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The 2023 New Orleans Breakers season was the New Orleans Breakers' second season in the United States Football League, their second at Protective Stadium, and their first under the head coach/general manager tandem of John DeFilippo and Ryan Jones. For the 2023 season, they improved upon their 6–4 record from the previous season by going 7–3, and lost to the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL South Division Championship Game for the second straight year. This time with the final score being 47–22 in favor of Birmingham.

Offseason

Stadium plans

Shortly before the completion of the 2022 season, the USFL announced plans to move into two or four hubs for teams to play in. In November, the USFL was reportedly exploring options of having a hub in Metro Detroit, with possible locations being the Eastern Michigan Eagles' Rynearson Stadium and the Detroit Lions' Ford Field.

It was announced that the Breakers would be playing their games in Birmingham for the 2nd straight season. They share a hub with their South Division rivals, the Birmingham Stallions.

Draft

The Breakers clinched the fifth overall pick in the 2023 USFL draft and hold the fifth pick in each round.

The draft only included players that were 2023 draft eligible, contrasting with the 2022 draft, which was to build rosters. Also differing from the 2022 draft, players were not initially contracted with the USFL prior to the draft, meaning teams have to negotiate with players to retain their rights. As of February 26, 2023, no player drafted by the New Orleans Breakers has signed a contract with the team.

Additions

Subtractions

Personnel

Final roster

Staff

On September 14, 2022, head coach Larry Fedora stepped down and announced that he would only return if all the USFL teams played in their home markets. The Breakers named John DeFilippo as head coach.

Schedule

Regular Season

Bold indicates divisional opponent.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh Maulers

at Protective Stadium

• Date: April 16
• Game time: 6:30 p.m. EDT
• Referee: Stuart Mullins
• TV announcers (FS1): Curt Menefee, Joel Klatt and Brock Huard

The Breakers started their season against the Pittsburgh Maulers. The Maulers started with the ball and pulled off a surprise lateral from Tre Walker to Bailey Gaither to set up Pittsburgh at the New Orleans 41-yard line. The Maulers got their offense started a little before stalling out and taking a 37-yard field goal from Nathan Hierlihy to get the first points of the season. The Breakers got the ball in Pittsburgh territory due to a big return from Johnnie Dixon. The Breakers had their pass game rolling on the first drive, including a 37-yard pass from McLeod Bethel-Thompson to Jonathan Adams. However, a Boogie Roberts sack on 3rd down forced New Orleans to a field goal. On the next drive, Pittsburgh's offense got nothing going and were forced to punt. The punt however, was tipped by a Breaker which set up New Orleans inside the Pittsburgh 35. New Orleans' offense stalled out and the Breakers were again forced to only 3 points. In the 2nd quarter, none of the offenses were able to generate many yards. Reuben Foster of the Maulers forced a fumble off of Anthony Jones to take a 9–6 lead. New Orleans drove down the field with efficiency, but a red zone stand by the Maulers defense forced them to a 3rd field goal of the game. In the 2nd quarter, Breakers punter Matt White would appear to twist his ankle and not be able to return to the game, leading Matt Coghlin to start having to punt.

In the 3rd quarter, New Orleans started with the ball but the Maulers defense tightened up in the red zone again to force another short Matt Coghlin field goal. Pittsburgh's offense stalled out, and the Breakers marched down the field, but got stopped by the Maulers in the red zone again to force a 5th field goal from Matt Coghlin (tying the USFL record). In the 4th quarter, Pittsburgh started with the ball and moved it down the field well, but New Orleans has a goal line stand and forces a turnover on downs. New Orleans drives down the field but is forced to punt at Pittsburgh's 39-yard line. On that Coghlin punt, Maulers returner Isiah Hennie takes the punt 82-yards to the end zone to tie the game at 15. After that, the Breakers drove down the field and scored the only offensive touchdown of the entire game, a 2-yard touchdown pass from McLeod Bethel-Thompson to running back Anthony Jones to make the score 22–15. The Maulers would turn the ball over on downs to end the game.

With the win, New Orleans improved to 1–0 and 2nd place in the South Division. With the loss, the Maulers dropped to 0–1 and 3rd place in the North Division.

Week 2: vs. Houston Gamblers

at Protective Stadium

• Date: April 22
• Game time: 12:30 p.m. EDT
• Referee: Larry Smith
• TV announcers (USA): Paul Burmeister, Anthony Herron and Lewis Johnson

The Breakers hosted their division rivals, the Houston Gamblers. The game would start slowfor both of the offenses, but on the first drive of the second quarter, Wes Hills would run for a 19-yard touchdown to give the Breakers the first points of the game. Houston responded with a field goal on the next drive. New Orleans would add a field goal on the next drive, and Houston would score a touchdown to tie the game at 10 at halftime.

