MVP Profile: Dan Fouts, 1979

Quarterback, San Diego Chargers

Age:  28

7^th season in pro football & with Chargers

College: Oregon

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 210

Prelude:

A third-round draft choice by the Chargers in 1973, Fouts gradually took over the starting job as a rookie while an over-the-hill Johnny Unitas faded from the scene in his last season. He struggled for the next two years but benefited from the presence of Bill Walsh as offensive coordinator in 1976. Fouts missed the first 10 games in ’77 due to a lawsuit against the NFL. Head Coach Tommy Prothro was replaced by the pass-oriented Don Coryell during the 1978 season, and the sturdy drop-back passer’s career benefited greatly. He led the NFL in yards per attempt in ’78 (7.9).  

1979 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 530 [4]

Most attempts, game – 45 at Denver 10/7

Completions – 332 [2]

Most completions, game – 28 vs. Seattle 10/14, at Kansas City 11/4, vs. Atlanta 12/2

Yards – 4082 [1]

Most yards, game – 350 vs. Kansas City 11/25

Completion percentage – 62.6 [1]

Yards per attempt – 7.7 [6]

TD passes – 24 [6]

Most TD passes, game – 3 vs. Oakland 9/9, vs. Seattle 10/14, vs. Kansas City 11/25

Interceptions – 24 [3, tied with Doug Williams & Tommy Kramer]

Most interceptions, game – 4 at Cincinnati 11/11

Passer rating – 82.6 [3, 1st in AFC]

300-yard passing games – 6

200-yard passing games – 14

Rushing

Attempts – 26

Most attempts, game - 5 (for 42 yds.) vs. Atlanta 12/2, (for 7 yds.) vs. Denver 12/17

Yards – 49

Most yards, game – 42 yards (on 5 carries) vs. Atlanta 12/2

Yards per attempt – 1.9

TDs – 2

Scoring

TDs – 2

Points – 12

Postseason: 1 G (AFC Divisional playoff vs. Houston Oilers)

Pass attempts – 47

Pass completions – 25

Passing yardage – 333

TD passes – 0

Interceptions – 5

Awards & Honors:

AFC Player of the Year: Sporting News

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly

1^st team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Chargers went 12-4 to finish first in the AFC West with the top record in the conference while leading the NFL in passing yards (3915) and tying with Pittsburgh for touchdowns (52). Lost AFC Divisional playoff to Houston Oilers (17-14).

Aftermath:

With an outstanding group of receivers to throw to in the Air Coryell passing game, Fouts broke his passing yardage record of 1979 in each of the next two seasons (4715 in 1980, 4802 in ’81) while leading the NFL in attempts and completions each year and in TD passes in 1981 (33). He was a Pro Bowl selection again following each season, although the team consistently came up short in the playoffs. In the strike-shortened ’82 season Fouts led the NFL in passing yards (2883), TD passes (17), and yards per attempt (8.7) and received MVP honors from the PFWA and NEA as well as Offensive Player of the Year recognition from AP. Playing in just 10 games in 1983, Fouts again achieved Pro Bowl recognition. While he never again passed for 4000 yards in the remaining five years of his career, he did throw for over 3000 three more times, led the league in yards per attempt (8.5) and TD percentage (6.3) in 1985, and was twice more selected to the Pro Bowl (for a total of six). At the time of his retirement, he ranked second all-time in NFL career pass attempts (5604), completions (3297), and yards (43,040) and had a passer rating of 80.2. The Chargers retired his #14 and Fouts was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1993.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). 

[Updated 11/29/14]

1983: Panthers Edge Stars for First USFL Championship

The inaugural season of the United States Football League culminated in the Spring league’s first Championship game on July 17, 1983 at Denver’s Mile High Stadium. Participants were the Michigan Panthers, winners of the Central Division title at 12-6, and the Philadelphia Stars, who finished atop the Atlantic Division with a league-best 15-3 record.

