not betting the mortgage on any of these teams finishing last. 4) Swan Songs for a Legendary QB Last year we spent a good part of the season wondering if Boston’s run to the #1 seed would be the final season for QB Drew Bledsoe. With a disappointing divisional round exit from the playoffs fueling the fire, Bledsoe announced he would return for the 2008 season, but earlier this year he made it official that 2008 would be his final season and that he would retire at the conclusion of the year. Bledsoe and the Cannons are hoping that departure is delayed by a deep playoff run as the Cannons are doing all they can to repeat as Northeast Division Champions and give it one more run for a title. Last year the injury to Tiki Barber derailed Boston’s playoff hopes. This year, with Barber having retired in the offseason, the question is whether or not they have done enough to replace him. Boston drafted Illinois halfback Rashard Mendenhall and have 2nd year Notre Dame back Tony Hunt competing for carries, but neither is the type of all-purpose weapon that Barber has been for Boston since the team moved from Atlanta. Bledsoe will once again have Chad Ochocinco (now discussing possibly changing his name back to Johnson) and Joe Jurevicius as targets. Boston also added New Mexico speedster Marcus Smith in the draft and brought in FB Daiman Shelton to help the run game, but is it enough? In what appears to be a pretty weak NE Division, Boston is certainly the favorite to repeat as division champs, but the playoffs will be another story. Will Bledsoe’s swan song be enough to motivate Boston to their first title or will he depart without delivering on the Cannons’ title hopes? 3) Coaches Who Need Wins Now Every season begins with some coaches feeling pressure to turn things around at risk of their jobs. But it is rare that the number of coaches in this position is more than 2 or 3. This year we count nine who should be worried. That is a huge number, but it is a realistic portrait of where things stand. These coaches fit into three categories, each with its own challenges. GOOD BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH These are likely the most secure, the coaches whose teams have improved, but are they improving fast enough? Or are they plateauing just below a success level the owners hope to reach. In this group we find Jerry Glanville in Las Vegas, Tom Coughlin in Baltimore, Dick LeBeau in Michigan, and Dick Jauron in Denver. With the clubs hovering around .500 and failing to make the playoffs, there is pressure to show growth, not stagnation. If Glanville can find an offense to go with his defense, the Thunder could take a step. If Brian Griese can repeat his 2007 OPOTY season and Michigan could also find a run game. If Baltimore could finally cash in on the potential we all see in Ben Roethlisberger, or if Denver could recover their defensive swagger, any one of these teams could make the next step and get back to the postseason, but if they don’t these coaches could take the fall. ARE WE THERE YET? Coaches brought in to rebuild teams often have a short timespan to show improvement. That is the situation for Washington’s Sean Payton after back to back 4-10 seasons. It is also true for Norv Turner in Texas. Both Payton and Turner enter their third seasons with their clubs and need to start showing some return on investment or risk a changing of the guard. WHAT IS THE PLAN HERE? This may be the most precarious group. Coaches whose teams seem to be flailing, occasionally good, then awful. No sense of whether they are rebuilding, retooling, or just spiraling out of control. We put in this group Mike Nolan in New Orleans, who survived a 1-13 debacle last year but cannot survive another. The same for Arizona’s Jim Fassel, who many expected to be out after last year’s 2-win season. Add Ron Rivera in Pittsburgh to this group as well. The Maulers have looked better with Rivera at the helm, but he has yet to put together a winning season in the very tough Central Division. A fourth consecutive losing year could spell a pink slip for Rivera. 2) The Rookie HB Class of 2008 As you may have gleaned from some of our other stories to follow, this is a big year for rookie halfbacks getting a shot at starting. After the success of Marshawn Lynch last year, the pressure will be on to find the back who can step in and take over an offense. The USFL is still a pass-first league, but having a solid run game is key to success on many levels, and these rookies will be asked to provide that from day one. Looking across the league, these are the backs we see as being tasked with toting the rock and providing a spark to their offenses. The Backups: No pressure here, just some talented backs who will get carries for teams that already have established starters. This includes Kevin Smith in Ohio, BenJarvis Green-Ellis in Nashville, and Mike Hart in Michigan. Any production from these three will be gravy for their teams. The Shared Role: These rookies are likely to get more carries, but in what is very clearly a dual-back or stable strategy in which no one back will be expected to carry the ball 24 times a game. Expect them to see increasing carry numbers as time goes on and they get up to speed with the pro game. In this group are backs like Philadelphia’s Steve Slaton, Birmingham’s Felix Jones, and Orlando’s Jacob Hester. The Five: These are the backs who were drafted and signed with the intention of them coming in on Day 1 as the starter and the bell cow for their offenses. We know that some will struggle, and if a team is lucky one, maybe two will start to put it together by midseason. Will we see another Lynch out of this bunch? That is tough to predict, but here is our best guess. Rashard Mendenhall (BOS): A big back with some shiftiness, Mendenhall has some solid attributes, but anyone in Boston who thinks the Illinois product is going to step directly into Tiki Barber’s role and find immediate success is delusional. Boston is going to need to rely a bit more on Bledsoe and Ochocinco because what Mendenhall can offer is more limited than what they got from their All-USFL back in past years. Ray Rice (NJ): Rice is a bit undersized, but he is like a runaway bowling ball when he gets moving. We like him in Coach Crenell’s system, but the issue in New Jersey is that they look like a team that is still retooling. Their QB, Kevin Kolb, is an unknown factor. They lost their one elite receiver this offseason, Terry Glenn, and now look like a team very weak at the wideout position, so defenses are likely to focus on the run first, and that is not a good starting point for the back out of Rutgers. Jonathan Stewart (POR): Very talented, very consistent, but Stewart has signed on with an expansion club, which means a lot will be asked, and, quite possibly, not a lot of help will be coming from other areas of the team. If Portland has a typical expansion club defense, that means a lot of games playing from behind, which is never good for a halfback to have good production. If we are wrong, and if the pieced-together line can come through, Stewart could put up solid numbers. Matt Forte (NOR): We love the fit of Forte and the Breakers. This is a club that has needed a dynamic back for many years. Forte can be a factor in the passing game, which will certainly help Eli Manning, but he can also be a 1,000 yard rusher if given the chance. He proved that at Tulane, where he was often facing much better ballclubs, but still produced. The Breakers, if they use him right, could have found a gem in this Green Wave product. Darren McFadden (ATL): When you are the first halfback off the board in the draft,and when that happens with a Top 10 pick, a lot is expected of you. When you are replacing a legend in Terrell Davis, that expectation grows even more. Atlanta is still unsure of their QB position, with Garrard once again barely beating out Tyler Thigpen in camp, so once again the run game will be central to the Fire’s offensive scheme. McFadden is the type of back who could rise to that challenge. He lacks the explosiveness of Marshawn Lynch, but shares “Beast Mode’s” drive and power, which can go a long way in a league where pass defense comes first. 1) Randy Moss and Ohio’s Legacy You pretty much knew this had to be our #1 story. Ever since the signing was announced it is all anyone could talk about. Pairing Randy Moss with the Ohio Glory offense feels almost unfair. Clearly Ohio is looking to solidify its legacy as the Team of the 2000’s by winning a third title, and with the Moss signing they immediately become the favorite to win Summer Bowl ’08. It was not automatic, not by a longshot. In the month leading up to free agency no fewer than 7 clubs spoke with Moss’s agent about the receiver’s plans. By the time free agency rolled around, just after Summer Bowl ’07, five teams had prepared comprehensive bids, including Ohio, but also New Jersey, Los Angeles, Portland, Texas, Chicago, and Washington. Moss would have his pick, and while several of the clubs involved could provide a more than generous contract, only a few were true playoff contenders without Moss (LA, Chicago, and Ohio), and of those three only one could boast a 3-time league MVP at quarterback. The combination was a winning one for the Glory. So now Ohio has their triple-threat of Collins, Galloway, and George, but they also have perhaps the best deep ball receiver in pro football history in Randy Moss. What are defenses going to do? They still have Stephen Alexander to deal with over the middle, but now they face two receivers who can take the ball to the house on any play. We expect teams will move to 3-deep zones and try to pressure Collins quickly with blitzes, but few have the ability to do that, and, of course, doing so will mean creating more room for Eddie George to gash nickel and dime defenses with inside runs and draws. It is a conundrum the entire league now faces. How to stop what may prove to be the most dangerous offense ever assembled in the USFL, and that includes Bandit Ball, the Run & Shoot, and Boston’s high octane “Cannonball Run” offense. Things just got a lot uglier for the rest of the Central Division, if not for the entire league as they try to figure out how to stop what could be the most-talented offense in 25 years of USFL football. 2008 College Draft in Review In reviewing our top stories of the year, we have highlighted some of the rookies who have signed on to the spring league, including a legion of running backs who could shine this year. But how did it all go down? We had some major signings out of the Territorial Draft, followed by an exciting first round of the Open Draft and some quality depth in rounds 2-7 as well. As usual, there were many who got away (the NFL is, as always, a fierce competitor for talent), but the USFL fared well this year, or, we should say, several teams fared well. Looking at the first round 15 of 28 selections ended up signing with the USFL club, and several top T-Draft picks also landed with their local USFL club, so a good year all in all. We are going to recap the draft by reviewing the first round, and as we look at each club’s pick, we will explore what happened with that pick and highlight some of the talent those teams acquired through both the Open and Territorial Draft, so that you have a good idea of which rookies you may want to watch out for this year. So, without any further ado, here is our USFL Draft in Review for 2008. CHARLOTTE 1st Round Story: There was a lot of talk of whether Charlotte would stick with the pick or make a deal, as St. Louis had done 2 years earlier, moving down to add more picks. They got a fair share of offers, but decided to stand pat, and with their first pick they went with the player they had as the Best Player Available, linebacker Jerod Mayo of Tennessee. Mayo would sign with the Monarchs only 3 days later. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Our favorite mid-round signing by Charlotte came in the 4th round, where they picked up a sure-handed and elusive receiver in Kentucky’s Stevie Johnson. Johnson became a favorite target in camp and has worked himself into a regular role in the offense, just behind starters Hackett and Marshall. T-Draft Success: Safety DaJuan Morgan and CB Cary Williams both signed with the Monarchs, and both have made the squad. NEW ORLEANS 1st Round Story: The first of the NFL signings, New Orleans selected OT Jake Long out of Michigan at #2, bu the was taken #1 by the Miami Dolphins and apparently the Fins offered more than New Orleans could match. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: The Breakers never landed a tackle, but did improve their offensive skills players with the signing of Houston Cougar WR Donnie Avery in the 2nd round and a very strong T-Draft. T-Draft Success: A lot of talent in the T-Draft as the Breakers signed all three picks: HB Matt Forte, WR Early Doucet, and QB Matt Flynn. Both Forte and Doucet are expected to start this season as rookies. PORTLAND 1st Round Story: The Stags went for a dynamic edge rusher in Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston, but the New York Jets had more to offer the big man, so he is headed to the Big Apple. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: The Stags did not pick another DE until the 7th round, when they landed Gardner-Webb’s Brian Johnston. In fact, the Stags struggled, signing only 4 draftees from the open draft, none of whom are listed as starters in Week 1. T-Draft Success: The Stags fared better in the Territorial Draft, where they landed starting HB Jonathan Stewart and backup QB Dennis Dixon, both from Oregon. Still, for an expansion team, that first draft is huge, and the Stags did not get enough to feel good about it. TEXAS 1st Round Story: One of several teams considering a QB, Texas wanted to deal to make sure they got the one they wanted. They found a willing trade partner in St. Louis, who once again move down in the draft to pick up more talent. Texas sent the Skyhawks their pick in the 1st and 2nd round to move from #7 to #4, leapfrogging both Arizona and Atlanta, two teams potentially in the QB market. They selected big Joe Flacco out of Delaware, and they succeeded in signing the Blue Hen QB to be the new face of their franchise. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Keep an eye on 3rd round pick Chris Harrington out of A&M. He currently sits just behind starters Tim Crowder and Dimitrius Underwood on the DE depth chart, but we expect to see him get a shot on passing downs. T-Draft Success: The Outlaws think they found two real contributors in their territorial picks, signing elusive slot receiver Danny Amendola from Texas Tech and big target, TE Jermichael Finley out of UT. ARIZONA 1st Round Story: If Arizona had been hoping to sign Flacco as the heir to Jake Plummer, they did not show it, turning in their card almost immediately after Texas’s deal. That card listed LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey on it. The Wranglers were hoping to build up their D-line, unfortunately Dorsey had a strong offer from the Kansas City Chiefs two weeks later and he jumped at it. Swing and a miss for Coach Fassel, who cannot afford too many of those. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: While we like OLB Bruce Davis and WR Matthew Slater, both USC products that LA passed on, the most intriguing signing was QB Colt Brennan out of Hawaii. The 4th round pick has similar skills to Jake Plummer and could be a protégé that would benefit from 1-2 years behind the Wrangler Mr. Everything. T-Draft Success: Center Mike Pollack from ASU fills an immediate need, but will rotate with free agent Ben Claxton at least at first. ATLANTA 1st Round Story: The Fire were another team looking at both Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, but they too passed on Ryan as they saw a chance to jump on the first HB available in the draft. They had expected St. Louis to go for a halfback, having already signed Jeff Blake over from Seattle to be the QB for Doug Williams. When the Skyhawks traded down with Texas, it mean that Atlanta could have their pick, and they wasted no time selecting, and then offering Arkansas back Darren McFadden a 4-year deal that the NFL Raiders could not match. A signing that could help Atlanta take the next step. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Atlanta did eventually pick a QB, Alabama’s John David Booty, in the 5th round. They also signed LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar out of BC, but that was where their Open Draft success ended. 3 signings in 8 rounds. T-Draft Success: DE Marcus Howard (UGA) and FB Mike Cox (Ga Tech) did sign on with the Fire. Cox is likely going to win the FB role with the Fire while Howard is buried in the depth chart right now. ST. LOUIS 1st Round Story: For the second year in a row, St. Louis chose to drop down in the 1st round to add more picks. The move this year took them from #4 down to #7. With the 7th pick, they did take a shot at the only other consensus pick at QB in BC’s Matt Ryan. We are still not sure why. They had already signed Jeff Blake, but having traded last year’s starter, Luke McNown to Houston, maybe they thought they could upgrade. No such luck. Ryan was a very early pick of the Atlanta Falcons and signed with the NFL club. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: With 2 second round picks (theirs and Texas’s) St. Louis had better luck. They picked and landed both Michigan LB Shawn Grable and Maryland DT Dre Moore, two players who will rotate into the defense for the Skyhawks. T-Draft Success: Jordy Nelson was the only big name signee from the T-Draft, and he has looked good in camp. He will likely not see much of the field early on, with Taylor Jacobs, Sinorice Moss and Bryant Johnson ahead of him, but should get some snaps as the season progresses. TAMPA BAY 1st Round Story: The Bandits did not travel far from home for their first pick. When Jacksonville did not select DE Derrick Harvey in the T-Draft, Tampa Bay started wooing the big man. They picked him at #8 and signed him within 48 hours, one of the first of the USFL signings this year. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: In addition to Harvey, Tampa signed WR Earl Bennett out of Vandy, TE Matt Sherry from Villanova, and LB Jesse Nading from Colorado State. Of the three, Sherry is the only one expected to see significant snaps, currently #2 at the TE position on the depth chart. T-Draft Success: The Bandits struggled with their picks from FSU, USF, and South Carolina. Only DT Andre Fluellen made the squad through camp, and he sits 4th on the depth chart right now. BIRMINGHAM 1st Round Story: With Shaun Alexander headed off to Houston, Birmingham needed to find a HB who could help them keep what semblance of a run game they have intact. They opted for the 2nd of 2 Arkansas backs taken in the draft, Felix Jones. The Stallions seem happy with Jones, who is expected to split carries with veteran Marion Barber for now. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Neither Barber nor Jones are huge contributors in the passing game, which makes the signing of 6th round pick, Danny Woodhead, out of Chadron State, so vital. Too small to be an every down back, Woodhead is seen as a 3rd down receiver primarily, something the Stallions have lacked in recent years. Another help to the run game came in the form of tackle John Greco of Toledo, who starts the year as the starter at right tackle. T-Draft Success: Two potential starters out of 3 players drafted is a very good return on investment for the Stallions. CB Jonathan Wilhite is slotted in as the Week 1 nickel back and DT Quentin Groves is currently the swing DE, able to replace either RE Antwan Odom or LE Mike Rucker as needed. PITTSBURGH 1st Round Story: Coach Rivera again went defense with his first pick, selecting Kansas CB Aqib Talib. Unfortunately, Talib decided that the warm weather and nightlife of Tampa Bay was preferable to the scene in Pittsburgh, signing with the NFL Buccaneers. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: The Maulers signed only 3 players from their 8 Open Draft picks, midround guard Chester Adams from UGA and late round WR Andrew Hawkins (Toledo) and LB Alvin Bowen (Iowa State). That does not bode well for Rivera, whose drafts have been underwhelming each year. T-Draft Success: Left tackle Jeff Otah from Pitt will start at Right Tackle, so the draft is not a total waste, but again, more was expected. NEW JERSEY 1st Round Story: New Jersey had already signed their HB choice from the T-Draft, Ray Rice by the time they picked in the Open Draft, so that took them out of the HB derby and allowed them to focus on other needs. They opted to go for line help, selecting Uva tackle Branden Albert. Unfortunately, the big guy would opt to go to the NFL, leaving NJ without help at the position and looking for late Free Agent help. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Our favorite signing by the Generals was safety Tom Zbikowski in the 2nd round out of Notre Dame. He is already penciled in as the opening day starter. T-Draft Success: LB Curtis Lofton and HB Ray Rice help New Jersey feel better about their draft this year. Rice will start the year in competition with James Jackson, who resigned after testing the free agent waters. Lofton will serve a swing role, both at strongside and middle linebacker. HOUSTON 1st Round Story: Houston also went OT, trading with Washington to move up to #12 and then selecting a tackle, one of 3 in a row in the draft. They selected USC’s big man, Sam Baker, but, like New Jersey, they were outbid by the NFL as Baker opted to join the Tennessee Copperheads. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Houston did what New Jersey did not. They handcuffed their 1st round pick, selecting another OT in the 3rd round, UTEP’s Oniel Cousins. Cousins excelled in camp and won the RT position opposite his new mentor, LT Mike Pearson. Houston also got some help on the inside as Oregon State product, guard Kyle DeVan has earned a spot on the roster. Finally, kicker Dan Carpenter from Montana has won the kicking competition and will be the opening day kicker after being an 8th round pick of the Gamblers. T-Draft Success: Two of Houston’s 3 picks signed, LB David Hawthorne of TCU and center Cody Wallace from A&M. Both are on the final 53 but buried in the depth chart for now. DENVER 1st Round Story: Finally a tackle who joins his USFL club. Denver got their man in Boise State’s Ryan Clady, another success story for USFL clubs picking players from smaller programs. Clady is another draft pick who will start as a rookie, again at Right Tackle, though we expect he will get some snaps on the left side as well. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Denver is hoping that 2nd round pick, LB Thomas Williams of USC will work himself into games. Right now he sits deep on the depth chart and will likely only contribute to special teams. Unfortunately, no other picks are looking like they will see much action either. T-Draft Success: LB Jordan Dixon also made the squad, a pick out of Colorado, but he was the only signee of the 3 T-Draft picks, so disappointment there for Denver. LAS VEGAS 1st Round Story: The Thunder wanted to get some help for QB Steve McNair in the form of a young wideout, but Michigan State’s Devin Thomas opted to join the NFL Redskins instead. That leaves a pretty shallow receiving corps behind Matthew Hatchette and free agent signing Amani Toomer. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: The Thunder found their kicker in the 7th round, Taylor Mehlhaff from Wisconsin, and they added DT Rd Bryant to the defense, but he has been hampered by hamstring issues in camp, so his spot on the roster is not secure. T-Draft Success: LB Bryan Kehl of BYU was the only one of three picks to sign with the Thunder. He is currently on the Practice Squad, which is not a good sign for him seeing any time on the field. BALTIMORE 1st Round Story: The Blitz need help on defense, and they spent a lot of draft capital on that side of the ball, but they missed on their first pick, USF cornerback Mike Jenkins. The Blitz felt good about signing Jenkins until the player’s childhood team, the Dallas Cowboys also selected him. From that point on the cause was lost. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: The Blitz did manage to land LB Tavares Gooden of Miami (3rd round), but that was the only defender to join the squad from the draft. OTs Chad Rinehart (Northern Iowa) and King Dunlap (Auburn) did sign and now provide depth behind D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Matt Hill. T-Draft Success: WR Harry Douglas of Louisville will get some snaps backing up Ted Ginn in the slot, while TE Jacob Tamme (Louisville) will get even more snaps as the #2 TE as Baltimore likes to use 2-TE formations to help spring Ron Dayne into the secondary. MICHIGAN 1st Round Story: The Panthers landed their top choice, safety Kenny Phillips of Miami (FL) after only 3 days of negotiations. We guess he just did not want to head off to the chaos that is the NY Giants right now. