After having a bye week, the Braunschweig New Yorkers Lions (2-0-2) and Düsseldorf Panther (0-3) will be dueling it out for the second time in the 2022 German Football League season, this time at Stadion Benrath in Düsseldorf.
Both teams view this matchup as a must win, no questions asked as they have had rather disappointing starts for the season. The Lions, despite being tied for second place in the North Division, have only won two of their first four games, with their other two ending in ties. However, one of their two wins was a blowout win against the Panther at home two weeks ago and they feel confident in completing the season sweep this Saturday.
The Panther, meanwhile, are trying to win their first game in the GFL since 2015 as they are trying to avoid being relegated to the GFL2 for the third time in six seasons. Düsseldorf ended up there after going 0-14 in 2016 and 2019 respectively and don’t want to end up in that situation again.
In their last meeting on June 11, the Lions earned a comfortable 48-13 victory. Their most valuable player in that game was their running back Emmanuel Abedi-Bawa, who ran for 166 yards, averaged 6.2 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns for a season-best performance. The passing game for the Lions also showed up when it mattered most against the Panther too, as quarterback Jakob Parks also had a quality outing, going 10 for 16, 129 yards and three touchdowns.
If Düsseldorf wants to get their first win of the season, they will have to find another gear. Although the Lions have only won two games this year and tied two, they have yet to lose. Head coach Troy Tomlin will have his troops ready.
Braunschweig New Yorker Lions @ Düsseldorf Panther, June 25, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)
