The Warriors franchise collected their 7th NBA championship with their win over the Boston Celtics. The first two Warriors Championships were won when the franchise started in Philadelphia. When Warriors arrived on the west coast and became the Golden State Warriors, it was way before Stephen Curry was even born. The Golden State Warriors had a special team in the 1974-75 season where they were the underdogs in the 1975 NBA championship versus a heavy favorite Washington Bullets team. The Warriors were led by the great Rick Barry as they humiliated the Bullets sweeping them under the rug in 4 games.

The Warriors were then non-relevant for decades as they were one of the bottom feeders of the NBA for most of those years. Then Stephen Curry was drafted by the Warriors and Golden State added other pieces to surround the former Davidson College hero. Golden State becomes a dynasty of the NBA world winning 4 Champions in the last 8 seasons. Curry joins the likes of Lebron James and Shaquille O’Neal with 4 rings. With one more championship, at the age of 34 Curry can join guys like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. Curry would rather be more Duncan-like than Lebron James, the fake king of the NBA, when it’s finally time to hang up the spikes for good.

Stephen Curry could easily have 5 rings already if the Golden State Warriors had not blown that series versus Lebron James in his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Golden State was up 3 games to 1 on the King’s Cavaliers. Cleveland would rally and win their first NBA championship of all-time in 2016. Let’s not forget the Warriors beat the Cavaliers in 2015 to win their first championship of the four, tagging Lebron James yet with another championship loss. The King James is 4-6 all-time in the NBA Finals while Stephen Curry is 4-1 all-time. Curry has played his entire career with the Warriors. While Lebron James has created dream teams with other superstars around the league to help him get to the finals. Some would say that Curry teamed up with Kevin Durant for a few seasons as Golden State collected two more championships. Curry would win without Durant as he did it this season, and the very first one this dynasty got in 2015.

I always liked the way Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs went about his basketball business. Duncan came in his rookie season and helped David Robinson win his first ever NBA championship; a superstar who was going to be linked with guys with no rings such as Karl Malone and Charles Barkley. Robinson retired from the game and Tim Duncan became the face of San Antonio basketball. Duncan would go on and win four more titles, all in a Spurs uniform, where he played his entire career. The Spurs knew what they had, drafted well, and put guys around Duncan. When it comes to the Warriors dynasty, it’s the guys they have around Curry that help this team maintain their winning ways. Curry’s splash brother Klay Thompson has been a part of all 4 championships, just like Draymond Green’s defense. Duncan had Manu Ginobili for years who made the Spurs deadly with that 1-2 punch. Michael Jordan needed Scottie Pippen back when the Bulls won six titles. It does not matter, and the former Bulls teammates continue to throw poop at each other with the airing of the Last Dance and Pippen’s book which told his side of things. Lebron James has to find another superstar every few years through Facebook or he tries recruiting them on the court to work with him.

Stephen Curry is a man of action. How he leads his play on the court says it all. Curry definitely is more Tim Duncan-like as the locker room fights for guys like this. Curry finally got the MVP honors for the NBA finals for his play versus the Celtics. The team win is the most important rather than some individual trophy. Curry’s resume in his NBA career has some powerful stuff as he is an 8x all-star, 8x all-NBA selection and add in the 2x scoring leader. Lebron James is decorated like a 5 star general for what he has done in the NBA so far. When it all comes down to it, both James and Curry now have one number in common which is 4 rings which equals 4 championships. The Golden State Warriors will be gearing up for their fifth adventure next season. While Lebron James and his Lakers had an awful season not even making the post-season. James will be busy trying to recruit free agents. Perhaps maybe a reunion with Kyrie Irving with which their relationship went south very quickly after they won a championship together. Curry has trust in his coach, Steve Kerr, and the Warriors front office for improvements for next season by draft or free agency. Davidson just retired Curry’s number as we all remember when that small college went deep into the March Madness tournament and made it all the way to the elite 8. Stephen Curry and Davidson were David versus Goliath in all those big college basketball programs. Curry still is David while he knocks down three pointers like a sharp shooter on the floor. Curry is like Tim Duncan working hard on your own game. Then bringing that hard work play to the team while everyone comes together to play the game as a team. It’s the right way to slay the rest of the league, which all of them have some kind Goliath in the back court. Curry will never need a Lebron James. James will need a Curry if he wants to earn his 5th.

Looks like the USFL is going to go the distance and do what the XFL or the AAF in the last few years could not do, and conclude regular season play. The USFL playoff picture is cemented in before the final week of action kicks off.

Yes, Jim Mora’s former team, the Stars, are in. The Stallions are no longer perfect. You will be spitting teeth after you read this edition of the USFL power rankings. For the final week of the 2022 USFL Power Rankings we are going from bottom to top. Save the best for last.

THE BAD HALF OF THE LEAGUE

#8.

PITTSBURGH MAULERS (1-8) The hit on Maulers wide receiver Isiah Hennie last week versus the Stars, explains Pittsburgh’s entire season.

The Maulers have been the red-headed step child this year, everyone’s doormat. Isiah Hennie spitting out his tooth after the collision. Maulers could have won their second game of the season last week versus the Stars. The Stars’ Ahmed Dixon came waltzing in through the turnstile Maulers offensive line and pretty much took the hand-off himself, forcing a fumble as Philadelphia gets the ball back late in the game. Maulers could have closed this game out with a win. Stars then score a touchdown to steal the game away. All the trick plays the Maulers used to muster up those 16 points, now the team playbook looks light versus the Panthers in the last game of the season. It’s a game they could coin the toilet bowl of the USFL.

#7.

MICHIGAN PANTHERS (1-8) Jeff Fisher makes more noise in the NFL than the USFL this week. Fisher chimed in on the Washington Commander soap opera between Head Coach Ron Rivera and his Defensive Coach Jack Del Rio. From the peanut gallery Fisher told his former teammate Ron Rivera to shut up.

Jack Del Rio made some comments about the Capital uprising with the trials going on. Rivera rubbed his Defensive Coordinator’s nose in it like a dog pooping on the rug. Fisher was basically saying leave politics out of the game. Fisher’s Panthers played well and almost derailed the hottest team in the USFL, the Generals, blowing a lead late in this contest. Generals knocked out Panthers Quarterback Josh Love late in the game as Michigan suddenly became stone walled.

In the loss, it wasted a great performance out of Wide Receiver Joe Walker who had 7 catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns for the Panthers.

#6.

TAMPA BAY BANDITS (4-5) Bandits playoff hopes were crushed in a loss to the Breakers last week. If the Bandits would have won, they would be alive & still kicking in week ten action with hopes to sneak through the back door of the USFL post-season. Bandits only muster up 6 points versus the Breakers. Which was more than their first meeting, when these two teams met it was three points in a rout by the Breakers. Jordan Ta’amu was the top quarterback in the XFL in 2020. Many thought the Bandits would be one of the top teams in the league. Playoffs hopes on the line and Ta’amu can’t even even pass for 100 yards. Bandits won all their games against the worst teams in the league.

