1985 Michigan Panthers: More Inconsistency

The Panthers continued to display an inconsistency into 1985 and finished the year with an appropriate 9-9 record. They again saw their season ended by their rivals, the Chicago Blitz. Chicago beat Michigan twice in a row, once to end the season and again to open the playoffs.

The Panthers never won lost than 2 in a row during the year, successfully avoiding the midseason slump of the year prior. However, they also never won more than 2 in a row, unable to put together a winning streak and gain any momentum.

Bobby Hebert returned to form, throwing for over 4000 yards again and 45 touchdowns against only 18 interceptions. Albert Bentley rose up in Williams’ absence adn the team boasted two 1000 yard receivers, including a breakout season by Anthony Carter. On defense, Larry Bethea recorded 10 sacks, and two players again went over 100 tackles.

Again, plagued by “What ifs”, the Panthers are trying to find an answer for the inconsistency that keeps them from reaching their potential shown in the 1983 season. Rumors abound that Jim Harbaugh might come in to replace Hebert who leaves for the NFL after the 1985 season. That might just be the spark needed to get this team back to the top.

1985 Michigan Panthers Roster

Offense

QB: Bobby Heber, Whit Taylor
RB: Albert Bentley, Ken Lacy, Cleo Miller, Linnie Patrick
WR: Derek Holloway, Walter Broughton, Anthony Allen, Anthony Carter, Don Echols (also TE), Frank McClain
TE: Ken O’Neal, McGregor
OL: Wayne Radloff, Thom Dornbrook, Tyrone McGriff, Walt Graham, Ray Pinney, Chris Godfrey, Craig Lamb, Jerome Campbell, Mark Behning

Defense

DL: Brent Williams, Larry Bethea, Ron Paggett, Allen Hughes, Carlton Rose, John Banaszak, Reggie Singletary
LB: John Corker, Ray Bentley, Kyle Borland, Will Cokeley, Jay Doakes, Larry Wilson, Derek Jiles
DB: John Arnaud, Tom Moriarty, Ron Osborne, David Greenwood, Bobby Futrell, Clarence Chapman, Vito McKeever, Oliver Davis

Special Teams

Kicker: Novo Bojovic
Punter: Kyle Johnston