The United Football League's offenses had a tough time this past weekend. It was hard to locate some standouts on the offensive side of the ball. It was a sloppy weekend of football that saw some low-scoring affairs. Some teams once considered favorites were humbled, while others started to turn their seasons around. The Pittsburgh Steelers should be on watch.
Week 3 of the UFL saw some outstanding defensive play. Some players produced monster stat lines, but there were too many to list. Manny Wilkins and Jacob Saylors fell back from their early MVP chase, but every good football player has a bad outing once in a while. The defenses controlled almost everything, and the UFL should be excited about some possible emerging stars.
The Pittsburgh Steelers love defense, and they got a close look at that in Week 3.
Week 3 UFL standouts who are putting Pittsburgh Steelers on notice
Leon O'Neal Jr., S, Houston Roughnecks
The Houston Roughnecks' battle with the Memphis Showboats in Week 3 was a slugfest. Both defenses created havoc, which created a lackluster atmosphere on offense. Several members of the Roughnecks' defense deserved accolades for their performances. Some honorable mentions include Marvin Moody and J.T. Tyler.
No one on the Houston defense had a better game in Week 3 than Leon O'Neal Jr. He produced eight tackles (four solo), a tackle for loss, one interception, and a pass breakup. He was all over the field and showed up in big moments. O'Neal was a big piece in the Roughnecks' narrow 18-17 victory over Memphis. Pittsburgh would love to sign the veteran safety if he keeps up this production.
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Bryce Perkins, QB, Michigan Panthers
Finding a standout on offense in the United Football League was tedious. Both Wilkins struggled with three interceptions, but Saylors did produce great numbers as a receiver coming out of the backfield. Those two remain in the MVP conversation, but Bryce Perkins is working his way into the mix. He is a risk-it-all type of player, but he keeps producing.
Perkins is an interesting quarterback since he has been out of football since 2022 before joining the Michigan Panthers last season. He has a quality arm and creates dynamic plays with his legs. His Week 3 performance saw him produce 193 passing yards, an interception, complemented by 30 rushing yards, and two touchdowns on the ground.
If the Steelers need a quarterback from the UFL, Perkins could be a nice fit.
Jordan Williams, LB, San Antonio Brahmas
The Steelers might not have an overwhelming need at the middle linebacker position, but they could use some help. When training camp arrives, they could use some bottom-of-the-roster players who could push for a roster spot. Jordan Williams of the San Antonio Brahmas could be a great solution to their conundrum. He is coming off a terrific outing in Week 3 of the UFL.
Pittsburgh is known for its linebackers, and Williams could fit their mold. He produced an insane stat sheet of nine tackles (four solo) with one tackle for loss, an interception, and a single pass breakup. Williams showed he is a reliable tackler who can also make plays in coverage. Williams hasn't played in the NFL since 2020, but he could be a nice addition for Pittsburgh at training camp.