The New Jersey Generals pulled off a big win in week nine of the USFL. The Generals defeated the Philadelphia Stars 37-33. While typically the defense is discussed highly for New Jersey and still will be, the team’s offense had a big game. The Generals needed this win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Generals now have a 3-6 record, which sounds bad, but next week they could clinch playoffs. The Generals are in second in the USFL now, due to the Pittsburgh Maulers defeating the Michigan Panthers. Here is a look at how the Generals’ offense was able to get a big win against the Stars in week nine.
New Jersey Generals’ Offense
Not one player can be singled out on this Generals’ offense. The playcalling may have been the best all season based on the trick plays that happened. One of those plays resulted in a touchdown, and the other did come close. It was not a perfect game, as it never truly is in sports, but the team came together for this win. They still focused on running the ball, which is their best move, but the passing game finally felt more put together.
New Jersey Generals quarterback De’Andre Johnson quarterback (1) hands off to running back Trey Williams (9) 2022 – Butch Dill/AP Photo
De’Andre Johnson
In week seven of the USFL, the New Jersey Generals faced the Michigan Panthers. In that game, quarterback De’Andre Johnson went down with a head injury. There was no telling when he would be back. Ahead of the game against the Philadelphia Stars, it was announced that Johnson would be on the active roster. The Generals’ quarterback ended up starting this past week. It felt as though that was the spark that the team needed. In the game, Johnson completed 15 passes out of 20 attempts for 213 yards, according to the USFL. He never got the touchdown, but he also did not turn the ball over.
For his first game back, it looked as though he had never gotten hurt. Johnson averaged 10.6 yards per pass and even rushed the ball. It was a bit worrisome watching Johnson run, given his previous injury, but it helped the team get the win. The quarterback rushed the ball seven times for 29 yards. He did what he had to do in order to keep the play going.
Even more interestingly, Johnson did have a reception. There was a trick play where Johnson handed the ball off to runningback Darius Victor. From there, Victor tossed it back to wide receiver Cam Echols-Luper. Echols-Luper passed the ball back to Johnson, making it a 14-yard play. This was a spark that was desperately needed by the Generals’ offense.
Darius Victor
Running back, Darius Victor deserves a lot of credit for what he did in week nine. Against the Stars, Victor rushed the ball 11 times for 51 yards, according to the USFL. He also had two rushing touchdowns. That alone sounds great, but Victor also passed for a touchdown. Johnson handed the ball to Victor, who managed to toss the ball to the tight end, Braedon Bowman. Victor was being tackled at the same time and chucked it to Bowman. Even if it was not perfect, it worked.
Victor also made himself present in the passing game against Philadelphia. Victor ended the game with one reception for 13 yards. It has been difficult for the Generals’ offense to get much going with the run game. The opposing teams have figured out that running is their priority. Johnson being back helped Victor get the momentum he needed. In total for week nine, the Generals’ offense ended the game with 147 total rushing yards.
Former Michigan State Spartans WR Darrell Stewart Jr (25) – Joe Robbins/Getty Images
The Receivers
With a strong passing game comes a great receiving game. Wide receiver Darrell Stewart Jr led the team in receiving yards from just three receptions. Stewart had 109 total receiving yards, his longest for 56 yards, according to the USFL. There were two big receptions by Stewart, but one is more notable. On a play where Johnson was under complete pressure, he threw it downfield. It was under-thrown, but somehow Stewart turned around and caught the ball. This was a big play to push the team far down the field.
By the end of the game, the Generals’ offense had 228 receiving yards. The spark on the offense was clear, and the play-calling seemed much better. Eight players were involved in receiving, and the distribution to various Generals was important. It kept the Stars’ defense guessing, leading to a New Jersey Generals win.
Strong Special Teams Start
Aside from the Generals’ offense, the special teams should be highlighted. Right away on kickoff, Echols-Luper was set for the kick return. The wide receiver took it 85 yards for a touchdown. This set the tone for the remainder of the game. According to the USFL, Echols-Luper ended up with four kick returns for 145 yards, averaging 36.2 yards per return. The Generals have been struggling on special teams and needed this momentum boost early.
New Jersey Generals TE Braedon Bowman (80)- Butch Dill/AP Photo
Generals’ Offense Effect on the Defense
The biggest issue with the New Jersey Generals’ defense this season has been that they can never get any rest. The Generals’ offense has struggled so much with staying on the field that the defense was too tired to win the game. With this week’s offense stepping up, the defense was finally able to keep it up throughout the game. The Generals ended the game with 62 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, and four sacks, according to the USFL. They also had two pass deflections. The defense never got an interception but came close. The defense also forced four fumbles, recovering three. This was a huge reason that the Generals were able to get the win.
With the New Jersey Generals’ offense stepping up, they were able to win the game 37-33. The team is still in the hunt for playoffs, and if they win next week, they are in. The Generals will face the Pittsburgh Maulers on Saturday, June 17th. The winner of that game makes the playoffs, and the loser will have played their final game of the season. If the Generals’ offense keeps this momentum, they will have a solid chance to get the win.
