1985: Showboats Come from Behind to Defeat Bulls

The Jacksonville Bulls and Memphis Showboats were both coming off of opening-week wins to start off the 1985 United States Football League season as they faced off on March 4.

The visiting Showboats were coached by Pepper Rodgers, who guided the club to a respectable 7-11 record in its first season. QB Walter Lewis (pictured above) augmented his passing with impressive mobility and had tossed three touchdown passes in the first-week win over San Antonio. RB Leonard Williams, who had seen scant action in his 1984 rookie year, rushed for 136 yards in that contest as well. The defense was anchored by second-year DE Reggie White.

Jacksonville, under Head Coach Lindy Infante, was coming off of a 6-12 first-year record but upset the defending-champion Baltimore Stars the previous week. However, injuries were a significant concern, especially at quarterback. Veteran Brian Sipe, obtained from New Jersey, went down with a shoulder separation against the Stars and while backup Robbie Mahfouz performed well in relief, he had suffered from a bout of the flu and missed practice during the intervening week. While ex-San Diego QB Ed Luther had just been signed, it would be Buck Belue making his first pro start. Belue had come out of the Univ. of Georgia and, after two years playing minor league baseball, spent ’84 on Jacksonville’s developmental squad.

There were 40,112 fans in attendance for the nationally-televised Monday night game at Jacksonville’s Gator Bowl. The teams traded punts to start the contest before Walter Lewis, who failed to complete a pass in the first quarter, fumbled in the process of running for first down yardage and the Bulls recovered at their 40. But after driving to the Memphis 22, Brian Franco missed a 39-yard field goal attempt.

As the game headed into the second quarter, and following another exchange of punts, the Bulls were able to pin the Showboats at their one yard line. The result was a Memphis punt that gave the home team good starting field position and the Bulls capitalized, advancing 46 yards in six plays. RB Mike Rozier broke several tackles as he spun up the middle on the way to an 11-yard touchdown. Franco added the extra point and Jacksonville had a 7-0 lead.

The score remained unchanged at the half. Alan Duncan missed a 48-yard field goal try for the Showboats on the next series after the Jacksonville score and DB Henry “Gizmo” Williams had a 47-yard punt return for the Showboats that they were unable to capitalize on.

Memphis had the ball first in the third quarter and drove 81 yards in five plays. Leonard Williams broke away for a 37-yard run and Walter Lewis capped the series with a pass to WR Greg Moser for a 22-yard touchdown on the next play. Duncan converted to tie the game at 7-7.

Another exchange of punts ensued, with an apparent return for a TD by Jacksonville WR Reggie Butts nullified by a roughing-the-kicker penalty, and while the Showboats gained ground following the reprieve, a holding penalty and sack on third down forced them to punt in return.

A 62-yard pass completion by the Bulls was called back due to another untimely penalty, this time for holding, and with the ball deep in their own territory, Belue fumbled and NT Paul Hanna recovered at the Jacksonville four. On the next play, Lewis ran around end for another Memphis TD. Duncan added the point after for a seven-point Memphis advantage.

It got worse for the Bulls on the ensuing kickoff when Butts fumbled and DB Doran Major of the Showboats fell on the loose ball at the Jacksonville 25. Five plays later, Lewis bulled to another touchdown, barely breaking the plane of the goal line. Duncan’s extra point put the visitors ahead by 21-7.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Bulls finally got on the board again when Belue tossed a two-yard scoring pass to WR Aubrey Matthews on a fourth down play. It capped a 10-play, 66-yard series highlighted by three key Belue scrambles. With Franco converting it was again a seven-point contest with 13:21 remaining in regulation.

On the next possession, Lewis, throwing on the run, completed a pass to TE Mark Raugh for a gain of 50 yards to the Jacksonville 13, and, while the Showboats were unable to reach the end zone, that set up a 24-yard Duncan field goal and a ten-point cushion.

Jacksonville had three more possessions, but the next two resulted in punts and the last ended when DB Leonard Coleman intercepted a Belue pass in the end zone with less than two minutes remaining to seal the 24-14 win for Memphis.

The Showboats had the edge in total yards (328 to 251) while each team generated 15 first downs. Jacksonville turned the ball over three times, with the two in the third quarter especially damaging, to one suffered by Memphis. The Bulls compiled four sacks, to three by the Showboats.