If I was a Bandits fan, I would not want Todd Haley in my city during Spring Break or any time of the year in 2023 when teams will play in their own cities. Haley and Maulers Head Coach Kirby Wilson should be fired at the end of year one of the USFL. The Bandits offense was dreadful. Haley’s coaching decisions are the same word… DREADFUL!!!

#5.

HOUSTON GAMBLERS (2-7) The old saying, “A day late and a dollar short,” explains the Houston Gamblers season. Gamblers upset the undefeated Stallions last Sunday. I’m not shocked. The Gamblers have a ton of talent on their roster and can probably beat anybody in this league on any given Sunday. The Gamblers problem is they could not close out games. They had blown the lead in multiple games during the regular season. Beating the Stallions came down to the Gamblers’ bend but don’t break defense. Gamblers were out-gained by the Stallions in this one with 329 yards to 129 yards. Gamblers only had 29 yards on the ground. Gamblers won this game despite having their second string quarterback under center. The Gamblers defense made the plays to stall long Stallion drives where they got nothing in return.

Return man Jo Jo Ward had a 58 yard kick off return that set up a field goal as Gamblers Special teams played a big part in giving the Stallions their first blemish of the season.

THE GOOD HALF

#4.

PHILADELPHIA STARS (6-3) The Philadelphia Stars for the last few weeks looked like a scary team to deal with in the post-season as their offense was rising high. Stars had nothing to play for in week 9 as they had their spot in playoffs cemented. I think fans would have liked to see a little more as starting quarterback Case Cookus did not look good against a bad Mauler team. Cookus did not play in the second half as the team will rest him for the post-season. Stars defense, which is a concern going into post-season, played well and Ahmed Dixon made the defensive play that turned the game around for the Stars.

Dixon forced the fumble as Maulers were looking to close out the game. The Stars offense took over and scored the winning touchdown. Stars defense is not best unit in the league, but find a way to make an important play in every game to help turn things around. Maulers scored all of their points from special teams last Sunday night versus the Stars.

#3.

NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (6-3) The Breakers’ win over the Bandits clinched the final playoff spot for the upcoming USFL post-season. Kyle Sloter looked horrible early on in last week’s contest by causing two turnovers for the Breakers. Sloter was benched. Breakers found a burst of energy from their back up quarterback, Zack Smith.

Smith orchestrated a key drive using his legs most of the time and then slings a perfect pass to the Breakers Tight End, Sal Cannella, for a touchdown. Sloter did return in the second half. Breakers defense as usual came up big. The Breakers to me have all the components to be the best team in the league. Kyle Sloter has to play a clean game. Sloter leads the league with turnovers. When Sloter plays well with that great Breaker defense, they will be hard to beat.

#2

BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (8-1) Stallions season will not be perfect after all as they suffered their first loss of the season by the Houston Gamblers. Last few weeks, the Stallions to me have been bored and trying some different things they usually don’t do. I thought the Stallions originally were going to finish the regular season perfect with the way they were going with the home crowd always behind them. I thought when the USFL moved their playoff games to Canton, Ohio leaving Alabama for the first time, the Stallions were going to falter not having their fans. Maybe this loss by the Gamblers is what the Stallions need at this time. Get the eye of the tiger back.

Stallions need a little pep in their step before post-season.

#1.

NEW JERSEY GENERALS (8-1) Meanwhile……

Head Coach Mike Riley’s team, the Generals, are the hottest team in the league winning 8 straight only losing a close one on opening night to the Stallions in the first game. Riley was in the stands watching the other games after his team took care of the Panthers last week in the first game of week 9. Riley was scouting the other teams and sharpening up his play book like Freddie Krueger with his claws.

Who will be Mike Riley’s starting quarterback in post-season?

This is interesting because Riley used both Luis Perez and De’Andre Johnson in a platoon situation earlier this season. Then Johnson took over as the starting quarterback for several weeks until he got injured. That left the starting duties lately going to Perez. Johnson is back & healthy. Does Riley go with the two-headed monster? Platooning quarterbacks in the post-season can be a challenge. It will be interesting to see who QB number one will be.

Stallion fans are very excited their team is heading for post-season. The USFL playoffs will be played in Canton, Ohio. Which team will have the most fans in Ohio since Birmingham has had the home field advantage all year? Week 8 power rankings show not much movement, but we have a clearer picture of the playoffs. The Maulers’ hammers are broken.

Week 8 USFL power rankings will be a promising good read.

#1.

BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (7-0) (SAME) The Stallions clinched a playoff spot as they remain unbeaten with still the best record in the USFL. When you’re the top dog of the league and playing the last place Mauler team, you tinker with a few things. The Stallions got their back up quarterback involved in the offense. Alex McGough is lined up as receiver. McGough is a jack of all trades & master of none. Bobby Holly scored on a 52 yard fake punt that gave the Stallions the lead.

The Stallions have been using the wish bone offense with three running backs lined up in the back field in some of their goal line packages. Fine tuning the playoff playbook.

#2.

NEW JERSEY GENERALS (6-1) (SAME) The Generals were actually the first team to clinch a post-season spot with their win over the Bandits. Generals have won 6 in a row. In a game that the Generals dominated as the score would tell it was a close game. Generals defense creating turnovers as they picked off Jordan Ta’amu three times and stopped the Bandits in the red zone in the last minute of the game. Shalom Luani, best safety in the league, had two interceptions for New Jersey.

#3.

NEW ORELANS BREAKERS (5-2) (SAME) The Breakers had quite the scare playing a bad Panther team but survived in overtime against them. Sooner or later, one of these bottom dwellers will beat one of these top teams in the USFL. Kyle Sloter, who is the best quarterback in the USFL, was able to drive his team down the field and force overtime, thus setting the New Orleans kicker up with a manageable kick to tie the game. Breakers would finally put away the Panthers in the extra frame.

#4.

PHILADELPHIA STARS (4-3) (SAME) The Philadelphia Stars will be a scary team in the playoffs with their high powered offense. The Stars defensive unit is one of the worst in the league. If that unit could make a few plays, this team could be scary. Stars put 35 points on Houston last week. The Stars scored 22 points in the second half. Stars have a great running game. The aerial game has a slew of players that contribute, as Case Cookus spreads the ball around very nicely.

Tight end Bug Howard caught his 4th touchdown pass of the year. Theo’s friend on the Bill Cosby show went by the nick name, “Cockroach.”

