Playoff Preview

USFL Playoffs Round 2 (1985)

Bandits vs. Showboats: Round 2 Playoff Showdown in Tampa Bay

On Sunday, June 30, 1985, at 12:30 PM local time, the Tampa Bay Bandits will host the Memphis Showboats in a high-stakes Round 2 playoff clash at Tampa Stadium. With the Bandits enjoying home-field advantage and the Showboats riding the momentum of a decisive victory over the Washington Federals, fans can expect an intense battle between two dynamic teams.

Bandits Overview

The Bandits come into this game as one of the most explosive offensive teams in the league. Quarterback John Reaves has been a gunslinger all season, amassing 4,193 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. While his 56% completion rate and 40 interceptions have raised questions about consistency, Reaves remains capable of taking over games with his big-play ability.

Tampa Bay’s offense is bolstered by a strong supporting cast. Gary Anderson is a dual-threat star, leading the team with 1,207 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 678 receiving yards and 4 more scores. Larry Brodsky and Marvin Harvey provide deep threats, combining for over 1,700 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Bandits rely on linebacker Danny Wilson’s tackling prowess (160 total tackles) and a pass rush led by Todd Nordgren (10 sacks). Their secondary has been opportunistic, with Marcus Quinn and Alvin Bailey combining for 12 interceptions.

Showboats Overview

The Memphis Showboats are the league’s dark horse, blending a gritty rushing attack with explosive plays in the passing game. Walter Lewis has been a revelation under center, posting a 99.8 passer rating and leading the team with 16 passing touchdowns. He’s also a threat on the ground, rushing for 591 yards and 4 scores.

The Showboats’ ground game is anchored by Tim Spencer, who churned out 789 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, while Anthony Parker added 285 yards and 8 scores in short-yardage situations. In the air, Greg Moser has been nearly unstoppable, racking up 1,145 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, complemented by Derek Crawford’s 1,057 yards and 9 scores.

Memphis’s special teams could be an X-factor. Derek Crawford returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown during the regular season and averages an impressive 23 yards per return.

Defensively, the Showboats are opportunistic, with a deep rotation in the trenches and a knack for forcing turnovers. Linebacker Leonard Williams and safety Gary Shirk lead a disciplined unit capable of bending without breaking.

Keys to Victory

For Tampa Bay

  • Protect the Ball: Reaves must limit turnovers against a Showboats defense that thrives on takeaways.
  • Establish Anderson Early: Getting Gary Anderson involved both on the ground and through the air will keep the Memphis defense off balance.
  • Pressure Lewis: The Bandits’ front seven needs to disrupt Walter Lewis’s rhythm and prevent him from creating plays with his legs.

For Memphis

  • Control the Clock: A heavy dose of Spencer and Parker could help Memphis keep the Bandits’ offense off the field.
  • Big Plays: The Showboats must capitalize on their big-play potential, especially with Moser and Crawford stretching the defense.
  • Special Teams Impact: Explosive returns or key field position swings could tilt the game in Memphis’s favor.

Prediction

This matchup has all the ingredients for a classic playoff duel. The Bandits’ explosive offense and home crowd provide a significant edge, but Memphis has the tools to pull off an upset with disciplined defense and clutch playmaking.

Final Score Prediction: Tampa Bay Bandits 31, Memphis Showboats 27.