Wow. Two weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Maulers looked like a team that was defeated. They looked like their journey to the playoffs was over. After another close defeat which saw the team blow another chance at a win, things really looked bleak.

But the team didn’t quit. They started with a (19-7) win over their divisional rival, the Michigan Panthers who have a USFL Players of the Week: Week 10 Defensive Player selection. Picking off Michigan QB Josh Love four times, it ended with kicker Chris Blewitt kicking four field goals.

With the team’s next victory against the New Jersey Generals, the defense shut their offense down, led by quarterback D’Andre Johnson and running back Darius Victor.

They took a close (6-6) ballgame in the first quarter and turned it into a (26-6) win.

Oh and if you want to see something funny, here’s Boogie Roberts reminding Victor who’s in and who’s going home.

With all the excitement that occurred with the Maulers this past week, now let’s take some time to look at the USFL Players of the Week: Week 10

Offensive Player: Alex McGough, Birmingham Stallions (QB)

At 6’3″, 214 lbs., McGough continues to star for the Birmingham Stallions after another clutch performance. He hit his tight end Jace Sternberger for a game-winning 46-yard touchdown with under five minutes left in the game against the Memphis Showboats.

 

The leading MVP candidate finished the game 22-of-33 (66.7%) for 282 yards, two TD,s and one pick. He also ran for 32 yards.

He led the league with 20 touchdowns and 2,104 passing yards, which is third-best in the USFL.

This is the third time the star QB has earned the Offensive Player of the Week. He also made it in week 6. At this point in time, he is one of my early projections to make the Quarterback of the Year award.

Defensive Player: Frank Ginda, Michigan Panthers (LB)

At 6’1″, 225 lbs., Ginda is a small but quick linebacker as he is a tackling machine. He has been a menace to USFL ball carriers all season long and this week was no exception. Take this past Sunday against the Philadelphia Stars.

Many of their drives stalled out because of Ginda’s lateral side-side moves and his ability to go from zero to one hundred in three seconds, making the tackle or a sack on the quarterback.

The former San Jose State prodigy played a key role in stalling out the Stars from making a game-winning drive, which would have seen them making the playoffs and having Michigan packing their bags.

The high-end linebacker had 12 tackles this past Sunday (six solo). He also leads the league with 104 tackles and is tied for the USFL lead with two forced fumbles.

This is the fourth-time Ginda has been named USFL Defensive Player of the Week. He also made it in week 8. Right now, he is my unanimous pick for USFL Defensive Player of the year.

He just makes play after play after play. Then, when the big play is needed, he goes ahead and makes it look that easy.

Special Teams Player: Marcus Simms, Michigan Panthers (KR)

This is the first time Simms has been named a USFL Special Teams Player of the Week. At 6’0, 194 lbs., Simms has great size and speed along with the hands to catch the ball and return it upfield.

This past week, Simms came onto the scene when he took four kicks and returned them for 167 total yards. His biggest return was a 67-yard dash in the second quarter with Michigan down by two scores.

Simms also turned the game in the Panthers’ favor when he blocked a Stars punt, and AJ Richardson returned it 15 yards for a touchdown to make it Stars (20), Panthers (15) in the third quarter.

The 67-yard return in the second quarter was the fifth-longest return in the league this year.

Congratulations to Mr. Simms.

To check out the playoff schedule this weekend, please view:

Division playoffs

For another USFL story, please check out:

USFL Players of the Week: Week 9