The USFL kicked off week 1 of the 1984 season with a full slate of games on Sunday. Five early games saw some exciting matchups with four of them resulting in only a one score game. Washington, Houston, Birmingham, Arizona, and Philadelphia all got their season off to the right start with victories in those games.
Then, in the 3 afternoon games, two expansion teams pulled off victories with Pittsburgh and San Antonio both handling their opponents easily. Los Angeles, with new quarterback Steve Young, showed some promise early, too. They defeated Denver. Then, in the evening game, we got a rivarly game, some revenge, and a playoff rematch all in the same game. Michigan defeated Chicago, much as they did both times in the regular season last year and got revenge for the playoffs loss. The win brings Michigan’s regular season win streak to 19.
USFL Stat Leaders After Week 1 (1984)
Week 1 Games (All Sunday)
Washington Federals 30, Jacksonville Bulls 24
Houston Gamblers 44, Tampa Bay Bandits 41
New Jersey Generals 24, Birmingham Stallions 36
Oakland Invaders 31, Arizona Wranglers 38
Philadelphia Stars 34, Memphis Showboats 27
Pittsburgh Maulers 23, Oklahoma Outlaws 10
Boston Breakers 28, San Antonio Gunslingers 40
Denver Gold 21, Los Angeles Express 31
Chicago Blitz 24, Michigan Panthers 30
1984 USFL Standings After Week 1
Players of the Week
Offense – Cliff Stoudt, QB, Birmingham Stallions. Stoudt and the Stallions put the league on notice in their week 1 victory over New Jersey. He threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to lead his team to a convincing win.
Defense – Chuck Clanton, DB, Birmingham Stallions.The Stallions showed up on both sides of the ball in the game. Clanton picked off 2 passes and forced a fumble in addition to getting six tackles in the Stallions win over the New Jersey Generals.
Special Teams: Joey Hackett, KR, New Jersey Generals. Hackett did what he could to keep his team in the game. He returned 6 kicks for 186 yards, including an 88 yard touchdown to give them a lead in the first half.