To use the words of native New Orleanian DJ Khaled, all the New Orleans Breakers do is win win win!

Week 1

The Breakers beat the breaks off of the Pittsburg Maulers in the USFL 2023 season opener in a 22-15 victory at home in Birmingham, AL.

I was right in my preseason team preview article, McLeod Bethel-Thompson has been a force to be reckoned with in his debut into the USFL.

Former NFL coach, John DeFilippo lead the New Orleans Breakers with grace, utilizing his experience with a high level of proficiency. We did see in Week 1 that we have some room for improvement – the run game was subpar.

Considering how thoroughly the Breakers dominated the game stats-wise, their first game on the gridiron was a huge success.

Week 2

On April 22nd, New Orleans won again against the Houston Gamblers in Birmingham, 38-31.

The Gamblers did give New Orleans a run for their money, but in the end, they were no match against Bethel-Thompson’s smooth QB moves. There is a strong relationship between McLeod and Coach “Flip”. It shows on the field.

Wes Hills continues to create gridiron greatness on the field, rushing for 110 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.

Tight end Sage Surratt is another Breakers name that has come up in both games. On Saturday, he had 11 catches on 11 targets for 121 yards.

Breakers TE Sage Surratt (15) – Detroit Free Press/USA Today Net

Next week

The New Orleans Breakers will be playing the Birmingham Stallions in Birmingham, AL – a home game for both teams on Saturday, April 29th at 12:30 PM ET. The game will be viewable on Peacock and the USA channel. Tickets are very affordable, ranging between $14 and $105, and can be purchased here.

Last year, the Breakers lost both seasons’ games against the Birmingham Stallions. It’s a bit unnerving to face the Stallions after such a poor track record, but New Orleans bows to no one.

We have some key differences at the coaching and QB position, amongst others, that will give Birmingham a run for their money on Saturday. With a 2-0 record, is there anything we can’t do?

Speaking of New Orleans Breakers Coach DeFilippo…

In one of the more wholesome stories this USFL season, Coach John demonstrates a resilience New Orleanians are all too familiar with. DeFilippo was diagnosed in December of 2022 with a rare spinal disorder, Ankylosing Spondylitis. John was experiencing debilitating foot and back pain that eventually sent him to the ER. This spinal condition causes significant pain and stiffness in the back that can spread elsewhere in the body.

Coach John is currently taking 18 prescriptions and is wearing a special boot to support his foot. The pain is now spreading to his fingers. Coach is an optimist, though, and is grateful for little things like being able to walk out onto the gridiron.

DeFilippo was struggling with the idea of the end of his coaching career – he was raised in a coaching family and has dedicated most of his career to this profession as well. He is incredibly grateful that he can continue to coach at this time due to the diagnosis and treatment he is undergoing.

The Coach’s resilience resonates with his players and, if anything, is improving team dynamics. QB Bethel Thompson says that Coach DeFilippo’s passion for the game is obvious and that everyone on the team picks up on that energy, wanting to play for Coach John. DeFilippo is loved by fans and players; we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes this season.

Interested in USFL history? Check this article out!