Week seven is over, and in a big USFL North Division matchup, the Pittsburgh Maulers fell short once again. This week, the team did put up a good fight but lost 37-31 against the Philadelphia Stars. The Maulers’ offense did a better job this week than last, but still could not get the job done. The Maulers fall to a 2-5 record, while the Stars are now up top at 4-3. The special teams did much better this week as well, and something the Maulers can continue to utilize. Here is a look at the Pittsburgh Maulers’ studs and duds in week seven.
Maulers QB Troy Williams (11) – Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Pittsburgh Maulers Studs
Josh Simmons
Pittsburgh Maulers wide receiver Josh Simmons had a strong game in week seven. As a wide receiver, he had just three receptions for 19 yards, according to the USFL. It was the kick returns that Simmons was strong in. There was a costly fumble that should be acknowledged on one of the returns. That did hurt the team, but overall he had seven returns for 233 yards. His longest return was for 88 yards, and he did score a touchdown from one.
While the Maulers did lose the game, the team started from a great field position most of the time. Even on the returns that did go for much, Simmons did consistently strive for the extra yards that the team needed. If the Pittsburgh Maulers can keep it up with their kick returns, they will have a chance to win next week.
Isiah Hennie
Wide receiver Isah Hennie also had a strong game for Pittsburgh. In the game, he had just two receptions for 22 yards, according to the USFL, but he also had one receiving touchdown. Hennie also did punt returns for the Maulers. Hennie had two returns for 74 yards. His longest was for 69 yards, and while he almost did get a touchdown, Hennie did step out of bounce first. Luckily, the Maulers ended up scoring a touchdown soon after to keep the score close.
Hennie has been a strong player for the Maulers, and also helping the team’s field position made him stand out. Hopefully, next week he will be able to take one of the punt returns in for a touchdown.
Pittsburgh Maulers – Andy Lyons/USFL/Getty Images
Pittsburgh Maulers Duds
Reuben Foster
Linebacker Reuben Foster did not have a bad game, but there was more that he could have done. In the game, Foster had seven tackles, two of which were solo, and a forced fumble, according to the USFL. This is not bad, but throughout the game, there were multiple passes he could have broken up. This was a big reason that the Philadelphia Stars got the win. The Stars struggled on passing far, but the quick passes were what gave them the win. Hopefully, for the Maulers, Foster can fix the little mistakes next week and break up more passes.
Savion Williams
Defensive tackle Savion Williams made a costly mistake that helped the Philadelphia Stars get the win in week seven. On a third and five, what could have been a big defensive stop, Williams had a penalty against him for a neutral zone infraction. This gave the Stars a first down instead of a fourth down. Philadelphia ended up scoring a touchdown on the drive.
Aside from that, Williams only had two tackles in the game, one of them solo, according to the USFL. These are silly mistakes that could have been avoided. Penalties will only hurt the Mulers, and that will need to be fixed before next week.
While the Pittsburgh Maulers now fall to a 2-5 record, they still have a chance to push for playoffs. The Maulers will next face the Houston Gamblers in Canton, Ohio. Hopefully, the Maulers can get the win and keep their playoff hopes alive.
