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| Chad Ochocinco, WR, New Jersey |
As the USFL/WFL enters its second decade, only three things are sure things—death, taxes, and the
New Jersey Generals.
New Jersey has made four World Bowl appearances in the last five seasons, winning two and losing two. The most recent appearance was a 37-22 dismantling of the Denver Gold in World Bowl X. The defending champions haven't changed much, either. CB Kerry Justin retired and LG Everett Bowers, formerly of the Georgia Force, was the biggest name added to the roster.
So, let's go out on a limb and say the Generals and coach raidergreg69 are the favorite to win back-to-back championships, joining the Detroit Wheels and Memphis Showboats as the only teams to do so. But, in a league as competitive as this one, there will certainly be worthy opposition offered.
The Perennial Contenders
The
Denver Gold had the league's best regular-season record (14-2) and AlexanDragon was voted Coach of the Year by his peers. Denver is still $68 million under the cap, but turned up its nose at the free agent market and will keep the same dance partners for 1985. The
Houston Gamblers (13-3) won World Bowl IX, but now have their third head coach in three seasons (Cjfred68) and star RB Mark Lambert sustained a serious foot injury during the preseason. The
Detroit Wheels (12-4) bounced back after missing the 1983 playoffs, claiming their third division title in four seasons. Many of Detroit's star players have retired or been shown the door, but the Wheels just keep on turning. The
Jacksonville Bulls (12-4) will be gunning for their fourth consecutive Southeast Division crown. Seven players retired, but Jacksonville brought in veteran WR Michael Sonnenberg to help bolster a team that fell only 2 points shy of knocking off New Jersey in last year's playoffs.
On the Rise
Over the last four seasons, the
Birmingham Stallions have improved from 3-13 to 6-10 to 9-7 to 13-3. This may be the season where Birmingham vaults over that final hurdle and makes its first World Bowl appearance. The
Memphis Showboats (10-6) ended the season on a five-game win streak under new head coach Kababmaster, including victories over division champions New Jersey and Los Angeles. The
Chicago Blitz (11-5) will be seeking their third playoff spot in four seasons, but lost to Detroit three times in 1983. The
Philadelphia Bell (8-7-1) have strung together four winning seasons in a row under coach Jaybo911 and always seem to stay within striking distance of New Jersey in the East Division.
Steady as She Goes
The
Cleveland Thunderbolts (11-5) have made the playoffs six times in the last eight seasons despite playing in the brutal Midwest Division. Cleveland was not active during free agency, but left itself plenty of room to maneuver ($44 million) if it appears the window is open for the 'Bolts again. The
Los Angeles Express (10-6) won the Pacific Division title and returned to the playoffs after a three-year absence. LAX lured WR-turned-RB Chuck Mayfield away from Oklahoma during free agency to help the climb back into the World Bowl contender bracket. The
New Orleans VooDoo (12-4) won the South Division last year, but veteran head coach greyghost1225 left after nine seasons to take on a major rebuilding project with the Georgia Force. Rookie head coach shavar still has plenty of weapons at his disposal, including WR James Sheckler, the league's offensive MVP last season. The
Honolulu Hawaiians (9-7) had won three consecutive Pacific Division crowns before sitting out the playoffs last season. Honolulu does have MLB Douglas Oneal, the league's defensive MVP in 1983, but its defense ranked 31st in a 32-team league in yardage allowed.
At the Crossroads
The
Portland Storm (8-8) have never had a losing record, but age is finally starting to catch up with them—25 players on the current Portland roster have 10 or more years of pro experience. The
Arizona Wranglers were 7-9 last season, but at least coach vcr5150 knows what to do about it—Arizona was No. 8 in the league in total offense, No. 26 in total defense. The
Michigan Panthers (7-9) won the Midwest Division two seasons ago, then fell victim to a brutal schedule in 1983. The Panthers do play both Denver and New Jersey this season, but their out-of-division slate is otherwise much more forgiving. The
New York Stars (6-10), like Arizona, also know exactly where they need to go—New York was No. 2 in total defense and No. 26 in total offense.
The (Sort Of) Great Atlantic
The Atlantic Division came perilously close to being a four-way tie last season. The
Washington Federals and
Pittsburgh Maulers were 9-7, the
Baltimore Stars and
Charlotte Hornets 8-8. Baltimore made the most offseason noise, signing DT Richard Wooden away from Georgia and trading for rookie QB Joseph Jones. Charlotte reached .500 for the first time in franchise history in 1983. The Maulers are the only team from this division to have played in a title game, falling to Oakland in World Bowl II.
So Close and Yet So Far
The
Southern California Sun had the best record in franchise history last season (6-10) and have a new coach in Offensive Taco to steer the ship. The
Oklahoma Outlaws (5-10-1) will be in their first full season under CoachNorm. The
Florida Blazers (6-10) could be in for their first .500 record since 1974, the league's first season. The
Orlando Renegades (5-11) and
Tampa Bay Bandits (4-12) finished just behind Florida in the Southeast Division standings, but Tampa Bay has started the Melvin Driggers area, the No. 1 overall draft pick and future star QB.
Hope Springs Eternal
The
Georgia Force (1-15) are ready to start climbing the ladder until new head coach greyghost1225. The
San Jose SaberCats (4-12),
Oakland Invaders (5-11),
San Antonio Gunslingers (3-13),
Shreveport Steamer (4-12), and
Boston Breakers (2-14) all showed signs of life last season, but are still trying to achieve that degree of consistent performance.
