Playoff Preview

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Showboats Host Federals in Round 1 of 1985 USFL Playoffs

The USFL playoffs kick off this Saturday, June 22, 1985, with a high-stakes clash between the Memphis Showboats and the Washington Federals at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis. Scheduled for a 12:30 PM start, this matchup pits two distinct styles of play against each other, promising a compelling showdown.

Memphis Showboats: Explosive and Resilient

The Showboats enter the playoffs boasting one of the league’s most balanced offenses. Quarterback Walter Lewis has been a revelation, throwing for 1,593 yards and 16 touchdowns with a stellar 99.8 passer rating. His dual-threat capability is further underscored by 591 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground, making him a dynamic challenge for any defense.

Memphis thrives on big plays, with standout receivers Derek Crawford (70 receptions, 1,057 yards, 9 touchdowns) and Greg Moser (57 receptions, 1,145 yards, 6 touchdowns) providing explosive options downfield. Their running game is anchored by Tim Spencer, who has churned out 789 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.

Defensively, Memphis is formidable. Rufus Brown leads the team with 12 sacks and 50 tackles, while the secondary, led by Marcus Bessilieu (7 interceptions, 1 touchdown), has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The Showboats’ ability to create turnovers and apply pressure will be critical against a turnover-prone Washington offense.

Washington Federals: Grit and Grind

The Federals clinched their playoff spot behind a strong finish, leaning heavily on running back Craig Bledsoe, who surpassed 1,000 yards rushing (1,080) and added 7 touchdowns. Quarterback Mike Hohensee has shown flashes of brilliance, with 2,766 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, though his 20 interceptions remain a concern.

Wide receiver Joey Walters has been the heart of Washington’s passing attack, hauling in 98 catches for 1,410 yards and 13 touchdowns. Walters’ knack for finding seams in coverage will be crucial if the Federals hope to keep pace with Memphis’ high-powered offense.

Defensively, the Federals rely on a pass rush spearheaded by Steve Hines (8 sacks) and a solid linebacker corps led by George Johnson. However, Washington’s secondary has struggled against deep-ball threats, which could spell trouble against Lewis and his big-play arsenal.

Keys to Victory

For Memphis:

  • Control the tempo: Establish Spencer on the ground and exploit Washington’s secondary with play-action.
  • Turn defense into offense: Capitalize on Hohensee’s penchant for turnovers to set up short fields.

For Washington:

  • Limit mistakes: Protect the ball at all costs to avoid giving Memphis easy scoring opportunities.
  • Ground and pound: Use Bledsoe to keep the ball out of Lewis’ hands and wear down Memphis’ front seven.

What to Watch

  • Special Teams Impact: Memphis’ Derek Crawford has been electric in the return game, averaging 23 yards per punt return with a touchdown. Can Washington’s coverage unit neutralize him?
  • Third-Down Efficiency: Both teams will need to sustain drives to stay in rhythm. Look for this battle to hinge on clutch third-down plays.

The Memphis faithful will pack the Liberty Bowl to cheer on their Showboats, but Washington has shown resilience on the road this season. With contrasting styles and playoff intensity, this game promises to deliver a memorable start to the postseason.

Prediction: The Showboats’ explosive playmakers and opportunistic defense give them the edge at home. Memphis 31, Washington 20.

Who will advance to the next round? Tune in Saturday for all the action!