Head Coach Jim Stanley’s Panthers had started off slowly at 1-4 before catching fire. Rookie QB Bobby Hebert (pictured above) developed rapidly into a star and ended up topping the league’s passers. Heralded first-year WR Anthony Carter got off to a slow start but, along with WR Derek Holloway, added an explosive element to the offense as the season progressed. Ken Lacy and John Williams were steady running backs. All were helped by improved line play as the club signed veteran guards Tyrone McGriff and Thom Dornbrook plus OT Ray Pinney. The defense was keyed by LB John Corker, who led the USFL with 28 sacks and the team with 116.5 tackles. NT Dave Tipton was a standout on the line and another heralded rookie, SS David Greenwood, led a fine backfield.

The Stars, coached by Jim Mora, were a less explosive club than the Panthers but had been steady all year. QB Chuck Fusina directed a ball-control offense that featured rookie RB Kelvin Bryant. The defense was rugged and opportunistic, having given up a league-lowest 11.3 points per game during the course of the season while compiling a +35 turnover ratio, also the USFL’s best. It included undersized but highly effective LB Sam Mills, who led a solid unit, and another All-League player in SS Scott Woerner.

The Panthers had easily won their Semifinal playoff game over the Oakland Invaders while the Stars had to stage a dramatic late comeback to defeat the Chicago Blitz in overtime to reach the Championship contest.

The game was played before a crowd of 50,906 in 80-degree heat. The low-scoring first half was filled with mistakes by both teams. Late in the first quarter, Bobby Hebert ran 20 yards for a first down in a third-and-15 situation to spark a drive that ended in the game’s first score, a 33-yard field goal by Novo Bojovic.

The Stars evened the score with a 30-yard David Trout field goal that ended a 13-play, 64-yard drive midway through the second quarter. Late in the first half, the Panthers put together an 80-yard scoring drive. In a third-and-20 situation at the Michigan 10, Hebert threw to Anthony Carter for a 27-yard gain. Ken Lacy ran the ball twice for 11 yards and then Hebert connected with Carter for 12 yards to the Philadelphia 40. A pass interference call on CB Jonathan Sutton moved the Panthers to the 25 and once again the Cajun quarterback found Carter at the sideline for a 13-yard gain. Forced out of the pocket on the next play, Hebert threw across to field for Derek Holloway, who scored a 12-yard touchdown. Although Michigan had outgained the Stars by 251 yards to 69, the score was only 10-3 in favor of the Panthers.

Following the second half kickoff, the Panthers put together an 80-yard drive in 15 plays that consumed over seven minutes, converting five third downs along the way. The key play was Hebert’s throw to Lacy that picked up 28 yards to the Philadelphia 31. Holloway scored a second TD, this on a 14-yard pass play, and with the successful extra point Michigan was up by 17-3.

The Stars had a chance to put some points on the board later in the period. Kelvin Bryant ran for a 22-yard gain after seemingly being bottled up in his own backfield. Chuck Fusina threw to WR Scott Fitzkee for gains of 20 and 17 yards. However, the drive stalled and, following an incomplete pass by Fusina on a third-and-four play, David Trout missed on a 34-yard field goal attempt.

Philadelphia finally scored again on its next possession, although the Stars had to settle for a 28-yard Trout field goal after having a first down at the Michigan eight. The big play of the series was an option pass by RB Allen Harvin to WR Rodney Parker that picked up 44 yards. Bryant again had big runs along the way. However, John Corker sacked Fusina for a crucial six-yard loss that set up the field goal.

The Stars got a big break when FS Mike Lush intercepted a Hebert pass and, after lateraling to Scott Woerner, Philadelphia had the ball at its own 41. Utilizing an efficient short passing game, the Stars moved down the field. Fusina threw to Harvin for eight yards, ran two yards for another first down, and then passed to Fitzkee for ten. A defensive holding penalty gave Philadelphia another first down. In a fourth-and-four situation, Fusina threw to WR Willie Collier for a first down at the Michigan 24. Two plays later, Fusina connected with Collier again, who made a diving catch in the end zone for a TD. The Stars went for a two-point conversion and Fusina, rolling to his right, hit Collier once more to make it a three-point game at 17-14.

There was still plenty of time, with 8:49 left on the clock. The Panthers got a first down on their next possession but moved no further and punted. However, David Greenwood’s wobbly kick bounced past Woerner and the Stars were pinned back at their five yard line. They couldn’t move either and Sean Landeta boomed a 52-yard punt that Carter fumbled but recovered.

