Week 4 of the 1985 USFL season was packed with thrilling matchups and standout performances, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting race to the playoffs. The action kicked off on Saturday with the Pittsburgh Maulers falling just short against the Boston Breakers, who secured a 34-27 victory. Meanwhile, Jim Kelly led the Houston Gamblers to a dominant 49-24 win over the Michigan Panthers, earning Offensive MVP honors with a four-touchdown performance. In a nail-biter, the Memphis Showboats edged out the Tampa Bay Bandits 38-37, thanks to a clutch defensive effort by Don Bessilieu, whose interception return for a touchdown proved decisive.
Sunday’s slate featured several lopsided contests, with the Washington Federals pulling off an upset against the New Jersey Generals, winning 27-13. The Birmingham Stallions trounced the Jacksonville Bulls 38-7, while the Oklahoma Outlaws easily handled the New Orleans Brass with a 31-7 victory. In Arizona, the Wranglers held off the Philadelphia Stars in a close 14-11 battle, and the Los Angeles Express cruised to a 31-17 win over the Las Vegas Aces. The Denver Gold, despite a valiant effort, came up short against the Oakland Invaders, losing 34-31 in a high-scoring affair.
The week concluded on Monday night with a defensive showdown between the San Antonio Gunslingers and the Chicago Blitz. In a game that saw multiple turnovers and critical defensive stops, the Blitz emerged victorious with a narrow 17-14 win, thanks to a fourth-quarter touchdown run by Spencer. The win elevated Chicago to a 3-1 record, keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt, while San Antonio fell to 2-2 on the season. As Week 4 came to a close, the league standings tightened, with several teams emerging as early contenders in the race for the championship.
USFL Stat Leaders After Week 4 (1985)
Games
Saturday
Pittsburgh Maulers 27, Boston Breakers 34
Houston Gamblers 49, Michigan Panthers 24
Tampa Bay Bandits 37, Memphis Showboats 38
Sunday
New Jersey Generals 13, Washington Federals 27
Jacksonville Bulls 7, Birmingham Stallions 38
Oklahoma Outlaws 31, New Orleans Brass 7
Philadelphia Stars 11, Arizon Wranglers 14
Los Angeles Express 31, Las Vegas Ace 17
Denver Gold 31, Oakland Invaders 34
Monday
San Antonio Gunslingers 14, Chicago Blitz 17
Standings After Week 4
Players of the Week
Offense: Jim Kelly, QB, Houston Gamblers. Jim Kelly delivered a standout performance in Week 4, leading the Houston Gamblers to a commanding 49-24 victory over the Michigan Panthers. Kelly showcased his precision and deep-ball ability, completing 18 of 24 passes for 329 yards and four touchdowns, with an impressive passer rating of 138.9. His four touchdown passes, including four completions of over 25 yards, were instrumental in the Gamblers’ explosive offensive display. Despite being sacked twice and throwing one interception, Kelly’s poise and accuracy earned him Offensive MVP honors for the week.
Defense: Don Bessilieu, S, Memphis Showboats. Don Bessilieu played a pivotal role in the Memphis Showboats’ thrilling 38-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Bandits, showcasing his playmaking ability on defense. The veteran safety recorded four tackles, forced a crucial fumble, and delivered a game-changing 14-yard interception return for a touchdown. Bessilieu’s interception touchdown not only swung momentum in favor of the Showboats but also underscored his knack for being in the right place at the right time. His timely contributions were key in securing the narrow win and keeping Memphis in the hunt for a top spot in the league.
Special Teams: Clarence Verdin, KR, Houston Gamblers. Verdin turned in a performance for the ages, returning 4 kicks for a record 241 yards and another record 2 touchdowns. Both are records that may stand for a long time in this league.