Insects names do well into the adult stages of life. Wide Receiver Jordan Suell has caught 23 balls for 246 yards & leads the Stars in receiving.

#5.

TAMPA BAY BANDITS (3-4) (SAME) The Bandits have lost two straight weeks by one score. Todd Haley’s offense may have the best quarterback in the league on paper. Todd Haley, mastermind of offensive strategies, has forgotten something very important in rule one when it comes to Offense 101. Protect your quarterback.

Bandits quarterback Jordan Ta’amu has been sacked 15 times. Ta’amu is the second best ranking quarterback in the entire USFL, but he’s running scared most of the time.

Ta’amu leads the league in interceptions and he threw three of them last week in a tight game versus the Generals. The Bandits have to hope they can win all their remaining games and get help if they want to make post-season.

#6.

HOUSTON GAMBLERS (1-6) (SAME) Donald Payne Jr. was the Defensive Player of the Week with two interceptions, one he ran into for a score.

Getting an individual award like Donald Payne Jr. did get from a great game is wonderful, but once again the team gave up 35 points to the Stars. Another second half collapse by this Houston team during which they gave up 22 points to the Stars with the lead. Houston could easily be 6-1 or 5-2, & at least have some kind of winning record. The tale of two halves is when they give up the game late. I will say the Gamblers are the best 1-6 team in the league, if that helps any.

#7.

MICHIGAN PANTHERS (1-6) (UP 1 SPOT) The Panthers salvaged one of the Maulers’ quarterbacks.

Looks like Jeff Fisher goes garbage picking at night dressed up as Batman. The Panthers are using Josh Love and the team played a solid game versus the Breakers only to lose in overtime. The Maulers quarterback situation looks to be the worst. Reggie Corbin is having a solid year as he gained 108 yards on the ground versus the Breakers. Corbin is number two in the league in rushing yards.

#8.

PITTSBURGH MAULERS (1-6) (DOWN 1 SPOT) Kirby Wilson is the worst coach in the USFL. The story about Wilson cutting a running back over choosing pizza over chicken salad, does not seem far fetched. Wilson is heard with the live mikes in the USFL on the television coverage just berating his starting quarterback, Vad Lee. Eventually Lee would be taken out of the game for Roland Rivers, another quarterback who the team signed off the street, days prior.

The Maulers were still in the game as well when Wilson inserts Rivers, the 4th quarterback used by Pittsburgh this year. Maulers had their first touchdown in the first quarter last week and first lead all year. Maulers won their only game in the last second of regulation versus the Gamblers. Wasted effort by the Maulers as their running back was averaging 6.7 yards a carry in the first half, while the kicker drilled a 60 yard field goal. Maulers are the Bad News Bears of the league with all the bad quarterbacks they’ve been parading behind center.

Remember the days of Joe Sakic leading the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup Finals? Will the Lightning move on to defend their Stanley cup to seek a three peat? Is Connor McDavid the best player remaining? The Rangers keep finding a way. We are down to 4 teams left in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Last round we went 2-2 in our predictions of each series. Round 1 we did very well going 5-3. We have a 7-5 record in the playoffs, which is not impressive. We are winning!!!

Let’s throw some more darts at the board and see who we’ve got meeting up in the Stanley Cup Finals.

WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

COLORADO AVALANCHE VERSUS EDMONTON OILERS

The Colorado Avalanche have the best record in the Western conference and are a series away from getting back to the Stanley Cup Finals. Meanwhile Connor McDavid is performing like the best hockey player on the ice throughout these playoffs. Remember those Wayne Gretzky-led Oiler teams he carried on his back?

Can Connor McDavid carry this Oiler team on his back to the Cup Finals?

LAST ROUND: Colorado dropped an Avalanche on St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington, knocking him out of the series.

Binnington was playing very well before his injury as Colorado would move on to the championship round. Oilers were able to upend the Calgary Flames, an archrival in the Canadian world.

Connor McDavid Robin is Leon Draisaitl and this Edmonton line has been tearing it up with 26 points in 12 games in the post-season. The Oilers even let a Joker in the Batcave.

Evander Kane, the most hated man in hockey, has 12 goals for the Edmonton Oilers this post-season which give this team a potent offense. Then Mike Smith, a 40 year net-minder, has a .927 save percentage during this Edmonton run.

The Colorado Avalanche record is the best in the league remaining because they have 7 out of the 50 best players in the NHL according to ESPN. Let’s mention the Connor McDavid on Colorado, who goes by the name Nathan Mackinnon.

I like the Avalanche to finish this thing up strong and make the finals. I think Edmonton has played over their heads till now and are due for a let down. Colorado’s Cale Makar will make his stand on defense to fluster the McDavid line. Does Edmonton have anyone that can control or stop the Avalanche’s second deadly line with Nazem Kadri skating circles around teams? Kadri would be on most teams in the NHL top lines.

PREDICTION: AVALANCHE IN 6 GAMES

EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING VERSUS NEW YORK RANGERS

This is an interesting match up that features the Rangers, an original six team who play in the biggest city in North America. Then you have the city of Tampa Bay known as a town of losers when it comes to their professional sports landscape. Suddenly the Lightning seem to be knocking on the door for a three peat in the hockey world as Tampa Bay is collecting titles in sports like a kid collecting baseball cards.

LAST ROUND: Lightning swept away the Panthers with ease winning the Florida State battle.

The Rangers have been playing the spoiler role in their first two series. The Rangers have overcome two deficits in each series. Rangers found a way to come back and knock the Penguins out in round one. Then doing the same thing to the Hurricanes in round two.

Last time the Lightning lost a playoff series, was back in Spring 2019. Lightning have won ten playoff series in a row while collecting two Cups. Lightning could be the first team to 3 peat since those Islander teams in the 1980’s.

Can Artemi Panarin be the difference maker in this series for the Rangers? Panarin signed with the Rangers for big money. Now it is time to show why you are worth all that money.

Rangers have some play makers on this roster that can make this series interesting. All-star defenseman Adam Fox. Mika Zibanecad can light the lamp. Can Igor Shesterkin keep a well balanced offense intact in front of the net for the rangers?

Lightning have been like thunder in this round with the experience this team has. I can not go against them until some team knocks them out. I just don’t think the Rangers can win a seven game series versus the Lightning. I think the Lightning is a well-balanced team with a deep roster of talent just oozing out. Lightning have the best goalie on the planet right now in Andrei Vasilevskiy as he has stopped 211 shots out of 218 so far in playoffs which equals out to a .968 save percentage. Did we mention Vasilevskiy has been in net for Tampa Bay in the last two Stanley Cup runs?

PREDICTION: LIGHTNING IN SIX GAMES

The Generals salute the Gamblers in a walk-off score.

