OT USFL: Panthers vs Gamblers Open Thread

Submitted by FireUpChips on April 17th, 2022 at 1:05 PM

I know this is a stretch but it’s football in April. Plus our very own Shea Patterson is starting quarterback.

Qmatic

April 17th, 2022 at 2:01 PM ^

If there is a fledging franchise in any sport needing a rebrand; I don’t know why a team wouldn’t hijack the color scheme of the Panthers. Unique and fire. 

Yo_Blue

April 17th, 2022 at 2:21 PM ^

How long before the defense figures out that Oregon is the snap on One and Texas is a snap on Two? The announcers figured it out pretty early.

Mr. Robot

April 17th, 2022 at 3:51 PM ^

LOL, Shea hasn't changed a bit. Makes some good plays and then pisses it away, often with an inexplicable unforced fumbled snap. Had two of them today in addition to a ball security fumble that turned out to be the difference in the game.

the Glove

April 17th, 2022 at 3:53 PM ^

As much as I want Shea Patterson to do well. That game ended exactly how I would expect it. He fumbled the snap, took a sack, overthrew his receiver, and connected with his receiver out of bounds in the back of the end zone. 

MGolem

April 17th, 2022 at 5:10 PM ^

The Panthers center, who was apparently the starting center for a couple of Clemson national championships, had at least 3 comically awful snaps which just exacerbated the terrible protection he and his linemates were offering. Patterson played well overall and that was with some of the worst offensive line play I have seen in a while. He showed a lot and Michigan likely wins the game easily with even decent line play. 

The Deer Hunter

April 17th, 2022 at 4:02 PM ^

I watched the entire game since the Tigers game was postponed, and I didn't hate so there's that. It was fun watching Shea manage the game and almost pulled it off. Benching him in the first half was bewildering to me because Paxton is clearly horrible. These guys had literally a few weeks to practice, I would hope those dumb mistakes that cost them the game will correct themselves. 

Yo_Blue

April 17th, 2022 at 5:21 PM ^

If you look at the statistics, there is no way Michigan loses this game (as long as you don't scroll down to the turnover portion). Patterson had a 157 QB rating and far outplayed Thorson. The fumbles, interception, penalties at crucial times, and failure of the center to get a decent snap to the QB is what did them in.

uminks

April 18th, 2022 at 12:05 AM ^

I tuned in the 2nd half when the Panthers were down 17-0. They played well enough to win in the 2nd half but some key mistakes cost them. It may be something to watch in the future but I still don't understand the concept of all games being played n an empty Birmingham stadium.

b618

April 18th, 2022 at 3:17 AM ^

I'm not too far from Alabama and, if they have Shea as QB, would like to go see a game.

When I lived near Seattle and XFL was running, I very much enjoyed going to a game or two and seeing some Wolverines play.

FieldingBLUE

April 18th, 2022 at 9:18 PM ^

Tough first game. Settled down after a horrible start.

For those talking about the crowds... this version of the USFL was never built to need ticket sales for its viability. They already knew they'd have 8 cities' teams playing in Birmingham. It's all about the TV dollars and the ratings were actually quite *good* (nearly 3 million). The investors are FOX ($150 million over 3 years), so this is not like the AAF/XFL that couldn't make payroll after a few weeks of play. 

It will at least finish the season out and if the TV ratings are good enough and the interest in the home sites is strong enough, I expect the games to be played there next spring.

b618

April 19th, 2022 at 4:06 AM ^

I was talking to a friend today who saw two of the games.  The first one, he said, had a lot of fans.  The next one, the Michigan game, didn't.

It could be that Houston and Michigan, not being close to Birmingham, AL, aren't going to get a lot of people.

Might need a local(ish) team to draw more in the stands.