1986 Michigan Panthers: On the Prowl for a Championship
Vital Info
Founded: 1983
Stadium: Silverdome
Head Coach: Jim Stanley
Divison: Central
1986 Season
Record: 2-1
Next Game: at San Antonio Gunslingers
Previous Game MVP: Jim Harbaugh, QB. Harbaugh did all he could against the Gamblers, passing for over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns. But, his 2 interceptions and other miscues hurt the Panthers in the loss.
Key Highlights
Jim Harbaugh looks solid in his first year as quarterback.
Albert Bentley has stepped in as the leading rusher.
Anthony Carter is quickly developing as a deep threat.
The defense, other than the predictable letdown against Houston, has been solid.
Michigan Panthers History (1983 – 1985): The Bobby Hebert Era
1983: Almost Perfect
In 1983, the Panthers just kept winning. From blowouts to one score games, they achieved what only one other team has in professional football history, a perfect regular season. They went 18-0 behind the arm of Bobby Hebert and running back Ken Lacy. On defense, John Corker racked up 27 sacks and 110 tackles. Ray Bentley joined him in the 100 tackle club with 149 of his own. In the playoffs, they lost narrowly to the Chicago Blitz, overwhelmed by Chicago’s defense.
1984: A Step Back
Even though Hebert had a better year and JL Williams stepped in to take the top rushing job from Lacy, the Panthers went 10-8 and missed out on a playoff spot. Partially because the defense took a step back from the previous year as more high powered offenses entered the league. Even so, they still had a chance at a playoff spot but the Blitz again intervened, defeating them in the final week of the season.
1985: Hebert’s Final Season
Hebert put up huge numbers and they found yet another starting running back to carry the load. But, the team wasn’t able to find any consistency, as they never had more than a 3 game winning or losing streak throughout the year. Another final week loss against the Blitz and then in the opening round of the playoffs brought an all too familiar bitter end to the season.