USFL Power Rankings
by Fran Stuchbury
May 13, 2022 - United States Football League (USFL)
Week four of the United States Football League season is in the books, and the only remaining undefeated team is the 4-0 Birmingham Stallions. On the other end of the spectrum lies the only winless team in the league, the 0-4 Pittsburgh Maulers.
Week five's best matchup features the 3-1 New Orleans Breakers facing off against the 3-1 New Jersey Generals. Other games include the 1-3 Michigan Panthers against 2-2 Tampa Bay Bandits, the 4-0 Birmingham Stallions against the 2-2 Philadelphia Stars and the 0-4 Pittsburgh Maulers searching for their first victory against the 1-3 Houston Gamblers.
The power rankings after week four:
1. Birmingham Stallions 4-0
With so many players out due to illness Birmingham still remained undefeated thanks to its stellar defense. Expect the Philadelphia Stars to challenge them this week in a close contest. J'Mar Smith should be back as the starting quarterback for the Stallions.
2. New Orleans Breakers 3-1
Breakers quarterback Kyle Sloter threw for 414 yards in a victory against the Houston Gamblers, the highest passing total in the USFL. A win over the 3-1 New Jersey Generals would elevate New Orleans to the top challenger to Birmingham. Their defense will have to adapt to the Generals constantly swapping quarterbacks.
3. New Jersey Generals 3-1
The quarterback rotation with De'Andre Johnson and Luis Perez continues to improve, as the pair combined for 20 completions in 24 pass attempts, but that was against a winless Pittsburgh Maulers team. They will be tested this week against a New Orleans team that is first in total offense, averaging 383.8 total yards per game.
4. Tampa Bay Bandits 2-2
The Bandits are going have to do a better job protecting quarterback Jordan Ta'Amu against a Michigan Panthers defense that has given up a league-best 13 points per game.
6. Houston Gamblers 1-3
The Gamblers' three losses have come by a combined 13 points. Each setback came down to the end of the game. They are a better 1-3 team than their record indicates. The Gamblers may have a chance to build a complete performance against the winless Pittsburgh Maulers this week.
6. Philadelphia Stars 2-2
Philadelphia could easily be 1-3 if the Michigan Panthers had been able to make a short kick. Case Cookus is looking more comfortable running the Stars offense. They will attempt to be the first USFL team to defeat the Birmingham Stallions on Sunday.
7. Michigan Panthers 1-3
Kicking and quarterback play have killed Michigan this year. They lead the USFL in rushing yards per game with 190.3 yards per game on the ground, and their defense has only given up 13 points per game. The Panthers picked up Pittsburgh Maulers quarterback Jordan Love off waivers to try to improve the passing attack.
8. Pittsburgh Maulers 0-4
If the Maulers fall to the Houston Gamblers this Sunday, that would probably put an end to any hopes of them getting to the post season. They hope new addition at quarterback Vad Lee can spark the offense. His mobility should at least help improve the offense.
United States Football League Stories from May 13, 2022
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