Again the Panthers got a first down, to the Philadelphia 48. Ken Lacy was injured on a play that gained no yardage and, after the running back was helped off the field, the Stars called a timeout to try and conserve more time. On the ensuing second-and-10 play, the Stars blitzed but Hebert got the pass off to Carter, who had beaten CB Antonio Gibson and cruised into the end zone for what proved to be the game-clinching touchdown (pictured below). There were just over three minutes remaining in the game.

The Stars fought back but ran out of time. They scored a TD on the last play of the game, on a two-yard pass from Fusina to Parker, with fans already beginning to swarm the field. Michigan came away the winner by a final score of 24-22.

The Panthers, who dominated on offense for most of the contest, outgained Philadelphia (447 yards to 324) and had the edge in first downs (25 to 24). However, Michigan suffered the only two turnovers of the game. Each team recorded four sacks.

Bobby Hebert, the game’s MVP, completed 20 of 39 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Anthony Carter had a big day, catching 9 passes for 179 yards and the game-clinching TD, but also dropped three passes and mishandled two punts. Derek Holloway had three catches for 39 yards, two of which were good for scores. RB Cleo Miller led the club with 80 rushing yards on 12 carries and Ken Lacy, who left the game with an injury, gained 56 yards on 15 attempts.

For the Stars, Kelvin Bryant was, as usual, the key producer on offense with 89 yards on 13 carries and four pass receptions for another 15 yards. Chuck Fusina was successful on 25 of 47 throws for 192 yards and two TDs with none intercepted. Scott Fitzkee and WR Tom Donovan each caught 5 passes, for 58 and 36 yards, respectively.

“This is the greatest feeling I’ve ever had,” said a happy Bobby Hebert. “To be so young and able to accomplish this is something I can’t put into words. I just hope I can continue to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

“I’ll tell you this, I could fly to Detroit without a plane tonight,” said an elated Coach Jim Stanley. “That’s how high off the ground I feel right now.”

Michigan came back strong in 1984, winning its first six games before injuries, most notably to Anthony Carter and David Greenwood, caused the team to sputter the rest of the way. The Panthers made it to the playoffs as a Wild Card team but lost in an epic overtime game at Los Angeles in the first round. The Stars, playing like a team on a mission, were again dominant during the regular season and once more advanced to the league title game, which they won in less dramatic fashion over the Arizona Wranglers.

Rookie of the Year: Marcus Allen, 1982

Running Back, Los Angeles Raiders

Age: 22

College: Southern California

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 205

Prelude:

Allen was used primarily as a blocking fullback in his first two college seasons, but became the starting tailback as a junior with spectacular results. He won the 1981 Heisman Trophy, capping a season in which he rushed for 2427 yards and 22 touchdowns, and was chosen by the Raiders in the first round of the ’82 draft (10^th overall).

1982 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 9 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 160 [6]

Most attempts, game - 25 (for 93 yds.) vs. LA Rams 12/18

Yards – 697 [4]

Most yards, game – 156 yards (on 24 carries) vs. Seattle 12/5

Average gain – 4.4 [7, tied with George Rogers]

TDs – 11 [1]

100-yard rushing games - 3

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 38 [12, tied with Wendell Tyler]

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 61 yds.) vs. LA Rams 12/18

Yards – 401

Most yards, game - 91 (on 5 catches) vs. Denver 12/26

Average gain – 10.6

TDs - 3

Passing

Pass attempts – 4

Pass completions – 1

Passing yardage – 47

TD passes – 0

Interceptions – 0

All-Purpose yards – 1098 [2]

Scoring

TDs – 14 [1]

Points – 84 [1]

Postseason: 2 G

Rushing attempts – 32

Most rushing attempts, game - 17 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff

Rushing yards – 108

Most rushing yards, game - 72 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff

Average gain rushing – 3.4

Rushing TDs – 3

Pass receptions – 12

Most pass receptions, game - 6 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff, vs. NY Jets, AFC Second Round playoff

Pass receiving yards - 112

Most pass receiving yards, game - 75 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff

Average yards per reception – 9.3

Pass Receiving TDs - 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: NEA, Sporting News

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

AFC Rookie of the Year: UPI

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly

1^st team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Raiders went 8-1 in strike-shortened season and were first seed in the AFC playoff tournament that replaced the usual postseason format. Won First Round playoff over Cleveland Browns (27-10). Lost Second Round playoff to New York Jets (17-14).