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: In addition to Phillips, the Panthers signed OG Mike McGlynn (Pitt), TE Gary Barnidge (Louisville), and FB Jerome Felton (Furman) to bolster their offense. T-Draft Success: Here is where we think Michigan struck gold, signing two Wolverines with great upside, Wideout Mario Manningham and HB Mike Hart. Neither will start in Week 1, but both bring a lot of positives with them and should contribute to a Michigan offense hoping to grow around Brian Griese. NASHVILLE 1st Round Story: Nashville also went Safety in the first round and also landed their man, though many feel that taking Arkansas State’s Tyrell Johnson was a bit of a stretch. But, in the USFL, any talent you can sign is a good pick. Half of the teams in the 1st round got absolutely nothing with their picks. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Bowling Green center Kory Lichtensteiger was happy to sign with the Knights, bringing him closer to his Tennessee roots. The Knights also may have found a keeper in 6th round FB Peyton Hillis, whose blocks helped both McFadden and Felix Jones become 1st round picks. We know Frank Gore will be happy to see him on the roster. T-Draft Success: We are so intrigued by former Ole Miss HB BenJarvis Green-Elllis that we are almost sad that he likely will see very few carries sitting behind both Gore and Leon Johnson on the Knights’ depth chart. LOS ANGELES 1st Round Story: The LA Express were patient, keeping their fingers crossed that one of the top corners in the draft would drop to them at #18, and that patience paid off. LA selected, and later signed, the top man on their draft board, Tennessee State’s Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a player with a ton of skill and a lot of attitude to boot. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Thanks to some trade moves, LA finished the draft with 9 picks. They signed 6 of them. That is pretty solid. Our favorite, aside from DR-C above is DT Ahtyba Rubin, and not just because his name is fun to say. The Iowa State prospect will sit behind Daryl Gardner and Igor Olshansky for now, but don’t forget that name. T-Draft Success: USC is such a source for the Express. The club was able to sign both LB Keith Rivers and DE Lawrence Jackson, with Rivers immediately plugging in as the starting Weak Side LB alongside Tatupu, Adalius Thomas and Akin Ayodele in what is looking like a very athletic group. WASHINGTON 1st Round Story: By this point you probably had thought we somehow forgot about the Feds. We did not. The Feds started the day with the #6 pick, but trade down with Atlanta to hold #12, picking up tackle Mike Williams in the process. They then traded the #12 pick to Houston, dropping to #19 and adding CB Sheldon Brown along the way. Two veterans added to the roster and 13 picks later, they finally got around to making a pick. Sadly, their choice, OT Duane Brown form VA Tech would end up signing with the Oilers of the NFL, but at least the Feds got some talent out of the round. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Overall, the Feds had one of the better drafts, landing not only veterans through trade, but signing OT Ryan Considine form La Tech, and TE Kellen Davis from Michigan State. But, it was the T-Draft where the Feds did their best work. T-Draft Success: All three T-Draft selections signed on with the Federals, including two immediate contributors, DE Chris Long of Virginia and CB Brandon Flowers of Va Tech. Add in LB Xavier Adibi and you have a very strong T-Draft for DC’s club. PHILADELPHIA 1st Round Story: The Stars had a rough day (in hindsight) on Draft Day. Only 2 of 8 picks signed, with 6 opting for the NFL, including first round pick, DT Kentawn Barber of UNC. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Of the two who did sign, only HB Steve Slaton out of West Virginia is expected to see much action, splitting time with veteran Michael Robinson as Philly tries to cobble together a run game without Ahman Green. T-Draft Success: LB Dan Connor out of Penn State will see the field subbing for Paul Posluszny in some downs. OAKLAND 1st Round Story: The Invaders were absolutely shocked that USC DT Sedrick Ellis was still on the board at 21. They jumped at the chance to sign the big man, and their enthusiasm carried over to the negotiations with Ellis and his agent. Despite Ellis being chosen 14 picks higher in the NFL Draft (#7 by New Orleans), the West Coast product opted to sign with the West Coast team, much to Oakland’s benefit. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Ellis was by far the biggest signing of the day for Oakland. While LB Stanford Keglar (Purdue), CB Zackary Bowman (Nebraska), and TE Mike Merritt (USF) all made the roster, none are seen as first year starters. T-Draft Success: The Invaders are giddy with options when it comes to how to use former Cal WR DeSean Jackson to open up the offense. Jackson is slated to be the slot receiver for QB Joey Harrington, and the Invaders are expecting his Yards After Catch to be a huge factor for them. ORLANDO 1st Round Story: Having lost Sedrick Irvin to free agency, the Renegades prioritized the HB position, so they were happy to see ECU’s Chris Johnson fall to them at #22. Unfortunately, Johnson got an offer from the Tennessee Copperheads that was more than the Renegades could match, so it was a miss on their pickin the first round. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Orlando would handcuff the Johnson pick, selecting LSU halfback Jacob Hester in the 3rd round, and Hester would sign on the dotted line. But a Hester-Davenport rotation is not exactly what the ‘Gades were hoping for. T-Draft Success: No player in any camp has impressed scouts and coaches more than Miami product Calais Campbell. Immediately penciled in at LE for the Renegades, Campbell had 2 sacks in his preseason debut, and has been a monster in camp. Looks like a draft-defining signing to us. BOSTON 1st Round Story: Boston tried to move up in the draft to land a HB, but failed to find any takers. So, at #23 they waited. When Chris Johnson was taken by Orlando at #22, many thought they would change gears and go for a wideout, but they stayed the course, selecting Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois. The big back signed on with Boston, and while he is going to get every chance to tote the rock for the Cannons, just how he fits into the Cannonball Run offense is still to be seen. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: In addition to Mendenhall, Boston signed WR Marcus Smith (ASU), LB Jonathan Goff (Vandy), and TE Keith Zinger (LSU). Not a bad overall haul, though we expect Mendenhall to be the focal point. T-Draft Success: Yes, the Cannons signed 2 of 3 picks, but both OG Donald Thomas (UConn) and WR Paul Hubbard (Wisconsin) are fringe players who could end up on the practice squad rather than the game day 53. SEATTLE 1st Round Story: Seattle was another team looking for a corner, and finding one in this year’s draft. Leodis McKelvin will join Marcus Truffant and Ray Mickens in what is becoming a formidable defensive backfield. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Not much to be excited about beyond the first round as Seattle went for depth more than anything. Center Jeremey Zuttah is a developmental project out of Rutgers and he is perhaps the biggest name of the other signees. T-Draft Success: FB Marcel Reese out of UW will be the starter on opening day, while QB Alex Brink of WSU will find himself on the practice squad as the designated 3rd QB. JACKSONVILLE 1st Round Story: With Rashaun Woods and Donald Hayes clearly #1 and #2 in the receiving corps, the selection of Eddie Royal in tail end of the 1st round seems an odd choice for Jacksonville, but clearly a case of Best Player Available. We will never know how that choice would pan out since Royal signed with the NFL Broncos instead, but it did have some heads scratching on draft day. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Some good talent later on, like 2nd round pick DT Pat Sims of Auburn, 3rd round pick, CB Charles Godfrey of Iowa, and LB Joe Mays, an underrated tackler out of Division I-AA North Dakota State. T-Draft Success: WR Andre Caldwell from Florida shows that the Bulls are just not happy with the depth behind their two breakout receivers. OHIO 1st Round Story: The Glory tried to bolster their D by selecting CB Antoine Cason from Va Tech in the first round, but Cason would end up signing with the San Diego Chargers instead. A rare miss in what has been a very good offseason for the Glory. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: Of Ohio’s 6 open draft signees, 4 have made the roster: LB Philip Wheeler (Ga Tech), HB Kevin Smith (USF), DT London Cohen (Ohio), and HB Clifton Smith (Fresno). That is 2 halfbacks of the three that the Glory kept on the roster. So it is Eddie George and 2 rookies behind him. T-Draft Success: Ohio State did not produce a single signee for the Glory this year. That is a rarity. They did land safety Haruki Nakamura and DE Angelo Craig, both from Cincinnati and both deep on the depth chart. CHICAGO 1st Round Story: Chicago stayed local, and went with a bit of a first round stretch, selecting Indiana University wideout James Hardy. Generally considered a 3rd round talent, Hardy was quick to sign with the Machine and land that first round money. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: In addition to Hardy, Chicago signed 2nd round pick, CB Reggie Smith of OU, and 4th round pick, Andy Studebaker, a DE from tiny Division III Wheaton College, just down the road from Machine camp. T-Draft Success: Only Notre Dame DT Trevor Laws signed with the Machine, and he will now sit and learn from Ted Washington. MEMPHIS 1st Round Story: Memphis also played their 1st pick conservatively, choosing Purdue TE Dustin Keller. Keller signed and will now get to line up with Brett Favre as understudy to David Martin at the TE position. Best Mid & Late Round Signings: CB Antwaun Molden (EKU) and LB Spencer Larsen will likely see some spot duty in their first year. T-Draft Success: Two good prospects here: WR Pierre Garçon and DT Marcus Harrison could contribute this year for the defending champs. Standings & Playoff Predictions Twenty eight teams, all sitting at 0-0, with all the hope and opportunity of a new start in front of them. And yet we know that for every winner there will be a loser, for every success story, a missed opportunity. The season lays ahead, but what should we expect. Well, our track record shows that we should expect the unexpected. There will be a team that surprises with its success, and another who fails to meet expectations. Stars will emerge, others will fade. There will be upsets and blowouts, close shaves and pyrrhic victories. We sat down, reviewed the full schedule, analyzed rosters and schemes, personnel and permutations and this is the best we could come up with. So, as with all our prognostications, don’t bet the deed to the ranch on this, but feel free to decide if we are way off base or right on the money. Our predictions for 2008 are here. Predicted Finish BOSTON 10-4 * BALTIMORE 9-5 * PHILADELPHIA 7-7 WASHINGTON 6-8 NEW JERSEY 4-10 Boston is the clear frontrunner as they try to send Drew Bledsoe off with a title, but the retirement of Tiki Barber produces a big hole to fill, a role we are not confident rookie Rashard Mendenhall can occupy. That means that others will have a chance to close the gap with the Cannons. We believe Baltimore, now with Tory Holt as a target for Big Ben and some new additions on defense can be the team to challenge Boston. Philadelphia is also dealing with the departure of their bell cow back, so they too will struggle to reach the heights of 2007. Washington, assuming a fully recovered Kordell Stewart should improve over 2007, while New Jersey is clearly in a retooling phase after losing both Terry Glenn and Curtis Enis to retirement and still having a huge question mark with Kevin Kolb at QB. This appears to be Boston’s division to win, with a challenge from an improving Blitz squad. Predicted Finish ORLANDO 12-2 * JACKSONVILLE 8-6 * ATLANTA 7-7 TAMPA BAY 5-9 CHARLOTTE 3-11 The Orlando Renegades won 8 straight games before bowing out in the playoffs last year, and they only got better in the offseason. DE Calais Campbell looks like the real deal and has ‘Gade fans talking about the next Chris Doleman. If he lives up to his potential this Renegade defense could be very tough, and we already know that the offense with Drew Brees at the helm is very dangerous. Jacksonville is still a contender, but we see the gap growing as we pick Orlando to be the top seed in the East. Atlanta could improve beyond the 1 game we have given them and could be a serious Wild Card contender again. Tampa Bay is still reeling after the departure of Randy Moss and their offense looks significantly weaker, which is not a good look for them. Charlotte appears on the surface to be the stronger of the two expansion clubs, but that will not translate into a lot of wins in what is becoming a tighter division. Predicted Finish MEMPHIS 11-3 * NASHVILLE 9-5 * BIRMINGHAM 7-7 NEW ORLEANS 5-9 The defending league champions still look like the strongest team in the division, though Nashville will give them a run for their money. The Showboats added some depth on offense, especially at WR and TE, which will help Brett Favre have more options. Nashville did not add much in the draft, but the addition of veteran Terrell Buckley to the DB group should provide more stability, and, to be honest, we just don’t see the Stallions or Breakers leaping up to 2nd. Birmingham has improved in several areas, but their QB situation is still a mess. For New Orleans, we think they had a good draft, but they basically have new faces at both WR positions and a rookie HB, so they are going to need time to develop, but is it time Coach Nolan does not have? Predicted Finish OHIO 12-2 * CHICAGO 10-4 * MICHIGAN 7-7 PITTSBURGH 5-9 ST. LOUIS 5-9 We will be honest. As we reviewed the schedule we had a hard time not picking Ohio to go 14-0, but we understand that we may just be wrapped up in the Randy Moss hype. The defense still has some questions and Chicago proved last year that they are a tough divisional opponent for the Glory. The Machine are clearly the 2nd contender in this division. If Brady Quinn shows growth from his first year to his second, the Machine could very well challenge Ohio for the top spot in the conference. Michigan feels like they have stagnated. We love what Brian Griese did last year, but that run game is just not much better year to year. So, if the defense improves, they could challenge, but for now we think .500 is very likely. Pittsburgh and St. Louis bring up the rear, and the Skyhawks could surprise if Coach Williams can get Jeff Blake into a rhythm. The Cody Pickett experience in Pittsburgh so far has had very mixed results and we are not sure about the rest of the offense. Predicted Finish HOUSTON 8-6* DENVER 7-7 TEXAS 5-9 ARIZONA 4-10 One of the hardest divisions to pick since teams rarely get to 10 wins and when they do, the next year they seem to fall apart. Arizona could be a 2-win team again or could win 10. That just seems to be the way they go. Houston and Denver are much more consistent, but we give the edge to the Gamblers thanks to the acquisition of a legitimate #1 HB in Shaun Alexander. Texas could be improved, but Joe Flacco will need time to learn the pro game before they are ready to compete. So, for now, we stick with Houston as the lone playoff squad here. Denver could challenge and we have no idea what to expect form the Wranglers. Predicted Finish SEATTLE 11-3 * OAKLAND 9-5 * LAS VEGAS 9-5 * LOS ANGELES 6-8 Another division that is very tight, especially at positions 2-4. Seattle seems a step above the rest, as last year’s 13-win season proved, and they have only added more to a pretty good roster. Oakland is our pick for 2nd place, and could challenge Seattle, as they were the only team to beat them last year in the regular season. They should be more “multiple” on offense and their defense is solid. Las Vegas was all defense, no offense in 2007. If they can get to even a middle-of-the-road status on defense, they could be a real handful. The pressure is on Steve McNair to finally produce numbers like he did in the NFL. Adding Amani Toomer and a 2nd year for Marshawn Lynch could make it possible. As for LA, we have a hard time believing that Seneca Wallace’s success last year is repeatable. Teams started to figure out the Express late last season, and with the departure of Tory Holt it will be even easier to defend their pass game. The departure of Jevon Kearse on defense is equally as devastating, so we think a slip is likely. SUMMER BOWL 2008 PICK You know what we are thinking. It is what everyone is thinking. Ohio is going for dynsasty status and they have the weapons to do it. Yes, a better defense would be good, and they may struggle against teams with a strong pass rush that prevent deep routes from developing, but they look very much like a favorite to us. We have their dynamic offense going up against Orlando and their potentially formidable defense. Add to the fact that the Renegades have a sneaky-good offense themselves and we think a Renegade-Glory Summer Bowl could be a real fun game. So, we pick Ohio to fulfill their self-proclaimed destiny, but it won’t be a cakewalk. Orlando will be a tough foe to knock off in July. OHIO 29 ORLANDO 27 We wrap up the first half of our season preview by doing what we do each week, previewing the next week’s action. Next week is Week 1, so here we go with the full slate of action. As always, games in bold are broadcast nationally on the corresponding network. Those in blue are divisional matchups. FRIDAY @ 8pm Michigan Panthers @ Ohio Glory NBC SATURDAY @ 12pm New Jersey Generals @ Philadelphia Stars ABC SATURDAY @ 12pm Chicago Machine @ Tampa Bay Bandits FOX SATURDAY @ 12pm Birmingham Stallions @ Jacksonville Bulls FOX SATURDAY @ 4pm Baltimore Blitz @ Arizona Wranglers ABC SATURDAY @ 4pm Boston Cannons @ Texas Outlaws FOX SATURDAY @ 8pm Las Vegas Thunder @ Los Angeles Express ESPN SUNDAY @ 12pm Nashville Knights @ Atlanta Fire ABC SUNDAY @ 12pm Denver Gold @ Pittsburgh Maulers ABC SUNDAY @ 12pm Washington Federals @ Charlotte Monarchs FOX SUNDAY @ 4pm Houston Gamblers @ Portland Stags ABC SUNDAY @ 4pm Orlando Renegades @ St. Louis Skyhawks FOX SUNDAY @ 4pm New Orleans Breakers @ Memphis Showboats FOX SUNDAY @ 8pm Seattle Dragons @ Oakland Invaders ESPN

Quite an exciting time for football fans. The NFL is in the midst of playoffs headed towards Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys hoping to pull off only the second undefeated season in league history, led by former USFL quarterback Tom Brady, and the USFL is only 2 months away from its season opener, as we prepare for the 26th USFL College Draft. And as much as we would love to join the chorus of media outlets hyping up the Cowboys, our focus today is on the USFL, the offseason moves, the expansion franchises, and the preparations in the works for the Open portion of the College Draft to be held this weekend. We will recap the past three months, take a look at where the Portland Stags and Charlotte Monarchs stand, review the players selected in this past week’s Territorial Draft, discuss team needs going into the open draft and the upcoming NFL-USFL transfer window, and finish off with our best guess at a mock first round draft for the 28 USFL squads. We get started with Birmingham’s double dip from the Great White North. Stallions Head North, Way Up North, for Head Coach and New QB Back in August we wondered if Birmingham, having struggled to find a winning formula by hiring coaches with a connection to the state of Alabama would stick to that strategy or would go back to finding a coach with NFL experience as they had in better days (with Rollie Dotsch and Ron Erhardt). Well, this November we got our answer, and it was “a little of both, but with a twist”, hiring defending Grey Cup Champion coach Kent Austin as their new head coach. Austin, a graduate of Ole Miss, where he played quarterback from 1983-1986, had just completed his first year as a head coach, leading the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a surprise Grey Cup Title. Austin had played most of his pro career in Canada, and for 5 years had been the offensive coordinator for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL before moving up to the head coach position with the Roughriders. Known as a player’s coach and an innovative play caller, Austin will bring a wide open style of play to the Stallions, but, what is more he has already brought a quarterback to the team as well. Only 2 weeks into the job, and before either Jason Campbell or Anthony Wright came to the team facility for minicamps, Austin brought in another CFL import, quarterback David Dickerson of the BC Lions. Dickenson. Dickenson, a product of the University of Montana, had played for several teams in the CFL, most recently leading the Lions to a Grey Cup title in 2006. Austin signed the free agent CFL quarterback to a 3-year deal to come back to the USA and compete for the starting job in Birmingham, familiar with his talents, having faced him many times in Canada. Fans in Birmingham are being cautiously optimistic about Austin and Dickenson, recognizing that their greatest successes have come when the team hired outside of the region, but concerned that the CFL game and the USFL game are quite different. For now, he will have a chance to build a team he believes can compete in a tough division, home to the current USFL champions, but the pressure will be on for a club that is clearly in transition. Expansion Draft Review Two other teams that are also clearly in transition are the expansion Charlotte Monarchs and Portland Stags. This past October they filled most of their roster through the USFL Expansion Draft, and over the past three months have added more free agent signings to bolster key positions. With the College Open Draft just a few days away, there remain some holes, but for the most part we now know who will make up the inaugural rosters of both clubs. Charlotte, led by former Stars head coach and son of a legendary USFL head coach, Jim Mora Jr. looks like a team that will have a heated QB competition in camp. In addition to early NFL free agent QB Chris Weinke, the Monarchs used the expansion draft to sign two contenders in Washington backup Henry Burris and last year’s 10-game starter for New Jersey, former NFL QB Kelly Holcombe. One of Coach Mora’s first tasks will be to determine which of these three gives the club the best chance to earn some wins in their first season on the field. At HB it appears that former Bandit and Gold backup Travis Prentice will be the starter, backed up by Autrey Denson and 3rd down back Travis Minor. There is still space for a 3rd HB, so drafting a top quality back may not be out of the picture. Free Agent FB Justin Green appears to have that position locked up. The line will be led by All-USFL tackle Wayne Gandy, who at 34, was left unprotected in the T-Draft. Gandy will be joined by Sean Bubin, guards Sean Locklear and Chester Pitts and center Aaron Graham. At Tight End, the likely starter is former Gambler Dan Campbell, though Mark Bruener will also likely get a lot of snaps. Wideout is a solid position for this expansion club, having signed former Breaker slot receiver Az-Zahir Hakeem in November as well as former Machine #1 Curtis Conway, also in free agency. The group is rounded out by Expansion Draft selections Brandon Marshall, D. J. Hackett, and Lance Moore. On defense, the big move for the Monarchs was signing top DE free agent Julius Peppers, the former UNC star will certainly be a big figure in Charlotte this year. He is joined on the line by ED selections Chance McCarty and Darryl Tapp. Charlotte rounded out the DE position by signing CFL sack leader Fred Perry from Saskatchewan (I think this makes the most times we have referenced the province of Saskatchewan in over 25 years of USFL reporting), while at DT, free agent Ryan Simms will likely line up alongside Williams. The LB Corps will be led by ED selections Scott Fujita, Jeff Ulbrich and Andra Davis, though this is an area where we expect an early draft pick to be used to bring in some speed and youth. At corner, veteran free agent Tyrone Poole and ED selection Carlos Rogers should be expected to start. The starting safeties should be Chris Crocker at FS and Reggie Tongue, the veteran free agent from Philly, at Strong Safety. Finally, in the Territorial Draft, Charlotte believes they have found their kicker in NC State product Steven Haushka. Portland, and former Oregon Head Coach Rich Brooks, went with a slightly different strategy. Happy with former NFL player A. J. Feeley as the frontrunner at QB, they signed only backup Ken Dorsey in the Expansion Draft, while using a T-Draft pick on another Oregon QB, Dennis Dixon. They also used their T-Draft to snag their potential starting HB. If he signs, Oregon Duck Jonathan Stewart would be the clear frontrunner at the position over free agent Chris Perry and ED pick Derrick Blaylock. Portland definitely prepared to support Stewart, if he signs, by bringing in one of the best fullbacks in