Generals Secure Playoff Spot with Convincing Win Over Gunslingers

The New Jersey Generals clinched a playoff berth with a commanding 21-10 victory over the San Antonio Gunslingers at Giants Stadium in Week 16 of the 1985 USFL season. Despite frigid conditions, quarterback Danny Bradley delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 174 yards and three touchdowns, including two to MVP Clarence Collins, whose explosive plays lifted the Generals to their ninth win of the season. New Jersey’s defense, led by Kerry Justin and Pat Brackett, stymied the Gunslingers’ attack, sacking quarterback Rick Neuheisel six times.

The game started with San Antonio controlling the tempo, orchestrating a 17-play drive that ended with a Nick Mike-Mayer field goal. However, the Generals responded decisively in the second quarter. Bradley found Collins for a 22-yard touchdown to cap off a quick nine-play drive and later connected with Jeff Spek for another score. New Jersey extended their lead early in the third quarter when Bradley hit Collins again, this time for a 53-yard strike. Though San Antonio’s George Works punched in a five-yard touchdown run later in the quarter, the Gunslingers failed to mount a comeback, plagued by a missed field goal and a costly fumble in key moments.

Clarence Collins proved to be the difference-maker with his four receptions for 115 yards, averaging 28.8 yards per catch, while Herschel Walker added 122 rushing yards on 29 carries to control the clock. New Jersey’s defense dominated late, forcing punts and sealing the victory with a suffocating fourth-quarter effort. The win solidifies the Generals’ postseason position, as they now prepare to carry their momentum into the playoffs.