Aftermath:

Allen gained over a thousand yards rushing in each of the next three seasons, with a high of 1759 yards in 1985, which led the league along with his 2314 yards from scrimmage. He also was the MVP of the Super Bowl following the ’83 season, after rushing for 191 yards, and led the NFL with 18 touchdowns in 1984. Allen was a proficient receiver out of the backfield, catching a total of 237 passes in his first four seasons. He played for 16 years in the NFL, and went to the Pro Bowl six times, but after 1985 never again ran for a thousand yards or caught more than 51 passes. Bothered by injuries (and involved in disputes with owner Al Davis), Allen shared time with other running backs during the remainder of his career with the Raiders, most notably Bo Jackson. Signing with the Chiefs as a free agent in 1993 reinvigorated his career at age 33, and he led the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns. Allen retired in 1997 with 123 career touchdowns, as well as 12,243 rushing yards and 587 pass receptions for another 5412 yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2003.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

MVP Profile: Joe Montana, 1990

Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers

Age:  34

12^th season in pro football & with 49ers

College: Notre Dame

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 195

Prelude:

Lightly regarded coming out of college for his slight build and seemingly weak arm, Montana was taken by the 49ers in the third round of the 1979 NFL draft. After seeing scant action as a rookie backing up Steve DeBerg, he moved into the starting lineup during the ’80 season and led the league in completion percentage (64.5). An excellent fit in Head Coach Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense, Montana broke out in 1981, passing for 3565 yards and 19 TDs and again placing at the top in completion percentage (63.7) as he achieved selection to the Pro Bowl. The team also prospered, going 13-3 and winning the Super Bowl. While the 49ers slumped in the strike-shortened ’82 season, Montana led the NFL in pass attempts (346) and TD passes (17). He had three straight Pro Bowl years from 1983 to ’85 and the 49ers went 33-13 during his starts (4-2 in the postseason) and won another NFL title in 1984. It seemed as though his career might come to an end when he had back surgery in 1986, but Montana only missed half the season and achieved consensus first-team All-Pro status as well as a return to the Pro Bowl in ’87, when he passed for a career-high 31 touchdowns. However, the 49ers were upset in the playoffs and he faced a challenge from younger backup Steve Young. Montana came back strong in a 1988 season that ended with a game-winning drive in the Super Bowl. He followed up in 1989 by leading the league in passing with a then-record 112.4 rating as the 49ers repeated as champions and he gained consensus MVP honors.

1990 Season Summary

Appeared and started in 15 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 520 [4]

Most attempts, game – 49 at Atlanta 10/14

Completions – 321 [2]

Most completions, game – 32 at Atlanta 10/14

Yards – 3944 [3]

Most yards, game – 476 at Atlanta 10/14

Completion percentage – 61.7 [3, 1st in NFC]

Yards per attempt – 7.6 [6]

TD passes – 26 [3]

Most TD passes, game – 6 at Atlanta 10/14

Interceptions – 16 [7, tied with Rich Gannon & Billy Joe Tolliver]

Most interceptions, game – 3 vs. LA Rams 11/25  

Passer rating – 89.0 [7]

400-yard passing games – 2

300-yard passing games – 5

200-yard passing games – 10

Rushing

Attempts – 40

Most attempts, game - 6 (for 13 yds.) at Green Bay 11/4

Yards – 162

Most yards, game – 32 yards (on 5 carries) vs. Cleveland 10/28

Yards per attempt – 4.1

TDs – 1

Scoring

TDs – 1

Points - 6

Postseason: 2 G

Pass attempts – 57

Most attempts, game - 31 vs. Washington, NFC Divisional playoff

Pass completions – 40

Most completions, game - 22 vs. Washington, NFC Divisional playoff

Passing yardage – 464

Most yards, game - 274 vs. Washington, NFC Divisional playoff

TD passes – 3

Most TD passes, game - 2 vs. Washington, NFC Divisional playoff

Interceptions – 1

Most interceptions, game – 1 vs. Washington, NFC Divisional playoff

Rushing attempts – 3

Most rushing attempts, game - 2 vs. NY Giants, NFC Championship

Rushing yards – 10

Most rushing yards, game - 9 vs. NY Giants, NFC Championship

Average gain rushing – 3.3

Rushing TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL MVP: AP

1^st team All-NFL: AP, NEA

2^nd team All-NFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

49ers went 14-2 to finish first in the NFC West and gain the top playoff seed in the conference while leading the NFC in passing yards (4177). Won NFC Divisional playoff over Washington Redskins (28-10). Lost NFC Championship to New York Giants (15-13).