the league, Ovie Mughelli from the Thunder. They also made sure to protect their QB’s blindside by signing the best veteran FA at left tackle, Korey Stringer. Stringer will likely line up with Todd Wade at RT, guards Marcus McFadden and Benji Olsen, both ED picks, and center Brad Meester, another O-line free agent signing. At wideout, we expect the starting 3 to be former Gambler Koren Robinson, FSU product Craphonso Thorpe, and Roddy White, but don’t be surprised if free agent acquisition Andre Davis also gets into the mix. Inside, at TE, the Stags again used their cap room to sign a top free agent, former Federal Bubba Franks, who will be backed up by Seattle’s Visanthe Shiancoe. On defense, LB corps seems solid, as Portland’s free agent spending spree continues with the signing of Mike Maslowski away from Baltimore. He will line up with Ben Leber, Channing Crowder and josh Stamer. On the line in what appears to be a 3-4 we have Elvis Dumervil and Ebenezer Ekuban outside with free agent Jason Fisk and ED selection Barron Tanner rotating at the nose. The secondary will be led by SS Terreal Adams, along with FS Terrance Kiel, and corners James Trapp and Marquand Manuel. The nickel position remains unfilled, so expect a draft pick to be used there. Portland must have seen our advice, selecting Mason Crosby in the Expansion Draft to be their kicker. They also landed punter Frank Whalen with their final pick in the ED. So, two clubs pieced together from across the league, both free to spend in free agency, and still looking for a few key pieces in the draft. But, of course, their selections also influence how the other 26 clubs will also draft this weekend, as well as where they went in free agency from mid-October until now. With the Expansion Draft behind them, and with holes on every roster in the league, Free Agency resumed in late October with every team hoping to fill some gaps before the college draft. As we cited in our October report, many of the big names, the Randy Mosses and Shaun Alexanders, were scooped up within the first week of free agency in August, but there was still plenty of talent left to be signed, and November saw a lot of players make deals to sign on with new teams. As you may have noticed in our rundown of the expansion draft, both Charlotte and Portland were very active in free agency as well, and as we all expected. Portland’s haul included center Brad Meester (MGN), LB Mike Maslowski (BAL), LT Korey Stringer (PIT), DT Jason Fisk (OAK), TE Bubba Franks (WSH), and “second chance” players like HB Chris Perry and WR Andre Davis. For Charlotte, the free agent frenzy included the signing of Julius Peppers very early, followed by the addition of FB Justin Green (BOS), WRs Curtis Conway and Az-Zahir Hakeem, Philadelphia safety Reggie Tongue, veteran CB Tyrone Poole (BOS), DT Ryan Sims (BIR), and HB Autrey Detson (TBY). So, with these two free-spending teams in the mix, how did the rest of the league fare? Well, some frustration that the expansion clubs had fewer cap issues to worry about, but likely more frustrated with their own cap limitations, though that did not stop some major signings from occurring in November. Here is our list of the most impactful of those free agent signings. Wideout Tory Holt found a new home with the Baltimore Blitz, where he will certainly be a top target for Ben Roethlisberger. Generals FS Brian Hawkins heads to the Valley of the Sun, signing with the Wranglers. Arizona also hopes they found themselves a halfback, landing former Renegade Sedrick Irvin. Corner Terrell Buckley signed a 1-year deal with the Knights. Las Vegas landed two coveted targets in WR Amani Toomer and FB Manuel White. Oakland filled their pivot position with center Jake Grove. The Federals hope they have found a #2 to pair with Deion Branch, signing away rival Baltimore’s top receiver, Eddie Kennison. The Feds also bolstered their O-line by landing both OT Jerry Wunsch (OHI) and guard Chad Ward (NJ). Pittsburgh gave Cody Pickett a slot option with wideout Kevin Johnson. Philadelphia added SS Lance Schulters after the departure of Reggie Tongue. OT Tra Thomas leaves Houston for Ohio. LA will try to replace the departed Tory Holt with former Machine wideout Brandon Lloyd. Boston lost Justin Green but signed former Outlaw FB Daiman Shelton to fill the spot. And finally, veteran QB Jeff Blake moves from a backup role in Seattle to a possible starting gig with Coach Doug Williams and the St. Louis Skyhawks. Pre-Draft Team Needs Before the first of the USFL’s two College Drafts (Territorial and Open) this past weekend, our staff put together a study of each team’s roster as it currently stands, and selected the three most vital positions of need as we enter the Draft season. What you will see below is the result of that study, along with our assessment of whether or not the Territorial Draft has produced results that support these positions or, as is often the case, pressure will be on for the Open Draft to address areas where there simply were not any good options within a team’s three protected schools. ARIZONA Areas of Need: The Wranglers are in the market for a starting center, a slot receiver, and a backup for Jake Plummer. Add in some linebacker depth and you likely have their draft right there. Protected Schools: Arizona, Arizona State, New Mexico T-Draft Reaction: Arizona thinks they may have found their center in ASU’s Mike Pollak. Their other two selections, DE Lionel Dotson and HB Ryan Torain will need to battle to find spots on the roster if they sign. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: LB or WR seem the most pressing needs. ATLANTA Areas of Need: With the retirement of Terrell Davis, HB seems an obvious need. Atlanta could also use help at LB, FB, and a possible QB to compete with Garrard. Protected Schools: Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern T-Draft Reaction: Other than longshot FB Mike Cox (Ga Tech) we are not sure if Atlanta found value in this group. Their other two picks, DE Marcus Howard and K Brandon Coutu don’t are not in areas of obvious need. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Halfback is still a glaring need. BALTIMORE Areas of Need: Linebacker is a huge hole, with 2 open starting spots after free agency. Add to that tackle and tight end. Protected Schools: Maryland, Louisville, Kentucky T-Draft Reaction: WR Harry Douglas of Louisville and TE Jacob Tamme of Kentucky are two solid pickups, if they both sign. Still no help at LB though. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Got to be LB, maybe 2 or 3 times in the draft. BIRMINGHAM Areas of Need: Another team that lost their starting halfback. That and cornerback are the two biggest needs, though Tackle and DE are also potential need areas. Protected Schools: Alabama, Auburn, Troy State T-Draft Reaction: A weak crop for the traditional powerhouses at Bama and Auburn, but two corners were chosen, Patrick Lee and Jonathan Wilhite, both of the Tigers, along with DE Quentin Groves, an Auburn sweep. Signing either corner would be solid. Groves would also be a big addition. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: The Stallions need to find a potential lead back in the first round. The pool is not deep enough to go much later. BOSTON Areas of Need: Yet another team that lost their starting halfback. They could also use help at WR, LB, and TE. Protected Schools: Boston College, Wisconsin, UConn T-Draft Reaction: The Cannons could have tried to land Matt Ryan, but with Bledsoe stating he would be back, they did not. Instead they selected OT Gosder Cherilus of BC, then took fliers on Wisconsin wideout Paul Hubbard and guard Donald Thomas of UConn. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Man, this halfback class is going to be competitive. So many teams still desperately need to find a starter and there are not many options outside the draft. CHARLOTTE Areas of Need: Still many positions open, but we would say that linebacker, center, safety and corner are the most pressing. Protected Schools: UNC, NC State, UNC Charlotte T-Draft Reaction: Well, we did not have kicker at the top of the list, but they do need one, so picking Steven Hauschka from NC State makes some sense. UNC DT Kentwan Balmer and NC State safety DaJuan Morgan are also good value picks. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Linebacker will be a priority for Charlotte, and since they have the #1 pick, they will have a good chance at landing the one they feel best about. CHICAGO Areas of Need: Finding a replacement for Curtis Conway is a priority, as is adding depth to the D-line and the secondary. Protected Schools: Illinois, Notre Dame, Northwestern T-Draft Reaction: We like the pick of DT Trevor Laws from Notre Dame, and TE John Carlson, while not a position of need, is at least a solid talent. We are not sure if long snapper J. J. Jansen is a value or not. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Got to be a wideout. Such a glaring need. DENVER Areas of Need: Linebacker, tackle, tight end, and strong safety are the biggest needs. Protected Schools: Colorado, Nebraska, Colorado State T-Draft Reaction: Buffs LB Jordon Dixon is a no brainer pick. Adding LB Bo Ruud of Nebraska gives Denver 2 picks at the position before we even get to the Open Draft. Their third pick, Co State QB Caleb Hanie is an interesting one, but likely a developmental player if he even signs with the USFL. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: With LB likely filled, Denver can focus on Tackle or Safety. HOUSTON Areas of Need: Offensive line (all 3 spots), kicker, and linebacker are areas of need for the Gamblers. Protected Schools: Texas A&M, TCU, Houston T-Draft Reaction: We like the choice of A&M center Cody Wallace, because he could easily shift to any of the O-line positions. LB David Hawthorne of TCU is another need position, and then there is a shot with TE Martellus Bennett of A&M. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: They won’t go kicker, so perhaps more help for the O-line. JACKSONVILLE Areas of Need: Defensive Tackle, Corner, Linebacker and depth at wideout is on their radar. Protected Schools: Florida, Clemson, Florida Atlantic T-Draft Reaction: We get why the Bulls picked WR Andre Caldwell (UF) and DE Phillip Merling, but OT Barry Richardson seems a luxury pick when the Bulls should be focused on basics. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: DT is still a big hole, as is Corner. LAS VEGAS Areas of Need: Losses at DT in free agency make that a priority. Linebacker and O-line also could use help. Protected Schools: BYU, Utah, and UNLV T-Draft Reaction: LB Bryan Kohl is a solid player in a position with some need and honestly the only real prospect coming out of the 3 schools this year. The other picks feel like camp bodies at best. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: We would go with DT here. They really need to add 2 this offseason. LOS ANGELES Areas of Need: CB, DE, LB, SS---basically every level of defense needs help. Protected Schools: USC, UCLA, San Diego State T-Draft Reaction: Hard to go wrong with the Trojans and Bruins in your pool, and LA did what they needed to do, selecting LB Keith Rivers, DE Lawrence Jackson and CB Terrell Thomas. Now they just have to sign them. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: If they feel good about signing their three picks, they will likely look at safety. If not, then they will double dip. MEMPHIS Areas of Need: Corner, D-line and Tight End seem to be areas where rookie additions would help. Protected Schools: Arkansas, Memphis, Mississippi State T-Draft Reaction: Not a great pool this year, but they may have found value in the 3 Razorbacks they selected: DT Marcus Harrison, OT Nate Gardner, and FB Peyton Hillis. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Tight End or Corner are still big areas of need. MICHIGAN Areas of Need: Several after some bad free agent losses. FS, G, TE, WR, and OT come to mind. Protected Schools: Michigan, Michigan State, Toledo T-Draft Reaction: The Panthers went for offensive skill positions, selecting WR Mario Manningham, HB Mike Hart and QB Chad Henne. Seems unlikely they can sign all three. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: The Panthers still need talent at some less glamourous positions like Safety and Guard. NASHVILLE Areas of Need: O-line (C and T), Safety, and general depth. Protected Schools: Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss T-Draft Reaction: If they can sign Vandy OT Chris Williams, they will have found a good one. TE Brad Cottam from Tennessee is a bit of a luxury pick, and we are intrigued by HB BenJarvus Green-Ellis from Ole Miss. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: A center and a safety would be places to look. NEW JERSEY Areas of Need: The Generals still have not addressed the retirements of Curtis Enis or Terry Glenn, so halfback and wideout are big flashing red lights. Safety and LB are other areas of need. Protected Schools: Rutgers, Syracuse, and Oklahoma T-Draft Reaction: Normally we expect OU to salvage New Jersey’s T-Draft, but this year it is Rutgers that comes up big. As expected the Generals drafted Scarlet Knight HB Ray Rice, who could be a plug and play HB for them. LB Curtis Lofton of OU is a solid pick as well. They also selected WR Malcolm Kelly, so three very good need picks for the Generals. Now open that checkbook and get them in camp. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: If they feel good with Rice and Kelly, they may not double dip in either position, but adding another HB/WR prospect would be wise, just in case. NEW ORLEANS: Areas of Need: The Breakers basically need to rebuild their entire offense. Halfback, Wideout, Line, you name it. Oh, and at 1-13, the D is not great either. Protected Schools: LSU, Tulane, La Tech T-Draft Reaction: Tulane HB Matt Forte could be a steal if they can land him. WR Early Doucet from LSU is another potential contributor from the T-Draft. The Breakers also picked S Matt Dillard of La Tech to round out the picks. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Forte could be a top NFL pick, so the Breakers need to either sign him quickly or pick another back as a security blanket. OAKLAND Areas of Need: A lot of defensive help is needed (DT, CB, LB) but also a slot receiver and a TE would be good pick ups. Protected Schools: Cal, Stanford, Fresno State T-Draft Reaction: WR DeSean Jackson is a bit of a home run swing, since he could be a top NFL pick, but if they can get him, their slot need is likely filled. Safety Thomas DeCoud is a bit of a stretch, and DT Jason Shirley is a bit undersized for Oakland’s scheme. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: We expect defense to be the pick. We just don’t know which position. OHIO Areas of Need: Top needs are a backup for Eddie George, to lighten his carry total, and then perhaps LB and DT. Protected Schools: Ohio State, Cincinnati, Akron T-Draft Reaction: It is boom or bust with OSU at the center of every T-Draft for the Glory. This year feels like a bust. Yes, DE Vernon Gholston is a beast, but he seems intent on waiting for the NFL draft before making a choice, and that is never a good sign for a USFL team. Cincinnati actually got two picks of the three this year with safety Haruki Nakamura and DE Angelo Craig. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: If there are any solid halfbacks when Ohio picks at #26, expect them to jump on that. ORLANDO Areas of Need: The Renegades need to find a replacement for Sedrick Irvin, but that may not come until the Open Draft. DE, CB, and G are the other key positions for the ‘Gades. Protected Schools: Miami (FL), UCF, FAMU T-Draft Reaction: We love the pick of Miami’s Calais Campbell, not so sure about TE Mike Merritt of UCF or guard Josh Stitton. Why did they pass on Miami HB Kevin Smith? Not big enough for their scheme? Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Without Smith picked, it has to be halfback, but that is a position a lot of teams will be fighting over. PHILADELPHIA Areas of Need: Linebacker and Free Safety seem most important, though Philly would love to get a HB behind Ahman Green. Protected Schools: Penn State, Temple, Villanova. T-Draft Reaction: Once again Penn State dominates, with Philadelphia selecting LB Dan Connor and CB Justin King. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: We like Connor, but we would still advise the Stars to look for another LB prospect in the open draft. PITTSBURGH Areas of Need: Guard, Tackle, and Wideout are all areas where Coach Rivera needs to up the talent level. Protected Schools: Pitt, West Virginia, Marshall T-Draft Reaction: OT Jeff Otah is a solid pickup for the Maulers, if they can sign him. FB Owen Schmitt hardly seems a need position, and we are just not sure that safety Ryan Mundy of WVU will be able to make the squad at a pretty deep position. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: O-line is still the top priority for the Maulers PORTLAND Areas of Need: As with Charlotte, the Stags could use upgrades all across the roster. Halfback is an obvious choice, as is their option in the T-Draft. Beyond that, wiedout, safety and corner come to mind. Protected Schools: Oregon, Oregon State, Boise State T-Draft Reaction: It was no surprise that Portland picked, and is lobbying hard to sign Ducks HB Jonathan Stewart. They also selected his teammate, QB Dennis Dixon and went for LB Joey Larocque of Oregon State. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: If Stewart signs, then Portland can use that #3 pick on a wideout or safety, if he is hemming and hawing they may snag another Top 5 back to lock in the position one way or the other. SEATTLE Areas of Need: Line depth, Cornerback help and maybe a backup for Leftwich after Pickett went to Pittsburgh last year and Blake departed this year. Protected Schools: Washington, WSU, Montana T-Draft Reaction: The Dragons selected UW QB Alex Brink, a possible backup for Leftwich, as well as FB Marcel Reese, another Husky prospect. Finally, they are hoping to add K Dan Carpenter to compete with Dave Rayner at the position. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Line depth is still a top priority. Center or Tackle, or a player who can fill both if needed. ST. LOUIS Areas of Need: Coach Williams may have solved his QB problem with Jeff Blake coming over from Seattle. So, now he can look for weapons at wideout and maybe a bit of D-line or LB help. Protected Schools: Missouri, Iowa, Kansas State T-Draft Reaction: WR Jordy Nelson is a speed burner from K-State who could be a huge help if Williams wants to bring the vertical ball to the Skyhawks. TE Martin Rucker is more of a blocker than a pass catcher, and DE Kenny Iwebema would be a depth addition for St. Louis. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: A DT or LB would be a shrewd pickup. TAMPA BAY Areas of Need: Wideout, Edge Rusher, and a big run-stuffing DT are all needed additions. Protected Schools: FSU, South Carolina, USF T-Draft Reaction: CB Mike Jenkins is a good talent, even if it is not a high priority position. DT Andre Fluellen and LB Geno Hayes make this a very defensive minded T-Draft for Coach Spurrier. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Still looking for a wideout, not to replace Moss, but to at least make life a bit easier for Culpepper by providing another target. TEXAS Areas of Need: QB, DE, LB, TE, WR, basically name a position and Texas needs it. Protected Schools: Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor T-Draft Reaction: We love the selection of WR Limas Sweed, and TE Jermichael Finley is another talented receiver to add to the mix. No QB in the T-Draft for Texas this year, but WR Danny Amendola is an interesting 3rd selection, likely to make his impact on special teams as a return man. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Got to be QB. Texas picks 7th, but we here they are hoping to move into the Top 4 to try to land either Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco. WASHINGTON Areas of Need: Edge rush is essential for Coach Payton, as is depth at tackle and TE. Protected Schools: Uva, Va Tech, Wake Forest T-Draft Reaction: Ask and ye shall receive. Uva’s Chris Long is a perfect fit for Coach Payton’s need at DE. LB Xavier Adibi of Va Tech is athletic but needs some coaching up, and CB Brandon Flowers could be a nickel on day one. Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Still looking for a possible right tackle. Draft Preview Mock 1st Round Having already looked at each team’s needs and their (relative) success with the Territorial Draft, we arrive at this week’s Open Draft. Seven rounds of picks, with all 28 teams trying to balance talent with signability, fully aware that 50% or more of players selected will opt for the NFL instead. Will we see some trades as teams desperate for help at a few crowded positions (HB, OLB) try to snag the top tier talent? Who will be drafting one of the projected 1st round quarterbacks, Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco? Who will not only select, but sign the biggest impact player of the year? Last year Las Vegas made a huge move to get a shot at HB Marshawn Lynch, and that paid off with 1,200 yards and a Rookie of the Year. Who will be this year’s big mover and big signee? We preview our 2008 Open Draft by asking our staff to select the first round. No trades (which is a bit unrealistic because there are always a few), just the straight draft order. If we were the 28 GM’s here is what we would predict for the draft this year. 1. CHARLOTTE: QB Joe Flacco, Delaware A potential franchise QB for a new franchise. 2. NEW ORLEANS: HB Darren McFadden, Arkansas The Breakers rebuild their offense with the top rusher available, unless Forte signs quickly. 3. PORTLAND: OT Jake Long, Michigan They think they have their QB in Feeley, now they need to protect him. 4. ST. LOUIS: LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee Linebacker is their biggest need and Mayo is the top prospect. 5. ARIZONA: OT Ryan Clady, Boise State They would love to land Mayo, but with him gone, they go for muscle up front. 6. WASHINGTON: DE Derrick Harvey, Florida The Feds need to bring more pressure, and Harvey can get to the QB. 7. TEXAS: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College We hear Texas likes Flacco better, but will gladly take Ryan as the 2nd option. 8. TAMPA BAY: CB Aqib Talib, Kansas They would love a wideout, but there just is not a player who ranks high enough. 9. BIRMINGHAM: HB Felix Jones, Arkansas Another team desperate for a halfback, so another Razorback rusher goes off the board. 10. PITTSBURGH: DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU Not their position of greatest need, but the obvious Best Player Available. 11. NEW JERSEY: HB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois Another big back for the Generals offense, replacing Curtis Enis. 12. ATLANTA: QB Brian Brohm, Louisville A bit early, but Atlanta is hoping he proves worth a Top 12 pick. 13. DENVER: OT Branden Albert, Virginia A need pick. They would love to have a shot at Long or Clady, but not at 13. 14. LAS VEGAS: DT Kentawn Balmer, UNC Coach Glanville wants to plug up the run and Balmer can do that. 15. BALTIMORE: LB Tavares Gooden, Miami The Blitz need to replace two starting LBs so they stretch a bit for 2nd round talent. 16. MICHIGAN: S Kenny Phillips, Miami It is good to have a need that most others don’t. Even at 16 Michigan gets their pick of the safeties. 17. NASHVILLE: OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College To get more athleticism, the Knights might try to sign a top tackle and then move them to center. 18. LOS ANGELES: CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, Tennessee State LA needs speed at WR and CB, but the CB prospects are stronger in this draft. 19. HOUSTON: OT Sam Baker, USC A good draft for tackles creates a bit of a run in the first round. 20. PHILADELPHIA: HB Chris Johnson, East Carolina The stars would prefer a bigger back like Mendenhall, but they have to make a pick here. 21. OAKLAND: CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy State With LA taking Rogers-Cromartie, the pick is obviously McKelvin for the Invaders. 22. ORLANDO: CB Antoine Cason, Arizona The “Gades really want a halfback, but there just is not first round talent left. 23. BOSTON: WR Donnie Avery, Houston At 23 the Cannons can stretch for what many see as 2nd round talent at wideout. 24. SEATTLE: WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State Seattle also is hoping to find a #2 to line up opposite David Boston. 25. JACKSONVILLE: DT Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan Jones is a 3-technique DT who could fit well in the Bulls’ system. 26. OHIO: CB Mike Jenkins, USF The Glory go with Best Player Available in a position every team needs. 27. CHICAGO: WR Eddie Royal, Va Tech The Machine need to find someone to replace Conway. Royal is a big receiver who can make tough catches. 28. MEMPHIS: QB Chad Henne, Michigan Brett Favre is not going to play forever. Perhaps Memphis feels good building for the future with a QB who can learn from one of the best.