Walter Lewis, who completed just one pass in the first half, ended up hitting on 9 of 18 throws for 117 yards and a touchdown while giving up no interceptions. He also ran the ball 11 times for 76 yards and two TDs. Leonard Williams led the Showboats in rushing with 93 yards on 14 carries. Greg Moser had 5 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown.

For the Bulls, Buck Belue completed 16 of 31 passes for 118 yards and a TD while giving up one interception, and he ran for 47 yards on 6 carries. Mike Rozier led the rushers with 81 yards on 8 attempts that included a touchdown. Wide receivers Perry Kemp and Alton Alexis caught four passes apiece, for 42 and 39 yards, respectively.

Memphis won again the next week and went on to an 11-7 record that placed third in the Eastern Conference. The Showboats thrashed Denver in the Quarterfinal playoff round before falling to the Oakland Invaders in their Semifinal game. The Bulls struggled to a 9-9 tally, finally hitting stride with four straight midseason wins after having gotten off to a 2-5 start, placing sixth in the conference.

While Buck Belue performed capably in his first start, he eventually gave way to the veterans Brian Sipe and Ed Luther. For the season, he completed 37 of 68 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns as well as three interceptions.

1989: Vikings Defeat Packers as Newly-Acquired Walker Stars

Three days after being in the middle of one of the biggest trades in NFL history, RB Herschel Walker (pictured above) took the field for the Minnesota Vikings as they hosted the Green Bay Packers on October 15, 1989. In a complex transaction that ultimately involved 18 players and draft picks, Walker was obtained from the Dallas Cowboys. From the perspective of the Cowboys, the deal provided the opportunity to rebuild a last-place team through the draft. For Minnesota, it was hoped that the talented Walker would be the key to reaching the Super Bowl.

Much had been expected of Walker since he first gained attention as a freshman on Georgia’s 1980 national championship team. After winning the Heisman Trophy as a junior, he made the stunning move of passing up his last collegiate season for the new United States Football League and, over the course of three years with the New Jersey Generals, rushed for 5562 yards. Moving on to the Cowboys after the demise of the USFL, he was selected to the Pro Bowl twice and, in 1988, gained 1514 yards on the ground and 2019 overall. To be sure, Walker had drawn his share of criticism for being a strictly straight-ahead, no-polish runner who had yet to fulfill gigantic expectations, but he was also a tremendous athlete with outstanding strength and speed. It was anticipated that, having practiced only twice with the team since the trade, he would see limited action in his first game with Minnesota.

Beyond Walker, the Vikings, coached by Jerry Burns, were a talented football team with an outstanding defense but an offense that seemed to be underachieving. QB Wade Wilson had a fractured hand and former starter Tommy Kramer was back behind center, and WR Anthony Carter and TE Steve Jordan were playing but hampered by injuries. Coming off an 11-5 record in ’88, Minnesota was 3-2 and willing to mortgage the future for near-term success.

The Packers, also at 3-2, were a rejuvenated team under Head Coach Lindy Infante. The offense had been highly productive with Don Majkowski taking over at quarterback, WR Sterling Sharpe breaking out as the feature receiver, and RB Brent Fullwood carrying the running load, and the defense featured pass-rushing LB Tim Harris.

There was a record crowd of 62,075 in attendance at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The Packers had first possession but Minnesota got the ball on a fumble by Brent Fullwood that was recovered by DE Chris Doleman at the Green Bay 34. The Vikings were unable to capitalize, however, as they were unable to move on offense and a field goal attempt by Rich Karlis from 51 yards was wide to the right.

Green Bay responded by driving 66 yards in nine plays, the big one a pass from Don Majkowski to Sterling Sharpe that covered 51 yards to the Minnesota 10. A face mask penalty on LB Mike Merriweather helped to convert a third down and RB Herman Fontenot finally ended the series with a one-yard touchdown carry. Chris Jacke added the extra point to give the visitors the early 7-0 lead.

With the crowd cheering as he came onto the field, Herschel Walker touched the ball for the first time on the ensuing kickoff and returned it 51 yards, although it was for naught when nullified by a penalty for an illegal block. The teams exchanged punts and Walker provided some excitement when, on his first carry from scrimmage, he took off for a 47-yard gain to the Green Bay 28, losing his right shoe along the way, and this one counted. But again the Vikings came up empty when FS Ken Stills intercepted a Tommy Kramer pass on the next play.

