The Houston Gamblers fell short against the Memphis Showboats in a USFL South Division Showdown. The Gamblers lost 23-20 in week seven. Luckily for the Gamblers, while they fall to a 4-3 record, three teams in the South also have that record. There are just three more weeks to go in the regular season. With their record and the amount of time left, this Houston team can turn things around, and they can still make a push for the playoff. Here is a look at the Houston Gamblers studs and duds in week seven.
Houston Gamblers Studs
Houston Gamblers – Vasha Hunt/USA TODAY Sports
Mark Thompson
Running back Mark Thompson had a strong game for the Houston Gamblers despite their loss. Thompson ended the game with 13 rushing attempts for 42 yards, according to the USFL. He also had two rushing touchdowns, and his longest run was for 20 yards. While Thompson primarily ran the ball, he also had two receptions for 17 yards. Overall, Thompson had a great game for the Gamblers.
While the team lost, Thompson put the Houston offense on his back. He did well finding the holes and getting down the field for big gains. Hopefully, in the last stretch of the season, Thompson can keep this up and help his team get the wins that they need.
Manny Bunch
Safety, Manny Bunch, was easily a standout player on the Houston defense. He was the first player to make a big play, and he did not stop there. By the end of the game, Bunch had 11 combined tackles, of which were six solos, according to the USFL. He also had one sack and one pass deflection. Bunch was the player on Houston to start the game, getting an interception on the Showboats’ first pass of the game. That was just the beginning for Bunch, as he also had a forced fumble.
Although the Gamblers did not get the win, if Bunch can keep this up, the team can push for playoffs with just three more games to go. Bunch did what he could to hold off the opposing offense, but in the end, it was not enough for the Gamblers.
Houston Gamblers Duds
Gamblers QB Kenji Bahar (11) scrambles for a large gain in a 2023 matchup. (Michael Reaves/USFL/Getty Images).
Kenji Bahar
Quarterback Kenji Bahar did not have a great game for the Gamblers. By the end of the game, Bahar had 18 completions out of 39 pass attempts for 216 yards, according to the USFL. When he does make the passes, he gets a large amount of yards; the issue is he is not making these completions. He also had two interceptions for the day. Completing 18 passes for 216 yards is great, but there needs to be fewer interceptions and more completions.
Not all the blame can be put on the quarterback, but the turnovers were detrimental. If Bahar can make the pass, the Gamblers can turn things around before the end of the season.
The Offensive Line
Not everything can be blamed on Bahar because the entire offensive line for the Gamblers was disappointing. The Showboats had four sacks and seven tackles for loss, according to the USFL. This put too much pressure on Bahar. The quarterback never had time to breathe as the pocket continued to close on him. Credit does have to be given to the Memphis Showboats’ defense, as they did have a great game. But the offensive line is a big reason that Houston lost in week seven. If the team can get that together, they should be able to win.
The Houston Gamblers now fall to fourth in the South but have a 4-3 record, just like three other teams in the division. They will next face the 2-5 Pittsburgh Maulers. The Gamblers need to clean up their game but can still make a push for playoffs this season.
