The Michigan Panthers suffered yet another loss yesterday at Ford Field. Falling to 2-4 at the hands of the Birmingham Stallions, there isn’t much to be optimistic about inside the organization. Still, the team did show some improvement even in defeat. With a more effective passing game, a much better-rushing attack than the past few weeks, and the staunch defense of Breeland Speaks, the Panthers may just need one more week to return to their winning ways. Even after, there are a few performances that gave the Detroit faithful and Head Coach Mike Nolan some faith in turning the season around.
Michigan Panthers Week 6 Studs and Duds:
Stud | Defensive End Breeland Speaks Leads Michigan Panthers Defense Again
Anyone watching USFL football this season knows how strong of a player Breeland Speaks has been. One of the best defenders in the league and the best defender on the Michigan Panthers, Speaks is a threat week in and week out. The highest-graded player on the Panthers by PFF and two-time defensive player of the week, has been the largest contributor to the strong Panthers defensive front.
Today, Speaks was on to his usual ways, recording 12 tackles and half a sack. What was more impressive was his game IQ though. The Stallions are a run-heavy attack, relying often on the option and manipulating edge defenders. Speaks, one of the best pass-rushing edges in the USFL, was tasked with consistently sealing the edge and making the right read. With every play being a mental test, Speaks was up for the challenge. No matter what, Coach Nolan knows he has a reliable edge who can perform every single week at the highest level.
Stud | Wide Receiver Trey Quinn Steps Up to Fill Void for Michigan Panthers
With three starting receivers out for the Panthers, they found themselves in a deep hole at the position, an even bigger issue considering the lack of a rushing attack for Michigan. With Ishmael Hyman, Whop Philyor, and Marcus Simms all out, Trey Quinn was asked to step in as receiver one, instead of four for the Michigan Panthers. Considering his normal role in the offense this was a huge task. Still, he was up for the challenge. Beating his defender numerous times throughout the matchup, Quinn consistently made plays when the Panthers needed him.
Helping the team down the field numerous times, Quinn was targeted 10 times, catching seven for 108 yards. Opening up space for Joe Walker, Cole Hikutini, and Marcus Baugh, Quinn was the most effective offensive player for the Panthers yesterday. The only thing he didn’t do was finish a drive in the endzone, an issue that the entire Panthers squad has had an issue with. Truly no fault of his own, the Panthers’ offense still stalled out in the red zone numerous times, but if you ask any Michigan Panther who got them there, they would tell you it was Quinn.
Dud | Michigan Panthers Offensive Line Torn Apart
Since the Michigan Panthers began their home stretch in week three, the offensive line has become a huge liability. Missing multiple players up front, the Panthers have been almost incapable of utilizing their line for anything. With no run game and allowing the Birmingham Stallions’ defensive line to blow up Josh Love on numerous occasions, it’s been clear for a few weeks now that the offensive front is the biggest issue on the team.
Whether it’s allowing multiple sacks and tackles for loss per game, or shooting a drive down with penalties, the Michigan Panthers line has been the largest contributor to their losses. Getting torn apart this week and allowing two sacks and four tackles for loss, the Michigan Panthers couldn’t keep Josh Love or Reggie Corbin safe, let alone help them do their jobs. Without a doubt, a dud up front for the Panthers.
Panthers quarterback Josh Love (12) prepares to pass as Generals defensive end Tyshun Render (99) comes in for a tackle in the first half of a game against the Generals. (Robin Buckson/The Detroit News).
