While they didn’t reach the Championship, the New Jersey Generals had arguably the most consistent season of any team in the USFL. They finished the year with a 9-1 record, winning nine straight heading into the postseason.
Marching on with our heads held high!🎖
THANK YOU, Generals fans! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NLeloNQkvE
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 26, 2022
When it comes to pure talent, New Jersey has plenty. Mike Riley put together an incredible team, from top to bottom. During the USFL’s 2022 season, the Generals were one of the most enjoyable groups to watch, as they provided viewers with excitement week in and week out.
PARIS. FORD.
That would be our ball‼️
📺: @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/8MK7x0F7jM
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 25, 2022
Let’s take a look at what went well for New Jersey in 2022, and what the future holds for the North Division powerhouse.
Elite Quarterback Play
Without a doubt, New Jersey featured two of the USFL’s best quarterbacks. While they both had very different playing styles, Riley found a way to use both in unique ways. His two-QB system worked quite well, and Riley made the right adjustments as the year went on.
.@DredaDon14 finds a WIDE OPEN @alonzomoore0765 for his first TD pass of the season!
📺 @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/gck83wzxul
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) May 7, 2022
To start with, DeAndre Johnson was a stellar athlete to watch all year long. His development as a passer was made evident in the USFL. Johnson was certainly taking over that QB1 role during the first several weeks. One of his best performances came in week five, when the Generals bested New Orleans in exciting fashion.
😤 @dredadon14 went into beast mode this weekend pic.twitter.com/UIRP4wHORY
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) May 15, 2022
However, the offense took a turn in week six, when Johnson got injured. While Luis Perez was a key part of Riley’s scheme, his usage was trending downwards halfway through the year. That all changed in their game against Houston, as Perez led the team to a last second comeback.
With all-access audio, you can get a closer look at a game-winning drive than ever before 👀🔥
Take an exclusive look at the communication between QB @PerezLuisQB and HC Mike Riley during the @USFLGenerals' game-winning drive in the third edition of "Inside the Drive" ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NTVKvJwNkH
— USFL (@USFL) May 26, 2022
With Johnson sidelined, Perez filled the starting role – and was exceptional. He threw nine touchdowns to only one interception in the regular season, serving as the USFL’s most accurate signal caller.
A @PerezLuisQB scramble + @braedonbowman score + a big man spike. 👌
📺: @FOXSports, @NBCSports & @PeacockTV pic.twitter.com/PITIlV4iaV
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) April 17, 2022
Even when DeAndre recovered from his ankle injury, Perez maintained his QB1 position – and for good reason. The offense settled into his calm yet effective leadership style. The spring league journeyman was sensational in the USFL, to no one’s surprise.
Darrius Shepherd is having a day to remember!
The @USFLGenerals with the game-winning touchdown against the Panthers. pic.twitter.com/xQ3vigMvWn
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) June 11, 2022
Exceptional Backfield
To start with, Darius “thick thighs” Victor was a force to be reckoned with all year long. His ability to break down opposing defenses was a sight to see, and he won Offensive Player Of The Year because of it.
Offensive Player of the Year @yungvitov has been a force to be reckoned with all season long for the @USFLGenerals 😤🎖
Who’s ready to see more of this in the Inaugural Playoffs this Saturday? ✋ pic.twitter.com/uOcu7LJRMy
— USFL (@USFL) June 22, 2022
Victor finished the year with 577 rushing yards, and nine rushing touchdowns – leading the USFL by a large margin. His intensity was unmatched, fighting through tackles on every single snap.
Darius Victor just couldn't be stopped ✋ pic.twitter.com/PBxJSEIPTf
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 4, 2022
However, we can’t forget about Trey Williams. Williams was an excellent piece to fit with Victor, as the two acted as a powerful one-two punch. Trey was second in the USFL with 579 rushing yards, putting on a show consistently.
Something that isn't being talked about enough: @twll3 finished the @USFL's season second in rushing yards. Dude has been crushing it week in and week out. Averaging 4.9YPC on 12 carries per game.
Oh, and @yungvitov is on this roster too. Insanity.pic.twitter.com/qA0v32TR3Y
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenMI) June 20, 2022
Once again, Riley knocked it out of the ballpark with his signings. Victor and Williams were unbelievable all year long, and elevated New Jersey’s offense to a whole new level.
MVP Impact
Speaking of elevation, we can’t ignore what KaVontae Turpin accomplished this season. The league’s MVP was absolutely incredible from start to finish. After week three, Riley made more of an effort to get Turpin involved in the game plan – which proved to be a very smart decision.
The USFL's MVP just signed a THREE YEAR deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
Spring. Football. Matters. I've watched @KaVontaeTurpin hop from league to league. Dominated in the FCF, TSL, ELF, and the #USFL. Now, the whole world is going to know his name. pic.twitter.com/MYCaGrQyxH
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenMI) July 28, 2022
As we all know by now, KaVontae is simply special. His ability to change the game in so many ways is very rare – and isn’t something that New Jersey took for granted.
The catch that gave @KaVontaeTurpin 500 receiving yards!
📺 @USA_Network pic.twitter.com/9RACCikCJg
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 18, 2022
Turpin finished the year with 540 receiving yards, leading the league. On top of that, he made an impact in the return game, as was made clear in the USFL Semi-Finals against Philadelphia.
MVP!! TURPIN DOES IT AGAIN! HE CAN'T BE STOPPED.pic.twitter.com/IBOUlGUrWw
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenMI) June 25, 2022
All year long, his presence was felt in a major way – which ultimately landed him an offseason deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
Generals – Stacked With Talent
As we continue down the roster, it’s insane to see just how much talent these New Jersey Generals possessed in 2022. Alonzo Moore, for example, was a spectacular wide receiver. He paired well with Turpin, adding a different element to the offense.
