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How the Showboats, with a home game vs. Pittsburgh looming, might have saved their season

jason munz, memphis commercial appeal
·3 min read

The Memphis Showboats are feeling good.

They've won back-to-back games after starting the season 0-3. Their defense is trending upward, having given up just 10 points a game the last two weeks. Their coach, Todd Haley, even tried to twerk in the locker room after his team knocked off the USFL's last remaining unbeaten squad (the New Orleans Breakers) last week in Birmingham, Alabama.

"But that's over now and our margin for error has not changed," Haley said Tuesday after a spirited afternoon practice.

Haley and the Showboats hope to keep the momentum going this week. They will face the Pittsburgh Maulers (2-3) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Saturday (11:30 a.m., USA Network).

Here are three things to keep an eye on ahead of the game.

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Cole Kelley takes command

Since Cole Kelley took over as starting quarterback, the Showboats' season has reversed course.

Kelley got his first start in a 30-26 loss to the Houston Gamblers. He threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns to put the Showboats ahead with less than 90 seconds to play. But the Gamblers got a game-winning touchdown with 13 seconds left.

Memphis is 2-0 since. Kelley has thrown for 227.3 yards per game in his three starts and three touchdowns.

“He’s been fun to watch,” said Haley. “By no means perfect. He’s still got a lot of room to grow. But what sets him apart a little bit is the command of the offense he has. His demeanor on the sideline. If he makes a mistake, he bounces right back.”

That Showboats defense

If you're looking for the biggest factor in the Showboats' defensive turnaround, Haley said it boils down to winning the turnover battle.

The Showboats have recovered four fumbles and picked off three passes in the last eight quarters. Their turnover margin in wins this season is plus-5.

“I think the coaches are doing a good job on defense of understanding who they have,” said Haley. “We’ve integrated some new players into the lineup for different reasons. Trying to figure out how to best put these players in the position they can best succeed to give us a chance to win.”

Pittsburgh Maulers scouting report

Like the Showboats, the Maulers made a change at quarterback several weeks ago.

Troy Williams, who played collegiately at Washington and Utah, has led Pittsburgh to a 2-1 record since taking over as the starter. Last week, in a 23-7 road win over the Michigan Panthers, Williams led the Maulers in passing and rushing for the third straight game.

“We’ve got to do a very good job of containing (him),” said Haley. “He accounts for a lot of their yards and, ultimately, points. Defensively, they’re a physical team.”

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How the Memphis Showboats might have saved their season