PANTHERS MESS WITH THE BULL, GET THE HORNS

The Michigan Panthers dropped to .500 on the season after falling to the San Antonio Brahmas 19-9. 

 

For the fourth straight game, the Panthers offense struggled out of the gate, putting up only a field goal in the first half. However, unlike in weeks prior, the offensive woes continued throughout most of the second half. 

 

The blame for the offensive woes can go all around, as the rushing game never got going, the offensive line didn’t protect the quarterbacks, and the team committed three turnovers and had six penalties on the day. None of this adds up as a recipe for success.

 

However, that’s not to say that there weren’t bright spots throughout the game. Marcus Simms caught his third touchdown of the season, this one a 42 yard bomb from backup QB Danny Etling, and Jake Bates continued his perfect season. His 49 yard field goal in the second half makes him 6 for 6 on the year. 

 

Defensively, the Panthers struggled to contain the passing game, as Brahmas backup QB Quinten Dormandy went 23 for 37, 269 yards and a touchdown. Michigan didn’t force a single 3-and-out, and while Kai Nacua came up with his second interception in as many games, the offense wasn’t able to capitalize and gave the ball right back to San Antonio. 

 

Speaking with Nacua during the week leading up to the game, he said that he was excited to take on a team known for their passing prowess, as it amped up the secondary to take on such a tough challenge. Nacua did his part, but the defense as a whole didn’t seem to step up in the same way. 

 

While there is cause for concern, it is important for the team and the fans to not panic. There’s a lot to remember about this loss. First, it was Michigan’s first road game of the season. The Ford Field Faithful had provided a lot of extra energy for the team that they didn’t have for the first time all year. 

 

Also, the Brahmas are another very good team. Michigan’s Strength of Schedule through 4 games is far and away the toughest in the league, and they’re still 2-2. The Panthers need not panic, as they will likely be favored in 4 of their next 5 games. Outside of Birmingham, the USFL division consists of Memphis and Houston, both of which have struggled to start the season. There’s no reason to believe they can’t handle business against those teams and find themselves in the playoffs yet again. 

 

Next week, the Panthers (2-2) travel to Memphis to take on the Showboats (1-3). That game will air on Sun. Apr 28 at 3:00 PM EST on FOX. 

 

The Brahmas (3-1) head to Arlington to face the Renegades (0-4). That game will air on Sat. Apr 27 at 6:00 PM CST on FOX.