October 15, 2007 Welcome back USFL Fans. It has been just about 10 weeks since we signed off on our coverage with Memphis’s Summer Bowl 2007 victory, and, as is the case each offseason, we have had an intriguing first two months of the offseason. On the cusp of the 2008 Expansion Draft to be held this weekend, where the Portland Stags and Charlotte Monarchs will obtain the majority of their player talent, we have a lot to report. We will preview the Expansion Draft, of course, but first, we want to review the offseason retirements, the early offseason free agent movement, including the one-month NFL-USFL transfer window, and then take a look at the best free agents still unsigned. But before we do any of that, the suspension of Michael Vick by the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons after federal and state charges were brought against the quarterback for engaging in illegal dog fighting for profit have created a question for USFL fans. Should a USFL team make a deal with Vick now that his NFL contract is null and void? Vick could serve up to 3 years in prison, but he insists that he plans to return to football when his sentence is complete. If that is the case, could and should a USFL team make a play on signing the controversial, but undoubtedly talented Vick to a deal for the 2009 or 2010 season? We start with that debate as our Big Story this month. To Vick or not to Vick, That is the Question. It is unfortunately not a rare occurrence that pro football teams and leagues find themselves balancing moral quandaries around talented players with issues. Whether it is drug use (prior or during a career), run ins with the law (prior or during a career), issues with violence off the field, or unsavory associates, the world of Pro Football is a reflection of the world we all live in. Men, particularly young men, often make poor choices in life. Throw in issues of poverty, crime, violence at home, broken families, drugs, and the sudden wealth and attention that playing a sport at a high level can bring, and there are plenty of potential pitfalls for players. We have grown used to seeing drug issues, relationship issues, concerns about “posses” that attach themselves to a successful player, as well as violence away from the game as players are asked to play a violent sport and then turn off that part of themselves when they step off the field. For teams, the question of how to handle past indiscretions, present temptations, and a seemingly constant stream of off the field incidents, is one of the most challenging aspects of player personnel management. For the USFL, just as with the NFL, the issue is even greater when a player is a unique talent. The USFL has faced this some degree with the cases of Rashaan Salaam and Ricky Williams, both of whom served drug and legal issues and both served lengthy suspensions. The NFL has seen even more, with issues around drugs, violence, gang affiliation, and domestic incidents. Now the NFL is dealing with a huge issue as one of their top stars, Michael Vick, is wrapped up in what appears to be a pretty vile situation around dog fighting. This August Michael Vick was brought up on both Federal and State charges for his role in a dog fighting ring, and the illegal gambling that surrounds it. Gambling is always an issue for pro sports, but in this case, the public outcry about the issue of animal cruelty and the inherently nasty imagery around dog fighting makes the situation particularly heady for the fall league. They have, as you might expect, suspended Vick, without pay, indefinitely, and as we await sentencing on what appears to be a pretty solid case against the former Va Tech QB, the question is already being asked: Can Vick return to pro football after this? While the question is one the NFL is grappling with, the cancellation of Vick’s contract with the Atlanta Falcons makes it very possible that a return to professional football could include overtures to both the CFL and USFL. Just how would the USFL handle that situation? We asked five USFL executives to weigh in on the matter, and the results were about as muddled as the legal precedent that all of pro football is facing. Jim Mora Sr: Former USFL Coach and current Advisor for the USFL Competition Committee: “It is tough, because you clearly have a player here who has talent. And while the situation is disturbing, you also have to take into account the culture and context of the player. While many folks in many parts of the country will look at dogfighting as repulsive, there is a portion of the country where it is more accepted, and Vick, while certainly in trouble legally, is coming from a cultural context that we have to consider.” Al Luginbill, Head Coach of the Ohio Glory: “It is clear that Michael (Vick) is one of the most talented athletes ever to play professional football. What he can do on the field is something you just don’t see, so the temptation is there. From a football perspective, you want the best players on your team to give you a chance to win, but you also have to consider chemistry, and, even the public persona of the team. As outstanding as Vick is on the field, and we assume he would still be good even if he was unable to play for 2-3 years, you also have to think about the impact on the entire team.” Mark Koncz: Director of Player Personnel for the expansion Charlotte Monarchs: “Right now, it feels like a moot point. We very likely won’t see Vick available to play again for at least 2 years, but if I am fortunate to still be the GM here in Charlotte in two years, it would be something to consider. Honestly, I am a dog lover, so for me personally, I am deeply troubled by what Vick and his associates were involved with. I would hate to have to explain to our fans, many of whom are also disturbed by this, why we would go after Vick if he is found guilty. It would be a tough sell for a large portion of our fanbase, but at the same time, if he did sign with the Atlanta Fire or Jacksonville Bulls, our team would be stuck facing him twice a year, and that would not be great either.” Anthony Carter: Executive VP of League Relations, USFL Players Association: “I love watching Michael on the field. He is such a dynamic athlete who can do just amazing things, but after this, I don’t know if you can come back after this. I am all for second chances, and if he serves time, he should be able to resume his life in some form after his time, but if I am running a USFL club, I am not eager to deal with the backlash that comes with signing someone with this around him. It just does not lend itself to good PR. Now, I am a player guy, so I want him to have a chance to return if he can, but maybe the best way for him to do that is to remain in the NFL. Is that a cop out on my part? Maybe. But it may also be what is best for Michael.” William Dunavant: Principle Partner/Owner and President of the 2007 League Champion Memphis Showboats: “Would I sign Vick? No, me personally, I could not do that. I have a granddaughter who would disown me. But I am not every owner and can certainly see why some would consider it. I think Vick will get a second chance, and maybe he should get that chance. Just for me, I don’t see how that helps us as a franchise. Now, I know there are fans of that sort of thing, dogfighting I mean, in our region. I won’t deny it, but that is not the kind of thing you necessarily can sell to a wider audience, and I think, at least for my club, I would not want to try.” The truth is that we don’t know what will happen over the next few months and years when it comes to Michael Vick. A longer sentence could make a return to pro ball very difficult, a shorter one and teams across the pro football world are going to have to think about it, weight the positives and negatives, and decide if they want to risk the backlash to sign a very talented player with a very dark mark on his record. Fans can be forgiving, especially when they see their team winning games, but some things maybe you don’t come back from. It appears we shall see over the next year or so how this unique case about this unique player moves forward. For now, there is enough immediate business to take care of that most clubs and most player personnel teams are too busy to consider future hypotheticals. Speaking about business of the moment, we thought we would begin our recap of the first two months of free agency with a quick run down of the retirements we have seen this offseason. Most were known to their teams in advance, but there are always surprises, and always departures that impact a team even when they know it is coming. Without a doubt the biggest retirement impact was felt by teams that have lost their lead running back. We saw three teams this offseason facing this situation as Ahman Green, Tiki Barber, and Curtis Enis all opted not to return in 2008. Barber’s departure was not a huge surprise to Boston’s management, who breathed a sigh of relief when QB Drew Bledsoe announced he would not be joining his teammate and would be back for 2008. Atlanta had hoped for a 2nd season with Davis in the backfield, but they too could not be too surprised. For New Jersey, it was a bit of a shock. Enis had just finished a very solid campaign, one in which he had a lighter load thanks to the emergence of James Jackson as a viable 2nd option, so it was expected Enis would welcome the lighter carry total and would be back to continue his career. Not so. And, with Terry Glenn also announcing his retirement, the Generals now fully look like a club in a rebuild mode, with a new QB entering what could be his first full season as the starter, and now a new face at WR and HB. New Orleans was another club hit deeply by retirements, as they lost 4 players, including WR Keenan McCardell, CB Walt Harris, RT Greg Bishop and backup HB Troy Hambrick. Coach Nolan, who suffered through a 1-13 season and was already looking at a considerable rebuild of his roster, now has more holes to fill. Houston will have some work to do as well, having lost two of their starting LBs in Randall Godfrey and Mike Crawford, and then learning that LG Brenden Stai would also be hanging up his cleats. Atlanta, in addition to Terrell Davis, will have to focus on replacing two more retirees in CB Aaron Beasley and LB Terry Killens. Chicago, fresh off their Summer Bowl appearance, learned that LB Carlos Emmons and DT Brentson Buckner will be filing for retirement, meaning that their defense will have to reload if they hope to remain at the top of their game. Memphis, the league champion, did not face any retirements this year as Brett Favre has stated that he feels 5 years younger after his title run with the Showboats. So, while his 3rd retirement is certainly not too far off, it does not appear to be something to worry about for 2008. Among other playoff teams, some of the announced retirements include Jacksonville LB Keith Newman, Nashville FB Sammy Morris and backup QB Craig Whelihan, Oakland WR Kevin Dyson, Ohio punter John Jett, and Orlando CB Fernando Bryant. Familiar faces leaving, and new faces arriving. That is the nature of the offseason in every pro sport, and certainly has been the case this offseason. Even as USFL teams try to minimize free agency, and are hesitant to sign players ahead of an expansion draft, there was still significant action in the opening month of free agency. And while it was a particularly slow NFL-USFL transfer window, there were a few moves there worthy of note. We start with an action-packed first week of USFL Free Agency in late July, the one week when the USFL has first dibs on any players before the NFL can join the frenzy in August. So, what happened during that first week? How about a mad dash to sign players considered the elite pick of the crop this year? With expansion draft protected lists on their minds, USFL GM’s did not want to make a lot of moves for depth in the early phase of free agency, but if a Top 20 player is available, you do not wait on it. Here is our list of the Dynamic Dozen, the 12 top players who were signed by USFL clubs in the week prior to the NFL-USFL transfer window, signings that in some cases rewrote the salary range at several positions, and in nearly every case, brought excitement to the cities that acquired talent and frustration for fans of the teams they departed. 12—DE Marcellus Wiley (DEN to MEM): The league champions added a sack specialist in Wiley. The 32-year old, may have several good seasons in him, and with Julius Peppers departing Memphis after winning a title, his signing certainly fills the gap in Memphis’s defensive scheme. Not as quick as Peppers, but certainly effective, Wiley will almost certainly take over the LE position. 11—WR Curtis Conway (CHI to CHA): The Eastern Conference Champs new that they would have a hard time holding onto Conway due to cap restraints. The 32-year old wideout jumps to expansion Charlotte, where he is likely to be the undisputed #1 after losing that designation to Donald Driver in Chicago. 10—LT Korey Stringer (PIT to POR): As expected, the two expansion teams, with no salary cap filled yet, were quick to jump on free agency. While Charlotte signed themselves a #1 receiver, Portland looked to protect NFL signing A.J. Feeley by snagging one of the best linemen available. String is 35, so this is not a long term solution at left tackle, but he will bring immediate leadership as well as some level of calm to the Portland offense. 9—DT Jason Fisk (OAK to POR): Let’s highlight a second Stag pick, as they signed their first defensive player, the 26-year old run-stuffer, Fisk. Oakland’s defense will have to fill this gap in their line as Fisk was essential to improving their run defense. Now, in Portland, he will face the Invaders twice a year. 8—C Shaun O-Hara (TEX to STL): The Skyhawks had not named their new head coach yet (they have since named former USFL QB Doug Williams to the position) but it was clear, even without a man at the helm, that the offensive line in St. Louis was not up to snuff. The SkyHawks, now under the direction of Williams, need to improve both in run schemes and QB protection, and adding an outstanding blocker and line-leader like O’Hara is a great first step. 7—DT Leonard Renfro (NSH to MGN): Michigan needs to beef up that D-line if they are going to compete with Chicago and Ohio in the Central, and while DE is still a big need, landing Renfro from the Knights is a great building block. At 34, Renfro might only have a year or two in him, so don’t be shocked if the Panthers also look for a young stud in the draft, but for now we are pencilling Renfro in at the nose in Michigan’s 3-4. 6—DT Sean Gilbert (OHI to BAL): Baltimore has a history of snagging veteran DT’s who were potential retirement candidates. They did it with both Perry brothers, and got two Hall of Famers by doing so. So we were not shocked at all that they convinced Ohio’s Sean Gilbert to stay in the game and relocate to the Charm City. 5—DE Julius Peppers (MEM to CHA): A coup for the expansion Monarchs, who get themselves a dynamic edge rusher who is only 27 and could be a staple in their defense for years to come. It does not hurt that he is a NC native and UNC grad, something that certainly helped him choose Charlotte, but which will also make him an immediate fan favorite for the new Monarchs franchise. 4—DE Jevon Kearse (LA to MGN): We said Michigan needed a DE, and only 2 days after signing Renfro, they make a bigger splash by signing Kearse away from the Express. It helped that Brian Griese’s deal was freshly reworked to free up cap space, but the big selling point for Michigan was the ability for Kearse to shift to a 3-4, his preferred defensive scheme. With 2 new pieces on that D-line, paired up with Ebenezer Ekuban on the other side, and with a young LB corps made up of Andy Katzenmoyer, Shawne Merriman, Odell Thurman and DeMarcus Ware, this defense could be on a par with rival Chicago by season’s end. 3—CB Charles Woodson (WSH to ATL): Washington’s cap woes become Atlanta’s treasure trove. The Fire acquire one of the premier, if not the premier, corners in the league. Woodson will immediately impact the Fire defense, allowing Coach Gruden to lock down one side of the field and take away his opponent’s #1 threat at receiver. Woodson is also an amazing presence in the locker room. The Fire will get immediate impact with Woodson signing on. 2—HB Shaun Alexander (BIR to HOU): Houston wins a bidding war with Arizona, Orlando, and Boston to sign the best back in the free agent pool. Alexander must have liked what he heard from members of the Gambler squad, as well as Coach Phillips, because the rumors had Arizona outpacing Houston in dollars. Of course it may also have been Arizona’s reputation for somehow flubbing the run game, no matter who is lined up behind the QB, that pushed Alexander to sign a 3-year deal to become a Gambler. 1—WR Randy Moss (TBY to OHI): This one had to hurt, not just Tampa Bay, who wanted desperately to reach a deal with their future HOF receiver, but pretty much anyone around the country who was hoping the Ohio dynasty was done. Pairing Moss with Joey Galloway, and giving him to Kerry Collins as a target is exactly what no one wanted to see. No one but Coach Luginbill and the Glory faithful that is. Ohio persuaded Moss to sign despite strong offers from Baltimore, Chicago, LA, and Las Vegas. He now adds a new dimension to an offense that was already scary enough to win 2 titles and compete for a 3rd almost every year. With many of the biggest names in the USFL free agent pool snapped up in record time, the NFL-USFL window opened with something of an anticlimactic fizzle. We have gotten used to the NFL swooping in every August to raid USFL rosters, with the spring league recouping talent at the end of the NFL season in the late January and early February window. But this year was different. Yes, the NFL managed to snag a good number of players, but the big names were either already signed or passed on NFL offers to remain in the Spring, perhaps hesitant to face the rigors of back-to-back seasons, rigors we have seen many players struggle with in past years. While the NFL haul this year was underwhelming, it does not mean that it had no impact. Among the players of note who have shuffled off to the NFL we find CB Jimmy Hitchcock (TEX), DT Cedric Harden (PIT), G Bobbie Williams (ORL), SS Torrian Gray (OAK), WR Drew Bennett (STL), OT Mo Collins (JAX), WR Freddie Scott (BOS), and kicker Mike Vanderjagt (LV). Only one QB of note jumped ship this year, a huge departure from last year’s exodus. Former Chicago and Oakland QB Ray Lucas will be joining the Atlanta Falcons as part of their post-Vick strategy. Rumors also have Jeff George in discussion with the Falcons, but there is no contract in place at present, which means that the earliest he could sign would be in February for the 2008 season. As for NFL players coming to the USFL, we have only a handful. We already reported on former Philadelphia and San Diego QB A. J. Feeley falling outside the transfer window and signing early on with Portland. Of players signed during the NFL-USFL Window, these 5 are the only ones who we see as very likely to make the final rosters come February: LB Calvin Pace is leaving the Arizona Cardinals to join the New Orleans Breakers. Safety Gibril Wilson goes from the NY Giants to the Federals. Wideout D. J. Hackett, formerly of Seattle, signs on with expansion Charlotte. Defensive End Reynaldo Wynn leaves the Saints to become a New Jersey General. QB Chris Weinke, the one time starter for the Carolina Panthers finds a home back in Carolina, leaving the 49ers to sign a 3-year deal with the Charlotte Monarchs. The signing of Weinke makes us wonder if both Portland and Charlotte are not planning on building their QB rooms through the Expansion Draft. Now, it may be that both clubs are planning on having QB competitions in camp, but the somewhat expensive signing of two former NFL quarterbacks may mean that the clubs wanted to lock up the QB position and may look to draft only potential backups from the pool of quarterbacks available in the expansion pool. With every USFL team but one protecting their starting QB in the protected roster list, with Jason Campbell being the one notable exception, any QB signed by the two expansion clubs would be a backup turned starter, whereas signing both Feeley and Weinke might actually be a better solution for the two clubs. The other impact of these signings is that we may be looking at Charlotte with the #1 rookie pick and Portland at #3 both passing on high value QB’s like Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco and prioritizing other positions. That could be a boon for a team like Texas or St. Louis which also has an early draft pick and may be considering a rookie QB. Best Free Agents Still Available After 8 weeks of free agency, and a completed NFL-USFL window, what do we still see as the free agent pool? Well, we fully expect a frantic period of signing as soon as the Expansion Draft is completed. After all, every single team in the league will lose 2 players in the current format, and once the rest of the roster is secure, teams will be addressing not only those 2 roster holes, but the others they suffered from retirement, free agency, and simply a desire to upgrade positions. And while there are a lot of big names already removed from free agency, there are players who could provide real value to their teams. Here is our look, position by position, at the top 3 players available in free agency as soon as the Expansion Draft concludes. QB: As we said, not likely a clearcut starter here, but some quality depth with Jeff Blake (SEA), Kris Kershaw (HOU) and Todd Boumann (NOR) leading the pack of mid-range quarterbacks. Jeff George is here as well, but rumors have him going to the NFL, so we leave him off our list. HB: With Shaun Alexander signed by Houston, that leaves several teams looking at the next best options, which are, in order, Sedrick Irvin (ORL), Autrey Detson (TBY), and Kenny Watson (OHI), although a lot of folks look at James Jackson of New Jersey as a 4th prospect in the same range. TE: Not a particularly deep pool, especially if, as expected, Denver’s Lonnie Johnson is contemplating retirement. The clear #1 is Washington’s Bubba Franks, with Nat Dorsey (BIR) and Daniel Graham (BAL) trailing behind. WR: A deep list of quality depth here, and even with Korey Stringer signed by Portland, you have potential starters in Stacy Andrews (WSH), Jason Odom (DEN), and Tra Thomas (HOU). Don’t count out a potential bidding war as well for a young up and comer like Nashville’s Joaquin Gonzalez. OT: A deep list of quality depth here, and even with Korey Stringer signed by Portland, you have potential starters in Stacy Andrews (WSH), Jason Odom (DEN), and Tra Thomas (HOU). Don’t count out a potential bidding war as well for a young up and comer like Nashville’s Joaquin Gonzalez. OG: Our top 3 are all sign-and-start prospects. Chris Liwienski (MGN), Chad Ward (NJ), and Taylor Whitley (MEM) have all proven they have what it takes to start in the USFL. C: With O’Hara off to St. Louis, the best option is Houston’s Brad Meester, and All-USFL player at the position this year. Behind Meester you have Jake Grove (NSH) and Alex Stepanovich (ARZ) as solid contributors. DE: Our top 3 DE’s are all signed: Peppers (CHA), Wiley (MEM), and Kearse (MGN), so is there value left? Among veterans there are still some players with a couple of good years left in them, players like Arizona’s Chike Okeafor, Texas’s Bob Kuberski, and Jacksonville’s Kenny Mixon, but the player likely to get a higher paycheck is 27-year old Derrick Burgess of Atlanta. With potential for 5-6 more years in the league, we could see Burgess getting top dollar. DT: Another position where the top prospects signed quickly. We still like younger players like Ryan Sims (BIR), and Nick Eason (LV), but a veteran like Oakland’s Jermaine Smith could also get a lot of interest. LB: None of the top veteran LBs have signed yet, so there is still some real quality here. At the top of the heap is former Blitz MLB Mike Maslowski. Breaker Craig Powell and Star Zach Thomas are expected to sign quickly as well. And don’t forget up and comers like Will Overstreet (MEM) and D. D. Lewis (SEA). CB: Woodson was the gold standard, so congrats to the Fire for signing him. The next 2 names on our list are both 34 or older, so they are short-term signings, but you could do worse in 2008 to have either Terrell Buckley or Tyrone Poole on your squad. For a younger corner, there is Jason bell (HOU) or Andrew Woolfork (NJ) available. S: Some very good names out there in the safety pool, both at FS with Brian Dawkins (NJ) and Curtis Fuller (NSH) or at SS with Reggie Tongue (PHI), Lance Schulters (ATL) and John Coady (OAK). K/P: Always a slow market, with teams hoping to find a gem in the rookie or unsigned pool rather than spending to land a known commodity. With Vanderjagt off to the NFL, the best options at kicker, for a team hoping for veteran poise include Mike Hollis (OHI), Josh Brown (HOU) and Joe Nedney (OAK). Among punters, the pressure to sign a vet is even less, but if someone wants to upgrade, they could look at Michael Barnes (WSH) as a quality player at the position. 