'84 Chronology-Week #17 Weekend Review

Event Date: June 18th, 1984

Event Description: Week #17 Weekend Roundup

Source: PFW

Jim Kelly rifled four touchdown passes to help the dump the Houston Gamblers dump the Michigan Panthers 42-26 and clinch the Central division title. The Gamblers improved to (11-6), while Michigan dropped to (8-9) but remains in the wild card playoff hunt. 

Houston took control of the game late in the second quarter, snapping a 28-6 halftime lead after a Kelly to Ricky Sanders touchdown pass with just 30 seconds remaining. 

Two of Kelly's other three touchdown passes went to wide receiver Scott McGhee -- a 2-yarder that opened the scoring and a 47-yarder early in the fourth. The Gamblers' other touchdowns via a pair of Todd Fowler touchdown runs in the second quarter.

The Panthers were led by quarterback Bobby Hebert who finished with 340 passing yards on 20-of-30 efficiency with two touchdowns and one interception.

In other weekend games:

On Saturday, the (13-4) Birmingham Stallions clinched the Southern division crown after beating Jacksonville by a 17-3 score;

meanwhile (7-10) Denver kept their slim playoff hopes alive after a 23-7 win at home over hapless Oakland.

In Sunday action, the (11-6) Arizona Outlaws secured the Pacific title after a 17-10 win over Steve Young’s L.A. Express who have now dropped to (8-9);

the (11-6) Memphis Showboats clinched a playoff berth after a 22-19 win over the visiting Bandits. Walter Lewis and Alan Duncan led the Showboats offense. John Reaves left the game in the first quarter and was replaced by Wayne Peace who was generally ineffective.

Also Sunday, Chicago defeated New Orleans 34-22 and Pittsburgh downed Washington 20-13. The Blitz remain alive for a playoff berth, but will need help from other squads next week.