The sixth week of the USFL is officially over, and it did not favor the New Jersey Generals. New Jersey fell 16-10 against the Houston Gamblers. Although the defense did what it could, the offense could not get anything going, resulting in the team falling to a 2-4 record. There is a lot to discuss when it comes to the game, and New Jersey will have a lot to fix ahead of week seven. Here is a look at the studs and duds for the New Jersey Generals in week six.
2022 New Jersey Generals – Andy Lyons/USFL/Getty Images
New Jersey Generals Studs
Meiko Dotson
Cornerback Meiko Dotson may not have big stats, but his coverage against the Gamblers makes him a stud. He had just two pass deflections on the night, according to the USFL, but that does not mean he did not stand out. When the ball was passed in his direction, the receiver was not able to get their hands on it. This was true, especially at the beginning of the game. As time went on, the Gamblers did get a motion going on the passing game, but the Generals’ defense still stood strong, and Dotson was a part of that.
D’Jaun Hines
Although New Jersey lost the game, their defense was solid. The linebacker core caused the Gamblers’ run game to struggle. Linebacker D’Jaun Hines was a big part of that. Throughout the game, he had a total of eight combined tackles, two of which were solo, according to the USFL. Between him and fellow linebacker Bryson Young, Houston’s offense was limited to just 16 points. The way the game was going, it could have been a lot worse.
NJ Generals LB D’Jaun Hines – Robert Sellers/247Sports
New Jersey Generals Duds
Kyle Lauletta
To no surprise, one of the New Jersey duds in week six was quarterback Kyle Lauletta. Lauletta completed his first two passes, and it seemed like New Jersey would be able to do something. That quickly changed as many of his throws were lucky not to be intercepted. Throughout the game, Lauletta completed 17 passes out of 30 attempts for 177 yards, according to the USFL. He also threw for one touchdown but also an interception. Lauletta did rush four times for 14 yards, but overall his legs were not a difference-maker.
There were moments where running out of the pocket did help, such as avoiding safety in the second quarter. The usual starting quarterback, De’Andre Johnson, was never listed as out. Fans can expect him to make a return in week seven following Lauletta’s performance against Houston.
Former Browns QB Kyle Lauletta (17) – Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports
Darius Victor
Just as the rest of the offense struggled, running back, Darius Victor was one of the New Jersey Generals’ weaker links in week six. Victor is normally a strong player; the game against the Gamblers just was not one of his best games. Victor ended up with ten rushing attempts, totaling 38 yards. His longest rush was for just nine yards, according to the USFL. He also had one reception for nine yards. Victor is normally one of the better players; just against the Gamblers, he could not get anything going. Hopefully, in week seven, he can get it going again.
Although not technically listed, the entire special teams unit needs to be acknowledged as a dud. The Gamblers began their possession with great field position. This led to the offense having a much easier time and scoring. This needs to be fixed ahead of their week seven matchup. If Houston had started the ball further back, potentially the game could have been different or at least much closer.
The New Jersey Generals are still second in the USFL North Division. That does not mean much when three teams have a 2-4 record. The Philadelphia Stars did win this weekend, moving them up to a 3-4 record. Next weekend, New Jersey will face the Michigan Panthers in a big northern division matchup. Be sure to watch for if these Studs and Duds can get the win.
