The New Orleans Breakers are coming off a win in which Coach Flip called it “A 14-round heavyweight fight” over the New Jersey Generals to remain unbeaten. Meanwhile, the Memphis Showboats won their first game of the USFL season, dominating Michigan in Detroit. What do you need to look out for in this matchup? Let’s get into it to find out.
Time/Location/Where To Watch
Sunday, May 14th
2 PM CDT/3 PM EST
Protective Stadium (Birmingham, AL)
FOX
Players To Look Out For
New Orleans Breakers
McLeod Bethel-Thompson | The Breakers QB is the USFL league leader in passing yards with over 100 yards through just four games. MBT looks to be an early MVP candidate.
Sage Surratt | Surratt is the USFL league leader in receiving yards. As a Tight End, that is an impressive stat. Surratt has made some clutch catches these last 4 weeks.
Wes Hills | The Breakers RB went without a carry in the first game of the season. Now through 3 games he is leading the USFL and both rushing yards and rushing TDs. He will be the workhorse for the Breakers going forward.
Breakers Defense | So many players to list such as Vontae Diggs, Neville Clarke, Jordan Brailford, and the list goes on. The Breakers defense looks to improve their run defense against a team that loves to run QB Draws.
Memphis Showboats
Cole Kelley | Cole Kelley since being thrown into the starting QB role has been nothing short of impressive. What he is doing isn’t out of the ordinary, as a Southeastern LA alum I have personally seen him with my own two eyes slice, dice, and even run over opposing defenses. He will be a key factor this week again.
Vinny Papale | Papale has been picking up some steam as of late. It seems ever since Cole Kelley was thrusted into the starting lineup he has been able to find a favorite target and that may be Papale.
Head Coaches
Todd Haley (Second Year)
John Defilippo (First Year)
Summary
The New Orleans Breakers will have to improve their run defense if they want to stop the new found power run game the Memphis Showboats have been bringing these last couple of games. Also, the Breakers offense will have to find ways to not become stagnant as they were for a few drives against the Generals last game.
Memphis will have their work cut out for them. New Orleans has dominated opponents for four straight weeks, always finding a way to get the job done down the stretch. Todd Haley will need to coach one heck of a game for his Showboats to stand a chance.
It will definitely be a battle of rushing attacks this weekend. Power football! Should be a fun matchup, so grab your popcorn.
What are your thoughts on this USFL showdown between the New Orleans Breakers and Memphis Showboats? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