2008 EXPANSION DRAFT: As we mentioned earlier, and as many would assume, free agency is limited in expansion years as teams are already struggling to protect only 15 players from their 53 man rosters, adding a free agent ahead of the expansion draft means one fewer current player has a reserved spot, so that a newly acquired player can be protected. Sure, for Charles Woodson or Randy Moss you do it, but for 2nd team players or depth signings it would not make sense. So, this weekend’s expansion draft will be huge, not just for Portland and Charlotte, but for the other 26 teams waiting to find out who they will lose, what positions they will need to restock, and for the ability to know their rosters on Monday and dive into free agency full bore. As we look at the talent available to the Stags and Monarchs, we should remind everyone of how the draft will work. Each team will select 30 players from the current USFL squads. The first 26 rounds will require a team to select one player from each of the 26 teams. They do not have to follow each other’s order, and, we suspect, that in most cases they will not. For example, if Charlotte picks an Ohio Glory player in round 1, there is no rush for Portland to pick one, knowing that Charlotte cannot pick another and the 2nd pick will be theirs. So, Portland might opt for an LA Express player, getting first choice from that roster. Once we hit round 14 or so, that is when we should expect the 2nd player from each USFL team to be chosen. Following the first 26 rounds, there are 4 more rounds in which a 3rd player may be taken, but once a team has had a 3rd player chosen, that team is now off limits. So, essentially 8 teams will lose 3 players while the other 18 lose 2. With that being the scenario ahead for Portland and Charlotte, here is our listing of who we believe to be the best players in each position group once again. Now, we are listing our thoughts on the best three, but we need to remember that there are several factors at work here. First is age, with teams wanting to ensure that they have a blend of veteran experience and youth. You don’t want your entire roster to retire at once, after all. Secondly is the contract terms. Just as you don’t want your entire roster the same age, you also want a combination of players with a different number of years left on their contract. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, the salary cap is still in play, so neither Portland or Charlotte can select the 30 best players available, not without going over the cap. So expect them to mix for age, for contract length, and especially for cost, trying to build a roster that is viable financially and over several years. With that said, if a team values one of these positions and wants to go for the absolute best options at that position, this is where we would look. QB: With the signing of A. J. Feeley (POR) and Chris Weinke (CHA) from the NFL, it seems that neither club felt there were starting QB solutions in the expansion draft. That is not surprising, considering that every team but Birmingham protected their own starter. So who is available, Well, Jason Campbell, as the only unprotected starter, is one obvious choice. Henry Burris, who filled in for the injured Kordell Stewart this year is another, as is Jeff Lewis, who has bounced around several teams. Other names to consider include Tim Rattay (NOR), Luke McCown (STL), and Mike McMahon (MEM). HB: Will either the Monarchs or Stags take a stab at revitalizing Cedric Benson’s career? He came out of Texas with a lot of potential but has really struggled in Denver. If Benson’s big contract is a deterrent, there are other options. How about Travis Prentice? Ladell Betts? Ahmaad Galloway? Or Mewelde Moore? A lot here will depend on the style of play the teams are going for. Big backs for a power run game or scat backs and receivers for a more spread style? FB: A low priority position around the league, so a lot of teams did not protect their fullback. The Stags and Monarchs can all but take their pick. We would recommend they look at outstanding blocker/receiver combos like St. Louis’s Vontae Leach, New Jersey’s Deon Dyer, or Jacksonville’s Madison Hedgecock. TE: Another position where only about half the USFL protected their starter. Some talent to be had here. If you want a faster, receiver-first TE, how about Houston’s Dan Campbell, Arizona’s Kevin Everett, or All-USFL TE Bennie Joppru of Michigan. For more of a big blocking TE, there is Jeb Putzier in Jacksonville, Roland Williams in Philly, or Anthony Fasano of Chicago. WR: Very few pure #1’s here, possibly none, but a lot of speed and a lot of good route runners. We are going to list several, since we expect each club will want 4-5 during the draft. For veteran leadership, these receivers over 30 could be a good fit: Joe Jurevicious, Travis Taylor, Dante Hall, Dedrick Ward, Jerome Pathon or Karl Williams. Looking for a longer-term and hungry players hoping to become the #1, these names look like good candidates: Koren Robinson, Roddy White, Brandon Marshall, Donte Do, Javon Walker, and Troy Williamson. OT: Hard to believe but Memphis is taking a chance that no one notices that All-USFL tackle Wayne Gandy was left unprotected. He is 34, so that could deter a team. Same for 37-year-old Lomas Brown in Seattle. If a tackle under 30 is key, then the best option is likely Kwame Harris (OAK) or Sean Bubin (MGN). OG: Interior line does not get the attention of the tackles, so there are some good options here. At the top of our list are Jeffrey Fisher (STL), Benji Olson (ARZ), Jamie Nails (BOS) and Sean Locklear (CHI). C: Some good choices here too. Gene McGuire is a risk at 36 years old, but he is talented. Aaron Graham and Bubba Miller are also somewhat expensive and somewhat older options. For youth, how about Ryan Pontbrian from Houston or Matt Johnson from Washington? DE: Thirty-six year old Santana Dotson may be the biggest name here, but he is not the only decent outside rusher on the list. You have Dameaion Jeffries from Pittsburgh, Gary Walker from Arizona, and Dimitrius Underwood from the Outlaws. For players under 30 you probably won’t do better than Elvis Dumervil from the Bandits. DT: A good value position with several starters available. Our top three would be Rocky Bernard (HOU), Kendrick Clancy (PHI) and La’Roi Glover (TBY), but there are also some young up and comers in Kyle Williams, John McCargo and DeMarcus Tyler. LB: With most teams carrying 6 or 7 linebackers, expect a lot of picks to go to this position. The key is to mix solid run coverage MLBs with speedier coverage and blitzing OLBs. Looking at the position, you also want leadership. For that trait you could go for Kevin Mitchell from Tampa Bay, a perennial tackle leader, or Michael Barrow of Nashville. For speed there is Dat Nguyen (DEN) and Scott Fujita (ATL), and then for a mix of skills how about Corey miller, Chris Draft, Roman Pfifer, Clint Kriewaldt, or Ben Leber? CB: Hard to believe LA left 25-year-old Carlos Rogers unprotected. He has to be a top pick. Others at the top of this list include James Trapp (BIR), Ray Mickens (SEA0, Chris McCallister (BAL), Deon Grant (OAK) and Ken Irvin (BIR). FS: We expect both clubs to get their starting free safety from this pool. Strong candidates include Chris Crocker (BAL), Terrance Kiel (LA), Paris Lenon (SEA) and Will Allen (OAK) SS: Same for the Strong Safety position, a spot to snag a starter for sure. The top safeties here are Terreal Bierria (ATL), Keith Lyle (JAX), Terrance Holt (SEA), and Sammy Knight (CHI). K: Very few teams protected their kickers or punters, so it is the pick of the crop here, but the problem is that if you pick a kicker/punter that is your only pick from that USFL club, so you cannot snag another position. One or both of our expansion clubs could shy away from both positions and assume they can get good value on the rookie or free agent markets. If they do go for a veteran kicker, the best available are pretty clear: All-USFL kicker Tim Seder, Washington’s Doug Pelfrey, and Denver’s Mason Crosby are all solid choices. Crosby is only 25 and could be a long-term answer at the position. P: We would be shocked to see a team pick a punter, at least not in the first 26 rounds, but if they do, the best of the bunch are Michigan’s Doug Colquitt, Las Vegas’s Craig Jarrett, and Tampa’s Matt Turk.

FAVRE WINS 2ND TITLE AS MEMPHIS HOLDS OFF CHICAGO, 45-32 Going into this week’s Summer Classic, the general consensus was that a game in the teens or twenties was a great sign for Chicago, while a game in the 30’s or higher was likely going to favor Memphis. When we see that the winning score was 45 points, the winner seems pretty clear. With 4 touchdowns and 403 yards passing from Brett Favre, Memphis outpaced Chicago despite their offense only gaining 33 rushing yards on the day. For Chicago, the plan was almost a polar opposite. Relying on Michael Turner, who rushed for 115, and hoping to keep pressure off rookie QB Brady Quinn, the Machine tried to slow things down, but pass plays of 57, 46, 45, and more were just too much for the Chicago secondary to handle. Yes, Favre was sacked 5 times, but more often than not, the line held for Memphis and the Showboat receivers got deep. Both Robert Ferguson and Lee Evans finished with other 100 yards in the pass-happy Showboat offense. The game opened, as championships often do, with a lot of pomp and circumstance. The Hall of Fame Class of 2007 was on hand to assist with the ceremonial coin flip. 2001 American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson sang the national anthem in front of a sold out crowd in Arizona’s new domed stadium. With the dome closed to keep out the sweltering 103 degree temperature at kickoff, it was a comfortable 74 on the field. Chicago won the toss and opted to defer, going on defense first. The Showboats took the opening kickoff and 4 plays later were faced with a 3rd and 3. In a sign of things to come, they handed off to Cadillac Williams, and their lead back was immediately stuffed by the #1 run defense of the Machine. Williams would finish the game with 14 carries for only 14 yards as Memphis quickly gave up on trying to establish a run game against the front 7 of the Machine. Following the Costello punt, Chicago took over on their own 23. They would have much more success on the ground, and that allowed them to also take advantage of play action passing. They worked their way to the fringe of the redzone, when Michael Turner would have his best run of the day, a pitch to the left with a guard pulling that allowed the back to break into the second level. Once there he outmaneuvered the safety, held off the corner and scooted 19 yards to paydirt. Chicago was on the board first and the Machine fans who made the trip to the desert were in full voice. Chicago scored at 5:15 in the first quarter. The response from Memphis would come only 1:22 later as the Showboats found gaps in the Chicago secondary and connected on two big plays on their 2nd possession. The first was a 45-yard pass to halfback Cadillac Williams, his only catch on the day, but a big one as it brought Memphis into scoring territory. 3 plays later Favre would thread the needle between his receiver and a closing safety, finding Robert Ferguson for the first of his 2 TDs on the day. The score was even at 7, but the tone had been set. Chicago would try to play a balanced scheme based on the run game, while Memphis would be looking for the big play. As the second quarter began, Chicago again conducted a solid drive, this one 56 yards after a good kickoff runback by Maurice Clarett. The drive ended with Brady Quinn’s first touchdown pass, a perfect slant route from the 4-yard line to Donald Driver. Quinn recovered the ball and had it set aside, a milestone for the young Notre Dame QB. It would be the first score of a 2nd quarter that saw 38 points scored between the two teams, as both defenses struggled to hold back the onslaught. It took less than a minute for Memphis to respond, as again they found huge issues with the Chicago secondary. Anthony Weaver just missed on a possible sack, but that miss meant Favre had time to find Robert Ferguson behind the coverage. The 57-yard strike equalized the score a second time, and sent shock waves down the Chicago defense. They would continue to pressure Favre, but they would also continue to pay the price. Chicago responded with their biggest gainer of the day, as on their next possession, Quinn found Curtis Conway on a well-run slant & go route. The corner bit, and Conway got outside position on the safety, allowing Quinn to loft the ball to him. The 36-yard score elated the Chicago fans and caused Jim Haslett to throw his headset in disgust. When Chicago added 3 more points to take a 24-14 lead at the 4:59 point in the quarter, Haslett was visibly upset with his defense’s performance. He would have no such anguish with his offense. Memphis would score on their next drive, a 3-minute sprint down the field, capped by a Cadillac Williams 1-yard run after defensive pass interference on Chicago safety Leomont Evans put the ball at the goal line. Down 3 at the 2-minute warning, and not wanting Chicago to score now and then get the ball first in the second half, Haslett spoke with his special teams coach. The Showboats would go for an impromptu onside kick. They brought out their usual deep kickoff team, but Jeff Hall was instructed to pooch the ball about 15 yards down the left side. Hall complied and the play worked out just as Haslett had hoped, with LB Rocky Boiman falling on the ball and holding on at the bottom of the scrum. With 1:51 left to play, Memphis would have a chance to go into the half with the lead. They would not need it. Just 2 plays later, Favre faked the ball to 3rd down back Lionel Gates and then lofted an arcing rainbow towards Lee Evans, who was racing down the right sideline. The ball was just slightly ahead of Evans, who reached out, tumbling to the ground with the ball in his possession. Chicago corner Al Harris then made a fatal mistake. Assuming, we think, that Evans had touched out of bounds as he rolled with the catch, he did not touch him down. The Memphis receiver popped back to his feet and scurried into the endzone much to the protestations of Harris. The play was reviewed and video evidence showed that while Evans was close to the sideline, at no point did his body touch out of bounds. The score was upheld and Memphis would take a 28-24 lead into the half. After what this reporter has to call a mediocre halftime show led by the Black Eyed Peas, the game was ready to resume. Chicago would get the ball first and could again regain the lead. They moved the ball well initially, but on a 3rd and 3, guard Sean Mahan would get called for a false start and Chicago would have to try to connect on a 3rd and 8. Quinn’s pass was off target and the Machine gave the ball back to Memphis. Once again the Showboats would look for the big play, and once again they would find it. Favre would connect with Evans for his 2nd score of the game, part of a 157 yard coming out party for the former Wisconsin Badger. Unlike the first score from Evans, this one was a relatively short 11-yard completion, followed by a mad dash to the endzone. Evans showed off his straight line speed, blowing past the safety and was uncatchable as he raced to put Memphis up by 11, 35-24. But, this Chicago club is nothing if not tenacious, and they would fight their way back as the third quarter wound down. Following a Williams fumble that halted Memphis’s next drive, Brady Quin connected with Donald Driver for a 22-yard score to bring Chicago within 5 at 34-30. They would go for two and a shovel pass to Maurice Clarett worked to perfection, with the big Buckeye able to plow off the right guard and in to drop the Memphis lead to 3. Just as all USFL hoped for, this game would be decided in the final 15 minutes. The final period started off slowly. A 3-and-out from Chicago was followed by a deep ball from Favre that was picked off by the Machine at their own 11. Chicago again could not do much with the ball, with Memphis tightening up against the run and shutting down a 3rd and 2 attempt by Turner. Memphis got the ball back with just about 8 minutes left in the game. They would drive the ball all the way to the Chicago 6-yard line, but when Brian Urlacher batted down a 3rd down throw at the line, the Showboats were forced to settle for a Jeff Hall 23-yarder. Now up by 6, Memphis knew that Chicago would have to score a touchdown. They would allow underneath throws and short runs, but nothing over the top. Chicago moved the ball just over the midfield line when a 2nd and 4 turned into a 3rd and 14 thanks to a timely sack from Memphis DE Julius Peppers (himself just 24 hours away from becoming a free agent). Chicago could not convert, and with just over 5 minutes left to play, Memphis would try something new, possession football. With the run game absolutely not working out for them. Memphis used short passes on first down, paired with often ineffective 2nd down runs to produce makable third downs. They stacked these one on another, helped twice by 3 of Chicago’s 14 penalties on the day. For the first time all game, Memphis was not going for the quick strike, but was lengthening the time between snaps and shortening the time Chicago had to try to recover. The formula was set. Throw on first, kill clock with a run on second, convert on third. Chicago started to figure this out, but that actually helped Memphis as on a 1st and 10 from the 11 yard line, and perfectly content to kick a field goal to go up 9, Memphis called a draw. Chicago bit on the pass, and backup halfback Maurice Smith had clear sailing to the endzone. Now up 13 instead of 9, with only 1:29 left to play, the Memphis bench started to get excited. Several players made sure to line themselves up near the Gatorade, hoping to douse Jim Haslett with the sticky blue electrolyte drink. But the game was not over. Memphis would need to get a stop. Now it was Chicago who would have to step out of their preferred style of play and look more like fast strike Memphis. The transition was not as successful for the Machine. They simply did not have the speed that Memphis had outside, so getting deep was simply not a viable option. They worked the middle of the field as best the could until they were down to only 1 timeout left. Then they tried to work the sideline, but on consecutive downs Memphis defenders were ready to swat the ball away from the out-breaking receivers. On a desperate 4th and 14, Quinn heaved up a prayer into the endzone, hoping for a quick score and a chance at an onside kick. But the ball was not destined to be caught and was swatted down, giving Memphis the ball with only 17 seconds left to play. Favre would come back to the field to the cheers of the Memphis faithful in attendance. One knee and a lot of hugs as the game ended. Memphis would be the 2007 USFL Champions, their second title in franchise history, and the second ring for Favre. Coach Haslett met Coach Mornhinweg at midfield and the two exchanged pleasantries. Quinn congratulated Favre, an idol of his growing up, and the two went their separate ways. As the red, white, and silver sky confetti poured down on the stadium, the John Bassett trophy was awarded to Coach Haslett, who handed it to Lee Evans, who then passed it to others. Brett Favre accepted the Summer Bowl MVP trophy, and thanked the organization and the fans who embraced this former rival to become a member of their team. A fitting end to an exciting season and a fair matchup of two very solid teams that saw offense overtake defense, a very fitting symbol for the 25 years of USFL football, a wide open, fan-friendly, top flight professional football experience.

