Vital Information<\/strong> 1986 Season <\/strong> 1983: Express Slow Out of the Gate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u201312 record. The team split time between quarterbacks Tom Ramsey and Mike Rae, with Rae having the better statistical season\u2014throwing 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1984: Young Brings Hope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u20138 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1985: Express Derailed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But that promise quickly unraveled in 1985. Despite some gaudy offensive stats\u2014including 5,071 passing yards from the combination of Young and Frank Seurer\u2014the Express cratered to a 4\u201313\u20131 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1986: Time to Find the Magic Again<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As the 1986 season looms, the Los Angeles Express remain a talented but underachieving squad\u2014one 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" From Hype to Honor. Prove it in 1986. Vital Information Founded: 1983Stadium: LA ColoseiumCoach: John HadlDivision: Pacific 1986 Season Record: 8-6Next Game: Boston BreakersKey Stat from Previous Game: Leading rusher Eric Dickerson managed only 58 yards in the game against the Gold.Previous Game MVP: Thad Jemison, WR, 8-133, 2 touchdownsTrend: After starting 7-3, the Express … Continue reading Los Angeles Express<\/span>
Founded: 1983
Stadium: LA Coloseium
Coach: John Hadl
Division: Pacific<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Record: 8-6
Next Game: Boston Breakers<\/a>
Key Stat from Previous Game: Leading rusher Eric Dickerson managed only 58 yards in the game against the Gold.
Previous Game MVP: Thad Jemison, WR, 8-133, 2 touchdowns
Trend: After starting 7-3, the Express lost 3 straight close games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n