While it is surprising to say, the New Jersey Generals can make playoffs this year. The Generals currently sit a 2-6 record. In no way should they be able to make playoffs still, but they can. The standings in the USFL North go Philadelphia Stars (4-4), Michigan Panthers (3-5), New Jersey Generals (2-6), and the Pittsburgh Maulers in fourth (2-6). Not a single team has clinched playoffs, but that can change starting this weekend. Here is a look at how the New Jersey Generals can make playoffs this year.
Generals Can Make Playoffs With a Working Offense
Step one for the Generals to keep their playoff chances is to get something going on the offense. In no way do they need to control the game, but they need to stay on the field and score points. The offense has been hit with injuries and juggled multiple quarterbacks. It is time to pick one and roll with him. Last week, the Generals picked the wrong starter and did not get any momentum until it was too late. They need to fix that this week before it is once again too late.
Former Oregon Ducks QB Dakota Prukop (9) – Chris Pietsch/AP Photo
The way to go is for the Generals to start Dakota Prukop. He may not be the top quarterback in the league, but when he went in last week against the Memphis Showboats, the offense finally put up some sort of a fight. Prukop has only started in one game this season and has played in four. In the season, he has had 31 completions out of 50 attempts for 312 yards, according to the USFL. Prukop also has had three passing touchdowns and one interception. This is not great of course, but starting him this week and letting him build momentum can be a way the Generals can make playoffs.
If the Generals pass the ball more, they can finally run the ball the way they know they can. There is so much potential with this team’s run game, but now defenses expect it too much. Running back Darius Victor has played in all eight games this season but has not produced the way he can. This season he has had 80 rushing attempts for 455 yards, according to the USFL. Victor has averaged 4.6 yards per attempt but just two rushing touchdowns. The Generals actually average the highest rushing yards per game; it has just not been enough to get wins.
Starting Prukop can also help with the run game because he can utilize his legs. This is something that can keep the opposing defenses on their toes. Throughout the season, Prukop has only rushed the ball 11 times, but for 97 yards. He also has a rushing touchdown. Utilizing both the passing and run game can keep the offense on the field much longer. Last week, New Jersey’s time of possession was 19:05, compared to the Showboats’ time of 40:55. This is another aspect that shows how the Generals can still make playoffs as long as they fix these issues.
New Jersey Generals RB Darius Victor (27) – Tim Nwachukwu/USFL/Getty Images
Generals Can Make Playoffs With a Rested Defense
The worst part of the New Jersey General’s defense this year has been that they have no time to rest. This tires them out and makes it too difficult to stop the opposing offense. The Generals lead the league in points against at 153 points, according to the USFL. The defense has done very well at preventing opposing teams from rushing. New Jersey’s defensive line is strong. They have allowed 1,404 passing yards but just 765 rushing yards. It is defending the passing game that has clearly hurt them.
New Jersey has allowed an average of 175.5 passing yards per game compared to just 95.3 rushing yards. A big reason for this is how tired they get. Being out on the field for the majority of the game allows opponents to run all over them. This defense is good; just tired. The Generals have had 18 sacks, five interceptions, and 36 pass deflections. They also have had five forced fumbles and three recoveries. The Generals can make playoffs this season, but the defense needs to be rested and force more turnovers.
Generals Can Make Playoffs With Repaired Special Teams
The final way that the New Jersey Generals can make playoffs is to fix their special teams issues. The team needs to be able to stop opposing teams from running through them. Their opponents have been starting too far down the field, putting a ton of pressure on the defense. Last week, the Showboats averaged 30.5 yards on kick returns, the longest being 47, according to the USFL. They also had 36 punt return yards. This was not the first time that the Generals allowed this to happen, and they needed to focus on making the tackles.
The Generals can make playoffs still, but it will be a lot of work. Their final two games are against the Philadelphia Stars, followed by the Pittsburgh Maulers. If New Jersey can build momentum, tune in to see if they can make a playoff push.
