1985 Boston Breakers Season Recap: A Year of Growing Pains
Record: 6-12 (5th in Atlantic Division)
The 1985 Boston Breakers season was a turbulent campaign marked by defensive struggles, offensive flashes, and late-season resilience under first-year head coach Dick Coury. Despite finishing with the same 6-12 record as 1984, the Breakers showed signs of progress—particularly in the emergence of young stars and a gritty finish (winning 3 of their final 6 games).
Offensive Highlights
- Ground Game Dominance: RB Buford Jordan exploded for 1,376 rushing yards (5.9 avg) and 6 TDs, anchoring the league’s No. 3 rushing attack (2,634 team yards). Rookie Dwight Beverly added 568 yards as a change-of-pace back.
- Aerial Inconsistency: QB Matt Robinson (3,128 yards, 23 TDs) delivered big plays but struggled with turnovers (34 INTs, 50 sacks). Backup Mike Anderson provided efficiency (88.6 rating) in limited action.
- Lockett’s Breakout: WR Frank Lockett (1,050 yards, 6 TDs) became Robinson’s top target, while TE Dan Ross and WR Mike Sherrard (10 TDs) added red-zone reliability.
Defensive Woes
- Turnover Machine: The defense forced 16 INTs (led by DB Bruce Byers’ 6 picks) and 22 sacks (DE Mike Robinson’s 4), but ranked near the bottom in points allowed (28.4 per game).
- Tackling Leaders: LB Greg Miller (111 tackles) and DL Mike Robinson (74 tackles, 4 sacks) battled injuries, while rookie LB Marcus Marek flashed potential (4 sacks).
Special Teams Standouts
- K Tim Mazzetti was nearly flawless (24/30 FGs, 100% XP), including a 49-yard long.
- P Jeff Gosse pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 19 times.
- KR Louis Jackson averaged 24.0 yards per return, providing rare field-position wins.
Season Turning Points
- Week 4: A 34-27 upset over Pittsburgh (featuring Jordan’s 157 rushing yards) snapped an 0-3 start.
- Week 13-14: Back-to-back wins over playoff-bound Philadelphia (32-28) and New Jersey (30-23) showcased the team’s fight.
- Week 18: A 26-21 finale win vs. Washington sent fans home hopeful—with Jordan rushing for 2 TDs.
Lowlights
- Five Blowout Losses: Surrendered 40+ points 3 times, including a 58-24 thrashing by Houston’s “Run-and-Shoot”.
- QB Carousel: Robinson’s 7.1% INT rate and Anderson’s midyear injury left the offense unstable.
Looking Ahead
With Jordan’s stardom, Lockett’s emergence, and a defense needing reinforcements, the Breakers enter 1986 with a core to build around. The front office must address:
- QB stability (Robinson’s turnovers or a new arm?)
- Pass rush (22 sacks ranked 2nd-worst in the USFL).
- Secondary depth (16 INTs masked coverage lapses).
Final Word: A frustrating yet formative year. The pieces are there—but the Breakers must break through in 1986.
Quarterbacks (QB)
- Ken Anderson
- Matt Robinson
Running Backs (RB)
- Dwight Beverly
- Buford Jordan
- Vince Williams
Wide Receivers (WR)
- Anthony Allen
- Nolan Franz
- Ron Johnson
- Frank Lockett
- Mike Sherrard
- Kai Brown
Tight Ends (TE)
- David Bayle
- Dan Ross
- Rick Walker
Offensive Linemen
Centers (C)
- Mike McLaughlin
- Frank Roberts
Guards (G)
- John Tautolo
- Gerry Raymond
- Bill Winters
- Groderick Thompson
Tackles (T)
- Louis Bullard
- Dale Hellestrae
- Dan Hurley
Defensive Linemen
Defensive Ends (DE)
- Robert Brannon
- Larry McClain
- Jeff Merrell
- Kevin Murphy
- Kenny Neil
Defensive Tackles (DT)
- Jerald Baylis
- James Robinson
- Clint Wenzel
- Willie Rosborough
Linebackers (LB)
- Marcus Marek
- Robert Pennywell
- Ben Needham
- Gregg Storr
- Isaiah West
- Mark Fellows
- Fred McNeill
Defensive Backs
Cornerbacks (CB)
- Scott Byers
- Bruce Miller
- Lyndell Jones
- Woodrow Wilson
Safeties (S)
- Brett Maxie
- Raymond Polk
- Joe Restic
- Dwight Taylor
- Mike McLeod
- Tommy Haynes
Special Teams
- Tim Mazzetti (K)
- Jeff Gossett (P)
Return Specialists (KR/PR)
- Frank Lockett
- Louis Jackson
- Dwight Beverly