Still waiting for Alonzo Moore to get that NFL call. Moore was an absolute baller for the @USFLGenerals in 2022. He's got size, strong hands, smooth route running – nothing but a playmaker in the #USFL. pic.twitter.com/zC4nm1oo6i
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenMI) August 17, 2022
Meanwhile, Darrius Shepherd and Cameron Echels-Luper were excellent in their own regard. Both contributed at a high level throughout the year. Shepherd, in particular, became a major target for both Perez and Johnson down the stretch.
.@DShep03 WIDE OPEN 💨
📺: @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/D3srowip2q
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 25, 2022
The New Jersey Generals featured some of the USFL’s best offensive lineman. Garrett McGhin, for instance, was fantastic. He was a part of the inaugural All-USFL offense, and is now with the New York Giants.
Defensive Stars
New Jersey also boasted a defense that was capable of doing incredible things. In fact, many of their wins in 2022 can be attributed to a key stop, or turnover, that this unit produced.
.@SupaScoob in the right spot at the right time‼️ OUR BALL
📺: @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/tZxzaXpm90
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 25, 2022
For example, in week nine, New Jersey clinched the North Division as Paris Ford intercepted Eric Barriere – sealing the deal.
INTERCEPTED 🙌@DiddyBop12_ CALLED GAME for the @USFLGenerals
📺: @NBCSports pic.twitter.com/KLblH389sz
— USFL (@USFL) June 11, 2022
Dravon Askew-Henry was a solid defender throughout the season, proving that in week seven. He racked up two interceptions – and made the game-winning deflection to beat Tampa Bay.
TWO PICKS IN ONE QUARTER FOR DRAVON ASKEW-HENRY
The Generals defense today >>>>>>>
📺 @USA_Network pic.twitter.com/UFnZPNFvSK
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) May 28, 2022
The team had multiple athletes who could change the game with a single play. Toby Johnson was an exceptional big man, who was very active in multiple areas.
BIG GUY PICK ➡️ @Future020113SEC
📺 @NBCSports pic.twitter.com/89IcsyMWUm
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 11, 2022
D’Juan Hines, Chris Orr, Shalom Luani, DeVaunte Bausby, and plenty of others came together to create a cohesive unit that made big plays week in and week out.
Shalom Luani just brought it with this hit. 😳
📺: @FOXSports, @NBCSports & @PeacockTV pic.twitter.com/4BvjEJUzH8
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) April 17, 2022
While the New Jersey Generals didn’t have the best defense in the league, they always did enough to get the job done.
Coach Of The Year
Mike Riley has consistently been one of spring football’s best coaches, and this was no different in the USFL. He did such a spectacular job that Riley was awarded with Coach Of The Year honors.
WE ❤️ COACH
Mike Riley wins the Inaugural Coach of the Year Award! 🎖 pic.twitter.com/bkTTrJ50Br
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 22, 2022
Riley was responsible for building this team from scratch, and did an outstanding job at that. He led this team to a 9-1 record, clearly being one of the most loved coaches in the USFL.
Name a team who LOVES their Head Coach more than us … we’ll wait. 🫶🎖😍@Coach_Riley pic.twitter.com/Uty7HqcLc4
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 25, 2022
Without his leadership, impressive playcalling, and intricate development of his players, the Generals would not have seen the same success that they did in 2022.
What’s Next For New Jersey?
It will be interesting to see how Mike Riley, and the rest of the Generals staff, approach this offseason. There are some holes that need to be filled, especially on the offense. With Turpin and Perez both pursuing NFL opportunities, New Jersey will have to look to others to make an impact.
Now, the team did sign QB DaJuan Neal – who could turn out to be a major asset. Neal lit it up in the Indoor Football League over the past couple of years, winning IFL MVP two seasons ago.
Roster Updates:
Free Agent Signings:
• OL Bruce Trigg, NC Central/Morgan St.
• QB DaQuan Neal, Elizabeth City St.— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) August 11, 2022
Here’s the thing for New Jersey: this 2022 roster is capable of winning a Championship. They were the best regular season team this season – and still have a lot of the same pieces.
As for special teams, a steady kicker would be welcomed. New Jersey worked with multiple kickers in 2022, but never found someone who took command of the role. On the other hand, Brock Miller was a beast of a punter – and should absolutely return, if no NFL opportunities present themselves.
Soooo @Br0ckMiller has a 🚀 for a leg…
An INCREDIBLE 85-yard punt!
📺 @USA_Network pic.twitter.com/acftfdyVmf
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) June 18, 2022
If Riley can keep most of this group together heading into 2023, while adding a couple of valuable pieces, they will be in excellent shape. Contending for a championship in year two is certainly on the table.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, New Jersey just couldn’t execute in the playoffs, which ended their season. Philadelphia’s defense stepped things up in the postseason, ultimately costing the Generals their Championship hopes.
That being said, it was a very successful season for the New Jersey Generals. They built something special in the USFL, and now will turn their sights towards 2023 with their eyes on the prize.
The @USFLGenerals are heading to the inaugural USFL Playoffs 🙌
Watch the moment Head Coach Mike Riley reads the team's official invitation to Canton, Ohio ✉️🏆 pic.twitter.com/5EaXmrD18m
— USFL (@USFL) May 28, 2022
Did you enjoy watching the New Jersey Generals this season? What was your favorite moment from 2022? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!