Category Archives: Weekly Stats

1984 Playoffs: Eastern Semifinals New Jersey Generals vs. Birmingham Stallions

“Generals March On: Cardiac Kids Stun Birmingham Stallions to Reach USFL Finals”

In a season defined by resilience and determination, the New Jersey Generals have once again defied the odds, staging a remarkable comeback to secure their spot in the 1984 USFL finals. Facing off against the formidable Birmingham Stallions, the Generals showcased their trademark grit, clawing their way to a thrilling 20-17 victory in a game that will surely be remembered as one of their finest moments.

From the opening kickoff, the Stallions looked to assert their dominance, jumping out to an early lead with two touchdown passes from quarterback Cliff Stoudt to receiver Jim Smith. But the Generals, led by quarterback Brian Sipe and a tenacious defense, refused to back down. Despite facing a halftime deficit, they rallied in the second half, mounting a relentless offensive attack and shutting down the Stallions’ potent offense.

The turning point came in the fourth quarter when the Generals’ defense, led by linebacker John Joyce and safety Justin LeClair, forced a crucial turnover, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback. With the game hanging in the balance, Sipe orchestrated a masterful drive, culminating in a touchdown run by Herschel Walker to give the Generals their first lead of the game.

But the drama didn’t end there. With time winding down, the Stallions mounted one final desperate drive, only to be denied by a staunch Generals defense that refused to yield an inch. As the final seconds ticked away, the Generals’ faithful erupted in jubilation, celebrating a victory that seemed improbable just weeks ago.

For head coach Chuck Fairbanks and his resilient squad, the win was a testament to their unwavering belief in each other and their ability to overcome adversity. With their sights set on the USFL championship, the Generals now prepare to face their next challenge, knowing that they carry the hopes and dreams of an entire franchise on their shoulders.

As they bask in the glow of their latest triumph, the Generals can take pride in knowing that they have etched their names into the annals of football history, proving once again that in the game of football, anything is possible when you believe in the power of teamwork, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit.

Week 13 Wrap Up

No Saturday games this week, but Denver cooled off a hot Stallions team at home, shutting them out 14-0 on Friday evening. The win helped them keep pace with an equally hot Oakland team. Oakland just kept winning this week behind a 5 touchdown performance by their quarterback Fred Besana.

In the other Sunday games, Washington defeated New Jersey and Boston kept their distance from Philadelphia, all but taking the division unless the Stars find their fortunes turning quickly. The two best teams in the league, record wise, dispatched easily with their opponents and proved to be the class of the league once again.

Week 13

Friday

Birmingham Stallions 0, Denver Gold 14

Sunday

New Jersey Generals 14, Washington Federals 26

Los Angeles Express 10, Oakland Invaders 41

Philadelphia Stars 10, Boston Breakers 17

Monday

Arizona Wranglers 0, Chicago Blitz 27

Tampa Bay Bandits 3, Michigan Panthers 24

Week 13 Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Quarterback Fred Besana, Oakland Invaders. Besana torched the Express defense, going 28-33 for 438 yards and 5 touchdowns. His red hot play recently vaulted Oakland into first in the West and they look primed to run away with the division and make the playoffs.

Defense: CB Jeff Brown, Washington Federals. Jeff Brown led the Federals defense with 8 tackles and 2 interceptions. His play went a long way to leading Washington over New Jersey and possibly turning their fortunes with 5 weeks left in the season.

Special Teams: Thomas Lott, KR, New Jersey Generals. Lott returned 6 kickoffs for 157 yards. While he scored no touchdowns, his returns helped New Jersey to maintain decent field position the entire game.

Week 3 Wrap Up

Eastern DivisionWLTPFPA
Boston2107861
New Jersey1207078
Philadelphia1205047
Washington0304897
Central DivisionWLTPFPA
Chicago3009737
Michigan3008839
Tampa Bay2107755
Birmingham1202961
Western DivisionWLTPFPA
Los Angeles3008150
Oakland2107162
Arizona0302892
Denver0303369

A Note Regarding Week 3 Stat Leaders

You may have heard that due to a technical glitch, all stat leaders from week 3 have been lost. We worked hard at the USFL main offices to ensure that this does not happen again going forward. As a result, we are including the weeks scores and links to box scores on this page. Thank you for your understanding.

Week 3 Scores

Los Angeles Express 20, Arizona Wranglers 14

Oakland Invaders 14, Michigan Panthers 35

Denver Gold 14, Chicago Blitz 36

Tampa Bay Bandits 27, New Jersey Generals 20

Washington Federals 18, Boston Breakers 42

Philadelphia Stars 6, Birmingham Stallions 10

Players of the Week

Offense: Bobby Hebert, QB, Michigan Panthers. Hebert exploded for 341 yards passing and 4 touchdowns through the air as the Panthers defeated the Invaders 35-14. Michigan kept pace with the red hot Blitz and Hebert showed that Blitz QB Greg Landry isn’t the only one in the division with MVP potential.

Defense: Eric Scoggins, OLB, Los Angeles Express. Scoggins was a one man wrecking crew and a big part of the reason that LA leads the Western division early in the season. He recorded 6 tackles, 3 sacks, and one interception in their victory over Arizona.

Special Teams: Frank Corral, P/K, Chicago Blitz. Corral did everything in the kicking game, literally, for the victorious blitz. He we 5-6 on field goals, 3-3 on extra points, and added 3 punts with an average of 48.7 yards.