Week Seven Power Rankings have some movement but not much. Stallions are still king of the hill. The Maulers were a disappointment. Panthers are looking at another guy behind center for the stretch of the season. Has the Stars win locked down a playoff spot? We have another edition of the USFL Power Rankings enjoy.

#1.

BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (6-0) (SAME) The Stallions start the second half of the the return of the USFL in grand fashion with a blow-out win over the Panthers to remain perfect for the season. The Stallions showcase another weapon they have at their disposal. BO KNOWS ???

Not the great Bo Jackson Raiders running back blasting off his six shooters every time he hit pay dirt. The Stallions have another Bo. A local yokel Bo, former University of Alabama running back.

Bo Scarborough… the name just sounds like a bruising running back. Scarborough was picked up a few weeks back by the Stallions. Last weekend, Scarborough rushed for 105 yards on the ground that included a 28 yard touchdown to put the game on ice for the Stallions.

#2.

NEW JERSEY GENERALS (5-1) (SAME) The Generals have now won 5 games in a row and are still the second hottest team in the league. Most of the season the Generals have been using duel pianos at the quarterback position. Generals head coach Mike Riley made a decision to go with D’Andre Johnson as the main guy behind center. Johnson would not last the game versus the Gamblers. This is why Riley is genius-like, because no worries the Generals have Luis Perez who has experience and plenty of reps this season.

Luis Perez eventually would lead the Generals back into the game. Then Perez would engineer a winning drive at the end of regulation to keep the Generals winning streak alive and well coming into week 7. Perez and Johnson are probably the best 1 & 2 combo behind center in the entire USFL. Remember the Generals drafted a guy named Ben Holmes who never even sniffed the field and eventually was released.

#3.

NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (4-2) (SAME) The Breakers recipe for winning games depends on if Kyle Sloter does not turn over the ball and when the Breakers score a touchdown on the defense. Both things happened with the win over the Maulers last week.

Corner-back Ike Brown had the longest pick six of the year, a 97 yard return touchdown of the Maulers. The Breakers have assembled a top notch defense. I like former Iowa State defensive lineman Kamillo Tongamoa. Tongamoa is a monster that clogs the middle of the line for the Breakers.

Tongamoa put pressure on opposing teams’ offensive lines as caves in the middle of the quarterback enforcers. Tongamoa has two sacks with nine tackles so far for the Breakers.

#4.

PHILADELPHIA STARS (3-3) (UP 1 SPOT) The Stars won the middle of the road bowl by winning the shootout versus the Tampa Bay Bandits last weekend. Running back Matt Colburn II had the hat trick in rushing touchdowns for the Stars.

Colburn II now had 4 total rushing touchdowns this season in a Stars uniform. Case Cookus is now 2-1 as the starting quarterback filling in for the injured Bryan Scott. Both quarterbacks Scott and Cookus have thrown 5 passing touchdowns behind center for the Stars. Stars have a high powered offense and could be a scary team in round one of the playoffs. Stars are second in the North chasing the Generals who they will not catch. Behind the Stars, in the North Standings in the USFL, is a pair of 1-5 teams. Great chances to lock up the second seed in the North.

#5.

TAMPA BAY BANDITS (3-3) (DOWN 1 SPOT) The Bandits lost to the Stars last week in a shootout. In a game that has these two teams now at 500. Bandits feast off teams with losing records and the Stars had a 2-3 record coming in. Now the Bandits are in the bottom 4 of the league instead of the top 4. Bandits playoff hopes may be shredded as they have a match up with the Generals this weekend.

Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu led a rally late versus the Stars, but the Bandits fell short in a close one. Bandits can’t overcome all the turnovers so they keep shooting themselves in the foot each weekend.

#6.

HOUSTON GAMBLERS (1-5) (UP 1 SPOT) This is even though the Gamblers lost last week to another walk off home run style heart breaking loss this time to the Generals in the last seconds of the game.

Even though they lost to the Maulers a week prior, I still moved them up a spot because the record should be way better. The Gamblers have played way better than the Maulers the entire year. You wonder if head coach of the Gamblers, Kevin Sumlin, is jinxed. If someone actually has the hex on him or the Gamblers in general. The best way to describe the Houston Gambler season is the movie Hamburger Hill. It’s about a United States platoon trying to take a hill from the enemy.

Above and before they try to take the hill, things are loose. Team is focused. Then the platoon find their way to the top of the hill like the Gamblers about to win the game late in the 4th quarter only to be shell-shocked.

I’m sure the Gamblers will find a way to beat someone before the season ends. Just don’t gamble any money on it.

#7.

PITTSBURGH MAULERS (1-5) (DOWN 1 SPOT) I had the Maulers out of the basement and up two spots in the power rankings with their first win over the Gamblers two weeks ago.

Last weekend the Maulers did the swing their hammer like the mighty Thor. The Maulers were back to their old ways. Dormant offense most of the game with a spurt late. Same defense that shows up like the offense in spurts of the game. I was raving about the new Mauler quarterback Vad Lee who did well when thrown into the action after just signing him off the streets.

Lee would throw a pick six and with the live feed you can hear the quarterback complaining about his wide receiver to head coach Kirby Wilson. The receiver has been there all year and Lee just has arrived on the scene the last two weeks. As quarterback, you’re the leader so take the blame on the poorly thrown ball. It’s your job to take responsibility as a leader of the team. Later Lee would throw a touchdown pass to that same Receiver he was sore about, but by accident as the ball was intended for another target and Baily Gaither would make a nice catch on ball sailing away. Gaither is the same guy who caught the winning touchdown versus the Gamblers.

#8.

MICHIGAN PANTHERS (1-5) (SAME) Shea Patterson, this season, has completed 59.6% of his passes behind center for the Panthers while passing for 973 yards with a QB rating of 112.4. Patterson has rushed for a pair of touchdowns with 171 yards using his legs. Patterson has thrown 4 touchdown passes. Decent numbers some will say as a quarterback in a Spring league. Patterson was the number one pick overall in the USFL draft which has led to one victory. The turnovers are the problem for Patterson who has 5 interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

The former Michigan Wolverine was cut by the Panthers this week. Many things have doomed the Panthers & the quarterback play overall has to be tops of the list. Another man’s junk is another man’s treasure as the Panthers will most likely turn to Josh Love who the Maulers tossed aside like an old shoe. Panthers show Josh some love by plucking him off the curb on garbage night.

