1988 Midseason Report
Introduction
The 1988 season started with a near meltdown. Minnesota blew up the territorial draft by selecting Sterling Sharpe with the first pick in the collegiate draft. Carolina immediately cried foul and threatened legal action. Minnesota countered that nothing existed in the league charter to codify the territorial picks and it amounted to a gentleman’s agreement. The league commissioner, embarrassed, had to admit that was true. But, the league promises to change the bylaws to codify the territorial draft going forward. “It’s an important part of the league’s identity”, according to a statement released after the draft.
The regular season, however, settled into normalcy.
Perennial Powers Still in Control
Not ready to let their league leads falter, New Jersey, Boston, Houston, Michigan, Birmingham, and Los Angeles all find themselves at the top of their respective divisions. Last year’s Cinderella, Vegas, isn’t ready to leave the ball just yet. Even without Cunningham, they rushed off to a 9-1 record and a tie with Los Angeles to lead the Pacific. Likewise, Jacksonville built on their playoff appearance last year and hold a half game lead on league champions Birmingham in the South division.
Steve Young Express
Speaking of LA, Steve Young is fulfilling his promise that made him a franchise pick for the Express. He leads the league in passer rating and is putting together an possible MVP season. With Dickerson underperforming slightly, Los Angeles is thankful for Young’s ascension this year. They look to be on a crash course with both Houston and Vegas for the Western crown.
Rookie Round Up.
The story of the league is running back Elbert “Ickey” Woods in New Orleans. Thought to be drafted as an RB1, Ickey didn’t get a single carry in the first part of the season. When questioned, the coach said he wanted to ease Woods into the league. Well, after a 3-7 start, the easing is over. Woods will start in New Orleans’ next game. Also, after all the drama in the Sharpe incident, Minnesota has barely used the receiver. Sharpe has only 3 catches for 39 yards on the season. Several other rookies have underperformed and the league isn’t earning its reputation for allowing players to prove themselves early. Hopefully that turns around for the rest of the year.
Coaches in the Hot Seat
As the expansion teams all suffer through another year of growing pains, their coaches find that the USFL isn’t as forgiving as perhaps they expected. When you also consider that Vegas took over the league in their second year and are continuing that success, some of them might be out of a job soon. The hottest seat, though, belongs to Jerry Glanville. After turning around San Antonio’s fortunes somewhat last year and just a tie breaker out of the playoffs, the Gunslingers are only 3-5 and struggling to find an identity as a team. Management has Glanville’s back for now, but how long until that isn’t true anymore?
The Wrap Up
Another exciting half season of USFL action in the books. Can the top of the league, especially in the top heavy West divisions, continue to run away with it? What team in the middle of the pack will bubble up to possibly challenge them? Which rookie takes charge and explodes in the second half to start writing their legacy? Stay tuned for the answer to these questions and others as we play our way to the playoffs.