The Michigan Panthers and the New Jersey Generals will likely be on the lookout for their first win of the USFL season after struggling a pair of powerful losses final week. With a 10-week season, it is necessary for each groups to keep away from the dreaded 0-2 begin that might probably all-but-eliminate them from the playoffs off the bat.

What You Must Know Concerning the USFL

On Sunday afternoon, Michigan dropped a 17-12 defensive slugfest to the Houston Gamblers. Michigan moved the ball up and down the sphere for 364 whole yards, led by Shea Patterson’s 17-of-25 outing for 192 yards and a landing, however three turnovers proved to be pricey. That efficiency ought to give head coach Jeff Fisher some hope concerning the potential of the passing sport for the remainder of the season. Nonetheless, as this staff moved ahead, they needed to clear up the ball safety as a result of the Panthers fumbled the soccer 9 instances, shedding three of them, which was unacceptable, even contemplating how tough a day it was weather-wise.

The Generals will likely be higher rested after enjoying on Saturday night time, as New Jersey rode a robust dashing assault to place itself able to win. However regardless of working the ball 44 instances for 222 yards, led by quarterback De’Andre Johnson’s 98 on 12 carries, it wasn’t sufficient in a 28-24 loss to Birmingham. Luis Perez accomplished Johnson properly within the passing sport as he accomplished 13-of-18 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Randy Satterfield scored the primary landing of the USFL on a 49-yard landing reception within the first quarter. The kicking sport had points as Nick Rose missed a pair of discipline objectives, which was enormous in a one-score loss since these six factors would have been sufficient to safe victory.

Michigan (0-1) at New Jersey (0-1)

Kickoff: Friday, Apr. 22 at 8 p.m. ET
The place: Protecting Stadium (Birmingham, Ala.)
TV: USA
Unfold: Generals -1

Three Issues to Watch

1. Michigan working sport
The quickest solution to get the Panthers again on observe will likely be to emphasise working the soccer. It’s arguably the best solution to give your offensive line the arrogance it must be profitable. Stevie Scott III led Michigan with 72 dashing yards on 18 carries and one landing. Cameron Scarlett added 66 dashing yards whereas averaging 4.4 yards per carry. The offensive line goes to play a key function in establishing the run, and they need to take a step ahead after having one other week of apply underneath their belts. Penalties will likely be one other factor to regulate as a result of the Panthers cannot afford to get into long-yardage conditions and be compelled to throw the soccer.

2. New Jersey offensive steadiness
Working the soccer successfully is job No. 1 for the Generals’ offense this week as properly. The offensive line mustn’t lack confidence in working the ball after doing a pleasant job of opening holes in opposition to the Birmingham protection. The quarterback state of affairs must settle in as Perez did one of the best job throwing the soccer, and if New Jersey desires to make the playoffs, it must be extra balanced on offense. Johnson is a good weapon on designed quarterback runs, however his accuracy wants to enhance. Johnson accomplished three of eight passes for 59 yards, for a 37.5 % completion share, which will not lower it over the period of the season. In distinction, Perez accomplished 72.3 % of his passes final week, which put him within the drivers’ seat to tug away and win the job because the season rolls on.

3. Michigan protection
You’ll be able to anticipate to see loads of eight-man bins within the early levels of this contest. The Panthers should do what they will to drive New Jersey to beat them by throwing the soccer and never counting on their floor assault. Final week, the protection carried out admirably within the pink zone, permitting just one landing in three pink zone makes an attempt. General, the protection stored Houston in test as they restricted the Gamblers to only 174 whole yards. Frank Ginda and Terry Myrick mixed for 18 tackles final week and might want to produce extra of the identical to provide the Panthers a shot to win.

Closing Evaluation

One of the vital encouraging issues concerning the first week of the USFL was how aggressive the video games had been, for probably the most half. If Michigan will get off to a greater offensive begin, it can set these two groups up with a chance to maintain this sport attention-grabbing into the second half. New Jersey ought to have extra success than Houston did in transferring the ball in opposition to the Panthers’ protection, which will likely be a enjoyable storyline to look at as a result of Perez is one of the best quarterback on the sphere. Ultimately, the Generals will rally this time round and win this sport late to get again to.500 on the season.

Prediction: Generals 20, Panthers 16

– Written by Scott Whittum, who’s a part of the Contributor Community.