When I first read that the New York Islanders fired their head coach, Barry Trotz, the lamp was lit in my head with thoughts about how the Chicago Blackhawks should ponce on a guy that suddenly became available. Derek King still has the label of interim coach on his title so you know the Blackhawks are kicking the tires on a new leader. In a year that dark clouds smothered the United Center, and are still lingering today, where the organization was exposed for the cover up Kyle Beach saga. Resulting in a slew of heads chopped off at the neck that were legends from the years that the Blackhawks hoisted three Cups. A stain that will need years of gasoline using a wire brush to scrape off the humiliation when the cat came out of the bag. Then to see the product on the ice perform poorly during the entire season; an organization at the crossroads with two of their best superstars that help win those three cups. The Indian sweater is at rock bottom once again right before the dynasty was created. When the Blackhawks were lower than pond scum sharing the worst franchise title with the LA Clippers out of the 4 main sports leagues. The Blackhawks need a guy that can bring toughness back to a team that needs direction and leadership, both of which Trotz can provide.

Barry Trotz is 59 years old and has been head coach in the NHL for 15 seasons. Trotz has been with three organizations starting with Nashville, then he went on to Washington, and then finally moving on to take the job with the Islanders. In 15 seasons behind the bench, Trotz has the 3rd most wins in NHL history as a head coach. Trotz has a regular season record of 914-670-60 which is a .567 winning percentage. Trotz won a Stanley Cup in Washington in 2018. It was the first and only cup the Capitals have ever won. In 4 seasons in New York, Trotz had a record of 152-102-34 as he fixed the Islanders who were one of the worst defensive teams in the league when he came in and turned them into one of the best in the league. In 2021, Trotz had the Islanders only one game away from making the finals. This year the Islanders went 37-35-10 under Trotz leadership and missed the playoffs for the first time out of his 4 year tenure. Not sure you can fault Trotz for missing the playoffs when the team started off poorly due to a five week road trip to start the season off while the team waited for their new arena to finish being built. The Islanders would then have a slew of injuries with some Covid issues, so you can chalk it up missing the playoffs as one of those bad luck seasons. Some organizations don’t care for any kind of excuses even when things are out of your hands and he was let go as the Islanders want a new voice for their team next season.

The Blackhawks have major problems on the ice and off the ice. The new General Manager was a busy guy at the trade deadline trying to trade away some mistakes that Stan Bowman made last off-season getting rid of them to other teams. The Blackhawks off the ice are still dealing with the after shocks of the Kyle Beach saga as they let a sexual predator walk out of their building with a recommendation for a new job even though they knew this guy was a sick twisted person. Then there’s the hoof and mouth disease the Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz had at a town hall meeting. It was held because the team had to try and get themselves out in front of this Kyle Beach cluster bomb. The meeting resulted in even darker clouds. Now the Blackhawks have restructured their front office and named Kyle Davidson the new General Manager taking the interim tag off his work. Davidson’s first move when he was named interim GM was getting rid of yesterday’s garbage in head coach Jeremy Colliton. Derek King then took over because he was on Colliton’s staff and the best available. Now Davidson could really get the regime off to a great start and hire Barry Trotz.

I don’t know if Barry Trotz would even take the Blackhawks’ phone call, especially if he does not want to take on a project. Bringing in Trotz could give Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews one last shot to build something around these two guys. Stan Bowman has tried to assemble guys around Kane and Toews for years since the dynasty ran out of gas, and has failed miserable. Bringing in Trotz would force the Blackhawks to build a solid defense around Kane and Toews. When the Blackhawks were winning Cups, some of those teams’ defense were not that good as the goalie bailed the team out again and again with the team’s high powered offense. Trotz would bring discipline right from the start. Especially, a team handcuffed by the salary cap would need to depend on younger talent. Trotz teams play an aggressive style of hockey as his players go out and hit people and crash the boards with authority. Toews is a much better player when he plays an aggressive style of hockey. Opposing teams would think before they hit a guy like Kane because they know somebody may be closer than they think in their rear view mirror. Trotz would bring a winning environment back to the United Center. Trotz has won in every place he has been. If the Blackhawks gave him the time and the players, I think Trotz can build a team that would make the post-season every year. Winning on the ice would help some of the dark clouds still lingering over the United Center turn into rainbows and unicorns. Eventually all those skeletons that came out of the closet could then be forgotten and placed back under the house in hopes no one lets them out again. Winning seems to always cure all.

The Maulers bringing out the sledgehammer versus the Gamblers.

Guess which team is out of the basement of the USFL Power Rankings? Pittsburgh wins its first game. The USFL is still going and we are at the half way point of the season. “Game on,” we used to say waiting for the car to pass in the middle of our whiffle ball game. This was on the streets with no name back when we were kids. Week six power rankings are coming right at you.

#1.

BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (5-0) SAME Birmingham still has not lost in Birmingham and have stayed unbeaten in the rebirth of the USFL. I have to tell Stallions Head Coach Skip Holtz that he is doing everything right except throwing in Mr. Magoo at quarterback from time to time.

Alex McGough, last name pronounced Magoo, originally was slated to be the Stallions’ number 1 guy behind center. McGough filled in for J’Mar Smith in week 4 because he missed the game due to illness. Stallions won scoring their lowest point total the entire season. Skip Holtz put McGough in as the starter last week, once again, which produced some points right off the bat, but Stallions found themselves trailing by ten points to the Stars. Smith was then inserted into the game, the Stallions bounce back quickly while prevailing with the victory, and team racked up 30 points. McGough should be done with for the rest of this season unless only if needed, as Smith should be the man. Stallions defense is still playing lights out even with their star defender, Scooby Wright, out with an injury last week.

Scooby Wright is building up quite the fan base wearing a Stallion jersey.

#2.

NEW JERSEY GENERALS (4-1) UP 1 SPOT The Generals are the second hottest team in the league as they have won 4 in a row. The only loss coming form the hottest team in the league, the Stallions on opening night of the USFL. Generals beat up on a pretty good New Orleans team last weekend. Head Coach Mike Riley might be the new king of Spring Football rising above the great Steve Spurrier, former USFL Head Coach of the original league back in the 1980’s.

Riley is scrapping the dueling quarterbacks he had going most of the season. Luis Perez, former pro bowler, will back up De’Andre Johnson who is a duel threat quarterback. He can beat with his arms and legs.

Johnson has shown leadership and the skills to be number one guy.

#3.

NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (3-2) DOWN 1 SPOT The Breakers’ biggest question at the half way point is… Can Kyle Sloter finish the season? Sloter is the definition of walking wounded. Sloter last week versus one of the elite teams in the league, the Generals, only completed 41% of his passes. Sloter did throw two touchdown passes versus the Generals. The mistakes are mounting up for Sloter as he had two interceptions versus the Generals. Sloter leads the league in interceptions with seven as those are Jay Cutler’s type of numbers.

Smoking Jay has been in news recently for having an affair with another football player’s wife. Let’s get back on track. How long can the Breakers defense hold up trying to erase the Sloter mistakes?

#4.

