The New Jersey Generals have officially been eliminated from the 2023 USFL playoffs. The team lost 26-6 against the Pittsburgh Maulers in week ten. This was a game where only the winner would move on to playoffs for both of these teams. In week nine, it seemed as though things were looking up for the Generals, but that momentum was not carried over this week. Not only are the Generals eliminated from playoffs, week ten is the last week of the season; therefore, their time in 2023 is over. Here is a look at the New Jersey Generals’ studs and duds in week ten.
New Jersey Generals Studs
2022 New Jersey Generals – Andy Lyons/USFL/Getty Images
Kolin Hill
Linebacker, Kolin Hill, had a fairly strong game for the New Jersey Generals despite the terrible loss. The linebacker was solid in coverage for most of the game and did well with completing tackles. By the end of the game, Hill had four combined tackles, all of which were solo, according to the USFL. He also had two sacks. It would have been better if he could have forced turnovers but by the second half, the Generals completely lost the game.
Hill had a solid season for New Jersey, and while the team will miss playoffs, Hill still had a strong game. The biggest issue with the defense is that by the end of the game, they get tired out and cannot keep it up to get the win. Hopefully, if Hill returns next season, the team can make it back into playoffs with him.
Meiko Dotson
Cornerback Meiko Dotson also played well on this New Jersey defense. It has been a common trend this season for the Generals that the defense had to be the ones to control the game. Dotson was able to force a fumble which could have shifted the momentum of the game; unfortunately, the offense could not get the job done. By the end of the matchup with the Maulers, Dotson had just four tackles, all solo, according to the USFL. He may not have had any pass deflections, but for a while, he did well getting in the receiver’s way forcing the incompletion.
The New Jersey Generals’ defense played well for the majority of the game, but they could not get the win. Hopefully, next season they will be able to stay as strong, if not better. If Dotson remains on the team in 2024, the defense can potentially keep up the momentum.
New Jersey Generals Duds
Pittsburgh Maulers S Bryce Torneden (1) vs. NJ Generals WR Cam Echols-Luper (18) – Peter Holland Jr./The Repository
De’Andre Johnson
Following a great game against the Philadelphia Stars in week nine, quarterback De’Andre Johnson fell short against the Pittsburgh Maulers. Johnson was under pressure often, but sometimes it just took too long to get the ball out. He did well rushing the ball, but without a passing game, there is only so much he can do. By the end of the game, Johnson completed just 12 passes out of 27 attempts for 137 yards, according to the USFL. He was only able to average 5.1 yards per pass and no touchdowns. Johnson also threw two interceptions.
While Johnson did have 68 rushing yards, more turnovers than touchdowns are not enough to win. Some of the passes that he did make went a decent distance, but the game plan just was not there. Some of the blame can definitely be put on the offensive line, as the Maulters put up the pressure, but it was just not the quarterback’s day. Johnson had a true up-and-down season, and hopefully, there will be more improvement with the passing game next year.
Cam Echols-Luper
New Jersey Generals wide receiver Cam Echols-Luper had a strong game in week nine but was almost non-existent in week ten. Yes, Echols-Luper did have two kick returns, which was for a total of 49 yards, according to the USFL, but he struggled overall. The receiver had just two receptions for 17 yards. He was targeted four times. Based on how he played last week, there were high hopes for Echols-Luper; it just did not work out against the Maulers.
This is officially it for the New Jersey Generals. They will end their season with a 3-7 disappointing record. Credit to them that they made it to week ten with playoff hopes, but their season is officially over. Now, the next step is to prepare for a stronger 2024 season.
