Daily Record from Morristown, New Jersey • Page 47

Daily Record, Northwest N.J. Sunday, February 26, 1984 D7 ctoyMe oveirai ge exdtes USFL ison ticket sales season ticket sales in the United 1984 1983 18,500 16,960 18,700 14,000 9,500 14,825 26,000 34,733 10,000 New team 23,000 New Team 12,500 18,900 20,000 New team 21,400 6,844 32,000 35,270 10.750 3,800 15,000 New team 23,000 26,000 13,500 12,549 18,500 New team 5,000 New team 33,000 22,634 8,000 18,806 lion and ESPN chipped in $3 million, each team collected about $800,000 after league start-up fees were subtracted. ABC will pay the same this year while ESPN rill push its investment to $7 million. The teams won't take in much more, though, due to league expansion. Consider this: Each NFL team gets $13.6 million per year to pay its bills from a five-year television contract.

The NFL can afford high salaries. At $800,000 a year the USFL simply can't pay for the stadium charges and the costs of signing people like Brian Sipe, Mike Rozier and Cliff Stoudt. Salaries have been paid from attendance and the owner's pocket. From the team's point of view, that money will have to come from the networks if they are to make a profit in the future. "We certainly feel better about things this time around," said Peter Ruocco, director of marketing for the USFL.

"Our track record is bet ter than we both (USFL and television) thought. Play is improving and we have a lot of new players in the league. We performed better in the ratings last year than many people thought and I think there are some expectations for a multi-year television contract." That is if the ratings improve. For the USFL, it is a very big The No. 1 ABC broadcast team will consist of play-by-play man Keith Jackson and color analyst Lynn Swann.

ESPN will shuttle Jim Simpson to both its Saturday and Monday games until another suitable play-by-play man can be hired. On Saturday night Simpson will work with former Giants quarterback and NFL coach Don Heinrich. Paul Maguire, who spent nine years at NBC and the last five with ESPN, will join Simpson on the Monday night games. 1 By VIVIAN BERNSTEIN Daily Record Staff Writer Everything seems to be pointing up for the United States Football League as it enters its second year of existence. Donald Trump has grabbed enough headlines to keep people interested in the league and the networks are devoting more time and money to this year's pro-ductions; Nevertheless, this season will be the most important one the league will ever face.

The returns that count most the ratings aren't in yet. At stake for the USFL is televi-: sion money. ESPN's contract ends at the end of the year and, although ABC has a two-year option in its agreement, the amount of money it 1 will pay for next year depends primarily on how many people tune it and show up at the games this year. "Last year we had anticipated a rating of five and we wound up with a six. That's a good omen," said one Central Division Michigan Panthers Last year: 12-6 Owner: A.

Alfred Taubman Coach: Jim Stanley Stadium: Silverdome Capacity: 80,638 A comparison of 1983 and States Football League. Team Arizona Wranglers Birmingham Stallions Chicago Blitz Denver Gold Houston Gamblers Jacksonville Bulls Los Angeles Express Memphis Showboats Michigan Panthers New Jersey Generals New Orleans Breakers Oklahoma Outlaws Oakland, Invaders Philadelphia Stars Pittsburgh Maulers San Antonio Gunslipgers Tampa Bay Bandits Washington Federals Source: USFL teams to pay a whole lot more than the approximate $28 million shelled out (about $18 million by ABC, $10 million by ESPN) in the first two years. Chicago Blitz Last year: 4-14 Owner: James F. Hoffman Coach: Marv Levy Stadium: Soldier Field Capacity: 65,077 1984 If they don't increase their ante, the USFL could be in terrible financial trouble. Last year, when ABC paid $9 mil Analysis ABC spokesman.

"We'd like to see some kind of improvement, but no specific rating." As for ESPN, the fourth-largest network was overjoyed with its 3.3 overall rating from last year, in-. eluding a 3.0 for Saturday night games and 3.5 for Monday. Although no formal negotiations have begun, ESPN is eager to sit down with USFL Commissioner Chet Simmons. "A little over one million viewers tuned in to the USFL on ESPN last year. As far as any sort of a series single telecasts have been better it's our highest rated ever," said ESPN spokesman Chris LaPlaca.

"From our standpoint, we definitely want to be involved with them." Just suppose, though, that ratings go down and game attendance doesn't improve substantially. While there is every likelihood that both networks would still sign some sort of contract, neither would be willing previews previews Houston Gamblers Last year: Expansion team Owner: Jerry Argovitz Coach: Jack Pardee Stadium: Astrodome Capacity: 50,496 Outlook: The Blitz were one of the worst teams in the league last year, when they played in Arizona and were called the Wranglers. Moving to Chicago didn't help, but the weak division should give the Blitz some hope. Though they were next-to-last in offense and dead last in defense last year, the Blitz should finish ahead of three expansion teams. Front office firings won help matters, and this is a team that could use a little stability.

