The stars from Week 1 of the 2022 USFL season

Jordan Taamu with the Washington Commanders for NFL Training Camp last summer. Taamu led the Tampa Bay Bandits past the Pittsburgh Maulers 17-3 on Monday night.

Joe Glorioso/Wikimedia Commons

Jordan Ta’amu with the Washington Commanders for NFL Training Camp last summer. Ta’amu led the Tampa Bay Bandits past the Pittsburgh Maulers 17-3 on Monday night.

Ethan K.

Randy Satterfield, WR, New Jersey Generals

Satterfield made his name known early in the first game of the USFL’s inaugural season. With the first play from scrimmage, quarterback Luis Perez fired a deep shot to Satterfield who made the impressive jump-ball reception to set the Generals up with a first and goal-to-go. Perez then found Satterfield in the back of the endzone for the first touchdown of the season. With two defenders on him, Satterfield did an excellent job of holding onto the football through contact. He would finish with five receptions, 100 yards and one score.

Donald Payne, Ahmad Gooden and Reggie Northrup, DE/LB, Houston Gamblers

The Gamblers rolled to a solid 17-12 victory over the Michigan Panthers, largely in part to their defense’s monstrous performance. The three edge rushers combined for 30 tackles, four forced fumbles, two sacks and a touchdown  (via Reggie Northrup). The group effort proved to be vital in the win, shutting down Shea Patterson and co. in their last few drives to close out the game. Northrup’s score was also crucial in making the difference for the Gamblers.

Davin Bellamy, EDGE, New Orleans Breakers

The former Georgia Bulldog had been an NFL journeyman before entering into the USFL. Upon his arrival, Bellamy has been sure to make his presence felt. In the Breakers’ dominant win over the Philadelphia Stars, Bellamy’s speed off of his line allowed for him to quickly enter the backfield and register three sacks on the day. His quickness and textbook-tackling allowed for the Breakers to slow down the Philadelphia offense and get a major victory in Week 1.

Osirus Mitchell, WR, Birmingham Stallions

Much like Satterfield, Mitchell’s impact was felt immediately in the Stallions’ season opener. With their first passing play of the season, QB Alex McGough fired a deep ball to Mitchell who hauled it in for a 35 yard touchdown. Mitchell finished the game with five receptions, 96 yards and a score. The Mississippi State product put himself on the map, hopefully leading to a better chance at an NFL career. Any team in need of size on their roster should be all over Mitchell.

Arnold Tarpley III, S, Pittsburgh Maulers

Tarpley’s Maulers got mauled Monday night, but don’t let that distract from his all around good performance. In the closing moments of the first half, Tarpley made a beautiful play on a Bandits pass, closing out the half and preventing the Maulers from conceding more points moments before a break. Tarpley also recorded eight tackles and two passes defended, putting him in a solid spot as one of the premier safeties in the new league. All around performances, like such, should turn some heads in the NFL scouting world.

Jordan Ta’amu, QB, Tampa Bay Bandits

While Ta’amu did not have the greatest statistical performance against the Maulers, any fan watching his play can see how special he could become. On the Bandits’ opening possession, Ta’amu led a spectacular drive into the Maulers’ endzone, completing 5/5 passes and throwing for 57 yards. He showcased his ability to scramble out of the pocket, make good reads and lead a team. With tight end Cheyenne O’Grady being impossible to tackle, Ta’amu was able to take the Bandits on another trip to the endzone late in the second quarter. He tossed a three yard score to Jordan Lasley in what would be the Bandits’ final points of the match. Despite a mediocre second half, Ta’amu performed very well and was arguably the best quarterback in the USFL this past weekend. 

 

(Reader Note: all stats mentioned in this article were found at FoxSports.com/USFL/Stats)