USFL '86: The Season That Never Was

Monday, February 18, 2019

'84 Chronology-Kelly's Heroes

Event Date: July 9th, 1984

Event Description:  Cruising to Victory

Source: UPI

Jim Kelly tossed six touchdown passes Sunday, including two to Ricky Sanders, to power the Houston Gamblers to a 48-28 triumph over the Michigan Panthers and a berth in the U.S. Football League championship game.

“Jim and I both read the defenses the same way. He threw the ball out there and it's my job to go get it. I was single covered man-to-man and I'm supposed to beat that kind of coverage,” said Sanders who finished with eight receptions for 89 yards.

Kelly, who threw 44 touchdown passes during the season, finished the game with 445 passing yards on 30-of-36 efficiency as the Gamblers cruised to victory.

Kelly hit on touchdown strikes to Rick Moser, Scott McGhee, Richard Johnson, Todd Fowler and Ricky Sanders. Fowler also led all rushers with 120 yards with one rushing touchdown.

The victory, before 28,152 fans, advanced the Gamblers into the championship against the Birmingham Stallions, who defeated the Philadelphia Stars 27-20 in an upset in the Eastern final. It will be both teams’ first trip to the championship game to be held next week in Tampa.

The Panthers were led by Bobby Hebert who finished with 295 yards passing to go along with two touchdowns and one interception. Anthony Carter hauled in five passes for 98 yards while John Williams and ken Lacy combined for 133 yards on the ground.

Story-(UPI Modified)

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