In a defensive showdown at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, the New Orleans Breakers managed to secure a 22-15 victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers on April 16th. With both teams displaying dominant defenses, it was the Breakers’ offense that made the difference in this USFL matchup.

The game started slowly, with the Breakers leading 6-3 after the first quarter. The Maulers managed to pull ahead with a 6-3 second quarter but couldn’t hold on to their lead. The Breakers retook the lead in the third quarter with a 6-0 run and secured their victory with a 7-6 fourth quarter.

Pittsburgh’s offense struggled throughout the game, with quarterbacks Morgan and T Williams completing only 10 of 27 passes for 81 yards and no touchdowns. The Maulers’ rushing attack was similarly lackluster, totaling 84 yards on 19 attempts without a single touchdown. T Walker led the team in receiving, with three catches for 42 yards. On the defensive side, Foster was a standout with 12 tackles, but the Maulers failed to record any interceptions.

The Breakers’ offense was more effective, with quarterback Bethel-Thompson completing 23 of 41 passes for 302 yards and one touchdown. Running back A Jones carried the ball 19 times for 46 yards, while also adding six receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. Surratt and J Adams contributed to the Breakers’ passing game, combining for 155 receiving yards on 10 catches.

Despite the loss, the Maulers’ special teams managed to make an impact, as Hennie returned a punt for 84 yards and a touchdown. Hierlihy converted one of his two field goal attempts, scoring the team’s remaining points.

In the end, it was the Breakers’ consistency on offense and their ability to limit the Maulers’ scoring opportunities that secured the victory. The Breakers’ defense kept the Maulers out of the end zone and held them to just 15 points, proving once again that a strong defense can be the key to winning in the USFL.

USFL Box Score