Minnesota took charge on defense with a stuff and a sack to push the Packers back to their eight yard line to finish the opening period, and on a third-and-22 play to start the second quarter, Majkowski’s pass was intercepted by CB Reggie Rutland. The Vikings advanced 45 yards in eight plays, with Kramer completing passes to WR Hassan Jones for 19 yards and to Anthony Carter for 15, and this time Karlis got them on the board with a 28-yard field goal.

Once again the Minnesota defense pushed the Packers back, with Doleman sacking Majkowski for a seven-yard loss, and a punt was returned 17 yards by WR Leo Lewis to give the Vikings favorable starting field position at the Green Bay 49. Walker had two carries for 11 yards and, in between, Kramer connected with RB D.J. Dozier for a gain of 30 yards. FB Rick Fenney ran eight yards for a TD and, with the PAT by Karlis, Minnesota was in the lead by 10-7.

Another short series by the Packers in which they remained bottled up inside their ten yard line was followed by a punt, but while the Vikings reached the Green Bay 30, a 47-yard field goal try by Karlis was blocked by CB Ron Pitts. RB Keith Woodside provided some offense for Green Bay by breaking away for a run of 31 yards, but Majkowski threw a pass that was picked off by Rutland. With the ball at the Green Bay 28 and 2:40 remaining in the half, the Vikings chipped away and Kramer threw to WR Jim Gustafson for a six-yard touchdown. Karlis converted and Minnesota took a 17-7 lead into halftime. Don Majkowski had completed only two of 11 passes thus far and was sacked three times.

The teams traded punts to start the third quarter. The Vikings put together an eight-play, 78-yard drive on their second possession as Kramer completed five passes, the longest to Jones for 39 yards to the Green Bay 11 and the last to Fenney for an eight-yard TD. Karlis converted and Minnesota was leading comfortably by 24-7.

The Packers once again found themselves playing deep in their own territory when a penalty on the ensuing kickoff had them starting off at their 12 and, after two passes were incomplete, Majkowski was sacked in the end zone by LB Ray Berry for a safety, thus adding two more points to Minnesota’s lead.

Following the free kick, Walker ran the ball three times for 41 yards to reach the Green Bay 27, but a fumble on an errant pitchout by Kramer was recovered by LB Brian Noble on the final play of the period.

The teams exchanged punts before the Packers, gaining possession with 4:47 left to play, put together a scoring series. Majkowski completed passes to Sharpe for 31 yards and WR Carl Bland for a 46-yard touchdown, but the try for an onside kick was recovered by the Vikings, who were able to run out the clock. Minnesota won by a final score of 26-14.

The Vikings outgained Green Bay by 398 yards to 219, with 238 of that total coming on the ground. They also had the advantage in first downs by 21 to 11. Minnesota’s defense recorded eight sacks, to one by the Packers, four of them by DT Keith Millard (pictured at right). The Packers turned the ball over three times, to two by the Vikings, and hurt themselves further with 11 penalties, at a cost of 77 yards, although Minnesota was flagged nine times.

Herschel Walker rushed for 148 yards on 18 carries, becoming the first player to debut with a hundred yards rushing in franchise history. Tommy Kramer completed 14 of 24 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns, giving up one interception. Hassan Jones caught four passes for 68 yards and D.J. Dozier was right behind with four receptions for 47 yards in addition to his 31 rushing yards on 8 attempts. In addition to Millard’s four sacks, Chris Doleman had two and Najee Mustafaa accounted for both Minnesota interceptions.

For the Packers, it was a long day for Don Majkowski, who was successful on just 9 of 24 throws for 198 yards and a TD with two interceptions, in addition to the sacks. Keith Woodside led the team with 36 rushing yards on three carries as well as three pass receptions, which added another 23 yards. Sterling Sharpe gained 82 yards on his two catches.

“We didn’t anticipate him to play to that extent,” said Coach Burns of Herschel Walker. “I’m not the smartest guy, but I’m not a complete idiot, either. When I saw what he was doing out there, I said ‘hey, keep feeding him the ball.’”

Alas, the initial excitement over Walker’s impact gave way to disappointment. He never came close to the rushing yardage total of his debut in the remaining games of the season, with 89 the next week at Detroit his next best amount. In 11 games with the Vikings, Walker ran for 669 yards in 169 carries for an even 4.0 average and five touchdowns, often looking tentative in the offense. He also was rarely used as a receiver, despite great success out of the backfield in New Jersey and Dallas, catching more passes in his five games with the Cowboys (22) than with Minnesota (18). He would play two more years for the Vikings and remained a poor fit.