Aftermath:

An injury suffered in the NFC Championship game loss to the Giants caused Montana to miss all of 1991 and virtually all of ’92 (he appeared in one game) and the team committed to Young as the starting quarterback. Montana moved on to Kansas City, where he had two productive seasons and was chosen for one last Pro Bowl (his 8th) in 1993. He retired following the ’94 season with the second-highest passer rating in NFL history (92.3) as he threw for 40,551 yards and 273 TDs as well as compiling a record of 117-47 as a starting QB (16-7 in the playoffs). Known for his coolness under pressure and admired for his class, Montana’s #16 was retired by the 49ers and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2000.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). 

[Updated 11/29/14]

MVP Profile: Mike Singletary, 1985

Linebacker, Chicago Bears

Age:  27 (Oct. 9)

5^th season in pro football & with Bears

College: Baylor

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 228

Prelude:

Singletary was taken by the Bears in the second round of the 1981 NFL draft and moved into the starting middle linebacker position during his rookie year. While there initially was concern about his lack of ideal size, by his third season in 1983 he was named to the Pro Bowl for the first of 10 straight years and was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection in 1984. Initially taken out of games in passing situations, he became adept at pass coverage as well as defense against the run. Singletary’s ability to dominate the middle of the field was a key component in defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan’s stifling 46 defense.

1985 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 3

Most sacks, game – 3 vs. New England 9/15

Interceptions – 1

Int. yards – 23

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries – 3

Fumble recovery TDs – 0

Postseason: 3 G

Sacks – 1

Interceptions – 0

TD – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Sporting News

1^st team All-NFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Bears went 15-1 to finish first in the NFC Central with the NFL’s best record while leading the league in fewest yards allowed overall (4135), fewest rushing yards (1319), fewest points (198), and most passes intercepted (34). Won NFC Divisional playoff over New York Giants (21-0), NFC Championship over Los Angeles Rams (24-0), and Super Bowl over New England Patriots (46-10).

Aftermath:

Singletary continued to star in the middle of Chicago’s defense, which ranked at the top of the league for the third straight year in 1986, playing for another seven seasons and going to the Pro Bowl after each while also continuing to be a consensus first-team All-NFL selection in five of the next six years (a total of seven times overall). He was also again named NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press in 1988. Singletary appeared in 172 regular season games and 12 more in the postseason on his way to induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1998.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). Also includes Associated Press NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

Rookie of the Year: Patrick Willis, 2007

Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers

Age: 22

College: Mississippi

Height: 6’1”   Weight: 242

Prelude:

Willis capped an outstanding college career by winning the 2006 Butkus Award as college football’s best linebacker and starred in the Senior Bowl, where he was coached by the 49ers’ staff. San Francisco in turn chose him in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft (11^th overall) with the hope that he would be able to compete for a starting job in a rebuilding defense. With his great speed and range, combined with the tutelage of assistant coach Mike Singletary, he became a starting inside linebacker and an immediate star at the position.

2007 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 4

Most sacks, game – 2 vs. Tampa Bay 12/23

Interceptions – 0

Fumble recoveries – 1

Forced fumbles – 2

Tackles – 137

Assists – 37

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

49ers went 5-11 to finish third in the NFC West.

Aftermath:

Willis was credited with another 141 tackles (109 solo, 32 assists) in 2008 and was again selected to the Pro Bowl. From 2009 through 2012 he was a consensus first-team All-NFL as well as Pro Bowl selection each year, even though injuries caused him to miss three games in 2011. By that point, he was a key component of a solid defensive unit and, while his tackles dropped, Willis was more of a factor in pass coverage. Overall, through his first six seasons he had intercepted 7 passes, recorded 17.5 sacks, forced 14 fumbles, and been in on 819 tackles.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL (including NFC/AFC), AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year).

