The Memphis Showboats improved their record after a dominating win against the Pittsburgh Maulers. Memphis won the game 22-0, especially with their defense never giving the Maulers a chance. The Showboats have improved their record to 3-3. While still standing at 4th in the USFL‘s South Division. The team needed the win to keep up with the competition, with only four more games left for Memphis. With every football game, there are studs and duds. Here is a look at who stood out the most and who needs to step up their game for the Memphis Showboats.
Philadelphia Stars QB Case Cookus (10) vs. Memphis Showboats DL Jeremiah Valoaga (88) – Justin Ford/USFL/Getty Images
Memphis Showboats Studs
Derrick Dillon
The Memphis wide receiver Derrick Dillon had a strong game in week six. His explosiveness throughout the game was one of the top reasons for the win. Throughout the game, Dillon only had three receptions. This may sound like nothing, but it was for 61 yards, according to the USFL. His longest reception was for 37 yards. Dillon also averaged 20.3 yards per reception.
Despite just three catches, Dillon also had one kick return. The return went for 49 yards, and it was a big thing for Memphis. Field position matters, and Dillon was a big part of that. His 109-yard return off of a field goal also cannot be forgotten. The Showboats also can thank Juwan Washington for his big plays, but Dillon was truly a stud.
Troy Warner
The Showboats’ defense never gave the Maulers’ offense a chance. Many players on the defense should be recognized, but Troy Warner was a stud. Throughout the game, Warner had 11 total tackles, eight of which were solo. He also had one pass deflection and one interception, according to the USFL. The defense had a great game, but Warner ensured the Maulers’ offense could never get any momentum. The Maulers totaled just 56 rushing yards, and Warner is a big reason.
Memphis Showboats – Peter Thomas /USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Showboats Duds
Cole Kelley
Quarterback Cole Kelley did have a QBR at 88 against the Maulers, but there were still plenty of issues. The game started well for him, as a couple of incompletions were not his fault. After a while, it looked like Kelley did not know what to do with the ball and preferred just to run it himself. It should definitely be acknowledged that he did make multiple plays to avoid any loss yardage, but he was still one of the Memphis duds in week six.
According to the USFL, Kelley completed 14 out of 24 passes for 135 yards. He did pass for a touchdown as well as no interceptions. There were a couple of risky throws that he was lucky not to have been intercepted. Kelley continuously attempted to run the ball. Some worked out well for the team; others did now. He rushed ten times for 21 yards. The mistakes made are fixable, and the team won, but Kelley was still a dud in the week six matchup.
Ezra Gray
Memphis running back Ezra Gray could not get anything going against the Maulers in week six. Gray rushed the ball just one time for four yards, according to the USFL. He also had two receptions. His longest reception was for six yards, but his total was -2. Is this all Gray’s fault? It cannot be all blamed on him, it could have been the play calls, but the lack of any production makes him a dud. Potentially as the weeks progress, Gray can get the ball more, which can build momentum. Unfortunately, that did not happen, and Grat did not make any major impact.
The USFL Memphis Showboats dominated the game against the Pittsburgh Maulers. Their record is up to 3-3, despite still being in fourth place in the South. The team will next face the Houston Gamblers for another home game on Sunday, May 28th. Be sure to watch for these players to see if they keep at it or improve from this week.
