'85 Chronology-Hello Mary Lou

Event Date: March 7th, 1985

Event Description: Retton Vaults USFL

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Travelin' Man

Event Date: March 7th, 1985

Event Description: Nease Seeks Home

Source: Tuscaloosa News

'85 Chronology-Play It Again

Event Date: March 7th, 1985

Event Description: USFL Uses Replay

Source: UPI

The United States Football League will use televised instant replays to appeal officials' calls in all its games broadcast on ABC or ESPN, USFL Commissioner Chet Simmons said Tuesday.

“We have been pleased with the use of instant replay in our first two ABC games and are now prepared to extend its usage,” Simmons said of the league's experiment with replays to judge disputed calls by officials on the field.

In the two games, three appeals were made -- one by the Generals in the Feb. 24 New Jersey-Birmingham contest and one each by the Express and Gamblers and in the March 3rd Philadelphia-Michigan game. The officials were upheld in each case.

“Actually this is what we expected,” Simmons said. “Our officials are going to be correct more than 90 percent of the time. The use of instant replay comes into the picture on those rare occasions when an official is screened or may simply miss a call. A call will only be reversed in a very clear cut situation.”

A team may make one appeal per half on situations involving a fumble, whether a pass has been completed or whether the ball has penetrated the goal line.

The appeal must be made by the team's head coach before the next snap or free kick. The referee calls a timeout while an official in the press box reviews the replay and rules on the appeal.

If their appeal is overruled, the team loses a timeout.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Second Chances

Event Date: March 6th, 1985

Event Description: Luther May Sign With USFL

Source: UPI

Ed Luther, the Chargers’ No. 2 quarterback for the last five seasons, is believed to be close to accepting an offer from the Jacksonville Bulls of the United States Football League.

Luther, who became a free agent Feb. 1, is eager to become a starting quarterback, but is aware that it would be next to impossible with the Chargers, his agent, Leigh Steinberg, said Sunday.

The Bulls are in a position to make him an instant starter because their No.1 quarterback, Brian Sipe, suffered a knee injury in the season opener last weekend and is out indefinitely.

“Ed is seriously considering the offer,” Steinberg said. “We expect to have a decision very soon.

“San Diego is a dream offense, and Ed’s heart is with the Chargers. Dan Fouts is a close friend of his, and he understands that because of Dan’s superlative play, he can not count on becoming the starter here. This is the ultimate choice for Ed--stay in Southern California, where he grew up, and have a secondary role with the Chargers, or become a starter in the USFL.”

Luther, 28, has played with indifferent success during lengthy periods when Fouts was injured each of the last two seasons.

Coach Don Coryell has been an outspoken supporter of Luther and has predicted an outstanding career for the five-year veteran from San Jose State.

Coryell’s view is shared by others in the Charger hierarchy, but there is less than a consensus that he should be retained at any cost.

He has a strong arm and is well-schooled in the Charger offense, but he never has been able to take full advantage of the absence of Fouts and establish himself indisputably as a player the team could not afford to forfeit.

Steinberg, naturally, takes a rosier view of his client’s abilities.

“I think it is pretty widely agreed around the league that Ed is just about the top No. 2 quarterback around,” Steinberg said.

“At this point in his career, starting is critical to Ed. I think anyone who has ever put in a long apprenticeship can appreciate that. He has very good feelings toward his teammates and coaches, but his greatest goal is something that is not within San Diego’s power to grant--a guaranteed starting job.”

Luther has not sought--and would not, under any circumstances--contractual assurance of the No. 1 job with the Chargers, according to Steinberg.

“The Chargers know his goals and desires,” Steinberg said. “He wants to be the captain of his own ship. This is a very difficult thing for Ed to grapple with. The least desirable thing is to depend on a friend getting hurt for him to have a chance to play.”

If Luther is lost, the backup role would fall to third-year man Bruce Mathison, who has received little grooming in practice. Another alternative would be to pursue a more experienced player via a trade, or maybe spend a draft choice on a quarterback.

