The Pittsburgh Maulers fell short in week six after being blown out by the Memphis Showboats. There were high hopes for Pittsburgh going into this game with an even matchup. Pittsburgh ended up losing 22-0 in a match that should have been much closer. With a loss also comes the top players, and the most disappointing ones as well. Here is a closer look at the Studs and Duds for the USFL Pittsburgh Maulers in week six.
Pittsburgh Maulers – Kevin Whitlock/Massillon Independent
Pittsburgh Maulers Studs
Isiah Hennie
It is difficult to establish what went well for Pittsburgh, but wide receiver Isiah Hennie is one. Hennie was the most explosive player on an offense that struggled to get anything going. Throughout the game, Hennie had eight receptions for 103 yards, according to the USFL. He averaged 12.9 yards per catch, but his longest was for 32 yards. Unfortunately, none of his receptions were for a score, but he put the team on his back against the Memphis Showboats. If Hennie keeps this up, Pittsburgh will be able to come back from the loss.
Boogie Roberts
Defensive lineman Boogie Roberts also had a strong game despite the final score. According to the USFL Roberts had a total of eight tackles, six of which were solo. He also had one sack and two tackles for loss. Linebacker Kyahva Tezino also had a strong game, and credit does deserve to go to him, but Roberts stood out. Although the Showboats scored 22 points, they did have to kick a couple of field goals and punt the ball. Robers was a big reason for this. Despite not being able to do enough to get the team the win, Roberts was a stud against Memphis.
Pittsburgh Maulers vs. NJ Generals – Peter Holland Jr./The Repository
Pittsburgh Maulers Duds
Troy Williams
Quarterback Troy Williams did get it together toward the end of the game, but it was too late. It may have not been all on Williams, as it did feel like the team was not utilizing him the way he needed to, causing a very slow start. While not all the blame can be put on him, Williams was one of Pittsburgh’s duds in week six. According to the USFL, throughout the game, Williams completed 13 out of 19 passes. The stats do not look too bad, with only six incompletions, but watching Williams play, it was apparent there were struggles with the Maulers’ quarterback.
Williams passed for a total of 145 yards and one interception. The quarterback had a fantastic week five, even being the USFL Offensive Player of the Week. This week’s game against the Showboats just was not his best day. The good news for the Maulers’ fans, the USFL North division is wide open. It would have been great to take the lead, but one rough game for Williams is not the end of the world. Whether it was play calling or just a bad day, Williams can go back to how he was in week five and help bring Pittsburgh to another victory.
Troy Williams (11) dives for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Stars. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images).
Entire Offensive Line
It was difficult to call out just one member of the offensive line, so they all are duds. While Troy Williams is also listed as a dud, that is not only his fault. The Showboats’ defense only had two sacks, but it felt as though the Pittsburgh quarterback was under pressure the entire time. The offensive line gave Williams very little time. When the quarterback began picking it up, it was due to scrambling out of the pocket. If the offensive line were doing a better job, he would not have needed to do that. Hopefully, in week seven, the offensive line can help their quarterback.
The Pittsburgh Maulers let up 22 points and did not get a single point for themselves. Luckily, the USFL North division is up for grabs. Pittsburgh now falls to a 2-4 record. They will next face the 2-3 Philadelphia Stars. Be sure to watch to see if the players either improve or remain studs.
