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Devin Turner
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1985 Denver Gold Season Preview
As we head into the 1985 season, the Denver Gold, led by head coach Craig Morton, are poised to build on their previous experiences and aim for a more consistent and successful campaign. Coming off a 6-12 record in 1984, the team has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their strong finish with a dominant win over the Oakland Invaders. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the Gold are looking to improve their standing in the USFL and make a strong push for the playoffs.
Quarterbacks
The Gold’s quarterback corps remains steady with Penrose, Mortensen, Gagliano, and Hobart all returning. Their consistency and experience will be crucial in driving the offense. Penrose, likely to be the starter, will look to reduce turnovers and capitalize on the chemistry with his receivers.
Running Backs
The running game will again be anchored by Sydney, who led the team with 961 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns last season. Supporting him are White, Mathews, Johnson, Preston, and Murray. White, a versatile back, adds depth with his ability to contribute in both the running and passing games.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
The receiving corps, featuring Harris, Bailey, Williams, Arnold, and Balholm, offers a mix of speed and reliability. Williams stands out with his explosive playmaking ability, evidenced by his impressive average yards per reception. Tight ends Hicks and Nizolek provide strong blocking and reliable hands, making them valuable assets in both the passing and running games.
Offensive Line
The offensive line, led by stalwarts like Davis, Downing, and Rogers, will be tasked with providing better protection for the quarterbacks and creating running lanes for the backs. Their durability and experience will be key to maintaining offensive stability.
Defensive Line and Linebackers
The defense, headlined by Turner and Stalls, who combined for 23 sacks last season, will be crucial in applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Linebackers Gerken and Newton add to the defensive prowess, with Gerken being a standout performer with his ability to disrupt plays.
Secondary
The secondary, anchored by Sullivan and Martin, showed promise with a knack for interceptions. Sullivan’s leadership and experience will be vital in mentoring younger players like Allen and Dumars. The unit’s ability to prevent big plays and create turnovers will be a focal point for improvement.
Special Teams
Kicker and punter Speelman will aim for more consistency, especially in crucial moments. The return game, featuring Harris and Allen, provides explosive potential and could be a game-changer in tight contests.
Key Games to Watch
- Week 3 at Los Angeles Express: A tough opener against a strong team. Setting the tone early will be important.
- Week 7 vs. San Antonio Gunslingers: A rematch of last year’s high-scoring encounter, this game will be a true test of the Gold’s defensive improvements.
- Week 12 vs Oakland Invaders: After ending the previous season with a big win over Oakland, the Gold will look to replicate their success against their division rival.
Season Outlook
The 1985 season presents a fresh opportunity for the Denver Gold to leverage their experienced roster and build on the momentum from last season’s strong finish. With a balanced attack on offense and a defense capable of making big plays, the Gold have the potential to be competitive in the USFL. Consistency and minimizing turnovers will be key factors in determining their success. If the team can stay healthy and maintain focus, a playoff berth is within reach.
Final Thoughts
Fans should be excited for the upcoming season as the Denver Gold are set to bring exciting football back to the Mile High City. With a combination of experienced veterans and emerging stars, the Gold are ready to shine brighter in 1985.
Articles Archive
1984
Gold Chronicles: Denver Gold Dominates in Week 18 Showdown with Oakland Invaders
Denver Gold Faces Tough Loss Against New Jersey in 1984 Battle
“Denver Gold Dominates in Exciting Showdown Against Arizona”
Striking Gold in Denver: A Preview of 1983
A New Era: An Interview with Coach Morton (1984 Preview)