The Philadelphia Stars could have clinched the 2023 USFL playoffs this week but ended up losing to the New Jersey Generals. The Stars almost made a comeback but lost the game 37-33. The Stars are still first in the North division with a 4-5 record but need to fight another day in order to make playoffs. The Generals now have a 3-6 record and managed to be bumped up to second in the North. Here is a look at the Philadelphia Stars studs and duds in week nine.
Philadelphia Stars Studs
Philadelphia Stars Quarterback Case Cookus vs. Memphis Showboats Jeremiah Valoaga – Justin Ford/USFL/Getty Images
Corey Coleman
The Philadelphia Stars wide receiver, Corey Coleman had himself a game in week nine. Coleman was all over the field making plays, and a reason the team kept it close until the end. In the game, Coleman had nine receptions for 98 yards and one touchdown, according to the USFL. His longest catch was for 36 yards, and he averaged 10.9 yards per reception. He led the team in reception yards, with Dexter Williams in second with 45 yards.
Coleman also had one punt return for 41 yards. For the Stars to only have one punt return, this was a solid effort that Coleman put in. The Stars could not get the win, but the wide receiver was still able to stand out for his team. Hopefully, for Philadelphia, the team can help Coleman in scoring points as they fight for playoffs.
Case Cookus
It may have been a rough game for quarterback Case Cookus, but he did what he could. The offensive line really struggled, which put Cookus under constant pressure. There were times Cookus should have made better decisions, but for most of the game, he did well with what he had. By the end of the game, Cookus completed 25 passes out of 39 attempts for 263 yards, according to the USFL. He managed to not throw any interceptions and had three passing touchdowns.
With Cookus being under pressure for much of the game, he had to run out of the pocket often. He ended up leading the team in rushing yards against the New Jersey Generals. Cookus rushed the ball seven times for 59 yards. He ended up averaging 8.4 yards per carry, which is great for a quarterback. With how many yards and touchdowns Cookus had, the team almost won. Hopefully, for Cookus, he can do it again next week and get the win for the Philadelphia Stars.
Philadelphia Stars Duds
Former New England Patriots TE Ryan Izzo – Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Ryan Izzo
Tight end Ryan Izzo struggled on the offense in week nine. He ended up having no receptions, according to the USFL. The issue with Izzo’s game was that when the ball was thrown his way, he was close to making the catch but dropped it. These receptions could have really helped the team get the win, but he just missed getting the completion. The playcalling had a massive shift, and the team ended up running more than in past games. This definitely impacted Izzo’s game, especially as a tight end who had to block more. Hopefully, next week Izzo can gain momentum early in the game.
LaDarius Wiley
Stars’ safety LaDarius Wiley struggled more this game than in the past. He had just five combined tackles, and only two of them were solo, according to the USFL. Wiley has done better in the past, but week nine just was not his time. The Generals’ offense had maybe the best game of their season, and Wiley struggled. The hope will be that next week Wiley can step up and help the Stars make the playoffs.
There is just one more game left for the Philadelphia Stars, and it is a win-and-in scenario. The Stars will face with 3-6 Michigan Panthers on Sunday, June 18th. Be sure to watch, as week ten be a win-and-in for both USFL North division games.
