Tag Archives: Chicago Blitz

Box Scores and Recaps, Stats

Chicago Blitz 14, Oakland Invaders 6

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1983 USFL Championship Game

Chicago defeated Oakland in the first ever USFL Championship game Sunday night in Denver. They rushed out to a 14-0 first half lead on two touchdown passes by quarterback Greg Landry. Then, they leaned on a defense that showed up in a big way in the playoffs. Only a week after sacking Michigan quarterback Bobby Hebert 11 times, they put the Oakland quarterback down on the ground 11 times.

Oakland managed only two field goals for the entire game. Chicago kept their potent offense off kilter for much of the game. They gained less than 200 net yards of offense and turned the ball over 4 times. MVP Jim Fahnhorst led the defense with 8 tackles and 3 sacks. Many contend that he could contend for a spot on a roster in the NFL and he certainly played that way this year. They look to have him on the roster for next year, but after that all bets might be off. See him while you have the chance, USFL fans!

Special Teams

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Playoff Preview

1983 USFL Championship Game Preview

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Chicago Blitz vs. Oakland Invaders

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

It’s strength against strength in the inaugural USFL Championship game. Chicago brings a defense that allowed the fewest points in the league. They also sacked Michigan quarterback 11 times in their playoff matchup to hand Michigan their only defeat of the season.

Meanwhile, Oakland boasts a potent offense led by quarterback Fred Besana. He passed for just under 4000 yards and spread the ball around evenly. Oakland comes into the game with 3 receivers who gained over 800 yards. Running back Arthur Whittington gives them a balanced attack with 1200 plus rushing yards.

On the opposite sides of the ball for the two contenders, Chicago’s offense features a running back tandem who each rushed for over 1000 yards and 14 touchdowns combined. Oakland’s defense came in third in points allowed at 270, or roughly 14 points per game.

The old adage states that offense wins games but defense wins championships. If so, look for Chicago to ride their defense to a win in this game and the title of first ever USFL champion. though, honestly, in such a tightly contested game, special teams might end up being the difference.

Prediction: Chicago 16, Oakland 14.

Box Scores and Recaps, Stats

Chicago Blitz 21, Michigan Panthers 17

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1983 USFL Playoffs, Round 1

Chicago and Michigan played another exciting playoff game on Sunday evening. Chicago finally beat their division rival, a team that went 18-0 in the regular season and looked destined to finish the job. Chicago rode their defense in the game, sacking quarterback Bobby Hebert 11 times. Their patented two back offense proved enough with both running backs scoring a touchdown in the game.

For their part, Michigan’s defense and special teams kept them in the game. They sacked Chicago QB Greg Landry 9 times, and intercepted him twice. Robert Penny well returned one for a touchdown. Michigan scored their other touchdown on a blocked punt return. But Landry tossed a touchdown with 4 and a half minutes left in the game to pull ahead. Michigan got 3 more chances to take the lead, but Chicago never let them beyond their own 38 yard line. The win matches the Blitz up with the Invaders in next week’s championship in Denver.

Team Stats

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Playoff Preview

1983 USFL Playoffs Round 1 Preview

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Saturday – Oakland Invaders at Boston Breakers

While Boston boasts the better record in the match up, Oakland comes in as one of the hottest teams in the league. They won 9 in a row including a win over the Breakers in the second to last game of the season. That win came as revenge for a 29-9 loss against the Breakers in week 6.

The game promises offensive fireworks. Both quarterbacks threw for close to 4000 yards, with Boston passer Jonny Walton surpassing the total. Both teams boast 1000 yard rushers and Boston has a reciever with over 1000 yards. To counter, Oakland brings three receivers with over 800 yards for a slightly more balanced attack.

Prediction: Boston Breakers 24, Oakland Invaders 18

Sunday – Chicago Blitz at Michigan Panthers

The two best teams in the league record wise and stats wise collide again on Sunday in the other playoff game. Michigan finished the regular season undefeated, including two close wins over Chicago. Quarterback Bobby Hebert and running back Ken Lacy led the Michigan offense. Defensive MVP candidate John Corker terrorized quarterbacks to the tune of 27 sacks, likely a record that will stand for some time.

On the other sideline, quarterback Greg Landry managed the offense enough to allow two of the Blitz running backs to gain over 1000 yards rushing on the season. They added 18 touchdowns to the mix. And, the Chicago defense played well, too, holding teams to a league low 235 points. This game promises to be one of the most exciting of the year.

Prediction: Michigan Panthers 16, Chicago Blitz 13.