The Memphis Showboats will travel to Rice Stadium in Houston, TX to get on the Houston Roughnecks in an end of 7 days clash that pits an offseason residence underdog from an particularly retooled Showboats roster.
We're so energized for some Sunday soccer@USFLShowboats vs @XFLRoughnecks at 3pm ET on @espn
pic.twitter.com/vWpvjy7aOP
— UFL (@XFL2023) March 28, 2024
Head Coach John DeFilippo expended all offseason with GM Dennis Polian completely gutting and reloading the Showboats for their UFL debut. In Houston, head coach Curtis Johnson and GM Lionel Essential have crafted, on paper, one of the most praised defensive constructions in the league. Their offensive concentration seems to be centered all over starting off operating again Mark Thompson – who may well not be accessible.
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Struggle For The Trenches
No issue who commences guiding heart for the Showboats occur Sunday, 1 thing equally are all also acquainted with is strain, and in droves. Situation Cookus was the most sacked QB in the USFL in excess of the past two seasons. Troy Williams didn’t fare substantially superior previous year with the Maulers, and whilst equally continue to place up high quality quantities with their respective groups, a person has to marvel what both QB can do with a minimal far more time in their pocket.
We have our very first @USFL touchdown in period two! No shock, @CaptainCookus10 picks up correct the place he still left off: throwing touchdowns, this one to @crowland30.
Excellent initially push for the @USFLStars, & they lead 7- after the Cookus-Rowland rating. #USFLpic.twitter.com/vr2niGwfrC
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 15, 2023
Memphis has formidable protectors across their offensive line that may response that precise dilemma. This team features All-USFL tackles such as Terry Poole and Jarron Jones, alongside with heart Jordan McCray shoring up the center. On paper, with these stars at the positions, both QB could be established up for a lot more time than ever right before.
Having said that, the undertaking in advance is no easy 1 to accomplish supplied the entrance seven that Roughnecks defensive coordinator Chris Wilson has at his disposal. Houston has been praised all offseason for their roster construction specially in their 1st two amounts. Previous USFL DPOY Chris Odom returns and is paired up with around similarly threatening edge rusher Adam Rodriguez. Insert in the blitz opportunity of imposing linebackers Rueben Foster and Gabriel Sewell and points could get out of hand swiftly for Memphis. Not to mention, they’ve got Toby Johnson, Olive Sagapolu, Keonte Schad, and so forth. all in the trenches as perfectly.
Chris Odom potential customers the league with ELEVEN sacks! Watch them all here @Chrisodom98 | #ALLIN
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— Houston Gamblers (@USFLGamblers) June 8, 2022
Will Mark Thompson Play?
All eyes of the Houston devoted will be on star working again offensive centerpiece Mark Thompson for his status and readiness on Sunday. Thompson endured from a knee sprain in camp that has set back again his prep, and has designed his standing one particular to check out closely come Sunday afternoon.
I questioned Roughnecks HC Curtis Johnson about Mark Thompson's damage time-line in the media simply call currently.
“He appeared superior today at practice. Im not absolutely sure if he's gonna participate in this 7 days…”
This is excellent news as a knee sprain can hold a player out wherever from 2 weeks to 2 months… pic.twitter.com/tKbJJ4AcUs
— Ace: United Soccer Media VP of Articles (@AceUFM) March 27, 2024
In possibly circumstance of him actively playing or having to sit, assume a healthier dose of T.J. Pledger and most likely Kirk Merritt to dietary supplement some carries. Will the duo be able to give the assist needed for a probably considerably less than 100% version of Thompson? It remains to be witnessed. The addition of previous Tennessee RB Tiyon Evans is also somebody to enjoy intently.
Curtis Johnson & His 2-QB Process
Two-QB systems aren’t new in the realm of spring soccer, and neither are the prospective clients of needing a small more in-match action. For Curtis Johnson, analysis appears to however be going on as even with Jarrett Guarantano remaining rewarded the beginning work, reps for Reid Sinnett seem possible. How many reps or collection that this will occur remains in concern, and one particular has to question how significantly or how early the gameplay will dictate when or who is on the field. We have nonetheless to get phrase on no matter whether Nolan Henderson or Reid Sinnett will be QB2.
Jarrett Guarantano connects with Jontre Kirklin for a 15-yard landing
Cards are now inside 7!pic.twitter.com/ObsxMXrxU9
— Cardinals Nation (@CardsNationCP) August 22, 2022
Standout Playmakers
Both of those of these corporations have firepower, and Memphis in distinct seems frightening. Darius Victor, Jonathan Adams, and Sage Surratt highlight what should be a strong offensive group for John DeFilippo.
Not to point out, their defensive entrance rivals that of Houston, with John Atkins Sr., Jeff McCulloch, and many others all all set for struggle when all over again.
The Roughnecks have a WR area that is retooled with some speedsters. Cyril Grayson, Isiah Hennie, and Justin Corridor are all primed to enjoy a major position in this offense, even with their smaller size.
Ultimate Feelings
All round, this matchup should really be somewhat shut. Memphis has more encounter on their roster, and a tested leader in Circumstance Cookus. Defensively, they’re relying on gamers like Kyree Woods, Greg Reaves, and many others. who ended up critical a year back.
Houston has a brand new quarterback in Jarrett Guarantano, and may debut two new faces if Henderson sees motion as very well. Although Houston is dwelling, it feels like they are the underdog with a roster that has a lot more concerns than responses at this second.
The Houston Roughnecks host the Memphis Showboats on Sunday at 3pm ET on ESPN, at Rice Stadium.
Entire roster breakdowns: Houston, Memphis
What are your views on this impending matchup in between the Memphis Showboats & Houston Roughnecks? Allow us know down in the remarks down below, or be a part of the conversation on Discord!
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