The Braunschweig New Yorker Lions face their second straight test Sunday when they take on the Berlin Rebels at Eintracht Stadion in Braunschweig.
The Lions are undefeated with a 4-0 record and handled the Dresden Monarchs last week beating them 47.7. Berlin dropped a surprising 34-29 decision to the Cologne Crocodiles giving them a 4-1 record.
These two teams split the series in 2016 with Berlin winning the first game 30-24 and the Lions taking the second 35-7.
The Lions are averaging 45.2 points per game while allowing only 5.8. Berlin’s offense is not as prolific but still produces 35.2 points per game while surrendering 13.4.
This will be a game between the top passing team in the league in the Lions who average 313 yards passing per game, against the second best pass defense in Berlin. The Rebels give up an average of 140 yards passing.
A key stat that could have a major difference is turnover margin. Berlin sits third in the GFL with a turnover margin of 1.20. They have gained nine while losing three turnovers. Braunschweig, surprisingly, is way down the list with a margin of -0.50. They have gained three and lost five.
Braunschweig quarterback Casey Therriault has thrown for 1,173 yards and 15 touchdowns in the four games he has played this season while his counterpart for the Rebels, James Harris has thrown for 1,153 yards and 12 touchdowns in five games.
Lions receiver Niklas Römer leads the league in receiving with 28 receptions for 584 yards and eight touchdowns. Alexander Tounkara of the Rebels, has climbed up to fifth in Germany with 341 yards after a monster game last week when he caught 10 passes for 246 yards against Cologne.
A surprising stat is rushing. Lions running back David McCants has rushed for 359 yards and six touchdowns in four games. Meanwhile, Berlin’s Lawrence McCoy, who led the league in 2016, has only rushed for 259 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards a carry.
This game is shaping up to be a test for both teams. Braunschweig needs to win to keep pace with the unbeaten Kiel Baltic Hurricanes while the Rebels need to win to avoid falling too far behind the top two teams.
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