Two games with very different styles produce two very different opponents for Summer Bowl 2007. If you like defensive football, we had that for you this week. If you prefer a high-scoring affair, we had that too. We had strong run games in both games, a 31-0 scoring run in one game, and a goal line stand to secure a victory in the other. This weekend may not have produced the two closest games of the postseason, but it certainly did not lack for drama. Let’s get right into it with our two game summaries, and then, before we preview the 25th USFL Championship Game, Summer Bowl 2007, we will check in on news out of the league office, and the first signing for the Charlotte Monarchs. But, first things first, we look at how Memphis and Chicago blazed their trail to Glendale. Jacksonville Bulls 20 Memphis Showboats 38 We had a feeling this would be a high-scoring game, but Memphis’s 31-0 scoring run was certainly not something we, nor any Bulls fans, could have foreseen. The star of this game was undoubtedly Memphis HB Cadillac Williams, who averaged 7.2 yards per carry on his way to 133 yards rushing, making mincemeat of the Jacksonville defense missing a key piece in Lavar Arrington, and making life considerably easier for QB Brett Favre, who only threw 21 passes, completing 15 for 289 yards and a score. For Jacksonville, they had some success early but then had a huge drought that lasted over half the game, a drought that would dig them a hole they could not recover from. The game started well for the Bulls, who got the only score of the first quarter, a 33-yard Medlock field goal. Both teams probed and tested the opposing defense over the first fifteen minutes, and it appeared Jacksonville was the first to find some issues with the opposing D when they finished off the quarter with a 72-yard drive that would provid the game’s first touchdown, just as the 2nd period started. Jake Delhomme would complete 4 of 6 passes on the drive, including the first scoring toss, an 8-yarder to the back of the endzone and #1 receiver Rashaun Woods. But, just as Jacksonville started to find its way, Memphis also discovered the route to victory would be the ground game. On the ensuing drive, and now down 10-0, Memphis did not panic and abandon the run game, they doubled down on it. Cadillac Williams and Lionel Gates would tally 7 runs in 9 plays as the Showboats marched down the field. The drive ended when Williams burst through the line on a 3rd and 1 to find that most of the defense was now behind him. He took the ball the final 29 yards and in for the score. Memphis had found a way to exploit Lavar Arrington’s absence, double teaming at the point of attack and allowing Williams a shot at evading the pursuing linebacker. It was a formula they would use throughout the game, and with much success. Both teams traded field goals to close out the first half, Jacksonville’s Justin Medlock first, then Memphis’s Jeff Hall. When both teams marched into the locker rooms, few could have imagined that the Jeff Hall field goal with 15 seconds left in the half would be the first points in a 31-point onslaught. Memphis opened the second half with the ball, and they again used the run game effectively to move the ball into Jacksonville territory. The success on the ground forced Jacksonville to bring up their safeties, and that made it easy pickings for Brett Favre to locate Sidney Rice for a score from the 11. Rice slanted across the field, and with the safety out of position, Favre was able to lead him and put Memphis up 17-13 early in the 3rd. After a Jacksonville punt, the Showboats would do it again. The small contingent of Bull fans who were at the Liberty Bowl were clearly distressed as the Showboats again moved the ball effectively. When backup HB Maurice Smith dove in from the 1 and Memphis took a 24-13 lead, both the Bulls’ fans and their coaches started to get worried. It did not get better for Jacksonville when the fourth quarter opened. The Bulls struggled to get into scoring range, failing on two consecutive drives to cross the 50, while Memphis seemed to have the formula to outperform the defense. Seven minutes into the final period Memphis scored again, this time a short crossing route to Alvis Whitted. They were now up by 18 with only half a quarter to play. When Delhomme failed to connect with Donald Hayes on a 3rd and 7 on the next drive, Jacksonville made the decision to go for it on 4th down from their own 22. Down, 3 scores they really had no choice. The 4th down play was equally thwarted, and Memphis took over, with the ability end the game. They scored again, this time Lionel Gates plunging in from the 1. Up by 25, the game was all but over. Jacksonville would score late, with several Memphis starters out of the game, but the game was not close enough for Coach Childress to push for the onside kick. He kicked the ball away, acknowledging that the Showboats would be the victors and would return to the Summer Bowl for the first time since 2002’s match against the unbeaten Ohio Glory. Brett Favre would be back in the Summer Bowl for the first time since the 1993 season, nearly 15 years earlier. On a week where Coach Haslett learned that he had been named Coach of the Year, there was no sweeter way to celebrate than to help bring the Showboats back to the Show. Chicago Machine 17 Ohio Glory 10 A very different game in Columbus, when the Machine and Glory faced off for the third time this season. The two had split their two regular season games, with both clubs holding court in their home game. This third game would have the same intensity but a much lower score than the 36-21 Ohio victory or the Chicago win by 37-20 only 2 weeks later. This game would be one of frustration for both offenses, but particularly for the Glory, who were held to their lowest offensive output for the year by a Chicago defense that not only frustrated Kerry Collins at every turn, but produced one of the most memorable goalline stands in league history. For a game that would finish 17-10, the game began with both offenses having success early. Ohio won the toss and took the ball to start the game. They would need only 1:54 to put points on the board, as an early deep ball to Joey Galloway, one of only 2 catches on the day for the Glory star, got Ohio in range, and Eddie George put the score on the board with a 16-yard run. Chicago would return the favor, taking considerably longer to move the ball 67 yards, but they too would put points up on their first possession, with rookie QB Brady Quinn finding Curtis Conway for the equalizer at the 5:11 mark of the quarter. From this point on the defenses for both squads would find their footing. The second quarter saw both teams struggle to put together drives. The result was a pair of field goals, one for each club, as the only scoring, and the game went into the half tied up at 10. While Brady Quinn was dealing with nerves and multiple zone coverages, Kerry Collins was facing regular blitzes and a lot of pressure on any passing down. By game’s end he would be sacked 7 times, from 7 different players, as Chicago mixed up their blitzes. The third quarter would be particularly bad for Collins, as two separate drives were stunted when Chicago defenders brought Collins to the ground on key 3rd downs. Fortunately for the Glory, Chicago was also not having much luck with their consistency. Michael Turner, who finished the game outrushing Eddie George 118 to 86, would have a decent run, only to be followed by an incompletion, or a loss on the next play. Both teams struggled to get within 30 yards of the endzone the entire quarter, and these struggles continued into the 4th quarter, the game still knotted up at 10. In the final period, Chicago would finally break the stalemate. Two converted third downs, one on a questionable defensive holding call, the other on an outstanding catch on a low ball by TE Anthony Fasano, got Chicago into field goal range. But on the kick, Ohio jumped offsides, a second killer penalty on the drive. The 5-yards gave Chicago a first down in the red zone, and they would move the ball down to the 1. From their Quinn found Donald Driver on a bootleg pass and Chicago would take the lead with 4:03 left to play. Ohio had one chance to equalize, and a team known for quick strike offense, would use every advantage in moving the ball down the field. Coach Luginbill started alternating between George and Alexander staying in to block, hoping to provide more time to Collins. The strategy was effective. Collins had the time he needed, and he connected twice with Reche Caldwell to help move the ball into Chicago territory. After a 1st and 10 run by George that netted only 3 yards, Collins found Caldwell again, this time taking the ball down to the 4 yard line with only 1:01 left to play. It would be first and goal from the 4. Four plays to tie the game and send it to overtime, or to go for 2 and win it outright. It would be a daring call, but we will never know if Coach Luginbill would have made it. On first and goal from the 4, the Glory tried to fool Chicago with play action, but the Machine secondary was ready, and, seeing no one open and DE Anthony Weaver bearing down on him. Collins was forced to toss the ball away. On 2nd and goal from the 4, Ohio tried the run, but Eddie George was stuffed after a gain of only 1. It would be 3rd and goal from the 3. The Glory were in range to use a wide array of playcalls, including some from the 2-point PAT playbook. That was apparently the source for their 3rd down play, one which saw Stephen Alexander apparently stay in to block only to leak out into the flat. The play initially seemed to be setting up for an Ohio TD, but MLB Brian Urlacher caught on quickly, and by the time the ball got to Alexander’s hands, Urlacher got to Alexander, hitting the TE with an impact that forced the ball out of his hands and safely to the ground. Fourth and goal, 3-yard line, and 27 seconds on the clock. Ohio’s return to the Summer Bowl after a 3 year absence would all come down to one play. Again, Luginbill went into his short-yardage playbook, this time looking for a call that would allow Collins to find Galloway, his most trusted receiver. A rub play was called, but Chicago had called a very shallow zone, one disguised by shifting linebackers, but a zone nonetheless. When Collins looked towards Galloway, the big receiver was simply not open. Collins pivoted to try to seek a secondary option when Chicago DE Israel Rayborn broke free of the block of the RT, and clipped Collins. The Ohio QB managed to hold onto the ball despite the glancing blow from Rayborn, but now he was turned around. By the time he realigned himself, the pocket was collapsing. He would make a desperation toss to the corner of the endzone and wideout Reche Caldwell, but the ball sailed wide and out of bounds. Chicago would hold on, and take over the ball on the 3. A kneel was all it took for the Machine to claim victory and punch their ticket to Arizona and Summer Bowl 2007. They had played a brilliant defensive game, limiting Collins to only 203 yards, Galloway to only 2 receptions, and Eddie George to 86 hard-fought yards on the ground. The Chicago offense, while hardly explosive, had done enough, and avoided mistakes that would benefit their opponent. And now, for the second time in three years, the Machine would be in the title game. Birmingham Fans Furious About Favre Success While there are a lot of fanbases unhappy to see Memphis representing the East in this year’s Summer Bowl, including disappointed Boston and Jacksonville fans, no one seems more upset about it than the fans of the Baltimore Stallions. While the Stallions were mired in a 6-8 season, their “retired” quarterback had returned to the USFL after less than 2 years away, and was leading their archrivals into the league title game. To be fair, the complaints of many Stallion fans this week are very much about sour grapes. Despite the brilliance of Brett Favre during his career with the Stallions, he had only managed to bring Birmingham to the Summer Bowl 1 time. Then he had declared his retirement form football in a somewhat obvious ploy to invalidate a contract with Birmingham that he had found inadequate. As soon as the inter-league agreement allowed, he had signed with the NFL, spending only 1 season with the New York Jets. After moderate success, paired with an elbow injury, with New York, Favre again declared his intention to retire. The Jets released him before anything was filed, but this freed him to join the USFL once again and Memphis had jumped on the chance to acquire the former Stallion. Had Memphis made it back to the Summer Bowl with Tom Brady or Cade McNown at QB, we would still be hearing some commotion out of Birmingham. That is what you expect from rivals. But with Favre at the helm, the anguish and feelings of betrayal from nearby Alabama are deafening. There is nothing the Stallions, or the league for that matter, can do about the situation, as you might expect. And while the league seems to be celebrating the return of Favre as a win for spring football, fans in Birmingham are not in a celebratory mood. At the end of the day, this will be just one more feud point in the rivalry between Showboat Armada and Stallion Nation, but it is one that is likely to feel very personal to the Stallions. Michael Turner, The Quiet Killer Go back through our weekly recaps and let me know how much we focused on halfback Michael Turner of Chicago. Not a lot there, is there? So, now, with Chicago headed to the Summer Bowl, we feel we should rectify that oversight. The truth is that Turner had his best season as a member of the Machine, scoring his second consecutive 1,000 yard season and surprassing his career best by over 300 yards from 2006 to 2007. Turner finished the year behind only Ricky Williams, Deuce McCallister, and T. J. Duckett with his 1,345 yards and his 9 touchdowns tied him for 4th best among backs. In the postseason, Turner has been even better, averaging 112 yards a game and helping Chicago run their way past LA, Seattle, and Ohio to claim the Western Conference crown. On a team with an inexperienced, though talented, quarterback, having someone like Turner take over in the playoffs has made this run possible. Yes, we have to acknowledge the quality defense that Coach Mornhinweg has put together, but kudos as well to a largely unheralded halfback who has been outperforming his media coverage all year, and has certainly gotten our attention in the postseason. League Suspends Two Playoff Players For Conduct Violations The USFL has long been a less restrictive, less penalty-laden league than the NFL, but that does not mean that anything goes. Yes, the USFL made its name by comparing itself to the “No Fun League” and by allowing players to be more animated and rambunctious, but what happens on the field and what happens off the field can be very different things. This week, the league offices in New York have, for the first time since the Ricky Williams drug suspension, handed down multiple game suspensions due to post-playoff issues with two players. Orlando’s Brandon Marshall will be forced to miss the first 4 games of the 2008 season after being apprehended by police in a Tampa area strip club after what can only be described as a brawl with other patrons. The good news for Marshall is that he complied with sobriety and drug testing, and while he was clearly inebriated, no drugs were found in his system. There may still be some legal wrangling as others at the club have threatened to file assault charges against the renegade Renegade, but without drug violations the penalty from the league office is somewhat moderate, meaning that Marshall can practice with the club during training camp and the preseason, but must miss weeks 1-4 of the next season. Similarly, strong safety Mike Doss of the Ohio Glory had a rough week. Not only did the Glory lose to their rival, Chicago, but on Tuesday, the league announced a 2-game suspension for Doss after investigating violations of team policy which occurred during the bye week. Apparently Doss thought it was appropriate to bring one of his firearms to the Glory facility. When the gun accidentally went off in the training room, fortunately firing directly into the floor, the team sent Doss home. But, with firearm possession on team facilities directly violating both team and league policies, something had to be done. The team appealed to the league for a ruling on the league policy before installing any team disciplinary action, and, after 2 weeks. The league has responded with a 2-game suspension. Some argue that Doss should have been removed from the Divisional and Conference playoff games, but, as per league policy, no suspensions go into effect until the conclusion of an investigation, meaning that Doss was present and on the field for both games and will now miss the first two games of 2008. Great news on the injury front as the Conference title games produced no new concerns for either team. Memphis receiver Lee Evans, the lone injury listed last week, is now upgraded to “Probable” and is practicing with the team. For Chicago, Tommy Polley and guard Sean Locklear are, of course, out and on IR, but Alan Ricard is back at full strength and no other members of the Machine are listed as having injuries worthy of reporting. 2007 All-USFL Team and Award Winners Celebrated As has become tradition, this Tuesday the USFL hosted its Awards Ceremony in Phoenix, just 11 miles from the site of Summer Bowl 2007. At the black tie event, the five major awards for the season were celebrated, along with the full roster of the All-USFL team. There were a few surprises this year, and, as always, a few deserving players simply did not make the cut, but the overall feeling at the event was one of gratitude and celebration. MVP: In one of the tighter races in the past decade three quarterbacks vied for supremacy, with votes split between Byron Leftwich of Seattle, Brian Griese of Michigan, and Drew Brees of Orlando. In a narrow margin, with only 2 more votes than 2nd place, the newest Renegade came away with the trophy. After a rough 0-4 transition to Orlando, Brees shone as the season progressed, winning 9 of 10 games and leading Orlando to the Southeast Division Title. Brees finished the year 5th in yardage, tied for 2nd in TD passes, and 6th in passer rating, but the success of the Orlando team with Brees at the fore was clearly the main motivator for him to be named as the player who had the most value for a USFL franchise. Offensive Player of the Year: Often a battle to be the best non-QB in the league, this year it was a QB who walked away with the trophy. Michigan may not have made the playoffs, missing out on the final Wild Card spot due to a tiebreaker, but there was no denying that Brian Griese had a monster year. Griese finished the year as the league’s top rated QB, as well as the #1 QB in terms of yardage and touchdown passes. His victory here, while not considered the MVP, is actually a perfect synopsis of what differentiates the MVP and OPOTY awards. In second place was David Boston, Seattle’s prolific receiver, a fact, paired with Leftwich’s loss to Brees for MVP, is likely to be viewed as “East Coast bias” by fans in the Pacific Northwest, but to say that Griese did not have a monster year would be insincere and jaded. Defensive Player of the Year: This vote was also close, with fans of the big men pulling for Kavika Pittman of Houston, and DB enthusiasts pulling for Renaldo Hill, the league’s interception leader from LA. But, with both the sack and pick totals not being as high as in past years (even past 14-game seasons), there was simply not as much to back up the calls for either Hill or Pittman to win the title. The award instead went to the leading tackler on one of the league’s most recognized defensive groups. Brian Urlacher of Chicago’s nasty LB corps was the winner this year, and if the playoff results are any evidence, it looks like the voters made the right decision. Rookie of the Year: The most clear cut vote of the awards this season, this year’s Rookie of the Year goes to Las Vegas halfback Marshawn Lynch. The eccentric, but charismatic halfback finished the year 7th on the rushing leader board with 1,271 yards, surpassing familiar names like Eddie George, Sedrick Irvin, and Antowain Smith. Williams averaged 4.2 yards per carry on a team that did not have an explosive passing game to pull defenders away from the line. He also scored 9 touchdowns for the Thunder and was surprisingly effective in the passing game, with 41 receptions for 395 yards and a score. A worthy winner in a year with a lot of solid performers, including Nashville safety LaRon Landry (who would also get recognized on this night), Memphis LB Patrick Willis (headed to a Summer Bowl) and Philly LB Paul Posluszny. Coach of the Year: While some votes were split between Philadelphia’s Jim Harbaugh and Seattle’s Marvin Lewis, the runaway winner was Memphis Head Coach Jim Haslett. The former assistant to Jim Mora Sr took over the Showboats this year, got a huge present in the arrival of Brett Favre, and then got out of the way as Favre helped bring Memphis a Southern Division title and the #2 seed in the East. Now, we joke about how Favre improved the Showboats, and he certainly was a big part of the success this year, but we should recognize that Haslett’s defense improved dramatically, and the overall scheme of the offense also allowed Cadillac Williams to have his best season as a pro. Haslett’s “tweak” of the Mora formulas on both sides of the ball were as instrumental as the arrival of a former MVP at QB for the Showboats, and his win here is certainly well-deserved. ALL-USFL TEAM: Let the debates begin. Here is the 2007 All-USFL team, and yes, we know, some of your favorites did not make it. Nature of the beast. QB: Byron Leftwich (SEA), Drew Brees (ORL), Brian Griese (MGN) We can hear the cries from Columbus and Boston as neither Collins nor Bledsoe makes the cut this year, the first time in a long time we can say that. HB: Ricky Williams (OAK), T. J. Duckett (TEX), Ahman Green (PHI) A fitting swan song for 3-time Rushing Leader Green, who announced his retirement this week, but sad for Deuce McCallister, who finished 2nd in yards this year. FB: Rick Razzano (MGN) Always a tough category, since there are not a lot of stats to measure. Razzano wins, despite Michigan not exactly lighting the world on fire with its run game. TE: Jason Whitten (JAX), Bennie Joppru (MGN) Whitten made the transition to the Bulls and immediately became a go-to receiver and a huge part of the #1 offense of the season. Joppru is lesser-known as a deep ball receiving TE, but as a combo blocker/receiver he is among the best. WR: David Boston (SEA), Joey Galloway (OHI), Rashaun Woods (JAX), Chad Ochocinco (BOS), Randy