The snakebitten Memphis Showboats season continues. The team ended up on the losing end of a 27-9 loss to division-leading Michigan. The 0-4 Showboats have experienced more than their share of upheaval this season. Friday night, the team struggled to gain traction under interim head coach Jim Turner and newly installed offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone.
In all fairness, the duo had only days to prepare for Friday night’s contest against the Michigan Panthers, one of the best teams in the UFL. As a result, Mazzone can be forgiven for a game plan that felt chaotic and unfocused, but here’s what we learned from Friday night’s mismatch.
Offense Needs To Find Consistency
In an unexpected change, Showboats quarterback Troy Williams got the start Friday night. While switching back and forth between quarterbacks E.J. Perry and Williams may have allowed Mazzone to evaluate the pair, the lack of consistency hurt. Neither quarterback could establish a rhythm, and the developing chemistry seen between Perry and his top receivers, Jonathan Adams and Kwamie Lassiter, was absent. Adams, the league leader in receiving, was held to only two receptions for 21 yards.
One of the biggest factors hurting the Showboats a year ago was the lack of offensive line protection afforded to the quarterbacks. Memphis gave up 35 sacks last year. Despite a ferocious defensive attack led by the Panthers’ Frank Ginda, the offensive line gave up only two sacks on Williams by Walter Palmore and Ron Stone.
Between the two quarterbacks, the offense completed only 50% of their passes (12 of 24) for only 87 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. Furthermore, the Showboats’ offense failed to capitalize on several Michigan penalties that put the team in a scoring position.
Showboats Score On A Rushing Touchdown
Early in the game, Panthers’ D.J. Miller had a costly pass interference call on Jonathan Adams that led to the Showboats’ only touchdown, a six-yard score by running back Deneric Prince. He finished the game with 7 carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. Jacob Kibodi had 7 carries for 10 yards plus three receptions for 4 yards.
Turnovers Continue To Plague The Offense
The Showboats’ offense leads the league with nine turnovers. Last night, Arnold Tarpley stripped the ball out of the hands of wide receiver Eli Stove. Perry has three interceptions and a fumble, and Williams has one interception.
Jarren Horton’s Defense Continues To Show Improvement
With the Showboats’ offense struggling to gain a foothold, defensive coordinator Jarren Horton’s group is doing its part to keep the team in the game. Throughout much of the night, the Memphis defense forced multiple three-and-outs and held the high-powered Michigan offense to only two first downs in the opening quarter.
With the score at halftime 14-9, a Showboats victory was still within reach. While Memphis held tough initially with a ‘bend but don’t break’ attitude, a visibly tired defense couldn’t hold back the Panthers in the second half. Late in the game, the relentless Michigan offense added two more touchdowns to tight ends Cole Hikutini and Jalen Wydermyer to give them a 13-point lead. In addition to those two touchdowns, Bryce Perkins threw for 200 yards and added another 45 yards rushing. Michigan’s Nate McCrary and Toa Taua each scored rushing touchdowns.
LB Steele Chambers currently leads the league with 37 tackles. LB Zeke Vandenburgh has 27 tackles, and safety Eli Walker has 24. However, although the defense is hitting hard and making tackles, they’re not coming away with sacks or takeaways.
Kicking Game Was A Big Highlight
Memphis kicker Matthew Coghlin continues to prove he is one of the best in the league. Last night, Coghlin booted a stunning 52-yard field goal, his longest of the season. Coghlin is now 6/7, and his only miss was a blocked kick by the D.C. Defenders.
On April 25th, the Showboats travel to Birmingham to take on the 2-1 Stallions. The game will be televised on FOX UFL Friday at 8:00 p.m.
