Explosive Offenses and Statement Wins Highlight USFL’s Opening Fortnight
The 1986 USFL season kicked off with fireworks as high-powered offenses and dramatic finishes dominated the first two weeks. The New Jersey Generals emerged as early favorites, racking up 75 total points behind Herschel Walker’s historic Week 1 performance (6 TDs vs. Jacksonville) and a clutch Monday Night win over Houston. Other offensive juggernauts like Boston (45 points vs. Pittsburgh) and Jacksonville (42 vs. New Orleans) showcased revamped attacks, while Tampa Bay’s defense stifled Oklahoma in a Week 1 road win. The Birmingham Stallions made their presence known with a physical 24-12 victory over the Bandits, establishing themselves as Southern Division contenders behind Joe Cribbs’ 197-yard outburst.
Week 2 saw Denver’s Bill Johnson (202 rushing yards) overpowering Las Vegas and Los Angeles edging Arizona 27-24 on Gordon Hudson’s two touchdown catches. Defensive battles also emerged, as Washington grinded out a 13-6 win over Philadelphia despite four turnovers, and Oakland’s relentless pass rush (5 sacks) contained Memphis. The league’s quarterback carousel produced mixed results: veterans like Jim Kelly (391 yards vs. New Jersey) shined, while newcomers like Boston’s Matt Dunigan (5 TDs) and LA’s Frank Seurer (338 yards) delivered breakout performances.
Results
1986 USFL Kickoff Weekend (Week 1 – Sunday Febrary 2, 1986 )
New Jersey Generals 44, Jacksonville Bulls 35
Tampa Bay Bandits 26, Oklahoma Outlaws 17
Week 2 (Friday February 7, 1986)
San Antonio Gunslingers 17, Oklahoma Outlaws 27
Week 2 (Saturday Februrary 8 1986)
Birmingham Stallions 24, Tampa Bay Bandits 12
Michigan Panthers 17, Chicago Blitz 10
Week 2 (Sunday Febrary 9, 1986)
Boston Breakers 45, Pittsburgh Maulers 20
Philadelphia Stars 6, Washington Federals 13
Jacksonville Bulls 42, New Orleans Brass 30
Las Vegas Ace 17, Denver Gold 27
Arizona Wranglers 24, Los Angeless Express 27
Memphis Showboats 13, Oakland Invaders 22
Week 2 (Monday February 10 1986)
New Jersey Generals 31, Houston Gamblers 28
Standings
Players of the Week
Offense: Herschel Walker, RB, New Jersey Generals (Week 1); Matt Dunigan, QB, Boston Breakers (Week 2). Matt Dunigan (Boston) carved up Pittsburgh with surgical precision, completing 17 of 21 passes for 328 yards and a perfect 5 TDs (158.3 rating), while Herschel Walker (New Jersey) bulldozed Jacksonville for 254 rushing yards (8.5 avg) and a jaw-dropping 6 touchdowns, cementing his early MVP candidacy.
Defense: Tommy Taylor, LB, New Jersey Generals (Week 1); Jack Del Rio, LB, Oklahoma Outlaws (Week 2). Taylor provided a spark on defense with 2 sacks, a forced fumble and 7 tackles. Meanwhile, Del Rio put up a similar stat line with 2 sacks and 10 tackles to push him near the league lead in both categories.
Special Teams: Lupe Sanchez, Kick Returner, Chicago Blitz. Sanchez kept Chicago alive by returning 4 kicks for 146 yards, a 36.5 average and along of 63. Keep an eye on him this season, fans. He’s bound to break at least one for a TD.