But the team has numerous other needs to fill in the draft--notably in the offensive line, the defensive line and the secondary--and there is not a very appealing crop of quarterbacks coming out of college this year.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Failed Negotiations

Event Date: March 5th, 1985

Event Description: Bulls Withdraw Simms Offer

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Pivotal Player

Event Date: March 5th, 1985

Event Description: ‘Boats Remain Unbeaten

Source: PFW

Memphis quarterback Walter Lewis accounted for four touchdowns Monday night, leading the Showboats to a 27-20 USFL victory over the Arizona Outlaws.

The first came via a 47-yard strike to Greg Moser to open the scoring as Memphis took their opening drive for a score. 

Early in the second quarter Arizona responded as Reggie Brown ran in from 10-yards out tying things at 7-7.

Late in the frame, Lewis found wideout Gerald Bradley on a slant pattern for a 16-yard score as Memphis led 14-7 at the half.

After a Tony Zendejas 33-yard field goal, Lewis scored on a two-yard keeper pushing Memphis out to a 20-10 lead with 5:39 remaining in the third.

Arizona closed to within three points on the next series on a one-yard scoring run by Kevin Long. 

In the final quarter, Lewis led a long nine-play, 80 yard drive culminating with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Crawford giving the Showboats a 27-17 lead.

Tony Zendejas then rounded out the scoring with a late 41-yard field goal.

Game Notes: Doug Williams finished with 223 yards passing with no touchdowns and three sacks…Reggie Brown led all rushers with 97 yards while Tim Spencer churned out 96 rushing yards for the hosts…Arizona defensive lineman John Lee suffered a knee injury in the first frame and did not return to action.

'85 Chronology-Solid South

Event Date: March 3rd, 1985

Event Description: USFL Saturday Summary

Source: PFW

Mike Rozier rushed for 104 tards with one touchdown run and Brian Franco kicked a career-high six field goals to lead the Jacksonville Bulls to a 32-14 rout over the Denver Gold on Saturday night from the Gator Bowl.

The visiting Gold struggled offensively as quarterback Vince Evans was knocked out of the game in the third quarter after getting sacked by rookie Keith Millard.

Evans hit on 13-of-20 passes for 117 yards with one interception and three sacks. Backup Bob Gagliano entered the game after Evans left the contest but completed only one pass on 13 attempts.

Denver Coach Darrel “Mouse” Davis was not happy with his teams’ effort and poor play overall. “Let's hope this was an aberration. We came out early and played hard, but then our quarterback got hurt and we really struggled.” The Gold suffered “an old fashioned whuppin’” in the second half,” said Davis.

Game Notes: Bulls’ defensive back Derrick Batiste returned an interception 28 yards for a score early in the second frame…Bill Johnson led the Denver offense with 93 yards rushing with two touchdowns…Perry Kemp finished with 102 receiving yards while Robbie Mahfouz was steady at quarterback as he completed 16 of 26 passes for 178 yards.

Elsewhere in the USFL on Saturday, the Birmingham Stallions dominated in their 49-23 win over Los Angeles. Cliff Stoudt and Joe Cribbs combined for five touchdowns as Birmingham bounced back from last weeks’ loss to New Jersey.

'85 Chronology-Ground Game

Event Date: March 2nd, 1985

Event Description: Generals Down' Gades

Source: UPI

Maurice Carthon rushed for 104 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns to power the New Jersey Generals to a 26-10 USFL win over the Orlando Renegades.

Herschel Walker led all rushers with 181 yards on 29 attempts and Doug Flutie, the $7 million quarterback, hit on 8-of-21 passes for 129 yards. Kicker Roger Ruzek connecetd on all four of his field goal attempts, the longest a 44-yarder closed out the first half as New Jersey built a 16-0 lead.

The Renegades' offense suffered a setback when starting quarterback Jerry Golsteyn was injured late in the first quarter and was replaced by backup Reggie Collier. 

Collier led the ‘Gades on their only touchdown drive of the contest, ending with a seven-yard pass to Curtis Bledsoe with just over six minutes remaining in the contest.

