The New Jersey Generals (4-1) pulled off a big win over the New Orleans Breakers (3-2) in their Week 5 matchup, with a final score of 27-17.

Despite a 3rd quarter lightning delay, one of the most anticipated matchups of the week did not disappoint. Breakers head coach Larry Fedora tried his hand at calling plays for the first time all season while his offensive coordinator was away for his daughter’s wedding, and Generals coach Mike Riley would start quarterback De’Andre Johnson over Luis Perez for the 2nd straight week.

The final nail in the Breakers’ coffin came from the New Jersey defense stepping up in the game’s most critical moments, picking off Kyle Sloter late in the game, then stalling out the Breakers’ offense on their final 2 drives. A touchdown late in the 3rd quarter by Generals running back Darius Victor would stretch their lead, with New Jersey’s kicker Austin Jones converting a 31-yard field goal late in the 4th quarter to put the game out of reach.

New Jersey Generals

For the first time all season, only 1 quarterback took snaps for the Generals in Week 5. DeAndre Johnson started the entire game for New Jersey and played well both throwing and running the football. Johnson ended the game completing 14/21 passes (66.7% comp) for 213 yards and 1 interception, also running the ball 10 times for 39 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Generals leading rusher was Darius Victor, who totaled 17 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown, also catching 1 pass for 12 yards. However, Trey Williams took quite a bit of the Generals workload as well, rushing 13 times for 44 yards, and also bringing in 3 receptions for 21 yards. Wide receiver KaVontae Turpin led New Jersey’s air attack and hauled in 5 receptions for 106 yards on the day.

Defensively, the Generals played very well. While they didn’t sack Breakers quarterback Kyle Sloter once, the team did rack up 4 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 10 pass deflections. Highlight players on the Generals’ defense include linebackers D’Juan Hines and Chris Orr, defensive tackle Toby Johnson, and safety Shalom Luani.

The Generals have beaten their toughest opponent of the season so far, and De’Andre Johnson seems to be emerging as New Jersey’s primary quarterback. With the lead on the North Division still in their grasp after Week 5, the Generals will be tested by another tough defense in Week 6 when they face the Houston Gamblers.

New Orleans Breakers

The turnover issues continued for Kyle Sloter and ultimately led to the team’s demise in Week 5. Sloter ended the game completing 15/36 passes (41.7% comp) for 155 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, also running twice for 12 yards.

The team’s leading rusher was actually linebacker Jerod Fernandez, who took 1 carry for 43 yards on a fake punt in the 1st quarter of the game. The team’s usual rushing leader, Jordan Ellis, ended the game with 12 carries for 42 yards and 1 reception for 5 yards. Jonathan Adams and Johnnie Dixon led the air attack for New Orleans, with Adams totaling 4 receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown, and Dixon hauling in 4 receptions for 29 yards, and a touchdown.

The Breakers’ defense played what could be their worst game of the season, not sacking Generals quarterback De’Andre Johnson once throughout the game, and allowing the most points in any game they’ve played all season. Despite the lack in defensive production relative to the first few weeks of the season, the Breakers totaled 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 3 pass deflections on the day.

With this loss, New Orleans’ chances of getting bumped out of the playoffs late in the season are significantly increased. If this team wants to hang onto their post-season hopes, Kyle Sloter needs to eliminate the turnovers.

Box Score

New Jersey Generals

New Orleans Breakers

Next Opponents

The New Orleans Breakers will face the Pittsburgh Maulers on Sunday, May 22nd, at 9:00 am PT on FS1.

The New Jersey Generals will take on the Houston Gamblers on Sunday, May 22nd, at 1:00 am PT on Fox.