TAMPA BAY BANDITS (3-2) UP 1 SPOT The Bandits can beat the bad teams in the USFL. Which may be good enough to get Tampa Bay into the playoffs. Only problem for the Bandits is they share their division with the Breakers and Stallions. This week the Bandits square off versus the Stars which could bring them to 4-2. The Stars have a losing record of 2-3.

Remember the football movie, Invincible? It’s the story of Vince Papale trying out for the Eagles of the NFL and making it when they did a gimmick of open try outs for what was a bad team at the time. Vinny Papale, son of Vince, is showing his talents in the USFL. Something I’m rooting for is to see junior score a touchdown or even become a big weapon for the Bandits’ passing game.

#5.

PHILADELPHIA STARS (2-3) DOWN 1 SPOT The Stars seem like a middle of the road team to me. They will end up hovering around the 500 mark. Last week, Quarterback Case Cookus, getting his second start for the Stars when filling in for the injured Bryan Scott, he had the Stars on top of the undefeated Stallions late in the first half. The Stars offensive line completely caved in not giving Cookus the time he needed to be effective behind center. The Stars defense allows points and yardage as a unit. I do like the Stars linebacker, Josh Banderas, the heart and soul of the Philadelphia’s defense.

Banderas has two sacks and 24 tackles in 5 games this season for the Stars. The Stars could use a few more Banderases in the line up.

#6.

PITTSBURGH MAULERS (1-4) UP 2 SPOTS The recipe for winning football games is simple. Who’s the man behind center? The Maulers have been using two quarterbacks this entire season and both have been ineffective. Maulers cut Josh Love. Then Maulers gave Kyle Lauletta the start last week versus Houston. It was the guy the Maulers signed off the streets, who cured their situation behind center.

Former Georgia Tech star Vad Lee was inserted into the Maulers offense and the spark was lit. Lee had two touchdown passes for 170 yards in his debut including the clincher throw to wide receiver Bailey Gaither, a 9 yard reception that beat the Gamblers on the final play of the game. Now we can move on from that story about the Maulers coach cutting the running back because he wanted pizza instead of chicken salad.

#7.

HOUSTON GAMBLERS (1-4) DOWN 1 SPOT Houston you have a problem. Last week Houston lost to the winless Maulers on the last play of the game. A Maulers team with the worst offense in the USFL. The Gamblers have lost all their games in the second half giving up the lead late. Gamblers defense have many play-makers on that unit that can create a game ending play at any time. Guys like Will Likely, Chris Odom, Donald Payne, and Reggie Northrup can make noise can create havoc, but somehow fizzle at the end of the game.

The Gamblers need some kind of closer like at the end of a baseball game. Somebody to end the opposing team’s drives. Add more fuel to the fire in Houston’s world because their starting quarterback Clayton Thorson looked banged up by the end of that contest versus the Maulers.

#8.

MICHIGAN PANTHERS (1-4) DOWN 1 SPOT I would never have thought a Jeff Fisher coached team would be at the bottom of the barrel. Especially in a start up Spring football league, I would think Fisher would be rolling in the middle of the pack or on the top tier of the league because of his experience. I had the Michigan Panthers at number 1 coming into the first week of the season. That was my prediction. Panthers have one of the best defenses in the league. The Panthers chose the first quarterback off the board in Shea Patterson. Patterson has struggled but is starting to play better recently. Panthers have only been averaging 17.4 points per contest.

The Panthers problem is they have not played well at the same time. Both sides of the football, along with the special teams and coaching, have not put together a complete football game yet.

In round one of the Stanley Cup playoffs, we had a winning record predicting 5 out of the 8 match-ups correct. With the winning record, we know we should just call it a day and go home with a smile on our faces and pat our backs. Job well done. We are going to get wild and crazy and drive on the highway with no lights on during the daylight hours. Instead of doing that, we decided predicting NHL round two outcomes of each series is a better idea. We will take a stab at it and hope luck is on our side as we give you round two of the Stanley Cup playoff predictions.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

COLORADO AVALANCHE VERSUS ST. LOUIS BLUES

Can the Blues Goalie, Jordan Binnington, do it again? Binnington looked a lot like the 2019 goalie we saw get hot in the Stanley Cup playoffs who carried the Blues all the way to the championship. Binnington in front of the net versus the Minnesota Wild in first round just had 1.67 goals-against average. That’s a Berlin Wall in front of the net. Hold your horses as the Avalanche’s have 5.25 Goals per game versus the Predators which they swept away like a Tom and Jerry housekeeper getting rid of the cat.

I just can’t see Jordan Binnington keeping the Avalanche from lighting up the lamp or even able to keep them in check in a full series. Defenseman Cale Makar of the Avalanche had a big series versus Nashville with ten points in 4 games during which he had 3 goals and dished out seven assists.

Too many worries & too many talented pieces to overcome means it looks like St, Louis will be singing the Blues in this one.

PREDICTION: AVALANCHE IN 5 GAMES

CALGARY FLAMES VERSUS EDMONTON OILERS

Edmonton’s star Connor McDavid finally gets the Oilers out of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Round one exits have been a common theme for the Oilers. Then in Calgary the talk about the Flames superstar, Johnny Gaudreau, finally showing up in the playoffs and making himself be heard with his play on the ice. This will be a tough series as it should go the distance in the best out of seven. Connor McDavid played like the Superstar label that has been inserted on his jersey the last few years by producing 14 points in seven games. Evander Kane, who everyone hates, even produced in a high pressure series for Edmonton. When a series looks even, what my closing argument comes down to who is in the net. I like Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom with that stingy 1.53 goal-against average versus the Dallas Stars in round 1.

The Flames seemed like the team all year long destined to go deep into the playoffs. The Oilers machine is running on dirty crud and are due to bottom out as round two of the playoffs will be unfamiliar after they found a way to knock off the Kings in round one. It took everything from them in the process. Another long series will have different results for Edmonton.

PREDICTION: FLAMES IN SEVEN

EASTERN CONFERENCE

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING VERSUS FLORIDA PANTHERS

How often does the state of Florida have a match-up like this with two power house hockey teams playing for their own survival in the second round of the playoffs? The state of Florida is usually known for their power house College Football match ups over the years. Can the Panthers end the Lightning run of two Stanley Cup championships in a row? The Lightning may be without center Brayden Point for a few games of this epic battle in Florida since Girls Gone Wild invaded the beaches there.

The Panthers were the highest scoring team coming into the playoffs. Panthers stars Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov were MIA in the first series versus the Capitals.

I think the Panthers will give the Lightning a run for their money just like the first series versus the Leafs Tampa Bay faced. Lightning once again with their season on the brink and they’re defending their second Championship in a row means they will prevail. Andrei Vasilevskiy will once again be the X-factor for the Lightning ending a great Panther season. Have to go Lightning until actually someone beats them.

