The New USFL

[AngeloV]

In the “what are they thinking” segment of the day, Hergy Mayala and Richie Sindani have taken their talents to New Orleans (or whatever hub city they are playing in)

https://twitter.com/USFLBreakers/sta...926071302?s=20

[gilthethrill]

In the “what are they thinking” segment of the day, Hergy Mayala and Richie Sindani have taken their talents to New Orleans (or whatever hub city they are playing in)



https://twitter.com/USFLBreakers/sta...926071302?s=20

Can’t really explain those moves.

[ArgoRavi]

In the “what are they thinking” segment of the day, Hergy Mayala and Richie Sindani have taken their talents to New Orleans (or whatever hub city they are playing in)

https://twitter.com/USFLBreakers/sta...926071302?s=20

Yeah, I really don't understand this move on their part.

[Foxhound]

Can/will this USFL thing be any worse than the latest incarnation of the XFL?

[gilthethrill]

The New Jersey Generals have signed former Argo DB Treston Decoud to a professional contract.

[paulwoods13]

Yeah, I really don't understand this move on their part.

Both guys had visa issues that delayed their arrival. Sindani got cut; Mayala is still there, but won't be able to play unless visa gets sorted out. My understanding is that both guys hoped to parlay a USFL stint to a shot at the NFL.

[gilthethrill]

Both guys had visa issues that delayed their arrival. Sindani got cut; Mayala is still there, but won't be able to play unless visa gets sorted out. My understanding is that both guys hoped to parlay a USFL stint to a shot at the NFL.

I think something similar happened to Bombers draft pick OL Liam Dobson last season. He ended up in Winnipeg.

[paulwoods13]

I think something similar happened to Bombers draft pick OL Liam Dobson last season. He ended up in Winnipeg.

Yep. I'll be surprised if Mayala gets a work permit. It's not as if there is a shortage of Americans willing and able to take that job.

[ArgoRavi]

Both guys had visa issues that delayed their arrival. Sindani got cut; Mayala is still there, but won't be able to play unless visa gets sorted out. My understanding is that both guys hoped to parlay a USFL stint to a shot at the NFL.

I totally understand the lure of the NFL and the great amount of money that it can bestow. However, both of these players are 27 years old and turning 28 this year, and NFL interest in either of them is highly unlikely at this point. At a certain point, these players need to be realistic about their chances.

[gilthethrill]

I totally understand the lure of the NFL and the great amount of money that it can bestow. However, both of these players are 27 years old and turning 28 this year, and NFL interest in either of them is highly unlikely at this point. At a certain point, these players need to be realistic about their chances.

Neither player was really memorable in the CFL, not sure who encouraged them to chase the NFL.

[paulwoods13]

I totally understand the lure of the NFL and the great amount of money that it can bestow. However, both of these players are 27 years old and turning 28 this year, and NFL interest in either of them is highly unlikely at this point. At a certain point, these players need to be realistic about their chances.

I think it's obvious by now that every CFL player dreams about the NFL. Some undoubtedly are realistic about their chances, but many guys -- even pedestrian, older players -- continue to dream about it. And given how so much of making it in football seems to be circumstantial, being in the right place at the right time, who can blame them?

[ArgoRavi]

I think it's obvious by now that every CFL player dreams about the NFL. Some undoubtedly are realistic about their chances, but many guys -- even pedestrian, older players -- continue to dream about it. And given how so much of making it in football seems to be circumstantial, being in the right place at the right time, who can blame them?

I get it, but players really need to look at what has happened historically. Has a Canadian player at age 28 - other than perhaps a kicker - ever received an NFL opportunity in history? I remember when Victor Butler was looking to get back to the NFL after the Argos won the Grey Cup in 2017 but the Argos wouldn't release him from his contract, so he effectively retired. I recall, at that time, that nobody in Butler's circumstances - i.e., a defensive lineman who was 28 or 29 - had ever gotten a sniff at the NFL after having been in that league a few years earlier. The NFL is always looking for the next best, young thing.

Anyway, Sindani will have to sit a two-game suspension if he returns to the CFL; Mayala has been more productive and would ordinarily be able to secure a decent CFL contract, but the free agency money has pretty much dried up for 2023 long before now.

[paulwoods13]

Expecting players to be "realistic" about their chances ignores the way people tend to think. A lot of guys don't let reality intrude on their dreams. Hope springs eternal.

Mayala has now been released by the Breakers, FWIW.

[gilthethrill]

Expecting players to be "realistic" about their chances ignores the way people tend to think. A lot of guys don't let reality intrude on their dreams. Hope springs eternal.

Mayala has now been released by the Breakers, FWIW.

Thanks for your USFL transactions update Paul. Both the spring leagues seem content on not having a transactions page on their websites. Funny how 3Down Nation missed both the Sindani and Hercules Mayala releases…..but Danny Macocia did write out going Als President a “Thank You Letter”

[ArgoRavi]

MBT won his first USFL start, behind a shaky o-line at times. MBT knows how to win though and he willed his team to a last minute victory.

[Argo57]

MBT won his first USFL start, behind a shaky o-line at times. MBT knows how to win though and he willed his team to a last minute victory.

It seems this MBT guy learned a few things from Chad Kelly.

[Will]

MBT won his first USFL start, behind a shaky o-line at times. MBT knows how to win though and he willed his team to a last minute victory.

Pretty shaky in the 1st half leading MBT to go 6/19 for 94 yards in the first half, but be recovered in the second half to go 17/22 for 208 yards, including, the game winning TD with a minute left. The Maulers got a defensive TD and a special teams TD, but were otherwise shutdown by the Breakers defense.

[paulwoods13]

IMO, MBT's first-half problems were mostly someone else's fault -- receivers dropping catchable passes and o-line acting like a sieve (where have we seen that before?). Once he get better protection, he got into a rhythm. I imagine he will be named offensive player of the week, considering he was the only QB to surpass 300 yards.

[ArgoGabe22]

IMO, MBT's first-half problems were mostly someone else's fault -- receivers dropping catchable passes and o-line acting like a sieve (where have we seen that before?). Once he get better protection, he got into a rhythm. I imagine he will be named offensive player of the week, considering he was the only QB to surpass 300 yards.

Nothing against the other players but MBT is probably the biggest name in the league. Should be an early favourite for any kind of award - if those even exist in the USFL. League MVP/Offensive MVP

[paulwoods13]

Nothing against the other players but MBT is probably the biggest name in the league. Should be an early favourite for any kind of award - if those even exist in the USFL. League MVP/Offensive MVP

There are a few "name" players (ex-NFLers, mostly). By U.S. standards he's not much of a name since he's been in Canada the past six years, and he was never established in the NFL before that. But in terms of pro football accomplishments, he's by far the biggest deal in the league. The USFL might have been reluctant to embrace and promote a 34-year-old as their marquee name, but if he continues to excel (as seems highly likely), it will be hard for Fox and NBC/Peacock/USA to resist the redemption story -- especially if Chinaka and Aziza keep getting screen time.