The New Orleans Breakers delivered a pulse-pounding performance in Week 4 of the USFL season, maintaining their undefeated streak with a tightly contested victory over the New Jersey Generals. The Breakers showcased their tenacity and skill at the iconic Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, winning 20-17.
Breakers-Generals Recap
The Breakers set the tone right from the start, with quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson connecting with tight end Sage Surratt for a 33-yard completion on the opening drive. This critical play allowed running back Wes Hills to punch in a 9-yard touchdown, putting the Breakers in the lead.
After a speedy kickoff run by Eli Stove and a costly facemask penalty on the Generals’ Braedon Bowman, Hills capitalized again with a crucial goal-line score. This extended the Breakers’ lead to 14-7, with Hills proving to be an invaluable asset for the team.
Tension rose early in the second half when New Orleans safety Greg Eisworth II was injured during a run from the Generals’ Victor. The relief was palpable when Eisworth was able to leave the field under his own power, and his condition will be closely monitored in the lead-up to Week 5.
Both teams struggled to gain momentum after this incident, each going three-and-out. However, a breakthrough came when kicker Matt Coghlin split the uprights with a 25-yard field goal, extending the Breakers’ lead to 20-17. The Breakers’ defense then put up an ironclad front, forcing the Generals into another three-and-out, effectively closing out the game. The Breakers’ ability to control the clock in the final minutes was a testament to their strategic prowess and composure under pressure.
Game Preview :
- Game: Breakers (4-0) vs. Showboats (1-3)
- Line: Breakers -7, Over/Under 46.5
- Location: Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama
- Day/Time: Sunday, May 14, 3:00 p.m. ET
- Weather Forecast: Rainy, 88 degrees, Humidity 72% Wind 4MPH
- Breakers vs Showboats Live stream: Fox.com
As the undefeated New Orleans Breakers gear up to face the Memphis Showboats in Week 5 of the USFL season, the Breakers will look to preserve their winning streak and further establish their dominance in the league.
On Sunday, May 14, 2023, the Breakers will encounter the Showboats at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. With a 3 p.m. ET kickoff and the game set to broadcast on FOX, fans are eagerly anticipating the face-off.
Despite a challenging Week 4, the Breakers managed to hold onto their flawless record, defeating the New Jersey Generals 20-17. This victory further solidified the Breakers’ reputation as a potential championship team, demonstrating their ability to secure wins under pressure.
Key Storylines for Breakers:
The potent offensive partnership between quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson and tight end Sage Surratt, complemented by the hard running from Wes Hills, remains the key to the Breakers’ success. Bethel-Thompson had a respectable showing against the Generals, completing 26 of 37 passes for 273 yards, though he’ll be aiming to improve on the interception he threw.
At the same time, the Breakers are hoping for a swift recovery for Greg Eisworth, whose presence in the defense has been significant. The Breakers’ focus for the week ahead will be on maintaining their momentum, with clock management and stronger offensive drives being key areas of emphasis.
Week 5 Matchup Preview:
Their Week 5 opponents, the Memphis Showboats, come into the game with a record of 1-3. The Showboats, fresh from their first win in Week 4 against the Panthers, will be keen to build on that momentum. Their head coach, Todd Haley, showed his mettle in the previous game, making a bold fourth-quarter decision that ultimately led to their victory.
Quarterback Cole Kelley and Vinny Papale’s connection proved crucial in their previous win, and they will be hoping to replicate that success against the Breakers. The Showboats’ defense, led by linebacker Jeff McCollough, will also aim to bring their A-game to limit the Breakers’ high-powered offense.
Final Score: New Orleans Breakers win 35-27
While the conversation about playoff berths might seem premature given the competitiveness of the South, a 5-0 record for the Breakers could bring them closer to that reality. Nevertheless, the Breakers are already looking like a safe bet to be back in Canton competing for a championship in July.
This Week 5 matchup promises to be a captivating game, with the Breakers eager to maintain their unbeaten run and the Showboats determined to continue their winning ways. It’s a game that fans and rivals alike are eagerly anticipating, as we wait to see if the Breakers can hold onto their flawless record, or if the Showboats can cause an upset.