Showboats perform at nearly perfect level, defeat Pittsburgh- 3 takeaways from the game

The Memphis Showboats enthralled their fans on Saturday afternoon with a shutout 22-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. 

Memphis truly dominated every facet of the game, from beginning to end. The Maulers stalled on offense for almost the entire contest, and really didn’t threaten to score until the closing minutes of the game.

With the victory, Memphis improved to 3-3 in the USFL season, a feat that seemed unfeasible considering the team started the campaign. However, ever since a quarterback switch from week 1 starter Brady White to current signal-caller Cole Kelley, the team’s chemistry has improved significantly. However, their defensive adjustments from the beginning of the season until now have them in a position to make the playoffs with 4 games left in the season.

Here are 3 takeaways from today’s victory, and how Memphis can continue to build upon its winning ways going forward.

Defense, defense, and more defense- In the last 3 weeks, Memphis has only given up 6.7 points a game. There’s a plethora of playmakers within this defense, namely front 7 members Jeff McCulloch and Greg Reaves. The Showboats continued their display on defense by forcing 3 Pittsburgh turnovers, including an interception by defensive back Kyree Woods in the third quarter. It took the Showboats a while to get their defensive woes figured out, but they’re in stride at the right time of the season.

Special teams provide a boost- Memphis wide receiver Derrick Dillon totaled 219 yards and a touchdown, but he didn’t score on just a typical, drawn up play. The Maulers attempted to climb on the scoreboard just before the first half’s conclusion. However, a field goal attempt from Pittsburgh fell just short, giving Dillon an opportunity to return the short kick 109 yards to the end zone.

Memphis already possessed full control of the contest before that play, but Dillon’s at the half all but zapped the hope that Pittsburgh could’ve used to get back in the game.

The Showboats also forced the Maulers to commit a safety, with Memphis kicker Alex Kassman converting 3 field goals on the afternoon.

Offensive balance reigns supreme- The Showboats only got 135 passing yards from starter Cole Kelley, but with the way the defense balled out, he did not need the extra yardage. In addition, Memphis rushed for 96 yards, including 71 from Juwan Washington. Washington, who was released and then re-signed by the Showboats, made the best of a new opportunity to serve in the RB1 role. With Memphis being balanced in the running and passing games, they’ve now mastered the ability to control any game with either the run or the pass.
With the season reaching the final stages, that will be important.