N.J. Generals Yield the High Ground in USFL Opener

From the desk: FIVE STAR PIGSKIN

WEEK ONE

GENERALS    24

STALLIONS   28

FINAL

New Jersey Generals Fail to Protect Two Fourth Quarter Leads

Thirty-seven years after a former American president spearheaded their initial demise, the United States Football League is back on the gridiron to provide springtime pigskin.  

But let's be clear.  This is not the league I remember from the 80s and will nowhere near mimic its ancestor.  In fact, they're not even related.

The original USFL went head-to-head against the NFL by conducting annual amateur drafts and offering competitive salaries.  For the first time since the American Football League (and the laughable World Football League), players during that time were provided with a legitimate career option.  Not since 1985 have players been afforded that luxury.  

In the absence of deep-pocketed owners, friendly stadium deals, and a college draft, fans of this latest USFL endeavor should expect another minor circuit similar to the World League of American Football, AAF, and XFL.

Be that as it may, let's go, New Jersey Generals.  It's nice to see you back.

So, right away, I'm inclined to ask what's up with this proposed dual QB system head coach Mike Riley speaks of?  Ben Holmes was initially slated to be the starting quarterback, but two weeks before the season opener, he was released due to a foot injury.  The Generals then signed Luis Perez, who local fans might remember from the New York Guardians.  He is to tandem with De'Andre Johnson.

Luis Perez was 13/18 for 143 yards, with two touchdown passes and no interceptions.  Meanwhile, De'Andre Johnson was just 3/8 for 59 yards.  However, he led the team with 98 yards rushing on twelve attempts with a touchdown.

Receiver Randy Satterfield took a big hit early in the first quarter but persisted for 100 yards on five receptions with a touchdown.  Tight end Braedon Bowman also caught a touchdown.

The Birmingham Stallions (welcome back) surged late for a comeback victory.  New Jersey took a 14-7 lead into the half, but the Stallions tied the game in the third quarter.  New Jersey took a 21-14 lead with just over six minutes left.  Birmingham again answered back.  The Generals then were made to settle for a field goal at the four-minute mark, but Jersey's defense failed to hold, and another Stallions touchdown gave Birmingham a 28-24 lead and the final margin of victory.