The Pittsburgh Maulers(1-2) defeat the Philadelphia Stars(1-2) 21-13. Next week, the Stars host the Houston Gamblers while the Maulers host the Birmingham Stallions.
1st Quarter
Case Cookus finds Corey Coleman for a 24-yard Stars touchdown on the first drive. Maulers newly added kicker Chris Blewitt kicks a 46-yard field goal on Pittsburgh’s first offensive drive. Blewitt adds a 50-yard field goal for the Maulers to make it a one-point game.
2nd Quarter
Maulers make a 24-yard field goal to take the lead for the first time today. Maulers Punt Returner Isiah Hennie returns a punt 53-yards to set up the offense in the redzone. Despite excellent field position, the Maulers can not get a first down and settle for a 34-yard field goal. A massive kick return by Corey Coleman and a face mask penalty sets the Stars up on the Maulers 22-yard line. Stars unable to capitalize off of the field possession and kick a 23-yard field goal. Maulers lead at halftime 12-10.
3rd Quarter
On the Maulers opening drive the kick a record tying 5th field goal from 35-yards out. Maulers Defensive Tackle Olive Sagapolu gets a strip sack and Defensive Tackle Boogie Roberts recovers setting up Pittsburgh in the redzone. The Maulers score their first offensive touchdown of the season with a 8-yard touchdown pass from Troy Williams to Wide Receiver Bailey Gaither(extra point is no good).
4th Quarter
Stars add a 48-yard field goal to make it a one possession game. Another huge return sets up the Maulers inside the Stars 35-yard line. Adam Rodriquez forces a fumble on C.J. Turner and Cody Brown recovers for the Stars. Boogie Roberts hit on Case Cookus forces an interception by Linebacker Reuben Foster. Case Cookus throws another interception, this time to Safety Eli Walker. Despite a last minute chance to score, the Stars are unable to comeback. The Maulers win 21-13.
An awful performance by the Philadelphia Stars offense. Everything started out great but then then running the ball was ineffective, balls were being overthrown, and players were not completing their routes. Only 18 rushing yards. Most of the run plays were draws. Two straight poor performances and something needs to change with the offense because nothing is going right. Defense did its job. Special Teams was horrendous on kick coverages. This looks nothing like the team from last year and nothing like the team from week 1.
Another issue is the stadium. I understand covid gave the opportunity to play in a hub stadium and it was smart, but now you do not need hubs. I do not know if there were even a hundred people in the stands for this game. The Stars deserve to play in Philly and not Detroit. Poor execution by the USFL. If teams are not playing in their home cities next year then the USFL is heading into bad territory.
Jordan Burden