Game Notes: Along with losing Jerry Golsteyn, the Renegades lost defensive tackle Ed McAleney to a serious leg injury…New Jersey piled up 324 rushing yards on 52 attempts.

'85 Chronology-Orlando Home Opener

'85 Chronology-Week #2 Preview

Event Date: March 1st , 1985

Event Description: Week #2 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #2 USFL Preview

Friday, March 1st

New Jersey Generals at Orlando Renegades

Latest Line: (Generals -16)   

Television: ESPN-National: Fred Manfra & Mike Adamle

ESPN Radio: Charley Steiner & Dave Herman

Saturday, March 2nd

Denver Gold at Jacksonville Bulls

Latest Line: (Gold -2)

Television Coverage: ESPN-Regional: Jim Simpson & Paul Maguire

Radio: ABC Radio: Bob Buck and Dick Butkus

Los Angeles Express at Birmingham Stallions

Latest Line: (Stallions -8)   

Television: ESPN Regional: John Sanders & Steve Talbot

ESPN Radio: Jim Fyffe & Dick James

Sunday, March 3rd

Michigan Panthers at Philadelphia Stars

Latest Line: (Panthers -2)   

Television: ABC-National: Keith Jackson and Lynn Swann

Radio: ABC Radio: Don Chevrier & Paul Hornung

Houston Gamblers at New Orleans Breakers

Latest Line: (Gamblers -6)

Television: ABC Regional: Tim Brandt & Lee Grosscup

ESPN Radio: John Greer, Ed Biles & Bob Fiscella

Oakland Invaders at Tampa Bay Bandits

Latest Line: (Bandits -9)

Television: ABC Regional: Bill Flemming & Ron Mix

ESPN Radio: Gene Deckerhoff & Vic Prinzi

San Antonio Gunslingers at Pittsburgh Maulers

Latest Line: (Maulers -11)

Television: Local: Sam Nover & Jack Ham

ESPN Radio: Jay Howard & Bill Mercer

Monday, March 4th

Arizona Outlaws at Memphis Showboats

Latest Line: (Showboats -2)

Television Coverage: ESPN-National: Jim Simpson & Paul Maguire

Radio: ABC Radio: Bob Buck and Dick Butkus

'85 Chronology-Star Crossed

Event Date: March 1st, 1985

Event Description: Dupree Out

Source: UPI

New Orleans Breakers star running back Marcus Dupree was to undergo exploratory surgery this weekend on his left knee, a team spokesman said Thursday night.

Doctors will try to determine the extent of the damage Dupree suffered during the preseason.

Team doctors confirmed Monday that Dupree tore knee ligaments. He will miss at least several games but should be able to return in four-to-six weeks.

'85 Chronology-Laggards

Event Date: February 28th, 1985

Event Description: USFL Attendance Lags

Source: The Tuscaloosa News

'85 Chronology-Sidelined

Event Date:  February 27th, 1985

Event Description: Sipe Surgery

Source: UPI

Brian Sipe was in satisfactory condition after surgery to repair his injured throwing arm, but doctors are uncertain when the Jacksonville Bulls quarterback will be able to play again.

Sipe, 35, suffered a separated right shoulder when he was tackled early in the second quarter of the Bulls' 10-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Maulers.

Surgeons secured Sipe's collarbone with an artificial ligament to give his torn shoulder ligaments a chance to heal. Sipe opted for the procedure after talking to other quarterbacks who have undergone similar operations, most notably Jim Plunkett of the NFL's Los Angeles Raiders.

Dr. Paul Shirley said the operation was a success, but it could be months before the extent of Sipe's recovery is apparent.

“He could do some light throwing in six weeks if everything goes perfect,” Shirley said. “He could play after eight weeks, but that's the optimistic view.”

Sipe signed a two-year contract with the Bulls earlier this month that is worth an estimated $800,000 a season. The 12-year veteran, who last year jumped from the NFL's Cleveland Browns to New Jersey of the USFL, was traded to Jacksonville earlier this month to allow Doug Flutie to become the Generals' starting quarterback.