Minnesota played well at home (8-0) but not on the road (2-6) and, while topping the NFC Central with a 10-6 record, the Vikings lost badly to the 49ers in the Divisional playoff round. They dropped to 6-10 the following year, and rebounded only mildly to 8-8 in 1991, with the Walker trade receiving much of the blame for the club’s decline. By contrast, the Dallas Cowboys, recipients of the load of draft choices from Minnesota, they were able to move up quickly from 1-15 in 1989 to the first of three NFL titles in four years by 1992.

As for the Packers, they lost again the next week but beat the Vikings later in the season in the rematch and also finished at 10-6, although in second place and out of the postseason due to tiebreakers.

1985: Walker Passes Dickerson as Generals Defeat Bulls

RB Herschel Walker had become one of the most notable players in the United States Football League from the moment he passed up his senior year at Georgia to sign with the New Jersey Generals of the new Spring league in 1983. Walker had been a Heisman Trophy contender from his freshman year, winning the award as a junior, and thus expectations were high – and despite his achievements, the criticism often was sharp as well. He started slowly in ’83 but went on to win the USFL’s first rushing title with 1812 yards. Playing with a sore shoulder, he had a lesser year in ’84, but in his third season he was rolling up yards at a pace that not only put him at the top of his league’s rushing standings but also in competition with the NFL record of 2105 yards that Eric Dickerson of the Rams had set just the previous Fall. That record had been set over the course of 16 games and, coming into New Jersey’s 16^th game on June 10, Walker had a string of nine straight 100-yard rushing games and was just 138 yards behind.

New Jersey, coached by Walt Michaels, was without injured QB Doug Flutie, who had suffered a broken collar bone the previous week. With backup Ron Reeves starting in his place, Walker could be expected to carry more of the load, along with FB Maurice Carthon.

The opposing Jacksonville Bulls, under the direction of offensive-minded Head Coach Lindy Infante, were also without their starting quarterback as Brian Sipe had suffered a separated shoulder, although backup Ed Luther had NFL experience. RB Mike Rozier, Walker’s successor as Heisman Trophy winner in 1983, was the third-ranking rusher in the USFL (he would finish second) and the defense was benefiting from the play of rookie DE Keith Millard and second-year LB Vaughan Johnson.

The Generals, with a 10-5 record, needed a win to clinch a playoff spot while the Bulls, at 8-7, were struggling to remain in contention, although they had beaten New Jersey in their previous meeting in Jacksonville.

There were 36,465 fans on hand for the Monday night game at Giants Stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands. The Generals scored first when Roger Ruzek capped a long initial possession with a 27-yard field goal.

Following a short series by the Bulls, another long and methodical New Jersey drive ended when Reeves threw to TE Sam Bowers for a five-yard touchdown. Ruzek added the extra point that made it 10-0. It got worse for the Bulls when they fumbled away the ensuing kickoff and early in the second quarter, Walker ran four yards for another TD.

Thus far, the home team had dominated the game, but two turnovers by the Generals allowed the Bulls to get back into the contest. First, Jacksonville had to punt following the next series but it was New Jersey’s turn to muff the kick and the Bulls recovered at the Generals’ 43. The visitors drove to the 15 before the series stalled and Brian Franco kicked a 28-yard field goal.

The next New Jersey series ended when a third down pass by Reeves was intercepted by safety Van Jakes. Luther passed the Bulls down the field and Mike Rozier ran the last five yards for a TD. Franco successfully converted to make it a seven-point game. However, the Generals had time for one more possession in the half and drove to another score, with Maurice Carthon running in for a touchdown from 15 yards out. The tally was 24-10 at the half.

Midway through the third quarter, and on the first play following a Jacksonville punt, Walker ran up the middle and broke two tackles on the way to a 55-yard touchdown that put him ahead of Dickerson. It also gave the Generals a 31-10 lead.

Behind by three touchdowns, the Bulls fought back in the fourth quarter. A blocked punt late in the third period gave Jacksonville the ball in New Jersey territory, and early in the final period it paid off when Luther threw to TE Robert Young for a seven-yard touchdown. Franco successfully added the extra point.

