In an action-packed weekend of USFL football, the Chicago Blitz dominated the Arizona Wranglers with a convincing 37-10 victory, while the Boston Breakers secured a 29-16 win over the Jacksonville Bulls. The Oakland Invaders held off the Los Angeles Express in a closely contested matchup, claiming a 21-17 triumph. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Stars showcased their dominance with a 40-28 victory over the Washington Federals.
On Saturday, the Birmingham Stallions exhibited a strong performance, defeating the Memphis Showboats by a score of 36-16. The New Jersey Generals managed to edge past the Denver Gold with a 24-20 win, and the Tampa Bay Bandits secured a 17-6 victory against the Pittsburgh Maulers. Monday’s matchups saw the Michigan Panthers emerging victorious against the Oklahoma Outlaws with a 17-7 score, while the Houston Gamblers showcased their offensive prowess, cruising to a 66-35 win over the San Antonio Gunslingers.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the playoff picture is coming into focus. In the Eastern division, the Philadelphia Stars have clinched their spot with an impressive 15-2 record, while the New Jersey Generals, standing at 10-7, have also secured a playoff berth. In the Southern division, both the Tampa Bay Bandits (13-4) and the Birmingham Stallions (12-5) have secured playoff spots, with the division championship yet to be decided. The Central division sees the Houston Gamblers (13-4) as the clear division champions, while the Chicago Blitz (11-6) and the Michigan Panthers (10-5) are vying for the second playoff spot. Out West, both the Oakland Invaders and the Los Angeles Express have secured playoff berths with identical 12-5 records, setting the stage for an exciting final week that will determine seeding in the postseason.
USFL Stat Leaders After Week 17 (1984)
Games
Friday
Arizona Wranglers 10, Chicago Blitz 37
Jacksonville Bulls 16, Boston Breakers 29
Oakland Invaders 21, Los Angeles Express 17
Washington Federals 28, Philadelphia Stars 40
Saturday
Birmingham Stallions 36, Memphis Showboats 16
Denver Gold 20, New Jersey Generals 24
Tampa Bay Bandits 17, Pittsburgh Maulers 6
Monday
Oklahoma Outlaws 7, Michigan Panthers 17
San Antonio Gunslingers 35, Houston Gamblers 66
Standings
Players of the Week
Offense: Jim Kelly, QB, Houston Gamblers. In Week 17 of the USFL season, quarterback Jim Kelly of the Houston Gamblers showcased an extraordinary performance that earned him the prestigious Offensive Player of the Week honors. Leading his team to a decisive 66-35 victory against the San Antonio Gunslingers, Kelly exhibited precision and dominance in his passing game. He completed 36 out of 45 attempts, accumulating an impressive 561 yards through the air and tossing an exceptional 7 touchdown passes. Notably, Kelly’s efficiency extended beyond passing, as he also contributed to the ground game with 28 rushing yards on four carries. His standout display underscored his prowess as a playmaker, solidifying his well-deserved recognition as the Offensive Player of the Week.
Defense: Chuck Clanton, DB, Birmingham Stallions. In a stellar Week 17 performance, Chuck Clanton, the defensive standout for the Birmingham Stallions, emerged as the Defensive Player of the Week. Playing a pivotal role in his team’s triumphant 36-16 victory over the Washington Federals, Clanton exhibited defensive prowess with a remarkable stat line. He recorded six tackles, showcasing his proficiency in stopping opposing plays. Clanton’s impact was further highlighted by his ability to disrupt the Washington offense, forcing two crucial fumbles that swung the momentum in Birmingham’s favor. The pièce de résistance came in the form of a spectacular 33-yard interception return for a touchdown, a game-changing play that not only secured the win but also earned Clanton well-deserved recognition as the Defensive Player of the Week. His exceptional contributions on the field underscored his importance in the Stallions’ success that week.
Special Teams: In a Week 17 showdown against the Houston Gamblers, San Antonio Gunslingers’ kick returner, Marcus Bonner, etched his name in the spotlight with a sensational performance. Bonner’s dynamic skills were on full display as he returned four kicks for an impressive total of 146 yards. The highlight of his electrifying performance was a jaw-dropping 91-yard touchdown return that not only showcased his remarkable speed but also proved to be a game-changer. This spectacular touchdown not only tied the game early but injected a surge of energy into the Gunslingers’ efforts against the Gamblers. Bonner’s standout performance in kick returns added an exciting dimension to the game, earning him recognition as a key playmaker for the San Antonio squad in Week 17.