ELF: 5 takeaways following week 6 action
With the European League of Football (ELF) having just wound up its sixth week, let’s take a look at five of the biggest takeaways from the weekend’s action.
1. The Vienna Vikings are the only undefeated team in the league
The Vienna Vikings are now the last remaining undefeated team in the ELF after beating the Barcelona Dragons 27-20.
After a dismal start that left them trailing 20-8 in the fourth quarter, the Vikings came storming back and outscored the Dragons 19-0 in the final quarter of the game.
Whether you pin this scoreline on a tremendous effort from the Vikings or an across-the-board meltdown by the Dragons is still anyone’s guess.
2. The Stuttgart Surge are the best worst team in Europe
It’s not easy having an offense that can put up 820 yards in two weeks and still be winless on the season, but the Stuttgart Surge have found a way to do it.
Fifty percent of their games have been lost by less than a touchdown. It’s hard being a Surge fan.
3. The Istanbul Rams are bringing the integrity of the league into question
The latest Rams’ loss was one for the books. It was a 70-0 loss in which the Hamburg Sea Devils pulled no punches, and it was an absolute train wreck.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those truly applying themselves in what appears to be a sinking ship.
But the biggest question is what the future holds for a team bringing into question the integrity of the league.
ELF has proved itself as one of the most enjoyable and competitive leagues in Europe this year. The Istanbul Rams are not contributing to that. At what point will the league address this?
4. Rhein Fire are making a killing
A total of 9,496 people attended the Cologne Centurions vs Rhein Fire game in Dusseldorf this past weekend. This is a new regular season record.
With ticket sales going straight into the pockets of the organization, the Fire are making some decent returns in their inaugural year in the ELF.
5. Sean Shelton can still thread the needle
Leading 14-0 with 4:55 to go in the first quarter, Tirol Raiders quarterback Sean Shelton dropped back and surveyed the Leipzig Kings defense.
With time in the pocket, he went from left to right, scrutinizing his first and second read. And then with a quick snap of his arm he threaded an absolute dart between two Kings’ defenders to Marco Schnieder for a 20-yard touchdown.
After such a rocky start to the season, this statement win appears to be the start of the return for the team once considered to be the best in Europe.
