The Dresden Monarchs (0-1) will host the Cologne Crocodiles (1-0) in this German Football League North matchup. These two teams produced an epic game last week in Cologne that featured big hits, 98 total points, and lots of entertained fans. Today, Dresden will host the Crocodiles in front of 1,500 screaming fans. In addition to the in person crowd, the game will be nationally televised in Germany on Sport1.
The Monarchs defense looks to bounce back after giving up 48 points and 526 yards last week. Look for safety Tim Hagmann force some turnovers, as the Dresden defense looks to contain a potent Crocodiles passing attack. At the line of scrimmage former NFL IPP player Yoann Miangue aims to disrupt Cologne passing game with a tenacious pass rush.
Cologne Crocodiles @ Dresden Monarchs, June 12, 16:45 CET (4:45 pm, 10:45 am ET) (Game can only be viewed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
Offensively, two costly fourth quarter interceptions helped the Crocs seal the win. Monarch’s quarterback KJ Carta-Samuels was tasked with carrying the offense, throwing the ball 57 times for 374 yards and five touchdowns in the loss. Look for the Monarchs to run the ball more and make this offense two dimensional in today’s rematch. Carta-Samuels and the Dresden offense look to protect that ball as today could be another shoot out.
For Cologne, the big win at home was fueled by new quarterback Christian Strong. Strong impressed Crocs fans in his debut, to the tune of 429 yards passing and three touchdowns. Fellow newcomer receiver Markell Caste put on a show with 208 receiving yards. Blocking for the offensive explosion was a Cologne offensive line that communicated well and kept their quarterback clean. Just a couple week prior to the game, the Crocs added veteran lineman David Beale to the experienced unit led by Sven Breidenbach. The move has seemed to pay off as the Cologne offense seemed unstoppable.
Defensively, the Crocodiles gave up 41 points, but in the end, it was two clutch fourth quarter interceptions from Mark Schrenenberg that gave them the victory. If Cologne can cause turnovers and get to the quarterback again, they could be looking at a clean sweep of the Monarchs to start their season.
This game produced some of the best football we have seen all year, as 98 points were scored in a back and forth affair between these two evenly matched squads. Look for Dresden to respond at home as the Monarchs will allow a large amount of rowdy football starved fans back in the stadium.
Watch the game live here. Cologne Crocodiles @ Dresden Monarchs, June 12, 16:45 CET (4:45 pm, 10:45 am ET) (Game can only be viewed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
Dresden Monarchs roster
Cologne Crocodiles roster
