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The New Jersey Generals picked up their first USFL win after beating the Michigan Panthers 10-6 on Friday night.
The Panthers, led by quarterback Shea Patterson, made a push late in the fourth quarter. With just five seconds behind at the 16, Patterson threw an incomplete pass to wide receiver La’Michael Pettway, sealing Michigan’s fate.
PANTHERS’ JOEY MAGNIFICO WAS PUBLISHED OFF THE FIELD AFTER APPEARING LOWER BODY INJURY
The Generals were the first to score after relying heavily on their running game to get the ball down the field. On New Jersey’s second possession, quarterback De’Andre Johnson chose to run the ball seven times. Kicker Nick Rose, who missed two field goals in Week 1, ended the drive with a 21-yard field goal.
New Jersey Generals Trey Williams #3 runs with the ball while Michigan Panthers Jalin Burrell #23 defends in the second quarter of the game at Protective Stadium April 22, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/USFL/Getty Images)
The Panthers’ offense struggled early in the first half, but Cameron Scarlett quickly changed the pace of the game after handing Luis Perez his first USFL interception. Orion Stewart scored a Panthers touchdown just a few games later to take a 6-3 lead after a missed field goal.
But Stewart’s touchdown would be Michigan’s only hit in the game.
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Michigan Panthers’ Stevie Scott III #25 is tackled by New Jersey Generals defenders during the first quarter of the game at Protective Stadium on April 22, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/USFL/Getty Images)
Running back Darius Victor scored a touchdown with minutes left in the first half to give the Generals a 10-6 lead.
Panthers tight end Joey Magnifico was kicked off the field on the kickoff return after apparently suffering what broadcasters described as a “serious” lower-body injury.
He was placed on a stretcher and carried off the field after players from both teams came over to check on him. He was reportedly taken to a local hospital with an injury to his lower left leg.
Michigan Panthers’ Joey Magnifico #86 is taken off the field with an injury during the second quarter of the game against the New Jersey Generals at Protective Stadium on April 22, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Jamie Squire/USFL/Getty Images)
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The USFL also released a new ball for Week 2. The cue ball, which is the same size as a regular NFL ball, contains a chip to help track downs, but on Friday kickers were given another ball to use without the chip.