My blood pressure thanks the New Orleans Breakers for finally securing a win after a losing streak. They join the rest of the Southern Division in the win category after week eight. They are firmly third in the division, but at least not fourth. Things looked a little sketchy for the Breakers after the Panthers scored 17 points in five minutes of gameplay, but New Orleans won 24-20. I’ll take a win any way I can get it at this point.

New Orleans Breakers Studs

Typically, I try to highlight just one player’s “stud” behavior a week, but it’s just not possible after week eight. This is a great problem to have.

The New Orleans Breakers are topping the charts on the offensive side of the ball points-wise for three positions, and almost leading the fourth (close enough).

You’ve seen these names come up over the weeks, but there’s a difference between being good and leading the division, so a shout-out is in order.

QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson is leading in passing yards (1,791), Wes Hills is running the show when it comes to rushing yards (577), Sage Surratt is leading in receiving yards (475), and Matt Coghlin is only five points away from leading the league in field goals.

A round of applause for the talent exhibited by our breakers I don’t want to excuse their losing streak, but they are in a clearly more difficult division in the USFL, and so their number of losses does not tell the entire story when it comes to their skill level on the gridiron.

Honorable mentions go to wide receiver Johnnie Dixon, who caught nine catches for 136 yards, two of which were TDs for New Orleans.

New Orleans Breakers Duds

It’s hard to know who’s failing the worst on the defensive side of the ball for the Breakers, so they all get to enter the week eight gauntlet of shame. It’s a team game in success and in failure. The Michigan Panthers never should have been able to get 17 points straight in five minutes of play. There’s not much else that can be said about such a pathetic display of defensive skills by the New Orleans Breakers. For shame.

Michigan Panthers Stud

Frank Ginda. The defense was strong for the Panthers’ in general, but Ginda stole the show by making 11 tackles and one interception (three plays resulted in turnovers, too!). Head coach Mike Nolan was highly complimentary of Frank Ginda. Nolan pointed out Frank’s on-field leadership skills and his intelligence as well as his ability. He was also quoted as saying, “He knows what to anticipate. He seems to be around the ball, which, good players, they always are.”

Michigan Panthers Dud

There was no such high praise for the offensive side of the ball after week eight. Starting quarterback Josh Love is working with a 59.6% completion percentage this season. The number of turnovers was a painfully obvious reminder to head coach Nolan that he may need to make some difficult decisions with some players on the offensive side of the ball.

Want more New Orleans Breakers coverage? Look here. Want to read incredible articles on other football topics? Still look there.