Offensive struggles continue for Pittsburgh Maulers in loss to New Jersey Generals
The Pittsburgh Maulers continued to have struggles on offense Sunday afternoon, failing to cross the goal line for the second straight week.
The Maulers managed just a field goal en route to a 20-3 loss to the New Jersey Generals in their home opener Sunday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
“Three points in any league, unless you are playing soccer or baseball, just doesn’t cut it,” Maulers coach Ray Horton said. “Right now, I didn’t go to MIT, but I know that if you extrapolate 3 points a game over 10 games that’s 30 points for a season. That won’t win you anything.”
Maulers kicker Nathan Hierlihy booted a 47-yard field goal just before halftime for the team’s lone points.
It's good! ????
And we're on the board!
????: @nbc | @peacock pic.twitter.com/pvgz3uprit
— Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) April 23, 2023
Hierlihy, however, missed a 47-yard attempt early in the third quarter. He lined up to attempt a 30-yard field goal late in the third quarter trailing 6-3, but a botched snap negated the kick and turned the ball over on downs.
New Jersey used the ensuing drive to march 58 yards in eight plays, culminating with a 10-yard TD pass from Dakota Prukop to Cam Echols-Luper to make it 13-3.
The Generals quickly added on when defensive end Hercules Mata’afa batted James Morgan’s pass behind the line of scrimmage and recovered the ball at the Maulers 1-yard line. Running back Darius Victor then ran in for a 1-yard TD for a 20-3 lead.
“I give all credit to New Jersey,” Horton said. “It was a tight game. They just came out and made plays in the second half where we did not. We imploded. We’ve got to find a way to get better that way as a coaching staff and keep these guys that are working hard in the game.”
”We just gotta keep going and keep up with this momentum. We did good out here today, but we’re onto next week.” @USFLGenerals get the dub today and have their eyes on next week! ???? ⬇️
????: @nbc | @peacock pic.twitter.com/ITJv8Tr2he
— USFL (@USFL) April 23, 2023
Last week, the Maulers (0-2) opened the USFL season with a 22-15 loss to the New Orleans Breakers, scoring on a forced fumble recovery in the end zone, a punt return touchdown and a field goal.
The Maulers defense again held up its end, holding the Generals to 136 total yards. Linebacker Kyahva Tezino made 15 tackles and forced a fumble to lead the defensive attack.
RECOVERED BY @yungnas45 ???? pic.twitter.com/nCC0DQAJ7C
— Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) April 23, 2023
THE HAMMER! ???? ????
“Every time we go out there we just want to make a big play.”
????: @nbc | @peacock pic.twitter.com/VYKgdXiZ41
— Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) April 23, 2023
Offensively, the Maulers managed 96 yards. Troy Williams completed 11 of 16 passes for 70 yards. Morgan completed 8 of 14 passes for 54 yards and an interception.
“If I had a hot hand, I’d ride it. I don’t have that hot hand right now,” Horton said of playing two quarterbacks. “I’m trying to play as many guys as I can to figure out who can make plays and do things.
“I don’t think it’s fair to judge a quarterback when you have sacks and turnovers and guys are running around. That wasn’t a very good exhibition of professional football, offensively.”
Madre London was the team’s leading rusher with 38 yards on 10 carries. Receiver Isiah Hennie caught nine passes for 53 yards.
The Generals (1-1) were led by De’Andre Johnson, who completed 9 of 13 passes for 100 yards. Prukop was 4 for 8 for 36 yards and a TD. Victor ran for 71 yards and a touchdown.
“The turnovers were atrocious, and the special teams was atrocious,” Horton said. “That doesn’t fall on the players; that falls on me. I’ve got to find a way to help these young men who are busting their butts and doing everything we are asking them to do. Schematically, we’ve got to be tons better to give our guys help.”
The Maulers return to action next Sunday when they visit the Philadelphia Stars (1-0) at Ford Field in Detroit. Kickoff is set for noon. The game will be televised on NBC.
"From a defensive culture, I like it. From the fan stand point, we want a lot more scoring. We have to be able to generate points." @USFLMaulers Head Coach Ray Horton shares his thoughts on the first half ⬇️
????: @nbc | @peacock pic.twitter.com/qrwgEJQ2NP
— USFL (@USFL) April 23, 2023
Bill Hartlep is the TribLive sports editor. A Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, he joined the Trib in 2004, covering high school sports. He held various editing roles before assuming his current position in 2019. He can be reached at bhartlep@triblive.com.
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