OUR PREDICTION: LIGHTNING IN SEVEN

CAROLINA HURRICANES VERSUS NEW YORK RANGERS

The Rangers and the Hurricanes had to go the distance of seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in two well fought out series. The Hurricanes overcame some bad history they had facing a Boston Bruins team that had their number. Even without their starting goalie, Frederick Anderson’s Hurricanes did well with Antti Raanta.

Igor Shesterkin struggled in the net for the Rangers versus the Penguins in round one. New York escaped round one against a Penguin offense that is one of the the tops in the league. Both the Rangers and the Hurricanes match-up well against each other. I think the Hurricanes have a bit more fire power than the Rangers. I liked the Hurricanes last year how they played & eventually got knocked out. I believe when you slay your dragon in Boston, then why not escape New York in round two.

OUR PREDICTION: CANES IN SIX GAMES

Rock you like a Hurricane.

We are approaching the halfway point of the USFL return. The picture is getting a tad clearer of which teams have risen to the top and a few teams that will stay at the bottom of the barrel. Some of the teams will hover around until they rise or fall in the next few weeks. In week 5 we have some movement in the regular edition of the USFL power rankings, but most of it’s the same as week 4. However we some new stories to be told about all of these teams. We kick around some numbers that tell some of the story of the success or why some teams are riding the struggle bus. The Stallions are still the top dog.

The Maulers seem to be repeating history. We dissected the worm in grammar school and survived. We can do the same with our lovely edition of this week’s power rankings.

#1.

BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (4-0) SAME

What is the recipe for being undefeated in the USFL? First to have home field advantage against all your opponents. Second, slice and dice your opponent and score the most points in the league. Third, pick out the top notch defense at the market.

Stallions lead the USFL in sacks with 12 in 4 games so they know how to kill the quarterback. The Stallions defense has held their opponents to only 17.3 points per game. Last week, the Bandits only tallied up 36 yards in the second half. Last week the Stallions failed to score 20 points or better, as they were held to 16. If you want, you can say that’s their first kink in the armor.

#2.

NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (3-1) SAME

The Breakers turnover the ball 4 times to the Houston Gamblers and still won the game. Chalk this up to great teams find a way to win the ball game. Kyle Sloter had a bad day at the office but redeemed himself at the end of the game by leading the Breakers to the winning score to put away the Gamblers for good.

They say the cockroach survived the extinction of the dinosaurs. Sloter has been stepped on, hit multiple times, has all kinds of injuries, but he’s like that bug keeps getting up to live and fight another 4 downs. Sloter shot his team in the foot 4 times and still keeps coming back at you. Like a horror movie you think the killer’s dead, but he always somehow returns. The Breakers defense last week put a grinding halt to the top running back in the league, Mark Thompson of the Houston Gamblers, as they swarmed him every time he touched the ball.

#3.

NEW JERSEY GENERALS (3-1) UP 1 SPOT

The Generals are moving up in this star-studded power rankings.

The Generals have won three in a row since losing in week one to the undefeated Birmingham Stallions.

Chris Dishman, the defensive coordinator of the Generals, has his unit only giving up 15.8 points per game which is the third fewest in the USFL. The former defensive back, Dishman, from those powder blue Oiler teams has done a remarkable job. On offense, the Generals ground game is second in the league with 178.3 yards per game. Running back Darius Victor leads the USFL with 4 rushing touchdowns.

#4.

PHILADELPHIA STARS (2-2) The back up quarterback is always the most popular guy from where at least I come, watching Chicago Bears football every Sunday. The Stars season looked grim last week after Philadelphia lost their starting quarterback Bryan Scott, who has been a rock star in this league behind center. A new star was born on the gridiron last week as Case Cookus took the reigns behind center and emerged as a gunslinger that completed 73% of his passes and lead the team to a big win getting back to the 500 mark.

Cookus threw 2 touchdown passes and had 190 yards in his debut to keep the Stars season alive closing in on the halfway point of the season.

#5.

TAMPA BAY BANDITS (2-2) DOWN 2 SPOTS Some experts thought the Tampa Bay Bandits were going to be the best team in the USFL. I thought that Jordan Ta’amu would be the best quarterback in the entire league. Don’t get me wrong, Ta’amu is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but to me he was much better in 2020 playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks.

Todd Haley is a bum. I think he coached on teams like Pittsburgh Steelers that had guys already in place, and he went along for the ride. The Bandits are averaging only 156 yards per game in passing which is the middle of the pack. Offensive genius that Haley thinks he is, the Bandits should have way more points on the score board. Bandits defense has kept this team in most of their games. Even though I think the Bandits have too many big guys that can get tired in the second half. A good running game can wear therm out.

#6.

HOUSTON GAMBLERS (1-3) SAME

The Gamblers defense are a machine at getting turnovers.

The Gamblers lead the league in that department as they forced 4 turnovers against the Breakers last weekend, with all of them coming from New Orleans quarterback Kyle Sloter. The problem with the Gamblers is they can’t capitalize on them. Plus the offense goes dormant in the second half and can’t put points on the board. Second half leads for Houston evaporate and lead to heartbreaking losses with another one coming from the Breakers last Sunday.

Gamblers have to figure out how to put away a team. They may need to start learning how to Mortal Kombat their opponent.

#7.

MICHIGAN PANTHERS (1-3) SAME Panthers have one of the best defenses in the USFL. The Panthers head coach, Jeff Fisher, has the most stars and stripes on his polo shirt in the USFL from all those years in the NFL. The kicking game for the Panthers have been killing them all year. Panthers had two timeouts left at their disposal at the 3 yard line with 28 seconds left in the game down by one point.

Jeff Fisher pulls a Homer Simpson, runs down the clock to a few seconds, and takes a time out to trot out his kicker. Not even taking one chance to try to get the six points with a touchdown. The kicker misses and game over. The Panthers lost to the Stars second string quarterback to pour gasoline on the fire.

#8.

PITTSBURGH MAULERS (0-4) SAME It looks like history is repeating itself in the city of Pittsburgh when it comes to the Maulers of the USFL. In 1984, the lone season the Maulers played, they finished with a 3-15 record which was at the bottom of the barrel of the league at that time. The big name the Maulers had was Heisman trophy winner running back, Mike Rozier.

Rozier could not carry the team by himself as the Maulers relied on a 3rd string quarterback from the Dallas Cowboys, Glenn Carano, who threw more interceptions than touchdown passes. The modern day Maulers really don’t have anyone who stands out from the pack. Maulers’ dueling pianists at quarterbacks have only mustered up 9.7 points per game. The defense surrenders 23 points per game which is the second highest in the league there. The Maulers may be jinxed by the man cut for going with the pizza over the chicken salad.