The Gamblers got the second half going with a touchdown to get them the lead. The Breakers would respond with a touchdown of their own, then took advantage of an Adonis Alexander interception with a 4-yard touchdown pass from quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson to receiver Johnnie Dixon to take the lead back. In the 4th quarter, Houston scored a touchdown on a 1-yard T.J. Pledger run to tie the game at 24. New Orleans scores a touchdown on the very next drive to make it 31–24 in favor of the Breakers. Then, Kenji Bahar led a methodical passing drive to tie the game at 31. Wes Hills scored a late touchdown to give the Breakers a 38–31 lead which would end up as the final after Vontae Diggs got the game sealing interception. The Breakers moved to 2–0 with the win.

Week 3: at Birmingham Stallions

at Protective Stadium

• Date: April 29
• Game time: 12:30 p.m. EDT
• Referee: Derek Anderson
• TV announcers (USA): Paul Burmeister, Kyle Rudolph and Caroline Pineda

The Breakers took on their division rivals, the Birmingham Stallions to determine who would sit in 1st place in the South Division. The Stallions received the opening kickoff, and Deon Cain took it 82 yards to open up the scoring early. New Orleans would respond with a 40-yard strike from McLeod Bethel-Thompson to Lee Morris to tie the game at 7. The teams traded scores throughout the rest of the 1st quarter. Birmingham got a field goal and New Orleans scored a touchdown. The 2nd quarter started off with more defense than the first quarter, with Birmingham forcing a punt and Adonis Alexander of the Breakers getting an interception. New Orleans got a field goal off of the interception. However, on the Breakers next offensive drive, McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw a pick to Donnie Lewis which led to a 1-yard touchdown run from C.J. Marable tied the game at 17. Both teams would get 7 more to make the score 24–24 at the half.

In the 3rd quarter, it would be all New Orleans. New Orleans scored a touchdown on the opening drive of the 2nd half. The defense forced a punt, then New Orleans scored another touchdown to make the score 38–24. In the 4th quarter, Birmingham attempted to make a comeback and brought the game to within 7, but a Wes Hills 2-yard touchdown run on a long 4th quarter drive iced the game for New Orleans. The Breakers would win 45–31 to give the Breakers sole possession of 1st in the South Division. It would also mark the first time the Breakers have beaten the Stallions since the 2022 USFL was founded.

Week 4: at New Jersey Generals

at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

• Date: May 7
• Game time: 3:00 p.m. EDT
• Referee: Adam Savoie
• TV announcers (NBC): Paul Burmeister, Michael Robinson and Corey Robinson

The Breakers will take on the New Jersey Generals in week 4.

