The New Jersey Generals lost their week seven matchup against the Michigan Panthers. The Generals now sit at a 2-5 record. Their USFL playoff hopes are slowly diminishing, but they are still not eliminated from contention. The Generals lost the game 25-22. New Jersey’s quarterback, De’Andre Johnson, sustained a head injury in the fourth quarter, and everyone is hoping nothing but the best for him. The Generals have been hit with numerous injuries this season so far. Here is a look at the New Jersey Generals’ week seven studs and duds.
New Jersey Generals Studs
New Jersey Generals QB De’Andre Johnson (1) – Tim Nwachukwu/USFL/Getty Images
Darius Victor
Although the Generals’ offense has struggled this season, running back, Darius Victor has continued to put the team on his back. It can be challenging for Victor to play to his best ability because opposing defenses now expect him to get the ball, but he still produces. Against the Michigan Panthers, Victor rushed the ball just eight times but for 52 yards, according to the USFL. He averaged 6.5 yards per rush. Unfortunately, he was unable to score a rushing touchdown for the team, but he constantly put the team in a position to succeed. Victor also had four receptions for 29 yards and one receiving touchdown.
It can be hard for Victor when he is the player that teams expect to get the ball. If the Generals can rotate the plays more, it can help Victor, and the team, succeed in future games.
Alonzo Moore
Wide receiver Alonzo Moore stood out against the Panthers despite not having a consistent passing game. Many balls were overthrown throughout the duration of this competition, but Moore continuously did whatever he could to succeed. In the game, Moore had just six receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns, according to the USFL. Moore had to juggle between two quarterbacks, which can be hard, but he still found a way to succeed. The receiver averaged 10.5 yards per reception and his longest was for 34 yards.
The Generals did not lose by much, but it was their offensive struggles that hurt them. Moore still did what he could to get as many receptions as possible; it was just not enough for the whole team.
New Jersey Generals RB Darius Victor (27) – Tim Nwachukwu/USFL/Getty Images
New Jersey Generals Duds
Kyle Lauletta
The New Jersey Generals rotated between two quarterbacks against the Michigan Panthers. Unfortunately, quarterback Kyle Lauletta struggled in their week seven game. Lauletta continued to overthrow the ball on plays that could have been for a big gain. Throughout the game, Lauletta completed just nine passes out of 16 attempts, according to the USFL. He did pass for 112 yards and two touchdowns, but there was more that needed to be done.
The accuracy and decision-making were what hurt the Generals against the Panthers. With Johnson’s injury, Lauletta will most likely be playing for New Jersey again in week eight. There is a lot that will need to change if the Generals want to push for playoffs this season.
Trey Williams
Running back Trey Williams also struggled in the week seven matchup against Michigan. Victor is the starting running back, and it makes sense why he would get the majority of snaps, but when Williams would get his chances, it just did not work out for him. Throughout the game, Williams had three attempts for just four yards, according to the USFL. Williams is not expected to be the main guy, but he should have taken advantage of his chances as well.
The Generals’ defense is still just as strong as they have been every season. The issue is that they can not do it alone. There are officially just three more regular season games left in the 2023 season. The New Jersey Generals will next face the 4-3 Memphis Showboats and will need to win if they still want a chance for playoffs.
