Below is a list of what we feel are the biggest takeaways following week 7 in the European League of Football (ELF).
1. Run away from David Izinyon
Berlin Thunder’s David Izinyon stands a little over 6’1, weighs 240 pounds and has muscles in places you didn’t know existed.
Not only is Izinyon a visually imposing figure, but he also hits like a train too. He’s been decapitating ball carriers in Europe for years. It’s usually in your best interest to run the opposite way when he has you in his sights.
2. The Istanbul Rams haven’t given up yet
For the Rams (and Rams fans), it appeared as if all hope was lost with the team determined to stick with Australian quarterback Jared Stegman.
But now, appearing with the most fervent of hopes, comes quarterback Isaiah Green and a collegiate star receiver in Terryon Robinson.
The pair will almost certainly make an immediate impact in Istanbul. But whether they can do enough to cover up the glaring holes still in the Rams roster is anyone’s guess.
3. The Stuttgart Surge are back
The Surge are back to their old ways. After two weeks of competitive football and an outstanding offensive performance, Stuttgart are now firmly back in the realms of a hopeless team.
These criticisms are not intended to be harsh or absolute, but rather a reflection of the weekend’s performance where the team’s best opportunity to get their first win was thrown in the bin.
4. Bye weeks are boring
ELF has proven time and time again to be the most exciting league in Europe. One thing that makes the league so exciting is six action-packed games every weekend. Two weeks of byes leaves too big a hole.
This is puzzling game scheduling. The league should instead space byes out like they do in the pros. This isn’t Juhannus, the Finnish midsummer break where football stops for two weeks.
5. Quinten Pounds may be too good for the Cologne Centurions
It is unclear whether Quinten Pounds is still trying. He effortlessly beats top-tier American defensive backs while throwing left handed touchdowns off reverses. But the Centurions offensive production is pitiful to put it lightly.
Going from one of the most explosive passing attacks in the initial weeks of the season to one of the worst is a head scratcher.
But with the ridiculous number of exciting transfers this season, it would be no surprise if Pounds were to ask for a release so he could transfer to a team who would better utilize him.