1985 New Jersey Generals Season Recap: Dominant, but Not Destiny
by Brian McCarthy, New Jersey Sports Gazette
The 1985 New Jersey Generals, under head coach Walt Michaels, built on their “Cardiac Kids” reputation from 1984 with an even stronger campaign, finishing 11-6-1 and claiming the Atlantic Division title as the USFL’s No. 2 playoff seed. However, their quest for a championship fell short once again, this time in the second round against the Birmingham Stallions.
Offensive Firepower: Herschel’s Historic Year & Flutie’s Arrival
The Generals’ offense was a two-headed monster, fueled by Herschel Walker’s record-breaking season and the electrifying debut of rookie QB Doug Flutie, fresh off his Heisman-winning campaign at Boston College.
- Herschel Walker was an unstoppable force, rushing for 2,540 yards (5.4 avg) and 16 TDs—one of the greatest single-season performances in pro football history. He also added 43 receptions for 641 yards and 2 TDs, proving he was just as dangerous as a receiver.
- Doug Flutie brought excitement with his improvisational magic, throwing for 2,754 yards, 22 TDs, and a 94.6 passer rating while adding 267 rushing yards and 3 TDs. His chemistry with WRs Barry Hanna (992 yards, 7 TDs) and Clarence Collins (889 yards, 9 TDs) gave the Generals a legitimate deep threat.
- Maurice Carthon (714 rushing yards) was the perfect battering ram to complement Walker, while backup QB Danny Bradley (101.2 rating in limited action) provided stability when needed.
Defensive Grit & Injuries
The defense, led by CB Kerry Justin (11 INTs) and LB Bobby Leopold (86 tackles), was ball-hawking but inconsistent. They forced turnovers (Justin’s 11 picks led the league) but struggled at times against elite offenses.
- Injuries took a toll, with key players like Kerry Justin, Jerry Holmes, and Jeff Spek missing time. The lack of depth in the secondary was exposed in big games.
- The pass rush was solid but not dominant, with Pat Brackett (5 sacks) leading a committee approach.
Special Teams: Reliable but Unspectacular
- Kicker Roger Ruzek was steady (19/32 FGs, 100% on XPs), though his 59.4% FG accuracy left room for improvement.
- Punter Rick Partridge (41.4 avg) helped win field position battles.
- Return man Donnell Daniel was serviceable but didn’t break many big plays.
Playoff Heartbreak
After a strong regular season, the Generals’ title hopes were dashed in the second round by Birmingham. The loss highlighted their Achilles’ heel: an offense that could be slowed by physical defenses (Flutie held in check) and a defense that couldn’t always hold up in shootouts.
Legacy of 1985
The ’85 Generals were one of the most exciting teams in USFL history, blending Walker’s power, Flutie’s flair, and a playmaking defense. Yet, like in 1984, they fell just short of the ultimate prize. The question looming for 1986: Could Flutie take the next step? Could Walker maintain his superhuman workload? And could the defense rise when it mattered most?
For now, the Generals remained a team of brilliance and near-misses—destined to be remembered as much for their what-ifs as their dominance.
1985 New Jersey Generals Roster
Offense
- QB: Doug Flutie, Danny Bradley
- RB: Herschel Walker, Maurice Carthon, Clarence Harmon, Lynn Cain
- FB: (Maurice Carthon also filled this role)
- WR: Barry Hanna, Clarence Collins, Oliver Williams, Greg Hawthorne, Marckus Hackett, Kelvin Epps
- TE: Jeff Spek, Larry Hardy, Sam Bowers
- OT: John Jewell, Don Maggs, Russ Mitchell
- OG: Dave Lapham, Guy Bingham, (Harris), (Stroth)
- C: Kent Hull, Tony Osbun
Defense
- DE: Darryl Sims, James Lockette, Lynn Madsen, Jim Byrne
- DT: Pat Brackett, Tom Woodland, Frank Mattiace, Emmanuel Weaver, Dave Strobel
- LB: Bobby Leopold, John Miller, Mike Weddington, John Joyce, Greg Gaines, Maurice Clemmons, John Woodring
- CB: Kerry Justin, Jerry Holmes, Ken Johnson
- S: John Preston, Ross Armstrong, Greggory Johnson, Terry Daniels, Don Bessillieu
Special Teams
- K: Roger Ruzek
- P: Rick Partridge
- KR/PR: Donnell Daniel, Kelvin Epps, Marckus Hackett, Oliver Williams, Clarence Harmon