1985: Big Plays Propel Stars to Semifinal Playoff Win Over Stallions

On July 7, 1985 the Baltimore Stars traveled to Birmingham to take on the Stallions in a United States Football League Semifinal playoff game before a crowd of 23,250 in attendance at Legion Field.

The Stars, coached by Jim Mora, were the defending USFL Champions and had gone a combined 31-5 over the course of the league’s first two regular seasons, advancing to the league title game after each, while based in Philadelphia. With the pending move to a Fall schedule, the franchise was forced to relocate and had difficulty with the adjustment. The team’s practice facilities remained in Philadelphia while games were played before small crowds at the University of Maryland’s Byrd Stadium. The Stars started off at 1-3-1 and were just 4-5-1 before winning six of their last eight contests to finish fourth in the Eastern Conference at 10-7-1, qualifying for a playoff berth. They edged the New Jersey Generals in the Quarterfinal round to reach the Semifinal playoff.

As they had been in their first two seasons, the Stars were a ball-control team on offense directed by efficient QB Chuck Fusina and featuring RB Kelvin Bryant. The defense remained tough and opportunistic.

Birmingham, coached by Rollie Dotsch, was a well-balanced team that ranked second defensively and third in offensive production. QB Cliff Stoudt passed for 3358 yards and 34 touchdowns, RB Joe Cribbs ran for 1047 yards, and WR Jim Smith had 87 pass receptions for 1322 yards and 20 TDs. All-League FS Chuck Clanton intercepted 16 passes. Moreover, the Stallions had beaten Baltimore in both of their meetings during the regular season and were looking to make it a clean sweep - especially after being denied advancement to the USFL Championship game by the Stars the previous year.

Baltimore struck quickly, scoring on the game’s third play when CB Jonathan Sutton returned an intercepted pass for a 36-yard touchdown. The Stars followed up by scoring again on their first offensive possession on a 30-yard TD pass from Chuck Fusina to WR Victor Harrison. Birmingham was in a 14-0 hole after a quarter of play.

The Stars added to their lead in spectacular fashion in the second quarter when Fusina connected with Kelvin Bryant on a USFL playoff-record 70-yard touchdown pass play.

There was no further scoring in the third quarter, but in the fourth quarter the Stars came through with another big play. At their own 24 yard line, Bryant broke through the middle of the line, got past the linebackers and sped 76 yards for a TD.

Down by an insurmountable 28-0, the Stallions finally got on the board when WR Joey Jones caught a pass from Cliff Stoudt for a 14-yard touchdown. Joe Cribbs added a one-yard TD in the final minute of play that only made the result appear less lopsided. The Stars advanced by a score of 28-14.

While playing catch-up virtually the entire game, the Stallions led in total yards (370 to 366) and first downs (21 to 14). However, the Stars came through with big plays while Birmingham averaged only 2.4 yards per rushing play (19 for 46 yards) and turned the ball over twice, once leading directly to a score, while Baltimore suffered one.

Kelvin Bryant had a total of 217 yards from scrimmage as he rushed for 116 yards on 13 carries and gained 101 yards on four pass receptions. Chuck Fusina didn’t go to the air often but completed 10 of 16 passes for 210 yards and two TDs with none intercepted.

For the Stallions, WR Jim Smith caught 10 passes for 110 yards as Cliff Stoudt went to the air 50 times and completed 29 for 327 yards and a TD with the one big interception. Stoudt was also the club’s leading rusher with 30 yards on 7 carries while Joe Cribbs was held to 13 yards on 9 attempts.

“I have a lot of respect for Birmingham’s defense,” said Jim Mora afterward, “but their defense may be easier to break a big play on than it is to gain a simple four to five yards.” 

Baltimore went on to defeat the Oakland Invaders to repeat as USFL Champions in what would prove to be the league’s last game. Hopes for a favorable financial result in the USFL’s anti-trust lawsuit against the NFL were dashed when, although the verdict was favorable, the jury awarded just one dollar in compensation (tripled to three dollars in accordance with the law) and the planned move to the Fall for ’86 never occurred.