On Saturday, April 12th, the Memphis Showboats host the Houston Roughnecks at Simmons Liberty Bank Stadium.
A HEAD-SCRATCHING TRADE
In a chaotic week that saw the sudden departures of two highly regarded UFL coordinators, the biggest shock was the unexpected trade of Michigan Panthers All-UFL Team wide receiver Marcus Simms to the 0-2 Houston Roughnecks. In a shock move that reverberated throughout the league, the Panthers gave up Simms in exchange for OT Cam Carter.
Now, Simms joins the Roughnecks to take on the 0-2 Showboats on Saturday afternoon. Give credit to Roughnecks head coach C.J Johnson for an A+ acquisition that could immediately kick-start his struggling offense. Simms is one of the most talented and explosive receivers in the league.
SiMMS BENEFITS THE ROUGHNECKS OFFENSE
A year ago, Simms had one of his best games for the Panthers playing against the Houston Roughnecks with 4 catches for 84 yards and a 76-yard touchdown. Now, Simms joins Justin Hall (7 catches for 55 yards and one touchdown) and Keke Chism (4 receptions for 47 yards) to strengthen the Roughnecks’ passing game..
However, if the Roughnecks are to take advantage of their new number one receiver, quarterbacks Anthony Brown and Nolan Henderson’s performance must improve. To date, starting quarterback Brown has passed for a dismal 167 yards in two games with one touchdown. His longest pass was for 23 yards.
Henderson hasn’t fared much better in the passing game with 7/21 for 68 yards and one touchdown. However, as the better rushing quarterback of the two, he leads the team on the ground with 5 carries for 61 yards.
THE NEW AND IMPROVED MEMPHIS DEFENSE
Despite the addition of Simms, the Roughnecks will have a challenge on their hands when they face defensive coordinator Jarren Horton’s much-improved Memphis defense. The Showboats are coming off a hard-fought road game against the 2-0 D.C. Defenders. To the Showboats’ credit, the Memphis defense did an impressive job against one of the league’s best teams.
With a revamped roster featuring a core five that previously found success under Horton as the Championship Pittsburgh Maulers, the Showboats’ defense looks as strong as any team in the UFL. Last week, the Memphis defense successfully shut down the Defenders’ quarterback Jordan Ta’amu for over 45 minutes, limiting him to 152 yards with one touchdown.
AN IMPROVED MEMPHIS OFFENSE
Coach Ken Whisenhunt is back as the offensive playcaller, and Memphis’s offense is improving. Despite their 0-2 start, the Showboats may be a stronger team this year than their record indicates. New quarterback E.J. Perry is building chemistry with his receivers, especially Jonathan Adams, who currently leads the UFL with 15 receptions for 221 yards. Last week against the Defenders, he had 9 receptions for 128 yards. Although the end zone has proved elusive for Adams, it’s only a matter of time before he strikes pay dirt. Complementing Adams on the Showboats receiving group are Dee Anderson, Kwamie Lassiter, and Eli Stove.
The Showboats’ ground game is also beginning to gain traction with running backs Deneric Prince and Jacob Kibodi. Prince is the leading back with 84 yards on 19 carries. Perry’s mobility as a quarterback has made a difference. However, Perry’s one touchdown against the Defenders is thus far the only rushing score. The productivity on the ground must improve.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The deciding factor in this weekend’s game may rely on special teams’ play. The Showboats have one of the UFL’s best kickers, Matthew Coghlin. Last year, Coghlin ranked number two in the USFL with a 95% rate. He converted 18/19 field goals with a 55-yard boot as his longest. He was perfect with 25/25 extra points. This season, Coghlin was off to a perfect start until he had a crucial kick blocked by the Defenders’ Devonnsha Maxwell a week ago.
The Roughnecks acquired former Birmingham Stallions kicker Chris Blewitt this season. To date, Blewitt’s only contribution to the team is a 41-yard field goal. However, that says more about the Roughneck’s offense’s inability to get into scoring position than Blewitt. Blewitt delivered in his only opportunity.
Although both teams enter this weekend’s game with an identical 0-2 record, the hometown Showboats have a slight advantage. Although attendance at the stadium has been disappointing, a passionate Yacht Club fan base inspires hope that attendance numbers will continue to improve during the season.
The Memphis Showboats host the Houston Roughnecks on Saturday, April 12th at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium at 2:30 p.m. EDT. Tickets are still available. The game will be televised on ESPN.
