After a tight matchup against the New Orleans Breakers (2-1), the Birmingham Stallions (3-0) remain the only undefeated team in the USFL coming out of Week 3. The game ended with a final score of 22-13, with the last points coming on a 31-yard field goal from Stallions kicker Brandon Aubrey.

One of Week 3’s most anticipated matchups ended up a low-scoring defensive battle, with offenses not finding much of a rhythm until the 2nd quarter. While the scoring continued to be slow in the 2nd half, there was no lack of exciting plays on defense and special teams to keep things tight in the game’s final minutes.

Birmingham Stallions

Stallions quarterback J’Mar Smith didn’t have the best day through the air, but did enough to help them get the win. Smith ended the game completing 13/38 passes (39.5% Comp) for 197 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception, also running the ball 8 times for 59 yards. While they were playing against one of the USFL’s top defenses, Smith missed quite a few wide receivers on what should’ve been easy throws.

Running back CJ Marable had a rough day on the ground, taking 16 carries for only 36 yards, also bringing in 4 receptions for 66 yards. The highlight of Birmingham’s offense would be wide receivers Marlon Williams and Victor Bolden Jr, along with tight-end Cary Angeline. Angeline totaled 4 receptions for 66 yards on the day, with Bolden Jr and Williams scoring each of the team’s offensive touchdowns.

The Birmingham defense stepped up big in their most challenging matchup yet, being the first team to sack Breakers quarterback Kyle Sloter, and getting to him 4 times throughout the game. In their statement win, the defense also recorded 7 tackles for loss, 8 pass deflections, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception. Highlight players on the Stallions’ defense include linebackers Scooby Wright III and DeMarquis Gates, defensive end Dondrea Tillman and safety Jojo Tillery.

On special teams, a punt blocked late in the game by Nigel Chavis led to a safety, killing New Orleans’ momentum and setting the Stallions up for a win. Additionally, kicker Brandon Aubrey’s looked like one of the best kickers in the USFL and continued his hot streak, going 2/2 on field goals, with his longest coming from 33 yards out.

After their Week 3 matchup, The Stallions look like they could be the best team in the USFL. While it wasn’t always pretty, if the Stallions can beat New Orleans’ defense with their quarterback only completing 39.5% of his passes, it will be fun to see how high-powered this offense can be if they get things cleaned up a bit.

New Orleans Breakers

The Breakers’ offense and Kyle Sloter had a rough time against the Stallions’ defense in Week 3. New Orleans lost the game after completing 26/47 passes (55.3% Comp) for 240 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception on the day. Sloter looked like he’d taken a step back from last week’s performance, missing a handful of open receivers throughout the game.

Running back Jordan Ellis carried the weight of the offense, taking 25 rushes for 90 yards on the day. In the receiving game, wide receiver Johnnie Dixon and tight end Sal Canella led the way. Dixon ended the game with 7 receptions for 86 yards and both of the team’s touchdowns, with Canella hauling in 6 receptions for 64 yards on the day.

Defensively, the Breakers played a good game despite the loss. The team totaled 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, an interception, and 7 pass deflections. Highlight players on the Breakers’ defense were linebackers Jerod Fernandez and Vontae Diggs, defensive end Shareef Miller, cornerback Adonis Alexander, and safety Aashari Crosswell.

The Breakers played a tight game and had their moments but made quite a few costly mistakes. They have some things to clean up, particularly on offense, if they want to beat a hot Gamblers team in Week 4.

Box Score

Birmingham Stallions

New Orleans Breakers

Next Opponents

In Week 3, The Birmingham Stallions (3-0) will face the Tampa Bay Bandits (2-1) on Saturday, May 7th at 4:00 pm PT, available on Fox.

The New Orleans Breakers (2-1) will take on the Houston Gamblers on Sunday, May 8th at 12:00 pm PT, available on NBC and Peacock.