The Generals appeared to have the game in hand when the Bulls failed to convert a fourth down with 6:32 remaining on the clock, but a fumble by Walker’s backup, RB Rod Pegues, gave the visitors the ball again at the New Jersey 45. The Bulls made the most of the opportunity, driving to another Luther-to-Young TD connection, this time covering nine yards. Franco again added the PAT and it was a seven-point contest.

The Generals were unable to handle the ensuing pooched kickoff and Jacksonville DB Rodney McMillan recovered the ball at the New Jersey three with 3:10 left on the clock, giving the Bulls a good shot at potentially tying the score. But in dramatic fashion, the Generals kept them out of the end zone on four straight plays to hold on for the 31-24 win.

New Jersey led in total yards (313 to 267) and first downs (18 to 17). Of that yardage total, the Generals generated 230 on the ground. However, they also hurt themselves with four turnovers, to two suffered by the Bulls.

Herschel Walker rushed for 162 yards on 28 carries that included two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 2129 yards. Maurice Carthon contributed another 49 yards on 9 attempts that included a score. Ron Reeves threw just 13 passes and completed 7 for 83 yards with a TD and an interception. Walker was one of three Generals that caught two passes apiece and Sam Bowers led the club with 37 yards on his pair.

For the Bulls, Ed Luther completed 24 of 44 throws for 209 yards and the two late touchdowns as well as giving up one interception.  Mike Rozier ran for 51 yards on 16 carries and led the club with 8 catches, for 45 yards. WR Alton Alexis gained 58 yards on his four receptions.

“Records are very important, no doubt, but then again, a win is just as important,” said Herschel Walker. “If we had lost the game, I don’t think the record would have meant as much.”

The win clinched a postseason spot for New Jersey while the Bulls were eliminated from contention. The Generals finished at 11-7 and in second place in the Eastern Conference. They lost to the Baltimore Stars in the Quarterfinal playoff round. Jacksonville placed sixth in the conference with a 9-9 record.

Herschel Walker finished up with 2411 yards on 438 carries (5.5 avg.) and also led the USFL with 22 touchdowns (21 rushing). He received unanimous Player of the Year as well as All-league honors and, with the demise of the league, moved on to the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL.

1985: Franco Kicks 5 Field Goals to Propel Bulls Over Stars

The Philadelphia Stars had appeared in the first two United States Football League Championship games, and won the second. For the 1985 season, they had become the Baltimore Stars in anticipation of the USFL’s move to the fall for ’86. While it created an awkward arrangement, with practice facilities in Philadelphia and home games shifted to Byrd Stadium at the University of Maryland, the Stars were still a strong team on both sides of the ball. The conservative offense continued to be directed by QB Chuck Fusina and featured RB Kelvin Bryant, and the defense was outstanding, having given up a league-lowest average of 12.5 points per game in ’84. Organizationally, under owner Myles Tannenbaum, President/GM Carl Peterson, and Head Coach Jim Mora, the Stars were the class of the league.

They opened the 1985 season on February 24 against the Jacksonville Bulls. Coming off a 6-12 record in their inaugural campaign, the Bulls had admirable fan support (an average attendance of 46,730 per game). Coached by Lindy Infante, the team had taken steps to improve the offense by dealing for 35-year-old veteran QB Brian Sipe, most recently of the New Jersey Generals, and adding RB Mike Rozier, whose rookie season was spent with the defunct Pittsburgh Maulers.   

A crowd of 51,045, the biggest of the USFL’s opening week, was on hand at the Gator Bowl. Near the end of the scoreless first quarter, Sipe went down with a shoulder separation after being hit from the blind side by CB Bill Hardee in the process of completing a seven-yard pass on a third-down play and backup Robbie Mahfouz took over for the Bulls. Sipe left the contest after having completed five of six passes for 51 yards.

Brian Franco got the Bulls on the board first with a 42-yard field goal. He and Baltimore’s David Trout traded three-pointers for the remainder of the period, with Franco connecting again from 24 yards in between Trout’s kicks from 30 and 27 yards. The score was 6-6 at the half.

Early in the third quarter, Fusina was picked off by Jacksonville safety Don Bessillieu. It set up Franco’s longest field goal of the day, from 51 yards, which barely cleared the crossbar. With 5:31 remaining in the period, and capping a 10-play, 69-yard drive, Mahfouz threw to FB Marvin Lewis for a two-yard touchdown. Jacksonville led by 16-6 after three quarters.

