Week 7 of the USFL saw maybe some of the most complete Quarterback since the early weeks of the season. While USFL MVP front runner Alex McGough continued his revenge tour, in the Stallions attempt to repeat as champions, fans of the USFL also saw Josh Love and Case Cookus return to prominence as both Quarterbacks led their teams to much needed victories with the playoffs on the line.
In a week of strong Quarterback play, Bahar easily put together the worst performance of the Nine Quarterbacks to throw a pass this week. Bahar had several passes tipped at the Line of scrimmage, in addition to throwing two bad interceptions. While the legs of Mark Thompson kept it a competitive game for the Gamblers, the team was obviously held back by the play of their Quarterback.
8. Troy Williams Pittsburgh Maulers Previous Ranking #6
Williams returned to his usual ways of dominating with his legs, however, outside of him the Maulers rushing attack was nonexistent outside of a Madre London 23-yard rush. The Maulers were able to keep pace with the Stars due to a dynamic Special Teams performance by Josh Simmons and Isiah Hennie who shortened the field tremendously for Pittsburgh. While Williams didn’t play terrible in Week 7, a strong performance by the rest of the USFL Quarterback keeps Williams in the back half of QB’s this week.
7. DeAndre Johnson New Jersey Generals Previous Ranking Unranked
In his return to the field in Week 7, Johnson found himself awaiting till Head Coach Mike Riley called on him later in the game. While it short lived, Johnson provided a spark for the Generals until a scary injury forced him out of the game. While effective another injury to Johnson may have him sidelined for the foreseeable future while the Generals make their playoff push.
In his second start for the Generals, Lauletta once again started out slow for Mike Riley and company. While the former Richmond Spider picked it up later in the game it was too late to take down the Panthers. While Lauletta clearly is a capable QB in the USFL his inability to come out strong in the first half of games has been his biggest deficiency in his two starts.
The Stars finally scored a touchdown in week 7 after relaying on the leg of Luis Aguilar and their playmaking defense. For Cookus with a tight playoff push in which both spots are up for grabs in the Northern Division Cookus made enough of an impact to will the Stars to a victory over the new look Maulers.
Despite MBT putting together another performance close to 300 passing yards, a nasty interception was his biggest mistake in week 7. While MBT continues to be an efficient and effective passer for New Orleans the Breakers at times had issues protecting their Quarterback often seeing get forced out of the pocket. While his performance wasn’t terrible the late game heroics of Cole Kelley and Josh Love keep MBT at #4 in this week’s rankings.
3. Josh Love Michigan Panthers Previous Rankings #7
Enroute to his second USFL Offensive Player of the Week, Josh Love delivered a performance to not only keep his starting job but also the Panthers playoff hopes alive. The former San Jose State Quarterback looked crisp, in another breakout performance, utilizing Trey Quinn and Joe Walker through the air, while leaning on Reggie Corbin for a tough 78 Yards on the ground on 20 carries. While the Panthers Quarterback has had plenty of ups and downs this season, Love delivered when the team needed him the most leading the Panthers to the North Division’s 2nd playoff spot.
While it wasn’t the sexiest performance by Kelley, the 6’7 Quarterback made some big time plays and throws while getting “rocked” in the pocket. Kelley has willed his way to four consecutive victories since becoming the starter this season. While it hasn’t always been pretty Kelley has the Showboats primed to make a playoff push in the final three weeks of the season.
1. Alex McGough Birmingham Stallions Previous Ranking #1
McGough has gone back-to-back weeks as the league’s top signal caller in 2023. His elusiveness, poise, and overall demeanor as he continues to become “Super McGough”, has been one the USFL’s better story lines throughout the season. Even with another high caliber performance in week 7, McGough’s number’s are a bit deflated as the Stallions Receivers dropped three passes including one from Adrian Hardy that should have been a Touchdown.
Pat Rifino is a former Security Contractor turned writer. He began his writing career talking about geo-politics, and the defense industry. Now Pat writes about alt-league football, while hanging out with his dogs in his off time.
