Week 3 of the 1985 USFL season brought plenty of excitement and standout performances across the league. Saturday’s action kicked off with the Birmingham Stallions securing a 42-28 victory over the Boston Breakers, thanks to a balanced offensive attack and a strong second-half surge. Meanwhile, the Denver Gold made a statement with a dominant 44-21 win over the Los Angeles Express, fueled by Bob Gagliano’s four touchdown passes and a relentless offensive assault that left the Express reeling.
Sunday’s slate featured a thrilling shootout between the Pittsburgh Maulers and the New Jersey Generals, with Pittsburgh edging out a 35-31 win. Greg Anderson’s record-breaking 261-yard, four-touchdown performance, including a game-winning 73-yard score in the final minutes, was the highlight of the day. The Washington Federals stunned the Philadelphia Stars with a commanding 26-7 victory, showcasing their defensive prowess. In other action, the Tampa Bay Bandits outpaced the Jacksonville Bulls 30-17, while the Houston Gamblers held off the San Antonio Gunslingers 24-17 in a closely contested matchup.
Monday Night Football saw the Oakland Invaders cruise to a 37-13 victory over the Arizona Wranglers, capping off a week filled with intense competition. The Michigan Panthers dominated the Oklahoma Outlaws in a 25-0 shutout, while the Memphis Showboats overwhelmed the New Orleans Brass 44-24. The Chicago Blitz held off the Las Vegas Ace 27-20 in a tightly fought contest, rounding out a week that showcased both offensive fireworks and defensive standouts across the league.
USFL Stat Leaders After Week 3 (1985)
Games
Saturday
Boston Breakers 28, Birmingham Stallions 42
Denver Gold 44, Los Angeles Express 21
Sunday
New Jersey Generals 31, Pittsburgh Maulers 35
Philadelphia Stars 7, Washington Federals 26
Tampa Bay Bandits 30, Jacksonville Bulls 17
Houston Gamblers 24, San Antonio Gunslingers 17
Oklahoma Outlaws 0, Michigan Panthers 25
New Orlean Brass 24, Memphis Showboats 44
Las Vegas Ace 20, Chicago Blitz 27
Monday
Arizona Wranglers 13, Oakland Invaders 37
Standings After Week 3
Players of the Week
Offense: Bob Gagliano, QB, Denver Gold. Denver Gold quarterback Bob Gagliano was named the Week 3 Offensive MVP in the 1985 USFL, leading his team to a dominant 44-21 victory over the Los Angeles Express. Gagliano showcased his arm strength and precision, completing 26 of 45 passes for an impressive 384 yards, including three passes of 25+ yards. He threw for four touchdowns and added another on the ground, rushing for 22 yards and a score. Gagliano’s performance was pivotal in the Gold’s offensive explosion, making him a clear standout in Week 3.
Offense: Greg Anderson, WR, Pittsburgh Maulers. Pittsburgh Maulers wide receiver Greg Anderson delivered a historic performance in Week 3 of the 1985 USFL season, setting a league record with 261 receiving yards on 9 receptions, while scoring 4 touchdowns. Anderson’s chemistry with new quarterback Brian Sipe was undeniable, culminating in a game-winning 73-yard touchdown with less than two minutes remaining to secure a thrilling 35-31 victory over the New Jersey Generals. Anderson’s remarkable day not only showcased his playmaking ability but also solidified his place in USFL history with one of the greatest individual performances ever seen.
Defense: Kerry Justin, CB , New Jersey Generals. New Jersey Generals cornerback Kerry Justin stood out as the defensive MVP in Week 3 of the 1985 USFL season despite his team’s narrow 35-31 loss to the Pittsburgh Maulers. Justin was a force on the field, recording 7 tackles, forcing a fumble, and making a crucial interception that he returned 37 yards for a touchdown. His exceptional playmaking ability kept the Generals in the game, highlighting his versatility and impact as a defensive leader, even in a losing effort.
Special Teams: Lonnie Harris, KR, Arizona Wranglers. Despite the Arizona Wranglers’ 37-13 loss to the Denver Gold, Lonnie Harris emerged as a bright spot on special teams. Harris showcased his explosive return abilities, bringing back 8 kicks for a total of 163 yards, including a standout 35-yard return. His efforts provided the Wranglers with critical field position throughout the game, demonstrating his value and resilience even in a tough defeat.