Moss (TBY) Boston dominated this year, and while there are no complaints about any of the other 4, fans of the Skyhawks have to be upset that their best player, Tyler Jacobs, was overlooked. OL: Mike Gandy (T-MEM), Wayne Gandy (T-NSH), Jonathan Ogden (T-LA), Vincent Manuwai (G-SEA), Jaime Nails (G-BOS), Aaron Snyder (G-JAX), Trey Teague (C-TBY), Brad Meester (C-MGN) What are they feeding those Gandy boys? Two brothers make the team at the same position. DE: Kavika Pittman (HOU), Kyle Vanden Bosch (PIT), Mike Rucker (BIR) No complaints here, except for perhaps fans of the Machine who had two DE's with 10+ sacks, but neither Weaver or Rayborn matched the numbers of these three. DT: Sean Gilbert (OHI), Brian Noble (SEA), Pat Williams (ORL) No avoiding these three space-occupyers. All three make opposing centers and guards worry about looking bad. LB: Brian Urlacher (CHI), Antonio Pierce (WSH), Kevin Mitchell (TBY), Hannibal Navies (MEM), Roosevelt Colvin (OAK), James Harrison (NJ) Always a tough category, with very scary men left off the list, men like DeMeco Ryans (BIR), Na'il Diggs (ATL), and Hunter Hillenmeyer (NSH) CB: Renaldo Hill (LA), Tyrone Poole (BOS), Will Allen (LV), Charles Woodson (WSH) Picks, pass defenses, and even the occasional open field tackle of a back, that is what you get from these four corners. S: Shaud Williams (SS-HOU), LaRon Landry (SS-NSH), Marcus Wimberley (FS-BIR), Tyrone Drakeford (FS-STL) Two huge surprises here. First, that LA's Troy Polamalu does not make the list, and second, that rookie LaRon Landry of Nashville becomes the only rookie selected to the All-USFL list despite not winning Rookie of the Year honors. ST: Tim Seder (K-CHI), Chris Gardocki (P-PIT) You almost never see controversy about the special teams picks, but there are some who are saying that Doug Pelfrey, who had a better FG % and just as many field goals as Seder, should have gotten it. Seder likely outpaced him thanks to 36 PATs vs. only 16 for Pelfrey. That is more an issue with Washington's weak offense than Pelfrey's leg. Big Name Free Agents On the Clock With only 10 days to go until USFL Free Agency officially opens, there is a lot of buzz in the air about some of the top flight talent that has chosen to seek a new home. In some cases it is due to finances, in others a dispute with the coaching philosophy, but what we can see this year is a handful of players whose teams absolSutely did not want in the free agent pool, but who are there and are likely to fetch top dollar to relocated. In a year with an expansion draft scheduled for October, we would normally expect a very slow opening month of free agency. Teams who sign a new player have to either protect that player as one of their 15 reserve players or risk losing them before they even play a game, but when you have talent that is hard to find every day available, it seems clear that there will be an initial feeding frenzy, at least at the top of the Free Agent list as teams do their best to sign a difference maker ahead of the Expansion Draft protected player lists coming due in mid-September. Looking at this year’s pool of talent, these 8 names stand out as players who no one expected to be available, and everyone will have to consider, and consider fast. Terrell Buckley (FS-JAX): One of the premier safeties in the game, and a lifelong Jacksonville Bull since 1992, Buckley is likely on this list because he has indicated that he is contemplating retirement at age 37, but if he still believes he has a year or two left in him, someone could land a great veteran leader and an All-USFL coverage safety to their roster. The Bulls would love to have Buckley retire as a Bull, but that decision is now up to him and the right offer could keep him in the game. Sedrick Irvin (HB-ORL): Hoping to cash in on his first ever 1,000 yard season (1,200 yards actually), Irvin is testing the waters. He has said that he is open to returning to Orlando, and why wouldn’t he be? The Renegades are an up and coming team with the arrival of Brees. But, with several teams desperate to revive their run games (looking at you, Arizona and Michigan), Irvin may get some very lucrative offers. Korey Stringer (LT-PIT): Another aging veteran who could be looking at retirement, Stringer may also get a very convincing counter offer from a team that is going all in on 2008 as their year. You don’t find quality left tackles on the open market every day, so if there is a team that feels that adding Stringer, even for only one year, is the difference between a deep playoff run and a title, he will be wooed. Shaun Alexander (HB-BIR): We have been saying for years that Alexander has been wasted in Birmingham. First, during the Favre years, the offense was never balanced enough to give Alexander the carries and the quality of line play he needed. Then, in recent years, the offense itself atrophied to such a degree that even when Alexander was the focal point, he had to battle for every yard. This is a clear case of a player getting a chance to finish his career on top by going to a team that sees his talent and will focus their offense around him. Just who that is, we don’t know, but we are sure there will be some bidding on the 29-year old back. Jevon Kearse (DE-LA): With the Express needing to resign 3 key defenders (Kearse, Udeze, and Polamalu) we knew someone would be the odd man out. We did not expect it to be Jevon Kearse, but apparently his salary demands were just too high for LA to match and still retain at least 1 other star defender. So, the “Freak” finds himself looking to sign with a third team after stints with the Bulls and Express. Edge rushers are about as valued a commodity as QB’s these days, so expect someone to open up the vault and welcome Kearse to town. Tory Holt (WR-LA): Another victim of LA’s salary cap woes. Tory Holt has proven that he is a dynamic deep threat, and improved with Keyshawn drawing away safeties. If he can go to a team that already has a proven wideout (say Boston or Ohio, for example) he could again form a deadly deep ball duo and help a team get over the hump. Charles Woodson (CB-WSH): One of the greatest shut down corners in USFL history, Woodson will likely become the highest paid cornerback in league history as he departs DC. Washington did what they could to resign him, but their cap situation and their need for roster improvements in several areas meant that they just could not meet market value for Woodson. Expect a heated bidding war here, which means that this corner will get to choose exactly where he wants to be. Randy Moss (WR-TBY): We know that Randy had some issues with Coach Spurrier, and some issues with management as well in Tampa Bay. The team never did find a suitable #2 to help draw coverage away, leading to teams blanketing Moss each week and reducing his numbers. He is still one of the most dangerous deep men, and one of the elite 50/50 receivers in any football league. He would be the automatic #1 receiver anywhere he went, and he will get to pick the QB he wants to play with, at least from somewhere around 10-12 bidding teams. Expect a big paycheck, and a playoff ready team for Moss. Charlotte Gets Player One with CFL Signing After seeing the Portland Stags sign their first player, apparently Charlotte got a bit jealous. With few NFL caliber players just sitting around waiting for a call, Charlotte went a different direction in search of a player who could help form the base of their new franchise. They headed north. This week the Monarchs presented former NFL halfback Robert Edwards as the first member of the 2008 roster. Edwards, a product of UGA, the school that brought the USFL both Herschel Walker and Terrell Davis, joined the New England Patriots out of college in 1998. In his rookie year in the NFL he impressed many by rushing for over 1.100 yards for New England. But he would soon become the victim of one of the most bizarre and unnecessary injuries in NFL history, blowing out his knee in a sandlot touch football game held by the NFL during their All-Pro Weekend in Hawaii. Edwards would miss the entire 1999 season and see only minimal action in 2000. He would attempt a comeback with the Miami Dolphins in 2002, but was limited to only 107 yards on 20 carries before again facing injury. The story easily could have ended here for the former bulldog, but just like his alma mater’s mascot, Edwards was tenacious and stubborn. He worked tirelessly to rehab his knees and build up both strength and flexibility in hopes of returning to pro football. He made that return in 2005 with the CFL’s Montreal Allouettes. In his first year in Montreal, Edwards looked fully back to the rookie form he had shown in the NFL, rushing for nearly 1,200 yards in the pass-happy Canadian game. Edwards is currently midway through his second CFL season for Montreal, and is on pace to surpass 1,000 yards again. Charlotte was able to sign Edwards to a 2008 contract because there is no deal between the USFL and CFL preventing what is called a “futures” contract, a contract that begins with one league as soon as the current deal with the 2nd league is completed. Were Edwards with the NFL, where such an agreement was created in the early 80’s due to concerns about USFL poaching of players like Lawrence Taylor, a signing now by the USFL would not be possible, but, as some teams have done in the past (Las Vegas with Henry Burris comes to mind), Charlotte was able to take advantage of Edwards’s contract extending only through November 2007 to sign the back to a 2008 deal. While CFL fans will likely be very displeased with the signing, Charlotte Monarch fans are more than ready to root for a player making a comeback after a truly bizarre injury cut his NFL career short. All expectations are that Edwards will enter Monarch camp this winter as the #1 back. For now he is happy just to be the #1 Monarch, first of many to be signed this summer. SUMMER BOWL 2007 PREVIEW: CHICAGO v. MEMPHIS Chicago vs. Memphis for the USFL title in its 25th season. For the Machine, this will be their third trip to the title game, the fourth for a Chicago-based franchise (the Blitz in 1984 were the 4th). I doubt we have to tell you that no team from Chicago has ever won the title. For Memphis, this will be the 3rd trip to the Big Show, having won the title in 1999 and having come close in ’88 and ’02. We all know the big names in this game, Urlacher, Favre, Turner, Ferguson, Driver, and Williams. But just which team has the better roster as a whole? We break it down position by position to try to see who may just have the upper hand in Summer Bowl 2007. QUARTERBACK As good a year as Brady Quinn has had as a rookie, this is no contest. Brett Favre would already be in the USFL Wing of the Hall of Fame had he stayed retired (well, technically, no, not yet, but he is a sure 1st ballot guy). Now, with Memphis, Favre returned as if he had never left, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns. If Chicago is going to win this game it is because they will find a way to force Favre into some of his patented “bonehead” interceptions and not his also-patented “What just happened?” touchdown tosses. Expect Brady Quinn to avoid making mistakes and allow the D and the run game to shine, but expect Favre to be a focal point for Memphis. ADVANTAGE MEMPHIS HALFBACK While both Cadillac Williams and Michael Turner have had some good games, including both having solid performances in their respective Conference Championship, the clear advantage here goes to Chicago. Turner was a Top 5 rusher this year, gaining 1,345 yards for the Machine, while Williams did not crack the Top 20. The Machine offense is designed to free up Turner and forced defenders to get out of position to deal with him. Oh, and when Turner needs a breather, Chicago can trot in Maurice Clarett, who averages 4.8 yards per carry, so it is no rest for the defense. ADVANTAGE CHICAGO RECEIVERS This is a tougher call. It depends on what you like. Chicago has experience and quality route running with Donald Driver, Curtis Conway, and their 2-TE set of Shea and Fasano. Not the fastest receiving corps in the league, but one that can get that 3rd down conversion and keep the chains moving. For Memphis, particularly now that Favre is the QB, big plays are more important than consistent conversions. Robert Ferguson and Lee Evans can both go deep. Slot receiver Sidney Rice has been a good addition this year, and if Favre needs a safety net, TE David Martin has been consistent, if not particularly dynamic. We think that each team gets what they want from the passing game, so we don’t really see one as vastly better than the other. ADVANTAGE: PUSH OFFENSIVE LINE Two things stand out here. First, that Brady Quinn has been sacked about half as frequently as Brett Favre, and second, the run game. We could qualify the sack stat by saying that Favre has always held the ball a bit too long, hoping to make a big play, while Quinn is quick to get rid of the rock when he feels pressure. That could explain some of it, but we also recognize that Mike Gandy, Memphis’s best tackle, plays on the right side, leaving LT Anthony Clement to deal with each defense’s best rusher. When we add in Chicago’s emphasis on larger packages and interior runs, we have to favor the Machine here. ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO DEFENSIVE LINE This one, on the surface, is a no-brainer. Chicago has two players in the Top 20 sack leaders for the season, with Anthony Weaver’s 15 sacks placing him 4th in the league and linemate Israel Rayborn also in double digits with 11 sacks. Memphis has Julius Peppers with 12, which is solid, but they also have to resort more often to the blitz. But, what about run coverage? Does that swing things to the Showboats? Absolutely not. Chicago has the #1 run defense in the league, the only team to limit their opponents this year to fewer than 1,000 total yards, only 59.6 yards per game, while Memphis allows nearly double that at 96 yards per game. So, we said that on the surface Chicago has the edge here, but deep down they do too. ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO LINEBACKERS Brian Urlacher is the Defensive Player of the Year, so that pushes us to Chicago immediately, and if they had their starting three of Urlacher, Brooking, and Polley, they would almost certainly be our pick here, but Polley is out and replacement Carlos Emmons simply does not have the same range or instincts. Meanwhile, Memphis’s 3 LB’s are no slouches. Kirk Morrison in the middle, Hannibal Navies on the strong side, and rookie Patrick Willis on the weak side have been dynamic, disciplined, and dependable, a great 3-D combo. We are still going to give Chicago the advantage here, just because Urlacher is so impactful, but it is much closer than many might initially imagine. ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO SECONDARY Coy Wire is the key to Memphis’s defense. While corners Keion Carpenter and Terrance Shaw are solid, it is the combo of Wire and Tebucky Jones that make Memphis’s secondary tick. When they are on, this is a tough team to pass against. The only problem has been consistency. Chicago is not a spread offense, by any stretch of the imagination, so the challenge for Jones and Wire will be the tight ends over the middle. If they can avoid getting boxed out by the larger receivers, they can be effective against Chicago’s passing game. As for the Machine, they had to rebuild their entire secondary after losing 3 of 4 players in 2006. They started with corner Al Harris, a legitimate shut down guy. Then added safety Sammy Knight. But we are not as impressed with free safety Leomont Evans, who can often be found out of position, and the remaining corners, Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden are not going to intimidate Brett Favre. ADVANTAGE: MEMPHIS SPECIAL TEAMS Well, Tim Seder was the league’s All-USFL kicker this year, making 29 of 34 field goals and all 36 extra points. Jeff Hall, who has been consistent over the years, only got 18 attempts, and missed on 5 of them. He too connected on every PAT, but has not had as many pressure kicks as Seder to be sure. Neither Reggie Hodges (CHI) or Brad Costello (MEM) have distinguished themselves in the punt game, and neither Lionel James nor Marlin Jackson have provided much of a spark in the return game, so as a group, we have to give this to the team with the All-USFL kicker. ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO COACHING Jim Haslett took over the Memphis Showboats this year after several years under the tutelage of Jim Mora Sr, and all he did in his first year is win Coach of the Year. Marty Mornhinweg has been in charge in Chicago since 1999 and in his time with the Machine has produced 6 playoff seasons and now 2 Summer Bowl appearances. So, do we side with youthful enthusiasm from a pretty solid coaching tree, or veteran leadership returning to the title game for the 2nd time in 3 years? Our heart goes with Haslett, but our head says Mornhinweg. ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO So, this is very interesting. Memphis is a 2-point favorite, and it seems most of the pundits are leaning towards them just on the QB comparison, but when we look position group by position group, what we find is a 6-2 Chicago advantage with one Push. That seems like a pretty good indicator that folks are underestimating the Machine. So while it is entirely possible that Brett Favre takes over this game and Memphis wins going away, we are going to trust the analysis and make our pick for Chicago, ending that city’s USFL title drought at 24 years. OUR PICK: Chicago 24 Memphis 22

A bad week to be a #1 seed as both Seattle and Boston fall in the Divisional Round, bringing cries about over-resting starters and teams being rusty after 2 weeks of “rest”. A much better week for #2 seeds as both Ohio and Memphis move on to become hosts for the Conference Championships. What we as fans got this week were 4 playoff games all decided by a touchdown or less, as all 8 clubs fought until the final whistle. And what we get next week is a battle of dynamic offenses in the East and a clash of divisional rivals in the West. Let’s start by looking at just how the Bulls, Showboats, Machine and Glory took one more step towards Summer Bowl 2007 in Glendale, Arizona. ORLANDO 31 MEMPHIS 34 Once again the week of playoff action opened with its best game, a shootout between two of the league’s hottest QBs as Brett Favre and Drew Brees went head to head in Memphis. This one would come down to the wire, with the Showboats mounting a final minute drive to field goal range to keep the game from heading to overtime. The two teams traded scores all afternoon long as both defenses struggled to keep up with the offensive production of their opponents. Brees hit Justin McCaerins with the opening salvo of the game, only to have Memphis respond with a Cadillac Williams TD run 3 minutes later. Then, after Maurice Smith gave the edge to the home team, Brees hit Michael Jenkins to tie it up again. Memphis responded with a Lionel Gates TD, and as time ran down in the 2nd quarter, Brees hit on his third TD of the day, connecting with Greg Olsen to even things up at 21 going into the break. The defenses fared a little better in the second half, with both clubs connecting on field goals in the third, but it heated right back up in the final period, where Memphis again took the lead, this time with Favre connected with Robert Ferguson on a fade route to go up 31-24. Memphis would come right back, and with 1:46 left to play, Drew Brees landed his 4th TD pass, back to his rookie TE Olsen to again tie the game, 31-31 with just under 2 minutes to play. But, as we all saw coming, 2 minutes with Brett Favre at the helm was just too much time. Favre guided the Showboats all the way to the 6-yard line of the Renegades, calling time out with 4 seconds left on the clock. The rest was cake for veteran kicker Jeff Hall, who put up the easy 3 and gave the win to the homestanding Showboats, who now move on to host the Eastern Conference finals right back at the Liberty Bowl in one week’s time. CHICAGO 17 SEATTLE 13 In a very different, but equally intense game at Seattle’s Qwest Field, Chicago survived an early 10-0 hole and slowly fought their way back, holding the Dragon offense to only 13 points and taking a 17-13 victory. Seattle struggled the entire game to find an offensive rhythm against Chicago’s aggressive scheme. Byron Leftwich was pressured regularly, resulting in 5 sacks and a pick. Rookie Brady Quinn threw 2 picks in the game, but the Chicago offense found its focal point with Michael Turner’s 104 yards rushing. After a scoreless first quarter, Seattle got on the board first with a Corey Dillon goal line run. They would add a Dave Raymer field goal to open a 10-point lead, but Chicago would score just before the half, Quinn connecting on his only TD of the day, a 10 yard pass to TE Aaron Shea. In the third, Seattle would get the only points, another Rayner kick to go up 6, but the 4th quarter saw Chicago take the lead and hold it. Midway through the final period, the Machine took advantage of a fumble by Seattle TE Visante Shiancoe, and with a short field they would take the lead when backup HB Derrick Blaylock, in for the injured Maurice Clarett, hit on a counter run from the 7. Seattle could not return with a scoring drive, and when Chicago got a Tim Seder kick to go up 4, it meant that the Dragons would need a TD as time wound down. That score would not come as the Machine got a pass break up from SS Sammy Knight on a 4th and 4 attempt to force a turnover on downs and salt the game away. The win means that Chicago heads to their second Conference Championship in three years. JACKSONVILLE 32 BOSTON 30 The Boston Cannons could only muster 37 yards on the ground without Tiki Barber available, while Jacksonville got 105 from Antowain Smith. That, paired with a pretty even duel between Bledsoe and Delhomme, gave the slight edge to the Jacksonville Bulls, who used scores from TE Jeb Putzier, and receivers Hayes and Woods, to edge the Cannons in Boston, ending their hopes for a title in what could be Drew Bledsoe’s final season. The game was close throughout, with Boston holding a slight 17-16 lead after scores from backup HB Tony Hunt and #1 receiver Chad Ochocinco, but in the second half, Delhomme connected with both of his wideouts and kicker Justin Medlock’s only kick of the half was good, giving the Bulls a 32-23 lead with only 4 minutes left to play. Boston got 7 more, but with a minute left needed to convert on an onside kick to have a shot at a game winning field goal. Failing to claim the ball on the kick meant that Jacksonville would take the W and move on to face Memphis next week. OAKLAND 17 OHIO 24 Ohio scored the final 10 points of the day to turn