Franco added two more field goals in the final period, from 27 and 50 yards, the first following a second Fusina interception. The last field goal also followed a turnover when Bessillieu picked up a fumble by Stars FB David Riley and ran it 40 yards to the Baltimore 45. The score was 22-6 with 8:40 left in the contest.

Early in the fourth quarter, Fusina was sidelined with a thumb injury, bringing backup Tim Riordan into the game for the Stars. Now with one minute remaining in the contest, Riordan threw to WR Herbert Harris for a three-yard touchdown that he then followed with a pass to WR Willie Collier for a successful two-point conversion.

The ending turned dramatic as the Stars successfully executed an onside kick that was recovered by LB Larry McCoy. However, after advancing to the Jacksonville 32, Riordan was sacked for a ten-yard loss and Baltimore was able to run just two more plays before time ran out. Jacksonville won by a final score of 22-14.

The Stars had the edge in total yards (340 to 240) and first downs (23 to 12). They did well against Jacksonville’s running attack, holding the Bulls to 57 yards on 22 attempts while gaining 82 yards on their own 27 carries. However, the uncharacteristically sloppy defending champs also turned the ball over four times, to none suffered by the Bulls. Jacksonville also recorded four sacks, to none by Baltimore.

After replacing Brian Sipe, Robbie Mahfouz (pictured below) completed 17 of 24 passes for 132 yards with a TD and no interceptions. The team’s leading receiver was TE Mark Keel, who caught 6 passes for 54 yards. Mike Rozier rushed for 30 yards on 13 carries.  Brian Franco tied the USFL record with his five field goals in as many attempts.

For the Stars, Chuck Fusina was successful on 8 of 15 throws for 122 yards with no TDs but two interceptions before having to leave the game. Tim Riordan completed 13 of his 21 passes for 117 yards and one TD with none intercepted. Kelvin Bryant gained 53 yards on 13 rushing attempts. Willie Collier had 7 pass receptions for 112 yards and WR Scott Fitzkee contributed 64 yards on his 4 catches.

“Brian Franco had an incredible day,” exclaimed Coach Lindy Infante as he presented his kicker with a game ball.

“I have mixed emotions about this game,” added Infante, referencing the injury to Sipe. “Naturally, I’m upset we’ve lost a player of Brian’s ability, but we beat an awful good football team and I have to be happy about that.”

Franco had been cut by the Stars in favor of Trout two seasons before. He had also been cut by Jacksonville the previous year but was re-signed three games into the season. His opening-game performance ignited a fine season in which Franco was successful on 24 of 29 field goal attempts, was perfect on 45 extra points, and ended up with 117 points, which ranked fifth in the league and second among placekickers.

Sipe was diagnosed with a “complete shoulder separation” and was out for 12 weeks. In the meantime, veteran NFL backup QB Ed Luther took over the starting job. Robbie Mahfouz returned to the bench and ended up completing 24 of 38 passes for 205 yards with two TDs and an interception.

The Bulls put together a 9-9 record to finish sixth in the seven-team Eastern Conference. While the Stars continued to struggle during the first half of the season, they won five of their last six games and ended up in fourth place at 10-7-1. Having qualified for the postseason, they went on to retain the USFL title in the league’s last game.

1985: Sipe Rallies Bulls Past Gamblers

The 1985 United States Football League season had been a rough one for Jacksonville Bulls QB Brian Sipe as he prepared to take the field on May 20 against the Houston Gamblers. Sipe, once the NFL’s Most Valuable Player with the Cleveland Browns in 1980, had been signed to the USFL by the New Jersey Generals in ’84, and was unceremoniously dumped off to the Bulls after Heisman Trophy-winner Doug Flutie signed with the Generals for 1985. Taking over as starting quarterback for Jacksonville, he had suffered a severe shoulder separation in the season-opening game and Ed Luther had been behind center as the team got off to a 6-6 start.

Head Coach Lindy Infante’s team had a fine tandem of wide receivers in Alton Alexis and Perry Kemp and also benefited from the presence of RB Mike Rozier, who had spent his rookie season in ’84 with the Pittsburgh Maulers. The defense was improved due to the play of DE Keith Millard and LB Vaughan Johnson.

The Week 13 opponents, the Gamblers, were coached by Jack Pardee and boasted the USFL’s most explosive offense, led by second-year QB Jim Kelly. However, after being well-supported by the Houston fans in their inaugural ’84 season, the announced move to the fall for 1986 significantly dampened attendance during 1985.

