The Memphis Showboats and Michigan Panthers will meet Friday night for the second time in a month. However, the two teams look considerably different from four weeks ago when Panthers’ safety Kai Nacua crushed the Showboats’ hopes for a thrilling last-minute victory with his 80-yard pick-six.
That one play represented the Showboats’ season thus far; thrilling moments followed by steep plunging dives. The Memphis Showboats’ season has been a roller coaster, and this week brought yet another stomach-churning drop with the resignation of head coach Ken Whisenhunt. While no details were provided, Whisenhunt’s abrupt departure is likely due to the same personal reasons that led to a leave of absence before Week 1.
Offensive line coordinator Jim Turner has been promoted to interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Turner brought former New Orleans Breakers OC Noel Mazzone on board to handle play-calling duties. Previously associated with the team as the quarterbacks coach, Mazzone will continue in that capacity while assuming the OC role. Hopefully, Turner and Mazzon’s presence and defensive coordinator Jarren Horton will provide some much-needed stability for a team that has seen its share of upheaval this season.
Showboats Show Improvement Despite Losing Record
Although the team has demonstrated improvement on both sides of the field, the Showboats lost three close games and are at the bottom of the league with a 0-3 record. Horton’s defense, led by LB Steele Chambers (15 tackles) and safety Eli Walker (8 tackles with one pass defense), has looked much stronger than a year ago. With a foundation consisting of a strong core five that once played together as the championship Pittsburgh Maulers, the Memphis defense is starting to show real potential.
Panthers Strong Defense
In a surprise move, the 2-1 Panthers traded wide receiver Marcus Simms to the Houston Roughnecks in exchange for OT Cam Carter. The Panthers will also be without Breeland Speaks, their star Defensive Player of the Year, who was placed on injured reserve. However, with a stacked group headed by Frank Ginda, Nacua, Arnold Tarpley, and Kenny Willekes, the Panthers are still one of the best defenses in the league.
Perkins v. Perry At Quarterback
Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Perkins is off to a strong start, completing 45/65 passes for 448 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Where Perkins has been the difference maker for the Panthers is his mobility at quarterback. Perkins has three rushing touchdowns this season on 19 carries for 84 yards.
Although he leads the team in rushing, Perkins also coughed up two fumbles. The Panthers’ only other rushing touchdown was by rookie running back Jaden Shirden, the former Monmouth standout and two-time CAA Offensive Player of the Year. Although he appeared in only one game, Shirden looks to be an exciting addition to the Panthers’ backfield. Shirden, the Walter Camp Foundation FCS Player of the Year, was waiting in the wings for his chance to shine. He got it last week when he started in place of the injured Matthew Colburn, who is on IR as of this week.
Memphis Quarterback Carousel
The Showboats have relied on a dual quarterback rotation with E. J. Perry starting and Troy Williams coming on in relief.
Perry has seen his share of ups and downs with the team. However, he can put together an impressive drive as he demonstrated last week against the Roughnecks. Perry launched a solid 66-yard drive that culminated with an eight-yard touchdown to wide receiver Kwamie Lassiter. One play later, Perry and Lassiter teamed up a second time to score the two-point conversion.
Perry was at his best with a stunning 15-yard strike to Isaiah Washington that set up the touchdown. In addition to Lassiter and Washington, Perry’s number one weapon is wide receiver Jonathan Adams, who currently leads the UFL with 20 receptions for 263 yards and one touchdown. It may be worth noting that Adams’ sole touchdown came against the Panthers in the season opener. Hopefully, he can reach the endzone again tomorrow night.
Williams has looked impressive coming on late in the game to put together a strong, potentially game-winning series, only to succumb to a heartbreaking turnover in the final moments. For Williams to assume the QB1 role, he must show better judgment to avoid making those costly mistakes.
Showboats’ Special Teams Advantage
Showboats kicker Matthew Coghlin remains one of the best kickers in the league and is 4/5 on field goals, including a 50-yarder. His only missed kick was blocked by the D.C. Defenders two weeks ago.
Panthers’ kicker B.T. Potter had more opportunities to kick field goals but is only 5/8, with his longest a 43-yarder. In his defense, Jake Bates is a hard act to follow. But if it comes down to a last-minute field goal to win the game, Coghlin gives the Showboats the advantage.
On Friday, April 18th at 8:00 p.m. EDT, the Memphis Showboats take on the Michigan Panthers at Ford Field in FOX Sport’s premiere game of the weekend. Tickets are still available.