But behind the scenes, this team is as confused as it looks on the field. Offense: Quarterback Vince Evans moved across town from the Bears and will throw to wide receiver Jackie Flowers. Fortunately, Evans like to scramble. Defense: The defense has a long way to go. Bruce Thornton, a former Cowboy, is at defensive end and Malcom Taylor, a former Oiler, is at defensive tackle.

Doug Plank comes out of retirement from the Bears to play safety. Outlook: The defending USFL champions have prehaps the most vocal fans in the league. Detroit took this team to heart last year; the love affair should continue. Offense: Bobby Hebert ended his holdout, but since he reported late it may take some time to get his timing down. Still, he is probably the best quarterback in the league (3,568 yards last year) and was the MVP of last year's championship game, leading Michigan to a victory over the Stars.

The Panthers had the best offense in the USFL last season. Anthony Carter is a deep threat and Dereck Holloway, only 5-foot-7, had a big championship game at receiver. The Panthers have one of the best offensive lines in the league, led by three All-USFL selections: Tackle Ray Pinney, and guards Tyrone McGriff and Thorn Dornbrook. Ken Lacy (1 ,1 80 yards) was the leading rusher last year. Defense: This unti is improved with the addition of Larry Bethea to a line that includes John Banaszak and Allen Hughes.

John Corker was one of the best linebackers in the league last year when he recorded 281i sacks for 200 yards in losses. The secondary returns intact, with David Greenwood at one safety. Outlook: Billy Sims, where have you gone? Argovitz is still stewing over that one, Sims was supposed to be the ingredient that made the Gamblers a winning organization immediately. They may have to wait longer than expected. Offense: The Gamblers' running attack is not quite what it would've been with Sims, who signed one too many contracts and will stay with the Lions.

The Gamblers still have ex-Vikings Sam Harrell and Mark Rush to run the ball. Jim Kelly will be an excellent quarterback; he was the No. 1 choice of the Buffalo Bills in 1983, coming out of Miami. The slot-back will be rookie Ricky Sanders, who was a running back at Southwest Texas State. Greg Moser and Scott McGhee will be the wide receivers.

The Gamblers will run a wide open offense, letting Kelly develop his passing skills. Frank Kalil, a center acquired from Arizona during the off season, anchors an offensive line that will have its hands full. Defense: The defense is a potpourri of rookies and veterans, with ex-Jet Donald Dykes surfacing at safety. Will Lewis, another NFL veteran, is at one cornerback spot. The linebackers are the best part of the defense, led by Andy and Mike Hawkins, both of whom played in the NFL.

Pacific Division Los Angeles Last year 8-10 Owner J. William Oldenburg Coach: John Hadl Stadium: LA. Coliseum Capacity: 74,074 San Antonio Gunslingers Last year: Expansion team Owner: Clinton Manges Coach: Gill Steinke Stadium: Alamo Stadium Capacity: 24,000 II tmmmmm Arizona Wranglers Last year: 12-6 Owner: Ted Oiethrich Coach: George Allen Stadium: Sun Devil Stadium Capacity: 70,030 Outlook: The Gunslingers have the smallest stadium (24.000 seats) in the USFL. Still, they'll have trouble filling it. So far they've sold about 5,000 season tickets.

They may get out of the gate that slowly, too. Offense: Actually, Rick Neuheisel is an exciting rookie quarterback from UCLA. Remember the Rose Bowl? Receivers Danny Buggs and Lonell Phea will help, but there are too many problems. The Gunslingers have been a team in search of players, making last-minute moves, checking the waiver wire constantly. They are looking for help.

The running backs are Don Roberts and Mike Hagen. The offensive line is unsettled. Defense: Problems? Let look at the defense. Maurice Tyler, a former Giant, is the best of the secondary. Frank Case has been added at defensive end opposite Mike St.

Clair, but the defense will struggle this year. Outlook: Don Klosterman, the general manager, has been called the Donald Trump of the West, J. William Oldenburg supplies the cash. The Express have gambled with their money, in the same manner the Generals have put together a whole new team, and they have stockpiled enough talent to turn things around. Offense: Los Angeles is still negotiating with BYU quarterback Steve Young, but they already have former UCLA star Tom Ramsey, who's starting his second pro season and has much potential.