a 17-14 deficit into a 24-17 win in the fourth as Kerry Collins threw for 305 and the Glory hold off the surging Invaders, winning the right to host next week’s Western Conference Championships. Oakland relied on Ricky Williams to both possess the ball and shorten the game. The big back got 26 carries on the day, resulting in 115 yards and a score, but in the end, Ohio was able to get two scores in the final 11 minutes of action to take the W. Ohio got on the board first as Kerry Collins, the game MVP, connected with Reche Caldwell for the only score of the opening period. Williams helped even the score with a 2-yard plunge in the 2nd, but Ohio responded with an Eddie George TD run to take a 14-7 lead into the half. In the third Oakland added a field goal to pull within 4 and then, early in the 4th, they went ahead when backup HB Jerious Norwood took a pitch to the left and found the corner of the endzone for a 4-yard scoring run. Following the Oakland score, Ohio marched 81 yards in only 7 plays, with Collins finding his big TE, Stephen Alexander on a backbreaking 35-yard strike to retake the lead. When Oakland could not respond on their next drive, Ohio made the difference 7 with a Mike Hollis at the 3-minute mark. Oakland tried to deliver on a final drive, but came up short, forcing kicker Joe Nedney to attempt a 55-yarder at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. The kick was short and to the left and Ohio held on to take the game and set up a divisional rivalry game next week for the Western title. So, next week it will be a bit of an oddity, with the Eastern Final in Memphis and the Western Final in Columbus, East will actually play further west than the Western title game. TOP SEEDS STUMBLE Almost immediately after the weekend’s results were final, the questions began. Did Seattle and Boston actually hurt their chances by resting players in Week 14? Was 2 weeks without action too long, creating rust for both clubs and allowing the hungrier, and less rested Wild Card opponents an advantage. While in the case of Boston the argument could be made that the absence of Tiki Barber, more than a rested Cannon roster, was the most impactful distinction between the Cannons and the Bulls, Seattle’s lackluster 13-point performance against Chicago does seem to argue that the Dragons may have been out of synch after several starters got a 2-week respite before this game. Yes, we want to credit the Chicago defense for a good scheme, one which largely took David Boston out of the game and contained Corey Dillon, but there have to be lingering doubts in Coach Marvin Lewis’s head about the decision to rest Dillon, Leftwich, Boston, and Stephens in Week 14. The Seattle offense did not look sharp, and Chicago just seemed the hungrier team. For Boston, with 2 weeks to plan for an offense without Tiki Barber, the Cannons certainly had more going for them on offense, putting up 30 points, and perhaps they expected to be facing #3 seed Philadelphia instead of the #6 seed Jacksonville, which may have caused them to not adequately use the bye week to prepare, but in the end, it may have simply been a matter of Jacksonville having more offensive firepower than the Cannons. Tony Hunt, while he did score this week, rushed for only 31 yards on 17 carries, not exactly balancing the offense for Boston. The Cannons also seemed too reliant on Chad Ochocinco, whose 9 receptions were 5 more than any other receiver on the team. While both teams have several other potential reasons for their failure to use home field to their advantage, no doubt but that fans of both will continue to wonder aloud (and on Boston radio at least it is very loud) that resting players when you have a bye coming is a formula for failure. Regardless of the reason, both top seeds now find themselves one-and-done, watching the Conference title games from afar. PLAYERS ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT PLANS Two weeks into the offseason for most of the teams in the league—all but 4 now—and we have seen the wave of retirements begin to impact squads. With an expansion draft on the horizon, as well as free agency, retirements can also force teams to consider significant changes to their strategies regarding the offseason. Looking over the landscape of the league’s 22 non-Conference Title teams, here are what we consider the 10 most impactful retirements already announced (with 1 reserved for announcements we are anticipating but have not seen yet.) DT Norman Hand, LV: The big man in the middle for the Thunder, Hand retires after 13 years in the USFL. The good news for the Thunder is that young Haloti Ngata is more than ready to be the main man in the middle of the Vegas D-line, backed up by veteran Nick Eason. This was a very solid group for the Thunder this year, so expect that they will add depth but feel no need to bring in a high-priced free agent. C Olin Kreutz, STL: The Skyhawks lose two veteran leaders this offseason, and while the departure of CB Tyrone Drakeford is problematic, losing the captain of the O-line could be a bigger loss for a team still trying to find itself. TE Cam Cleeland, WSH: With Bubba Franks already a free agent, the retirement of Cleeland means that the Federals are going to have to prioritize the Tight End position this offseason, replacing their top two reception leaders at the position. WR Keenan McCardell, NOR: The Breakers are back in the hunt for a true #1 receiver, and now are looking at replacing both McCardell and Hakeem in the same year. Looks like Mike Nolan will be engaged in a full rebuild with the squad after barely holding on to his position after a 1-13 season. HB Terrell Davis, ATL: We saw this coming. Davis has definitely been through the wars, and his burst is just not what it was. He gave the Fire 1,300 yards this year, but it was not easy. Signing Davis was always a short term premise for the Fire, so it looks like 1 year is all they get and now they have to decide if they are comfortable with Rod Smart as their #1 or not. LBs Randall Godfrey and Mike Crawford, HOU: The Gamblers have a good, solid LB corps, but losing two starters is never an easy thing to stomach. They are likely to promote either Zac DeOssie or Kevin Burnett into the starting lineup, but will need to find at least one potential starter between free agency and the draft to deal with the dual retirements at the position. HB Ahman Green, PHI: While not entirely unexpected, the Stars were certainly hoping Green would give it one more go. They have solid depth with Michael Robinson and Cedric Cobbs on the roster, but may still feel the need to seek a quality back in the draft to try to maintain offensive balance. DE Greg Ellis, MGN: The Panthers were already shallow at the DE position, but the departure of Greg Ellis now immediately boosts the position to the top of their offseason need list. If they are going to compete with Ohio, Chicago, and an improving Pittsburgh team, they are going to need to find answers at the DE spot with Ellis now playing golf. Two huge hits for New Jersey is our #1 retirement impact. One was anticipated, the departure of wideout Terry Glenn. After 12 years at or near the top of the leader board, it was anticipated that this might be the last year for the speedy wideout. But, what the Generals likely did not anticipate is that Curtis Enis would also step away from the game. Had they known about his decision, they might have fought harder to retain James Jackson, now a free agent. The loss means that they have to replace not only the #1 receiver on the team but both their #1 and #2 halfbacks. Boston’s fingers are crossed as both Drew Bledsoe and Tiki Barber have been hinting at retirement for a couple of years now. Losing one would be a big blow (as we saw with Barber’s absence this week) but to lose both in the same year would mean Coach Fox all but has to start from scratch on offense. No announcements yet, but all of New England is holding their breath in hopes that by some miracle both Bledsoe and Barber decide to give it one more go in 2008. FREE AGENTS After two rounds of playoffs there are 8 teams fewer in the postseason pool and that also means 8 more teams are dealing with unsigned players becoming free agents. Whether the decision of the team to not resisn a player or of the player and his agent to seek alternatives, these free agents are now on the open market, still able to return to their original team if the two can come to an agreement, but in 2 weeks they become potential candidates for some big league wooing from the rest of the league, and just one week later the NFL can come calling. BOS: Cornerback Tyrone Poole (34) is very likely going to get a very good offer or two, most likely for a 1- or 2-year deal. LB Will Witherspoon and FB Justin Green could also be attractive targets. HOU: Offensive Line is where Houston could lose two quality starters as both center Brad Meester and OT Tra Thomas are now free agents. QB Kris Kershaw and kicker Josh Brown are also now ready to look at offers. LA: hard to believe that the Express could not come to deals with either DE Jevon Kearse or WR Tory Holt, but with their cap status it just seems like they could not find a way to free up enough room to sign either. Add in WR Arnaz Battle and SS Rich Cody and it could be a bad offseason for the Express. NSH: The Knights had hoped to resign center Jake Grove, but no such luck. Wideout Bobby Shaw and HB Musa Smith have never really found a home in Nashville, so they now will see what other options they may have. OAK: DT Jason Fisk could be a bargain for a team looking for a run stuffer, while CB Billy Austin is another underappreciated commodity. Kicker Joe Nedney may still resign, but it looks like SS Torrian Gray is hoping to find a new home after some disputes with the Oakland coaching staff. ORL: A big one for the Renegades as lead back Sedrick Irvin is taking a bet on himself that he can find a market at 30 years old. Guard Bobbie Williams, TE Ricky Dudley and LB Jeff Gooch are just looking for a playce they can get more on-field time. PHI: We had a feeling the Stars could not afford to sign both Steve Smith and Amani Toomer. They chose to focus on Smith, so Toomer, the 33-year old vet, will now look for a third team. SS Reggie Tongue and LB Zach Thomas are two more veterans who may finish their career elsewhere. Free Safety Madieu Williams is really the only young pup on Philly’s free agent list. SEA: The Dragons had expected to have more time to finish up contracts, but their loss this week means that QB Jeff Blake, LB D. D. Lewis, and HB Joe Montgomery are all now free agents. Three of four teams come in to the Conference Title Games relatively unscathed by their playoff runs. Memphis still lists Lee Evans as doubtful, Chicago may be without Maurice Clarett (Questionable), and Ohio still has Mike Doss as their only reported injury. Jacksonville has not been so lucky. In addition to Jason Whitten, who is out for the year, the win over Boston also cost them center Dominic Raiola (ankle), and both LB Lavar Arrington (knee) and CB Joey Graham (ankle) are now doubtful for the game. Losing two starting defenders when you go up against Brett Favre could be a problem, to be sure. Birmingham Coaching Search May Require Patience With both expansion clubs settled on the coach who will build their franchises, and with St. Louis down to four finalists, there remains only one open head coaching search left in the USFL, that of the Birmingham Stallions. We sat down with Stallions GM Bob Gates and talked about the search. Gates, who was Stallions Director of Player Personnel back in 1983 when the club was founded and who spent 10 years with the club before signing on as the GM for the New Orleans Saints and then the Tennessee Copperheads of the NFL, returned to Birmingham two years ago and is now faced with two difficult tasks, finding a coach who can return Birmingham to glory and finding a potential replacement for Jason Campbell, who has struggled since coming to the Stallions from Auburn. We asked Mr. Gates what his timeline for the search was, and he all but admitted that this may be a search that extends into January, after the upcoming NFL season. “There is no rush to judgement” Gates said. “We want to take our time, and make a decision we all feel is in the best interest of the club.” That all sounds nice and good, but with this being an expansion year, with added losses to the team expected, and with a QB situation that is hardly settled, it would seem that getting a coach in place sooner, rather than later, would be a priority. To that question, Gates replied: “We feel more than comfortable with our player personnel team of negotiation both free agency and the expansion process without having our coach in place.” He added “Sure, in an ideal world, we would have a coach in place before the College Draft, just to help mesh his style with the players we select, but that is by no means essential.” Some Stallion fans, many of them vocal on regional sports radio, are concerned that once again the Stallions will go for local connections over qualifications. It is true that, more than any other team, the Stallions have often opted for coaches with a local connection, from Gene Stallings to recently fired Dennis Franchione, the number of former Alabama head coaches who moved down the road from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham has been notable. The one time the Stallions went outside of that formula, hiring former NY Giants OC Ron Erhardt, produced the best results, including a league title, for the Stallions. Will Birmingham wait out the NFL season and try to snag a coordinator on the rise, or a head coach in a contract year? Will they again look for someone with an Auburn Tiger or Crimson Tide connection? Or will the right man appear to them earlier? If our talk with GM Bob Wade is any indication, the Stallions are perfectly willing to play the waiting game, in hopes of finding the right man, not the man right now. Portland Turns a Duck into the First Stag The Portland Stags have not waited until USFL free agency kicks off in 17 days, or until October’s Expansion Draft, to sign their first player. The expansion Stags have landed a local star and a potential starter from the dustbin of the NFL roster churn. Former Oregon Duck QB A. J. Feeley has been without a club since the end of the 2006 NFL season, and as he is now more than 8 months without a contract, he is no longer confined to the NFL-USFL transfer window and can be signed by a club in either league. Portland has become that club and Feeley has become the first official Stag player. Feeley, from nearby Ontario, Oregon, played for the Ducks from 1998-2001, a four-year letterman, before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 5th round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He would stay with the Eagles through the 2003 season, appearing in several games when starter Donovan McNabb was injured, including a notable run of wins in 2002, helping the club stay playoff eligible. Feeley was released by Philly after the 2003 season and latched on with the Miami Dolphins, where he competed with Jay Fiedler for the starting job. Let go by Miami after the 2005 season, Feeley spent most of the 2006 season on the bench in San Diego but was again let go in mid-November. He was not signed by an NFL team this past spring, and as the Free Agency clock has reached the important 8-month limit that allows a player to bypass the NFL-USFL transfer window, he was available to the Stags, and they jumped on the chance to sign a local product. Feeley could well take the pressure off Portland to prioritize the QB position in the Expansion Draft, though they almost certainly will address the position at some point in the process. It also means that they can use the collegiate draft to address any of the other 52 spots on the roster. Expect Portland to sign at least 2-3 more quarterbacks between free agency, the expansion process, or the draft, but with a local star on the roster already, this expansion club is off to a good start. League Format for 2008 Draws Criticism As more and more details about the 2008 season schedule are released by the USFL, more and more critics are questioning the league’s decisions. We already knew that with the expansion to 28 teams in 2008 the league would be returning to a 16-game schedule, a move largely praised by both fans and players, but two other aspects of the new schedule have not been received as positively. Both fans and many players are unhappy about the decision to retain a 12-team playoff in 2008. They had hoped to see expansion to 7 teams per conference, representing 50% of teams. The league, having cited recent years in which teams with losing records have made the postseason tournament, have opted to retain the 12 team (6 per conference) format despite the addition of 4 new clubs since that format was adopted. The limit of 12 playoff teams means that the odds of a team with a losing record making the postseason, as Seattle famously did in their surprising title run in 2006, are much lower. It also means that some teams could face elimination from playoff contention that much earlier, which is, of course, not great for late season ticket sales. The other decision is that of keeping the same division vs. extra-divisional format for the league. With 4 of the 6 divisions now having 5 teams, with the remaining two (South and Southwest) having 4 teams, the league is maintaining a format in which all clubs face divisional foes twice. That may sound fair, but what it means, when you expand back to a 16-game schedule, is that only 6 of 16 weeks will be divisional rivalry games for teams in the Southern and Southwestern Divisions, and only half of the season’s games (8 of 16) will be divisional battles for the clubs in the four 5-team divisions. Many fans had hoped the USFL would adopt something we have seen in the Canadian Football league, which is a third match between certain rivals within divisions to retain a majority-division schedule. The hope expressed by many on the various “talking head” shows on ESPN and across sports radio, is a format that has each team play 9 divisional games (which would mean 3 games against each opponent in the division for the clubs in the South and Southwest, but only 1 additional divisional game for the other divisions). The theory is that by having all teams with an equal number of divisional games, you increase fan interest, but also increase competitiveness across all 6 divisions. Whether that is true or not is unknown, but we will not be finding out in 2008 as the schedule structure is set for the year. The matchups have yet to be released, as we typically see this come out in October, and this year it may be even later as the league focuses on the expansion process, but we do know that it will be 2 games against each division opponent for all 28 clubs, meaning some will have 6 divisional games and 10 inter-divisional matchups, while most teams will have 8 divisional and 8 inter-divisonal games in the revived 16-week schedule. Two matchups of Wild Card teams on a roll against the #2 seed in each conference, that is what awaits us in the USFL Conference Championships. Can Chicago’s defense hold up against the offensive talent of the Ohio Glory? Will Jacksonville or Memphis prove more explosive on offense as veterans Jake Delhomme and Brett Favre face off? Two intriguing matchups as the #1 offense in the league, Jacksonville, face off against one of the league’s legendary quarterbacks. In the West, it is a rivalry as good as any in the league as Chicago takes their high-pressure, high-intensity defense into Columbus to face a very familiar foe. Can Kerry Collins once again lead his Glory squad back to the Summer Bowl? We will find out in just 4 days as the USFL Conference Championships decide who will be facing off in Summer Bowl 2007. EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP #5 Jacksonville Bulls (8-6) @ #2 Memphis Showboats (10-4) Sunday, July 15 @ 2pm ET Liberty Bowl Stadium, Memphis, TN Showboats favored by 3 This could be another shootout, as we saw in both the Orlando-Memphis and Jacksonville-Boston games. Offense should be the name of the game as both clubs got here on the strength of their offensive prowess. That said, the key could well be the ability of the defenses to either contain their opponent or to force takeaways. Normally we would look to Jacksonville’s Lavar Arrington to be a disruptor in this game, but he is likely forced out of this one by injury, which could hurt Jacksonville’s ability to force takeaways. The Bulls still have some major defensive talent in the form of LB Mike Vrabel, DT Marcus Stroud, and DE David Bowens, but the defense definitely loses aggressiveness without Arrington on the field. For Memphis the key player on defense has to be LB Hannibal Navies. Rookie Patrick Willis has been outstanding, but it is Navies who tends to be the biggest headache for opposing offenses. Navies is always around the ball and always trying to turn a stop into a takeaway. If he is successful, Memphis could have enough to outgun the Bulls. OUR PICK: This is a tough one, because we love what both teams do on offense, but we are going to go with the Showboats, if for no other reason the loud support they will have from the fans in Liberty Bowl Stadium. Showboats 33 Bulls 31 WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP #4 Chicago Machine (10-4) @ #2 Ohio Glory (11-3) Sunday, July 15 @ 6pm ET Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH Glory favored by 4 ½ These two teams are like two bad neighbors. They know each other well, cannot stand each other, but cannot get away from each other either. The Chicago-Ohio rivalry has become one of the league’s best over the course of the new century, with Ohio often having the upper hand, but the wins never coming easy. We all know what storylines to expect. Ohio will try to use their trio of Collins, George, and Galloway to overpower the Machine defense, while Chicago will rely on Urlacher and the D to disrupt the Ohio offensive schemes, get to Collins early, and contain George. Who wins will likely depend on who takes advantage of rare, missed plays and errors. Ohio can be vulnerable against the run, something Chicago is well aware of after their Week 7 clash in which Chicago rode Michel Turner’s 100-yard game to a 17-point victory. But, Chicago also has some weak spots, and with a rookie at QB you never know when the pressure will hit a breaking point. OUR PICK: While the regular season battles between these two has evened out recently, Ohio still has been dominant in playoff matchups, and they certainly have more experience where it counts. We trust Kerry Collins to get the job done against rookie Brady Quinn. Our pick is Ohio. Glory 27 Machine 19.