It’s back! My Three up, Three down column tracks the roller-coaster ride that is UFL action each week, with positives or things happening often labeled “up,” and negatives or downward trends categorized as “down.”
Up: QB3 snaps
It’s getting to be that time of year where injuries take a toll on the most important position – quarterback. So a number of third stringers have seen game action recently, most notably in week six. In Houston, Jalan McClendon has taken hold of the starting job after beginning the season as the emergency QB. The same has happened in Memphis with Dresser Winn. In a desperate attempt to jump-start their offense, San Antonio turned to their QB3, Kevin Hogan, to start against Birmingham. The Stallions, meanwhile, are on their fourth quarterback, with Andrew Peasley seeing snaps after injuries felled the top two at the position, and even Case Cookus was banged up on Sunday, though he gutted it out.
Down: Health of Stallions QBs
Speaking of Birmingham’s quarterback situation, Skip Holz’s team keeps chugging along despite starting three quarterbacks in six weeks. First it was Alex McGough, hurt early in the season and now on injured reserve. His backup, Matt Corral, also sits on IR. Last year’s starter in Memphis, Case Cookus, has taken over as the starter after beginning the year as the number three option. Against San Antonio, he was heard complaining on the sidelines of a knee injury, though he was able to go back into the game. Holtz wanted to give his backup, Peasley, some opportunities in the game, and Peasley ended up getting hurt. The team almost had to turn to J’Mar Smith, signed a week ago due to the rash of injuries. The good news is Smith spent three years with the Stallions and is familiar with Holtz’s offense.
Up: Running back depth chart shuffles
While the QB depth chart on teams has needed shuffling due to injury, at running back, teams are making performance-based changes as run games across the league continue to flounder. Nate McCrary was listed as the starter in Michigan but Toa Taua started over him and played the majority of the snaps. Deon Jackson out-carried Abram Smith in D.C. and earned the start there. A new signing in Memphis, Wes Hills earned several touches and appeared to have a better feel for the run game than any of the Showboats’ other backs. Crunch time is approaching for teams in the playoff hunt, and they’ll do anything to unlock the right combination to get the job done.
Down: Compelling Friday night action
A week after Memphis and Birmingham played in the first-ever UFL overtime game on Friday night, Arlington and St. Louis had what could most generously be called a defensive battle in the key timeslot. While it was a close game, it was not terribly thrilling, as the teams combined for 16 (accepted) penalties and less than 400 yards of offense in total. Coming off an alarmingly-low viewership number for that entertaining OT game, the numbers did rebound into the normal range for what was a high-stakes game between what should have been two high-powered offenses.
Up: Momentum in Michigan
The Panthers have statistically the best defense in the league, the presumptive MVP, and a strong running game. Though they currently have two losses and are tied atop the USFL Conference standings with Birmingham, momentum seems to be on their side. They decimated the team with the best record in the UFL coming into the weekend, sending D.C. into a tie with St. Louis in the XFL Conference at 4-2. Michigan is one of the few places where crowds are up over last season, making the domed Ford Field a difficult place to play as the season progresses. Of all the teams in the league, Michigan seems to be the one that’s playing the most consistent brand of quality football in all facets.
Down: Offense in San Antonio
Circumstances have created a difficult season for the San Antonio Brahmas, from the departure of offensive coordinator A.J. Smith, to the leave of absence taken by head coach Wade Phillips, both thrusting 28-year old Payton Pardee into a more prominent role on the coaching staff than had been planned. The result has been an offense that has sputtered over the last few weeks. They’ve scored just six points total in the last three games, and haven’t scored an offense touchdown since week four. Injuries have taken their toll as well, with dynamic RB Anthony McFarland ruled out early in the Birmingham game. Unfortunately, they have a quick turnaround as they play 4-2 D.C. on Friday night, leaving little time for the players and staff to find answers.
