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USFL Power Rankings week 8: Who is ready for the playoff push?

By John Miceli

Jul 3, 2022; Canton, OH, USA; Birmingham Stallions quarterback Alex McGough (2) pump his fist as he celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Stars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2022; Canton, OH, USA; Birmingham Stallions quarterback Alex McGough (2) pump his fist as he celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Stars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2023; Birmingham, AL, USA; New Orleans Breakers quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson (1) throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Maulers during the second half of a USFL football game at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2023; Birmingham, AL, USA; New Orleans Breakers quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson (1) throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Maulers during the second half of a USFL football game at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /

2. New Orleans Breakers

Record: 4-3
Last Week: 24-20 loss to Birmingham Stallions
Week 8: Sunday 4 PM vs Michigan Panthers

New Orleans has had something rare in the USFL this season: success on both sides of the football. The Breakers are the most well-rounded team in the league.

Head coach John DeFilippo’s offensive unit leads the league in yards per game this season with nearly a thirty-yard-per-game margin on the league’s second-best offense (Birmingham Stallions). Breakers quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who has prior experience both in the NFL and the CFL, leads the league in passing yards, averaging nearly 255.9 per game, and Breakers running back Wes Hills leads the league in rushing yards with 577 on the season.

The New Orleans defense has also fared well, as the Breakers rank third in points allowed, third in yards allowed, and second in defensive interceptions.

Overall, the Breakers are a strong team with lots of talent and excellent output on both sides of the football. However, they have lost three straight games, two of which were against Memphis and Birmingham. It remains to be seen whether their success can be sustained against the highest levels of competition in the USFL.

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