Istanbul Rams and Berlin Thunder chase first win of the season European League of Football

| American Football | 06/11/2022

Today, the Istanbul Rams and Berlin Thunder will battle it out in an attempt to capture their first win of the season in the European League of Football (ELF).

Although both teams lost last week, they did so in decidedly different ways. The Rams, with little expected of them by the wider audience, put on a show against the Cologne Centurions, but ultimately lost 40-38. Quarterback Jared Stegman threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns but put his team in hole early in the game by throwing two interceptions which the Centurions turned into pick sixes on consecutive plays.

The Thunder on the other hand were dismantled 43-18 by the league runners up last year, the Hamburg Sea Devils, whose overwhelming defense and steady rushing attack led by Glen Toonga, proved too much for the Berlin squad.

Despite the poor starts from both sides, they showed potential in the back half of the game. The Rams, with a roster that many had underestimated, were able to string together a number of drives in the second half thanks to Tyrese Johnson-Fisher and Jalen Conwell who were able to gobble up chunks of yardage at a time. 

And for the Thunder, quarterback Joe Germinerio was able to utilize a strong receiving corps, finding the likes of Robin Wilzeck on multiple big plays against a stacked defense. 

Both these teams will find the individual matchups easier this week, giving them more time to get over the bright lights of ELF, find some rhythm and apply a game plan. Fans should expect some cleaner football in this week two contest.

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.