With the USFL 2023 season about to begin, it is time to take a look at the Memphis Showboats. It is Memphis’ inaugural season, and no one knows completely what to expect. The Showboats replace the Tampa Bay Bandits but will also host one of the three hubs. Here is a look at what to expect during the Memphis Showboats’ first season and which players to watch.
Memphis Showboats USFL 2023 Team Preview
The Memphis Showboats will have many returning players from the Tampabay Bandits, but this is still a new team and will have to show they can be competitive. Having a hub in Memphis will be a great help for a new team.
USFL 2022 Tampa Bay Bandits – Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Games to Watch
Week 1 vs. Philadelphia Stars
Week one for the Memphis Showboats will not be an easy task. Right away, they must face the Philadelphia Stars, who lost to the Birmingham, Stallions in 2022 in the championship game. The game will be in Memphis which is a bonus for the Showboats, but will still be a tough task. Not only will this be their first game of the season, but it will also be kicking off the USFL 2023 season. This can set up how the 2023 season goes for the league, not just the Showboats.
Week 2 vs. Birmingham Stallions
Week two for the Showboats does not get any easier. Memphis will face off against the Birmingham Stallions in the Birmingham Hub. The Stallions won the league in 2022, making this a tough task for the Showboats. The team will need to take what they learned in week one and come out strong early against the Stallions.
Week 7 vs. Houston Gamblers
While the Showboats do face the Gamblers in week three, it will be the week seven game that will be a must-watch. In 2022, the Gamblers went 3-7 and were last in the South division. By week seven, a lot will be known about both teams, and either team could be fighting for playoffs or trying to knock the other down in the standings. This will potentially be a high-stakes game and one to watch for the Showboats.
Former Liberty LB Anthony Butler (6) – Tim Isaacson/A Sea of Red
Players to Watch
The Showboats have a young team with a lot of potential. Check out these three players to watch in the team’s inaugural season.
Brady White
There will be a lot unknown when it comes to the quarterback position in 2023 for the Showboats. As of now, Brady White can be the expected starter for the Showboats but do not be surprised if the team plays around with the position. White played for the Memphis Tigers during college and could be right at home with the Showboats. White was with the Bandits in 2022, where he had just 59 passing yards, according to Fox Sports. He also threw one interception last season. White will be a player to watch this season, but he will need to step up.
Rashard Davis
Wide receiver Rashard Davis is one of the players to watch for the Memphis Showboats. In 2022, Davis had 369 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. He also had 224 punt return yards, according to Fox Sports. With so much unknown at the quarterback position, Davis will need to step up and get open as much as possible. Davis had a shot in the NFL during the 2022 season, but he will be back with the Showboats this year. If Davis can help the team’s quarterback, the receiver can put the team in a position to win.
Anthony Butler
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Anthony Butler will be one to watch. In 2022, Butler had two interceptions and 50 combined tackles, according to Fox Sports. The defense will need to step up against strong offenses such as the Birmingham Stallions. While Butler cannot do it alone, he will still be a player to watch in 2023.
The 2023 season for the Memphis Showboats will take place this Saturday at 4:30 PM Eastern. They will face the Philadelphia Stars in Memphis, Tennessee. Be sure to watch the opening game of the 2023 season.
