Bears News: Previewing the UFL: Houston Roughnecks |
Although most of the attention has been on NFL Free Agency, and rightfully so, given all the moves that have happened, plenty of other football news is going on. Most of that news is behind closed doors and will take center stage in a few weeks when the United Football League (UFL) starts.
The newly founded Spring Football League, which combines the XFL and USFL, is expected to be the premiere Spring League, even if it takes a few years to reach that level. It's no secret that the NFL has been looking to have a developmental league in place capable of producing players that NFL teams will consider. PJ Walker was the first of those players back in 2021, but since then, several Spring League players have latched on to NFL teams and gone on to have good seasons. Today, it is all about the center of Texas as we preview the Houston Roughnecks. Unlike most teams in this league, Houston had two teams to choose from: the Gamblers and Roughnecks, but ultimately chose the Roughnecks. Intially coached by June Jones and Wade Phillips in the XFL and Kevin Sumlin and Curtis Johnson when they played in the USFL, the Roughnecks will once again have a new coach running the show. Johnson will be appointed to lead this team in 2024. He led the Gamblers of the USFL last Spring and posted a 5-5 record after the team went 3-7 the year before.
Unlike the previous situation he inherited, Johnson will be given a much more talented roster, which should help him pick up more wins. Reid Sinnett is expected to compete for the quarterback job as he will come in to replace Brandon Silvers. Sinnett isn't the best quarterback out there, but when you look at some of the weapons he has, the potential is there for him to have an incredible year.
Look no further than the backfield, where the USFL's leading rusher, Mark Thompson, will be back to lead the way as he joins forces with TJ Pledger. Thompson is a workhorse and will look to top an amazing 2023, as he will be the engine that makes this offense go.
Not only will teams have to worry about him, but Stinnett will also have some good targets to throw to in WRs Justin Hall, Steven Dunbar, and Isiah Hennie, among others. Throw in TE Braedon Bowman, and the Roughnecks offense is poised for big things in 2024.
Defensively is where this team shined in 2023, which shouldn't come as a surprise with Phillips as their coach. This year's team will have a much different look, but there is still plenty of talent on the defensive side capable of making plays. Former Washington Commander Chris Odom is expected to be the anchor in the trenches as he will look to take over a game.
Olive Sagapolu will join him in making one of the more intimidating duos in the UFL.
The LB room has many more questions, although Reuben Foster calls that place home. Arguably one of the best defensive players in the UFL, Foster is a name that even the casual NFL fan should recognize, as he was a first-round pick in 2017 by the San Francisco 49ers. After a promising start to his NFL career, Foster fell on hard times and hasn't been the same, which is why he is looking to keep his playing days alive in the UFL.
Still, he has logged over 100 career NFL tackles and has proven to be one of those players always around the football.
Like the LB group, the secondary also has its share of questions, and after losing the league leader in interceptions, even more questions need to be addressed.
Another former Commanders defender in Corn Elder, should be one of the team's starting CBs when the season breaks, as he will most likely be paired with Jimmy Moreland and Kiondre Thomas. Moreland was also part of the Washington defense at one time, while Moreland called Green Bay home the past two seasons.
Look for Ja'von Hicks to be one of the safeties that Houston will count on this season as they will look to continue their run as one of the more consistent and successful Spring teams.