Hershel Walker of the old USFL did other things besides run the ball in his General days of the USFL. Generals are on the rise in the power rankings coming into week 4. The Stallions are the only undefeated team left in the rebirth of the USFL. How is Pittsburgh’s football team at the bottom of the barrel? Breakers fall from king of the mountain. Lots of moving around in this edition of the USFL power rankings. Lets see what we did well or what we messed up as we roll out week 4 and go over the top of the pile for this week.

#1. BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (3-0) Birmingham Stallions taking advantage of the home field advantage as they created a fan following with all games played in Alabama. The Stallions games are the only games each week that have some kind of crowd assembled that can be loud and motivating for the home team. Birmingham in the battle of the unbeatens last week took down the Breakers. Stallions are perfect after three weeks in the rebirth of the USFL. The Stallions won this game with their defense. J’Mar Smith behind center for Birmingham is not the best quarterback in the league but was able to throw two touchdown passes despite having a horrific quarterback rating of 39.5%. That was his worst performance last weekend versus the Breakers. Obviously it was the defense of the Stallions that held the top ranked offensive team, the Breakers, coming in to only 13 points. Linebacker Scooby Wright has some guys in the Stallion Mystery van that can defend as they forced three turnovers and registered two points with a safety.

DeMarquis Gates played out of his helmet versus the Breakers as he had ten tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery.

#2.NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (2-1) I feel the Breakers are still one of the top teams of this USFL. Sometimes you have an off night. Sometimes a loss is just what the doctor ordered. Breakers have the best quarterback in the entire league behind center. Kyle Sloter has 4 touchdown passes in three games with a quarterback rating of 117.2. Sloter has also been dealing with numerous injuries to his body but still takes the field. Offensive player of the week from Ohio State, Johnnie Dixon, is the top receiver in the league and Sloter’s top target as he has 16 grabs for 165 yards and three touchdown catches.

Breakers will be in the thick of things with their top notch offense and a very solid defense will win them plenty of games.

#3.TAMPA BAY BANDITS (2-1) The Bandits had to come back from ten points down late in the game to steal one versus the Gamblers. Tampa Bay has not played a full game yet in three games. In week one the Bandits scored all their points in the first half when they played what is right now the worst team in the league, the Maulers. In week two, the Bandits got smoked by the Breakers. In week three, the Bandits played a solid second half and come away with the win. Bandits have only averaged 15.6 points per game offensively. On defense they are giving up 21 points per game. You can pass on the Bandits as they allow the second most passing yards in the league. Is Bandits quarterback Jordan Ta’amu going to use this game as a stepping stone how he guided the comeback? Some could say it was luck in a league of bad kickers that Tyler Rausa hit that 33 yard game-winning field goal to win the game for the Bandits versus the Gamblers.

We know what happens to kickers when things don’t work out their way. Lets hope Tyler Rausa is playing with a full deck. Great kick in the clutch.

#4.NEW JERSEY GENERALS (2-1) Did not take a Mike Riley team that long to rise up in the USFL power rankings. Generals have a two quarterback system which has a nice rushing attack as one of their quarterbacks can use his legs to keep the chains moving. De’Andre Johnson’s 4 yard rushing touchdown sealed the deal for the Generals.

Behind the dueling quarterbacks that Mike Riley has, is a two-headed monster in the back field. Trey Williams and Darius Victor have been a force. Every Spring league, Riley has had a nice back field to go along with a pretty good guy behind center. Plus the Generals still have the King Pin pro-bowler in Luis Perez to use in passing situations.

The Generals defense does just enough to hold on or come up with a play or two to put the game on ice.

#5.PHILADELPHIA STARS (1-2) The Stars could be in big trouble. Last weekend the Stars lost their star quarterback, Bryan Scott, to a knee injury in the second quarter versus the Generals.

If Scott is out weeks, this could doom the Stars season. It’s like the Packers losing Aaron Rodgers and trying to replace him with a square peg that fits in a round hole. Stars lost the lead to the Generals in the 4th quarter to receive their second loss of the year after coming away with a win in week two, and the team looked like it would be headed in the right direction. Nothing else is working well for the Stars as the running game only mustered up 31 yards versus the Generals defense. The Stars defensive already surrenders the most yards allowed in the entire league.

#6.HOUSTON GAMBLERS (1-2) The Gamblers’ Reggie Northrup explained his smoking habit on the field as a picture of him went viral that had a cigarette dangling out of his mouth during a Houston practice.

He did not use Slick Willy’s excuse “I did not inhale,” made by the former US President Clinton. Northrup said it was just a prop. Which is up there with, “I’m holding it for a friend.” The Gamblers wear black uniforms and make a lot of noise. Love trash talking as they remind me of those old Atlanta Falcon teams coached by Jerry Glanville.

The Gamblers all talk and can’t walk the talk as they blew a double digit lead to the Bandits last week. The defense makes big plays but gives up big plays. The Gamblers have to rely on the running game as Mark Thompson has carried the heavy load, the ball and the team, on that side of the ball. Thompson leads the USFL in rushing with 310 yards after three games averaging 5.8 yards a clip.

#7.MICHIGAN PANTHERS (1-2) I did not think it would take to week three for former NFL coach Jeff Fisher to win his first game in the USFL. Panthers with a shutout win over Pittsburgh last weekend. Is beating a bad Mauler team earning you stripes in this new league? A win is a win, but the Panthers still have questions behind center. Paxton Lynch looked awesome on the first two drives of the Panther offense which resulted in two scores. Lynch even engineered two 2-point conversions after each touchdown. Then Lynch left with an ankle injury and did not finish the first quarter. Shea Patterson, who has been the starter most of the year for the Panthers, has only completed just over 50% of his passes. Let’s say the quarterback situation is the weakest link.

You can throw the Panthers kicker under the bus as well. The team last week went all in on two-point conversions instead of kicking the extra point after each score.

#8.PITTSBURGH MAULERS (0-3) The Maulers representing the city of Pittsburgh are playing more like all those bad Pirate teams, than all those great Steeler teams. When your team gets shut out by the other winless team last weekend, the Maulers have hit rock bottom in the USFL. Can you trade the entire team to the XFL? In three games, the Maulers scored a lone field goal in week one and then came back nicely in week two to score 23 points only then to be shutout. Maulers have been outscored 71-26 this season. The problem the Maulers have is the rotation of quarterbacks. They have to pick one and let either Kyle Lauletta or Josh Love be the guy. Neither Love or Lauletta can find that rhythm. If they do find it, they are replaced next time the team gets the ball back and have to sit and watch. The Maulers defense is respectable. I like the two headed monster at running back with Garrett Groshek and Madre London.