Today, the Berlin Thunder will take the short bus trip down to Hamburg to take on the Sea Devils in what may be a pivotal point for both teams in Week 3 of the European League of Football (ELF)
While both sides boast an impressive roster, it has been only the Thunder who have realized their potential and are currently pegged as one of the top teams in the league. Hamburg on the other hand dropped their first two games to the Wrocław Panthers and Rhein Fire and only managed their first win of the year last week against the Cologne Centurions.
After an underwhelming opening two weeks, Thunder quarterback Donovan Isom had his first breakout game last weekend against the Panthers as he racked up 314 yards and four touchdowns. Their defense also harried and harassed the Panthers’ quarterback forcing 10 sacks and an interception.
The Sea Devils have been a head scratcher this year. A few key signings in the off season seemingly added more diversity to an already stacked roster, but since Week 1, they have been unable to find their rhythm.
Despite the two opening losses, there have been upsides to the Hamburg offense. Quarterback Preston Haire has proved to be one of the most formidable rushers out of the backfield and if he could finish a few more drives with scores, his numbers would be some of the best in the league.
On the defensive side of the ball, Hamburg have built a reputation for being one of the meanest teams in the league. This year however, they have been like night and day. They still have some heavy hitters that can plug holes in the run game, but their secondary has been hemorrhaging yards.
In the three games each team has played, we have seen a higher ceiling from the Thunder. If we can get a similar performance from Isom to the one we had last week, the Thunder will surely be in a position to get another victory against a Hamburg team who are yet to settle into their new identity.