Nick Kish, director of player personnel for the Bulls, said Jacksonville is looking for a player to replace Sipe. The Bulls released Matt Robinson and former Duke standout Ben Bennett after signing Sipe.

Bulls coach Lindy Infante said second-string quarterback Robbie Mahfouz will start next week with Buck Belue as backup.

In other USFL news; the Memphis Showboats spoiled the debut of the San Antonio Gunslingers as the ‘Boats scored a 41-30 home victory over the leagues’ newest team. 

Quarterback Walter Lewis tossed a career-high five touchdown passes while piling up over 400 yards passing. Derrick Crawford led all receivers with seven receptions for 140 yards and three scores.

In other Monday action, the Michigan Panthers scored a 41-14 upset victory at Arizona as the Panthers dominated play throughout. Michgan pivot Bobby Hebert passed for 356 yards and tossed a pair of touchdowns to Derek Holloway. Star wideout Anthony Carter also chipped in with seven receptions for 164 yards.

'85 Chronology-Gold Rush!

Event Date: February 25th, 1985

Event Description: Evans Leads Gold Surge

Source: PFW

Vince Evans threw for a career-high 377 yards to go along with a pair of touchdown passes leading the Gold to a 31-27 win over the Philadelphia Stars on Sunday as both teams opened the 1985 regular season. 

About 41,000 fans were at Mile High Stadium on the chilly, overcast day to watch the debut performance Evans and new head coach Mouse Davis as the team unveiled their new Run and Shoot offense.

Philadelphia scored first -- on a five-yard touchdown toss from Chuck Fusina to Ken Dunek and a 21-yard field goal field goal by David Trout giving the Stars a 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

But Denver responded early in the second frame as Evans bootlegged nine yards for a touchdown and Bill Johnson scored midway through the frame via a one-yard run giving the Gold a 14-10 lead.

The Stars then closed out the half with another David Trout field goal and a two-ayrd touchdown run by kelvin Bryant as the stars led 20-14 at the intermission.

Philadelphia increased their lead to 27-14 early in the third as Fusina again connected with Dunek, this time via a 34-yard touchdown pass. However, the Stars offense would then go dormant as Denver controlled the final 25 minutes of the contest.

A 77-yard strike from Evans to Leonard Harris immediately following the Dunek touchdown ignited the Gold as they then fought back with ten unanswered points to seal the victory.

Game Notes: Kelvin Braynt led all rushers with 149 yards on 19 attempts…wideout Leonard Harris finished with 168 receiving yards on eight receptions…recently acquired linebacker Stan Blinka paced the Denver defense with 12 tackles.

In other Sunday USFL action; the Houston Gamblers smashed Los Angeles by a score of 31-6 sparked by a 70-yard punt return by Gerald McNeil.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Breakers downed Oakland by a score of 21-16 with Buford Jordan leading the charge as he churned out 142 rushing yards to go along with a pair of touchdown runs. Matt Robinson made his Breakers’ debut throwing for 186 yards with a touch down toss to Jordan in the final frame.

'85 Chronology-Flutie Debut

Event Date: February 25th, 1985

Event Description: Generals Win Opener

Source: PFW

Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie, making his regular-season professional debut with the New Jersey Generals, scored via a 14-yard run as the Generals edged Birmingham by a score of 21-10 in the season opener for both squads.

Herschel Walker carried the Generals’ offense as he rushed for 155 yards on 25 attempts including the game-winning touchdown midway through the final frame.

Frank Mattiace scored via a blocked punt early in the third frame pushing New Jersey out to a 14-3 lead.

Birmingham pivot Cliff Stoudt finished with 187 passing yards on 19-of-31 efficiency with one touchdown and one interception. Star running back Joe Cribbs was held to 78 yards rushing on 18 carries.

Game Notes-Birmingham wideout Jim Smith left the game in the second quarter due to injury…Maurice Carthon chipped in 79 rushing yards for New Jersey.