Ramsey has capable receivers in Jo Jo Townsell, a former draft choice of the Jets, and Anthony Allen. The big change has been along the offensive line, where the Express signed three top players: Baylor's Mark Adickes (tackle), Texas' Mike Ruether (center), and Oregon's Gary Zimmerman (guard). L.A. also has former Colts offensive tackle Jeff Hart The running attack will be similar to last year, with LaRue Harrington (547 yards) and Tony Boddie (403 yards) returning, Kevin Nelson of UCLA will get his turn to run the ball. Defense: The line is solid, with Eddie Weaver (9 sacks), George Achica, and Greg Fields 12Va sacks).

Outlook: Wherever you go in Phoenix, you see the advertisements or hear the radio commercials. George Allen has promised to deliver a winning team. Allen has been surfacing everywhere, spouting his slogan; "I won't let us lose." That won't be too difficult a promise to keep. Allen won with this same tean in Chicago last year, before a frachise swap. Offense: Greg Landry returns at quarterback after missing much of last season with an ankle injury.

Trumaine Johnson caught 81 passes for 1,322 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The Wranglers have two rushers: Tim Spencer (1,157) and ex-Jet Kevin Long David Huffman, a center with the Vikings, Is an addition on the offensive line. Defense: The line is strong and deep. The tackles art Joe Ehrmann (18 sacks) and Kit Lathrop, last year's Outstanding Lineman in the USFL The ends are Karl Lorch and John Lee. Then there's Robert Smith, an All-America tackle from Gram-bling.

Stan White is back at linebacker, along with Jim Farnhorst White was an all-USFL choice last year. The secondary Is experienced with safety Luther Bradley, who ted the league with 12 interceptions last year. 11 Oklahoma Outlaws Last year: Expansion team Owner William Tatham Coach: Woody Widenhofer Stadium: Skelly Stadium Capacity: 40,235 Denver Gold Last year: 7-11 Owner: Ron Blanding Coach: Craig Morton Stadium: Mile High Stadium Capacity: 75,123 Oakland Invaders Last year: 9-9 Owner: Ted Taube Coach: John Ralston Stadium: Oakland Coliseum Capacity: 53,480 TV Outlook: Once you get past Doug Williams, this is the wasteland of pro football. In-law jokes may be passe after the Outlaws begin their season. Offense: Williams probably has the strongest arm in the league; he is a marvelous athlete.

He also must be crazy to go through this. He will spend the season running for cover. Sidney Thornton, Daryl James and Derek Hughes are running backs. The offensive line was built in the expansion draft, the outcasts of the USFL. Not a pretty thought.

Defense: This unit has linebackers Dewey McClain and Terry Beerson, who have NFL experience, but the defensive line was built the same way the offensive line was strung together. Defensive ends ds Curtis Anderson and Jeff Jackson came from Michigan and Arizona, where they were let loose. So the Outlaws probably won't be able to stop anybody, and aside from a few moments Williams will create, they won have much of an offense. No way out. Outlook: Craig Morton took over late in the season for Red Miller, coaching a team which never found its way out of low gear.

There was no offensive punch; the Gold finished the season as the USFL's worst offensive team, but that statistic should change. Offense: Craig Penrose is the quarterback this year; former Kansas City Chief Bob Gagliano is the backup. Morton has promised a wide open attack, with wide receiver Leonard Harris and running back Vincent White. The offensive tine remains a question mark as free agents have been battling in camp. George and John Yamo signed as free agents and have experience at the guard positions.

Defense: The line has been strengthened by the addition of defensive end Dave Stalls, a free agent who played with the NFL champion Raiders last season. The Gold primarily play a 3-4 defense, but Ota Knebackmg is an uncertain area. Denver will also play a 4-3 defense with Tim Moore a designated pass rusher. David Martin had six interceptions last year at cornerback and safety David Dumars had seven. Dumars was named to the ail-USFL squad.

Outlook: The team resembles the old Oakland Raiders, but only because has some former Raiders personnel, not because it's potential dynasty. a Offense: Fred Besana was once a scrap heap quarterback with the Giants, who couldn't make the final cut He played sem-tpro bat) in California before the call came last year from the Invaders. He went on to throw for 3,980 yards, 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, becoming one of the USFL's best quarterbacks. Former Raiders tight end Raymond Chester was the leading receiver last year, but he's retired and John Thompson has taken his place. Another Oakland (now Los Angeles) refugee, Morris Brsdshaw, has been added as a receiver.

The Invaders have depth on the offensive line, and former Raider Arthur Whittington will do the bulk of the running, mixed in with Eesana's controlled passing game. Defense: The Invaders have experienced linebackers Gary Phimmer and Frank Manumaleuga. Former Patriot Dave Brown-big has been added at defensive end. Otherwise, the defense will look simitar to last year's, which finished third in the league..