Tag Archives: Pittsburgh Maulers

1985 London Game: Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Memphis Showboats

Defense

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“Saturday’s Gridiron Drama: A Tale of Triumphs and Turmoil – July 27, 1986”

Hello, dear readers! Nigel Somerset-Smith at your service, ready to whisk you away to a time when the gridiron was ablaze with the fervor of Saturday showdowns. Our destination: July 27, 1986, a date etched in the memory of every American football enthusiast.

Picture this: The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the field as Pittsburgh Maulers and Memphis Showboats took center stage. It was more than just a game; it was a riveting saga of triumphs and turmoil waiting to unfold.

The opening moments were electrifying, with Pittsburgh’s Steve Jordan booting a field goal that echoed through the stadium, setting the tone for a day of gridiron glory. The Maulers weren’t content with just a taste of victory—they hungered for more.

Brian Sipe, the maestro of Pittsburgh’s offense, orchestrated a symphony of plays that left the Memphis defense scrambling. A touchdown pass to Greg Anderson fueled the crowd’s frenzy, and suddenly, the Maulers were the puppeteers of this gridiron ballet.

Memphis, however, had no intentions of letting Pittsburgh steal the spotlight. Walter Lewis, a maestro in his own right, orchestrated a 50-yard touchdown pass to Greg Moser, igniting the Showboats’ comeback. The game was alive, pulsating with the raw energy that only American football can deliver.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, the intensity on the field soared. Lewis, with a quarterback’s finesse, weaved through the defense for an 11-yard touchdown run, leaving the Maulers in his wake. Memphis fans erupted in joy; the Showboats were sailing towards victory.

But the game was far from over. Anthony Parker, in a daring 14-yard run, added another chapter to Memphis’s tale of triumph. Walter Lewis, the virtuoso of the day, sealed the deal with a breathtaking 39-yard run into the endzone, putting the Showboats firmly in command.

Pittsburgh, however, refused to concede defeat. Brian Sipe, with unwavering determination, connected with Kirk Pendleton for a 7-yard touchdown pass. The Maulers fought back with grit and resilience, refusing to let the final chapters of this gridiron saga be written without a fight.

In the dying minutes, both teams pushed their limits, exchanging blows in a last-ditch effort for victory. The scoreboard told a story of touchdowns, interceptions, and the unrelenting spirit of American football.

And so, the curtain fell on this Saturday’s gridiron drama. As the players left the field, breathless and battle-worn, they left behind a tale etched in the hearts of fans. July 27, 1986—a day when the gridiron came alive with the echoes of cheers, the clash of titans, and the timeless magic of American football.

Until our next journey into the realms of sporting splendor, this is Nigel Somerset-Smith, bidding you adieu with the echoes of Saturday’s gridiron drama lingering in the air.

Pittsburgh Maulers 17, Birmingham Stallions 24

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Stallions Outpace Maulers in Thrilling Playoff Opener

The Birmingham Stallions rode the stellar performance of running back Joe Cribbs to a dramatic 24-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers in the opening round of the playoffs at Legion Field. Cribbs, named MVP of the game, accounted for two rushing touchdowns, including a pair of five-yard scores in the first half that set the tone for Birmingham’s offense. Quarterback Cliff Stoudt sealed the win with a late fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Ken Toler, capping a 69-yard drive that reclaimed the lead with just over a minute remaining.

Pittsburgh, trailing 17-3 at halftime, came alive in the second half with a more balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Brian Sipe connected with Flowers for a 15-yard touchdown in the third quarter and orchestrated a grueling 15-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard scoring plunge by Miller to tie the game at 17 late in the fourth. However, the Maulers were unable to capitalize on their momentum as Stoudt and the Stallions engineered a methodical response, exploiting Pittsburgh’s defense with key completions to Jim Smith and Joey Jones before Toler’s decisive catch in the end zone.

The Maulers’ defense fought valiantly, with Mike McKibben and Freeman combining for 16 tackles and two sacks, but they couldn’t contain Cribbs in critical moments. Meanwhile, the Stallions’ defense held strong when it mattered most, with Herbie Spencer leading the way with 11 tackles and a crucial fourth-quarter interception by Tommy Haynes. Birmingham advances to the next round, while Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes end in heartbreak despite a commendable second-half rally.

Team Stats

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USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Playoff Showdown in Memphis: Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Birmingham Stallions
June 23, 1985 – 4:30 PM at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium

The stage is set in Memphis for a high-stakes playoff clash as the Pittsburgh Maulers and Birmingham Stallions meet in the first round of the 1985 USFL playoffs. Both teams bring contrasting styles and strengths to the table, promising a thrilling matchup in front of a packed Liberty Bowl crowd.

Pittsburgh Maulers: Ground Game and Defense

The Maulers boast a run-first offense anchored by Mike Rozier, who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Rozier’s 1,361 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns highlight his ability to dominate games on the ground. Complementing Rozier’s power running is quarterback Brian Sipe’s efficient passing attack. Sipe has thrown for 718 yards with four touchdowns and a 91.3 passer rating, connecting with top targets like Greg Anderson (915 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns) and Kirk Pendleton (810 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns).

Pittsburgh’s defense, led by stalwarts like Sam Clancy (4 sacks) and Larry Graham (4 sacks), excels at pressuring quarterbacks and forcing mistakes. The secondary, featuring Gary Delaney (3 interceptions, 77 return yards), is opportunistic and capable of changing the momentum with big plays.

Birmingham Stallions: A Balanced Attack

Birmingham enters the playoffs as one of the league’s most well-rounded teams. Quarterback Cliff Stoudt has been a revelation, throwing for 3,358 yards and 34 touchdowns with a 91.2 passer rating. His connection with Jim Smith (1,322 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns) has been the backbone of Birmingham’s potent passing game.

On the ground, Joe Cribbs provides a consistent threat with 1,047 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, complemented by Stoudt’s mobility (437 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns). Defensively, the Stallions are no slouches either, with Dennis Harding leading the charge in tackles and sacks, and David Roe contributing a team-high nine sacks.

Keys to the Game

  • Pittsburgh: For the Maulers, controlling the clock with Rozier’s ground game and limiting Stoudt’s explosive plays will be crucial. Sipe must make the most of his opportunities to keep the Stallions’ defense honest.
  • Birmingham: The Stallions will aim to spread the ball around and exploit Pittsburgh’s secondary, while their defense must focus on slowing down Rozier and forcing the Maulers into third-and-long situations.

Prediction

This matchup pits the Stallions’ high-octane offense against the Maulers’ methodical ground game and tenacious defense. While Birmingham holds the edge on paper with their balanced attack, Pittsburgh’s ability to dictate tempo through Rozier and force turnovers makes them a dangerous opponent.

Expect a tightly contested battle, but the Stallions’ offensive firepower may give them the slight edge needed to advance.

Final Score Prediction: Birmingham Stallions 28, Pittsburgh Maulers 24.

Don’t miss this electrifying showdown as the USFL playoffs kick off with a bang!