While it is way too early to look at any predictions for the 2024 New Jersey Generals, it is a great time to peek at their biggest needs. One of the most difficult aspects of looking ahead to the next USFL season is not knowing which players will try for the NFL and which will be staying. As of now, the majority of the Generals’ players are still on the roster. Here is an early look at the 2024 New Jersey Generals’ needs.
The 2024 New Jersey Generals Quarterback
Step one for the 2024 New Jersey Generals is to figure out the quarterback position. This definitely hurt them in 2023, and now they have a year to figure out what to do. The Generals did release quarterback Dakota Prukop not long after the season ended. Based on the current roster on the USFL’s website, there are currently two quarterbacks for fans to debate about up until next season. Those two are Eric Barriere and De’Andre Johnson.
The Generals fans can definitely expect another quarterback to be signed, but for now, those are the two they are working with. In the 2023 season, Johnson was named the starter but dealt with injuries throughout the season. Johnson played in eight games this season, only starting in seven. In the 2022 season, he had 73 completions for 940 yards and four passing touchdowns, according to the USFL. It is still too early to say who will start in 2023, but definitely expect the team to sign another quarterback, maybe two, before the season begins.
New Jersey Generals RB Darius Victor (27) – Tim Nwachukwu/USFL/Getty Images
Balance the Run Game
Yes, this does correlate with figuring out the quarterback issues. As of now, New Jersey Generals’ running back, Darius Victor, will be returning to the team in the 2024 season. New Jersey had a great overlooked run game. That sounds odd, but it is true. When thinking of great offenses, the Stallions and the Breakers are the teams that are discussed. The Generals actually lead the entire league in rushing yards.
In the 2023 season, the Generals rushed for 1,342 yards, according to the USFL. They averaged 134.2 yards per game, also the highest in the league. The issue is that they only had ten rushing touchdowns in the 2023 regular season. Opposing defenses expected the Generals to play to their strength, and while at times it does work, it is difficult to score. If the 2023 New Jersey Generals can work on the passing game, their run game will become lethal.
New Jersey Generals QB De’Andre Johnson (1) – Tim Nwachukwu/USFL/Getty Images
Increase of Turnovers
The New Jersey Generals had a great defense in 2023, and it is a shame they could not make it into playoffs. By the end of the game, they were too winded to play as hard as they had been. Despite having a strong team on that end of the ball, the Generals only had five defensive interceptions, none of which were returned for a touchdown. They also had ten forced fumbles, seven of which were recovered. The fumbles that the team forced were solid, but an increase in interceptions would be special, especially if they could score from them.
Kickoff/Punt Returns
One of the most exciting parts of the 2023 season was the kick returns and punt returns. The number of players who scored or came close to scoring was fun to watch. It definitely helped get viewers, and it impacted every game. The Generals had their moments but could not get anything going. In the 2023 season, the Generals averaged 23.6 yards per return, according to the USFL. They did return one for a touchdown, and that in no way should go unnoticed, but hopefully, next year, they can do that more often.
The USFL’s New Jersey Generals practice at the Pro Football Hall of Fame – Kevin Whitlock/Massillon Independent
As for punt returns, they averaged just 4.1 yards per return. Of course, the average will not be as high as it is for kick returns, but it would still be nice not to have the Generals be ranked in last place. They ended up with a total of just 45 punt return yards. This is something the team definitely can improve upon, and it will be exciting to watch if they can.
The New Jersey Generals came close to making playoffs, but of course, it was not a great season for them either. The defense was a force to be reckoned with, and it was difficult to stop some of their explosive runs. The team just needs to figure out the quarterback position and clean up some other elements. There is no reason to believe that the New Jersey Generals cannot compete in 2024, and it will be exciting to see what they can do.