For the Monday night game, there were just 17,127 in attendance at the Astrodome – the crowd was especially disappointing since there was a promotion in which, if there were at least 40,000 present, a selected fan would win a $1 million annuity ($10,000 if there were at least 35,000).

Houston nevertheless started off the scoring in electrifying fashion as WR Gerald McNeil returned a punt 49 yards down the middle of the field for a TD. The Bulls drove to the Houston one yard line but two penalties and a sack of Sipe forced them to settle for a field goal. Brian Franco was successful from 29 yards and the score was 7-3 after a quarter of play.

Toni Fritsch added a 44-yard field goal for the Gamblers at just over five minutes into the second quarter and Kelly connected with slotback Richard Johnson for a 15-yard touchdown. Late in the first half, the Bulls drove to the Houston 23, helped along by two pass interference penalties, but SS Luther Bradley intercepted a Sipe pass to end the threat with 10 seconds remaining.

Houston was ahead by 17-3 at the half, but the Bulls took control in the third quarter. The defense allowed the high-powered Gamblers to gain just four net yards while holding the ball for a total of 4:35 during the entire period.

Meanwhile, Sipe threw two TD passes during the period. The first covered 22 yards to Alexis and the second came just over two minutes later on a five-yard toss to RB Larry Mason. With 40 seconds left in the quarter, Franco kicked a 27-yard field goal and it proved to be the winning margin.

Houston did threaten once more during the fourth quarter, driving to the Jacksonville 30, but RB Todd Fowler fumbled the ball away with just under six minutes remaining in the contest, LB Terry Beeson recovering for the Bulls. Jacksonville hung on for the 20-17 win.

The Bulls had more first downs (19 to 15) although Houston had more total yards (331 to 309), but only 19 yards on 12 carries came on the ground. Jacksonville had a better-balanced attack and led significantly in time of possession (36:27 to 23:33). The Gamblers turned the ball over three times and were penalized on nine occasions while the Bulls turned the ball over just once.

Brian Sipe completed 14 of 32 passes for 191 yards with two TDs and an interception. Mike Rozier led the Bulls with 86 yards on 20 carries, putting him over a thousand yards for the year (he ended up second in the USFL with 1361). Perry Kemp caught 4 passes for 82 yards.

Jim Kelly had a rough outing against Jacksonville’s defense, completing 23 of 39 passes for 312 yards while being twice intercepted and sacked five times. Gerald McNeil had 5 pass receptions for 65 yards, WR Scott McGhee added 5 for 65 yards, and Richard Johnson contributed 63 yards on his four catches. Todd Fowler was Houston’s leading ground gainer with just 14 yards on 5 attempts, and had the costly fumble late in the contest.

 “This is my first game back and I am still getting fully integrated into the offense,” said Sipe. “But they pay me to put wins in the win column, so I’m going to just sneak out of here and grin all the way back to Jacksonville.”

“They had a real good defensive line,” said Jack Pardee about the Bulls. “They came with four men for the most part and put a lot of heat on our passer.”

Jacksonville ended up with a 9-9 record that placed sixth in the Eastern Conference. Houston made the playoffs by finishing third in the Western Conference at 10-8, although the Gamblers lost in the first round of the postseason for the second straight year.

The come-from-behind win proved to be a last hurrah for Brian Sipe, who suffered another injury and ended up completing just 55 of 89 passes for 685 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in what ended up being his final pro season. 

1989: Packers Come From Behind to Defeat Saints

The Green Bay Packers had not been over .500 in the six consecutive seasons prior to 1989, and that had been in the strike-shortened 1982 campaign. In their first year under Head Coach Lindy Infante in ’88, they had gone 4-12. The club had signed 20 free agents in the offseason, more than any other team in the NFL. Of the holdovers, WR Sterling Sharpe had led the Packers in pass receiving as a rookie and LB Tim Harris had 13.5 sacks and led the team in tackles.

The Packers lost their opening game in ’89 to Tampa Bay and on September 17 hosted the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. After years of underachieving, New Orleans had gone to the postseason for the first time in 1987 under Head Coach Jim Mora and followed up with a 10-6 record in ’88. They missed the playoffs, but it was still a respectable showing for a club that had not posted a winning record in its first 20 seasons.

