The Washington Federals had endured tough going in the
first three weeks of the inaugural United States Football League season, losing
all three of their games, including the most recent thanks to a late field
goal. On March 27, 1983 they hosted the Michigan Panthers, who came into the
contest at 1-2.
The Federals, coached by Ray Jauch, had a good rookie
running back in Craig James, but he was already sidelined with an injury. WR
Joey Walters was a dependable receiver, but quarterback was unsettled with another
promising first-year play, Mike Hohensee, injured and veteran NFL backup Kim
McQuilken taking his place.
Michigan had a big-name rookie of its own, WR Anthony
Carter, who was off to a slow start and a less-heralded first-year quarterback
in Bobby Hebert. LB John Corker already had five sacks, but Head Coach Jim
Stanley’s team was still coming together and, following a low-scoring opening
win, was struggling.
There was an extremely disappointing crowd of 11,414 fans
in attendance on a rainy day at RFK Stadium. The Federals got on the board
first, just three minutes into the contest, with a 32-yard field goal by Obed
Ariri.
That was it until midway through the second quarter when
Washington extended its lead on a pass from Kim McQuilken to WR Mike Holmes
that was good for a 40-yard touchdown. The Panthers responded by driving 81
yards in 12 plays, culminating in a TD pass from Bobby Hebert to Anthony Carter
that covered 33 yards. It was Carter’s first pro touchdown and, with Novo
Bojovic adding the extra point, Washington’s lead was narrowed to 10-7.
In the waning seconds of the first half, the Federals
scored another touchdown on an eight-yard McQuilken toss to Joey Walters. Ariri
missed the extra point, but the home team took a 16-7 lead into halftime.
Late in the third quarter, the Panthers came through with
a big play to once again cut into Washington’s lead. Hebert connected with WR
Derek Holloway for a 69-yard TD, although Bojovic also failed to convert the
extra point. Still, it was a three-point contest heading into the fourth
quarter. It was almost enough for the Federals, but Bojovic tied the game with
a 43-yard field goal as time expired in regulation.
The Federals had the first possession in overtime and
drove 72 yards in six plays, the last of which was a pass from McQuilken to
Walters, who outdistanced the coverage on a down-and-in pattern for a
game-winning 23-yard touchdown at 2:43 into the extra period. Washington finally
broke into the win column by a final score of 22-16.
The Panthers had the edge in total yards (326 to 314) and
each team recorded 20 first downs. Most of the yards came through the air as
neither club mounted much of a ground attack (the Federals had the edge at 48 yards
to 42). Michigan recorded six sacks (five of them by John Corker, on his way to
leading the USFL in that category) but also turned the ball over seven times
(six on fumbles) to just one turnover suffered by Washington.
Kim McQuilken had a big day as he completed 24 of 48
passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Mike Holmes
caught 6 passes for 124 yards and a TD while Joey Walters also contributed 6
receptions, gaining 99 yards and scoring twice. RB James Mayberry was
Washington’s leading ground gainer with 25 yards on 10 carries while RB Eric
Robinson was held to just 22 yards on 17 attempts, although he caught 5 passes
for 37 yards.
For the Panthers, Bobby Hebert was successful on 22 of 44
throws for 292 yards and two TDs, tossing one interception. WR Frank McClain
led the receivers with 6 catches for 76 yards and Anthony Carter added three
receptions and 51 yards, including a touchdown. RB Ken Lacy ran for 35 yards on
7 attempts.
The win for the Federals did not signal a turnaround.
They were thrashed by the powerful Philadelphia Stars the next week and went on
to finish at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 4-14 record. Michigan’s
fortunes did improve dramatically, however. The Panthers lost again to drop
into a 1-4 hole before reeling off six straight wins on the way to a 12-6
tally, best in the Central Division. They went on to win the first USFL
Championship.
Kim McQuilken saw most of the action at quarterback for
the Federals, throwing for 1912 yards with seven touchdowns against 14
interceptions in what would be his last pro season. Joey Walters remained
productive as he caught 63 passes for 959 yards (15.2 avg.) and six TDs.
