The New Jersey Generals achieved a huge win in week nine of the USFL. The Generals defeated the Philadelphia Stars 37-33. New Jersey keeps their playoff hopes alive, now with a 3-6 record. The Stars could have clinched the playoffs this week but now have to wait until week ten. The Stars now have a 4-5 record in the USFL North, still in the lead. The Generals finally found the spark that they needed on the offense, and it was worth it. Here is a look at the New Jersey Generals’ studs and duds in week nine of the USFL.
New Jersey Generals Studs
New Jersey Generals QB De’Andre Johnson – Tim Nwachukwu/USFL/Getty Images
Cam Echols-Luper
Wide receiver Cam Echols-Luper was sure to start the game on a high note for the Generals. He did not just have a good play; he had the first play of the game and made it a big one. On the opening kick-off, Echols-Luper returned it all the way for a touchdown. According to the USFL, the return went for 85 yards. Throughout the game, Echols-Luper had four kick returns for 145 yards and one punt return for just one yard. Echols-Luper set the tone for the rest of the game and was a big reason they won.
As a wide receiver, Echols-Luper ended the game with just four receptions for 13 yards. He did pass the ball once for 14 yards, though, making it a big game for him. It would have been nice if the receiver could have been involved more in the receiving game, but he still set the tone for the New Jersey Generals right away.
De’Andre Johnson
In week seven, the Generals faced the Michigan Panthers. In this game, quarterback De’Andre Johnson went down with what looked to be a serious head injury. At that time, it was unknown when he would make his return. This week against the Philadelphia Stars, Johnson ended up starting for the Generals and played as though he did not miss any time.
In the game, Johnson had 15 completions out of 20 attempts for 213 yards, according to the USFL. These are surprising numbers for a player who suffered a head injury just two weeks ago. Johnson averaged 10.6 yards per pass but did not pass for any touchdowns. The Generals did have a passing touchdown, but it was thrown by the running back, Darius Victor. Johnson also rushed the ball seven times for 29 yards.
The Generals’ offense was more creative than they had been all season. On one play, Johnson handed the ball to Victor, who passed it back to Echols-Luper. Echols-Luper ended up passing it to Johnson, giving him a 14-yard reception in week nine. The New Jersey Generals got the win they needed, and a big thanks go to their quarterback.
New Jersey Generals Duds
New Jersey Generals TE Braedon Bowman (80) – Butch Dill/AP Photo
Christian Tutt
The New Jersey Generals struggled with penalties in week nine. They were lucky they got the win with how many yards their defense gave up just through penalties. One of the players to be a victim of this was linebacker Christian Tutt. Tutt had a pass interference call followed by a holding call on the next play. It is great the defense was hungry for a win, but the penalties could have really hurt this team. Tutt ended the game with just two tackles, according to the USFL.
Paris Ford
Safety Paris Ford was another player on the New Jersey Generals to create unneeded penalties. Early in the game, Ford was called for pass interference, which helped the Stars out by creating a new set of downs. On the next play, Ford was called for hitting the Stars’ quarterback late, but the flag was picked up as their heads did not clash. This was a lucky play by Ford. He did go to tackle the quarterback late but got him early enough that the flag was picked up.
The team won, but only by four points. The Generals will need to work on giving up fewer penalties ahead of week ten. Ford ended the game with five combined tackles and one tackle for loss, according to the USFL.
The New Jersey Generals protected their chance to make playoffs in week ten. The North is now set up for the winner of the two games to move on to playoffs. The Generals will face the Pittsburgh Maulers on Saturday, June 17th. If they win, they are in.