The Saints took control from the start, scoring on their first three possessions. After receiving the opening kickoff, they drove 77 yards in eight plays with QB Bobby Hebert throwing a 32-yard touchdown pass to WR Lonzell Hill. The Packers went three-and-out and the Saints took eight plays to score again, in a 56-yard possession that was highlighted by a 15-yard pass from Hebert to WR Floyd Turner and 21-yard carry by RB Dalton Hilliard. Hilliard capped the drive with a three-yard TD run. Packers QB Don Majkowski (pictured above) tossed an interception to end the next possession shortly before the conclusion of the first quarter, which finished with New Orleans ahead by 14-0.

Two plays into the second quarter, the Saints extended their lead to 21-0 when Hebert tossed a one-yard touchdown pass to TE Hoby Brenner. After an exchange of punts, Green Bay finally got on the board. Majkowski threw passes of 11 yards to WR Perry Kemp and 20 yards to TE Ed West and RB Brent Fullwood ran in for a TD from a yard out. But New Orleans managed one more drive prior to the end of the half that culminated in a 38-yard Morten Andersen field goal and the Saints took a 24-7 lead into halftime.

The Packers began to climb out of the hole with their first possession in the third quarter. Majkowski completed all seven of his passes in a 14-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Fullwood scoring his second touchdown of the game on a four-yard run. After New Orleans went three-and-out in its possession and punted, Majkowski completed five more passes in a six-play drive with West hauling in a three-yard touchdown catch. Green Bay was now only down by three points, 24-21.

The Saints weren’t done yet, however, as Hebert led them on a six-play possession of their own that included passes of 13 and 28 yards to WR Eric Martin and concluded early in the fourth quarter with a 24-yard scoring throw to Hill. The Packers responded with yet another scoring possession, going 78 yards in five plays as West caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Majkowski. It was again a three-point game at 31-28.


New Orleans came back with a long, 12-play possession that ran more than eight minutes off the clock and resulted in a 32-yard Andersen field goal. Green Bay struck quickly when they got the ball back with Majkowski passing to WR Jeff Query
(pictured at right) for a 35-yard gain to the Saints’ 45 yard line. But three plays later they faced a fourth-and-17 situation with under two minutes remaining to play. Majkowski again went to Query along the sideline, and the resulting 23-yard gain kept the drive alive. It ended with Majkowski throwing a three-yard touchdown pass to Sharpe, and with the successful extra point, Green Bay took the lead at 35-34 with 1:31 left on the clock.

The one-point margin held up when Hebert immediately went to the air and his long pass was intercepted by CB Van Jakes; Green Bay was able to run out the clock.


The Packers accumulated 490 total yards in their comeback victory to 367 for New Orleans. Don Majkowski completed 25 of 32 passes for 354 yards with three TDs and an interception. There were plenty of pass receiving stars as Sterling Sharpe (pictured at left) caught 8 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, Ed West contributed 6 receptions for 87 yards and two scores, and Jeff Query made four catches for 84 yards, including the big plays in the final drive. Brent Fullwood also had a notable game rushing, gaining 125 yards on 18 carries with two TDs.

In defeat, Bobby Hebert tossed 32 passes, completed 23 of them for 282 yards and, like his Green Bay counterpart, with three touchdowns and one picked off. Lonzell Hill had 6 pass receptions for 90 yards and two TDs. However, the Saints didn’t gain as much on the ground, as Dalton Hilliard led the club with 43 yards on 13 attempts with a score.

It was the first sign of rejuvenation for the Packers, who ended up going 10-6 and finishing second (due to tiebreakers) in the NFC Central. They just missed the postseason. Meanwhile, New Orleans fell to a disappointing 9-7 and third place in the NFC West.

Don Majkowski had easily the best season of his career. He led the league in pass attempts (599), completions (353), and yards (4318) while firing 27 touchdown passes (third in the NFL) against 20 interceptions. The third-year quarterback out of Virginia was named to the Pro Bowl and received second-team All-NFL recognition from the Associated Press.

Sterling Sharpe led the NFL with 90 pass receptions and ranked second with 1423 yards and 12 touchdowns. He received All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition, but unlike Majkowski there were better years ahead.

The Packers would regress to being a losing club again in 1990 and ’91, Infante’s last year as head coach. It would take the arrival of Infante’s successor, Mike Holmgren, and a young quarterback named Brett Favre in 1992 before Green Bay would begin to win again with consistency.