From Hype to Honor. Prove it in 1986.
Vital Information
Founded: 1983
Stadium: LA Coloseium
Coach: John Hadl
Division: Pacific
1986 Season
Record: 2 – 1
Previous Game MVP: Frank Seurer, QB, 12-18, 184 yards, 2TDs
Trend: Three one score games; wins against Arizona and Las Vegas and a loss against the powerful Houston Gamblers.
Key Highlights
Seurer has taken over for an inconsistent Steve Young, giving him some time to learn and grow on the bench.
Surprisingly, Eric Dickerson is taking longer than expected to adjust to the USFL style of football.
Nevertheless, a 3-1 record shows that the Express will be nearly unstoppable once he does.
1983: Express Slow Out of the Gate
The Los Angeles Express entered the USFL in 1983 under head coach Hugh Campbell and showed early signs of potential, but ultimately endured a difficult inaugural campaign, finishing with a 6–12 record. The team split time between quarterbacks Tom Ramsey and Mike Rae, with Rae having the better statistical season—throwing for over 2,600 yards and 18 touchdowns. The ground game, led by LaRue Harrington and Tony Boddie, struggled to consistently move the chains, and while WR Ricky Ellis and speedster Alton Allen provided big plays through the air, the offense lacked rhythm. Defensively, LB Danny Rich led the team with a remarkable 160 tackles, and the pass rush contributed 46 sacks, but frequent breakdowns and a lack of takeaways proved costly.
1984: Young Brings Hope
The 1984 season marked a step forward under new leadership and the high-profile addition of quarterback Steve Young. The team surged to a 10–8 finish and reached the playoffs, where they stunned the Michigan Panthers in a double-overtime thriller before falling to the Arizona Wranglers in the Western Conference Final. Young, while still raw, showed flashes of brilliance, and the Express were supported by a fast, aggressive defense and a breakout performance from receiver JoJo Townsell. Rookie contributions, including those from a swarming linebacker corps and an improved kicking game, gave fans a taste of what the franchise could become.
1985: Express Derailed
But that promise quickly unraveled in 1985. Despite some gaudy offensive stats—including 5,071 passing yards from the combination of Young and Frank Seurer—the Express cratered to a 4–13–1 finish. The offensive line allowed 93 sacks, and Young turned the ball over 29 times by interception alone. While receivers JoJo Townsell and Thad Jemison produced big numbers, and Tony Boddie became a valuable multi-phase contributor, the team couldn’t string together consistent drives or close out games. The defense, though talented with contributors like John Warren and David Howard, was often on the field too long and worn down by late-game pressure. It was a frustrating regression after the highs of the previous year.
1986: Time to Find the Magic Again
As the 1986 season looms, the Los Angeles Express remain a talented but underachieving squad—one that has seen both thrilling highs and crushing lows in its short history. With Steve Young still developing and a roster loaded with athleticism, the foundation for success remains. But after three seasons marked by inconsistency and underperformance, the time for potential must give way to production.