Standings

Postseason

Notes

1. Rain delay caused the 2nd through 4th quarters to be shown on CNBC, due to local and primetime programming on NBC.

References

1. Kerr, Jeff (June 27, 2022). "USFL will return for second season, will play in multiple hub cities with no expansion in 2023". cbssports.com. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
2. Paul, Tony (November 16, 2022). "USFL explores Metro Detroit hub for 2023; Eastern Michigan has been contacted". detroitnews.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
3. Perry, Mark (November 14, 2022). "Confirmed: Breakers Will Join Stallions In Birmingham For USFL Season, New HUB Cities In 2023". usflnewshub.com. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
4. "Slade signs with USFL's Breakers". Campbell University. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
5. New Orleans Breakers (October 8, 2022). "Free Agent Signing: •DE Samuel Wright II, Princeton" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
6. Stahl, Matt. "Former Mizzou football captain Paul Adams keeps chasing pro football dream in USFL". Columbia Daily Tribune. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
7. Mosley, Kyle T. "Aqeel Glass Signs With New Orleans Breakers". HBCU Legends. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
8. New Orleans Breakers (January 7, 2023). "Free Agent Signing: •LB Zakoby McClain, Auburn" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 7, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
9. Rifino, Patrick. "XFL Hopeful Davis Cheek Signs with USFL's New Orleans Breakers". xflnewshub.com. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
10. New Orleans Breakers (January 14, 2023). "Free Agent Signings: •QB Davis Cheek, Elon •WR Reggie Davis, Georgia" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 18, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
11. New Orleans Breakers (January 20, 2023). "Free Agent Signing: •CB Josh Valentine-Turner, FIU" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
12. New Orleans Breakers (January 24, 2023). "Free Agent Signings: •S Derrion Rakestraw, Colorado •DT Chris Richardson, UTEP" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
13. New Orleans Breakers (January 28, 2023). "Free Agent Signings: •LB Jordan Brailford, Oklahoma St. •OT Tyler Roemer, San Diego St" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
14. New Orleans Breakers (January 31, 2023). "Free Agent Signing: •OT Salesi Uhatafe, Utah" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
15. New Orleans Breakers (February 3, 2023). "Claimed (from Houston): •DE Ahmad Gooden, Samford Free Agent Signing: •LB Shaheed Salmon, Samford" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
16. ^ New Orleans Breakers (February 9, 2023). "Free Agent Signings: •OG Clayton LeGault, Merrimack •OG Kirk Kelley, Troy Released: •RB Larry Rose III, New Mexico St. •DB Dartez Jacobs, Georgia St. •RB Jordan Ellis, Virginia •OT Toree Boyd, Howard •DE T.J. Johnson, Marshall" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
17. New Orleans Breakers (February 11, 2023). "Free Agent Signings: •RB Peter Guerriero, Monmouth •OT Lo Falemaka, Utah" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
18. New Orleans Breakers (February 11, 2023). "Free Agent Signing: •S Saquan Hampton, Rutgers" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
19. New Orleans Breakers (February 15, 2023). "Free Agent Signing: •TE Sage Surratt, Wake Forest" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 15, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
20. New Orleans Breakers (February 15, 2023). "Free Agent Signings: •WR Hergy Mayala, Connecticut •WR Richard Sindani, Regina" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 16, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
21. New Orleans Breakers (February 17, 2023). "Free Agent Signings: •RB Wes Hills, Slippery Rock/Delaware •OT Marcus Tatum, C. Florida/Tennessee" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
22. New Orleans Breakers (February 19, 2023). "Free Agent Signing: •CB Bryce Watts, Massachusetts" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 22, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
23. TSN ca Staff (2023-02-22). "McLeod Bethel-Thompson moving to USFL after winning Grey Cup with Toronto Argonauts – TSN.ca". TSN. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
24. New Orleans Breakers (March 3, 2023). "Free Agent Signing: •K Matt Coghlin, Michigan St" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
25. ^ New Orleans Breakers (March 6, 2023). "Free Agent Signing: •OG Khalique Washington, Southern Mississippi Released: •OG Clay LeGault, Merrimack" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
26. New Orleans Breakers (March 19, 2023). "Free Agent Signings: WR, Breon Michel Missouri S&T WR, Dee Anderson Alabama A&M" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
27. New Orleans Breakers (Mar 23, 2023). "Free Agent Signing: DL Keonte Schad, Oregon State". Twitter. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
28. ^ New Orleans Breakers (Mar 28, 2023). "Free Agent Signings: DB Sidney McCloud, Ferris State OT Kai Absheer, FIU Released: DL Samuel Wright II OL Tim Coleman". Twitter. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
29. ^ New Orleans Breakers (Apr 4, 2023). "Free Agent Signing: TE Jared Scott, Idaho State Released: RB Peter Guerriero CB Josh Valentine-Turner S Darion Slade OG Donnell Greene WR Richie Sindani". Twitter. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
30. "Ex-USFL linebacker Christian Sam signs deal with Cowboys". FOX Sports. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
31. Williams, Charean (July 20, 2022). "Raiders sign former USFL cornerback Ike Brown". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
32. "Packers sign TE Sal Cannella". www.packers.com. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
33. Lyons, Matt (July 24, 2022). "New Orleans Breakers Quarterback Kyle Sloter Signs With The Jacksonville Jaguars". usflnewshub.com. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
34. "Chargers sign kicker Taylor Bertolet to practice squad". Chargers Wire. October 6, 2022. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
35. "Supplemental Draft Picks". www.xfl.com. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
36. New Orleans Breakers (February 24, 2023). "Released: •CB Manny Patterson, Maine" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
37. New Orleans Breakers (February 26, 2023). "Released: •QB Zach Smith, Tulsa" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
38. @USFLBreakers (April 10, 2023). "Released: WR Breon Michel WR Hergy Mayala OT Lo Falemaka DE Ahmad Gooden" (Tweet). Retrieved 21 June 2023 – via Twitter.
39. "Breakers head coach Larry Fedora stepping away from position, USFL says". WGNO. 2022-09-15. Retrieved 2023-05-02.
40. "USFL hires John DeFilippo as New Orleans Breakers head coach". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2023-05-02.
41. "USFL on Twitter: When the game between the @USFLBreakers and @USFLShowboats resumes, you can tune in on CNBC and Peacock to catch the conclusion of the game".
42. "EMOTIONAL WIN FOR BREAKERS' VETERAN QB, FIRST-TIME HEAD COACH IN OPENER".

• 2023 USFL season
• 2023 in sports in Louisiana
• New Orleans Breakers (2022)