The Potsdam Royals will play host to the Munich Cowboys in this Sunday afternoon German Football League playoff matchup.
This game features two teams that love to run the ball which they do well. Fans can expect a physical matchup as the Cowboys bring a smash-mouth style of play up north against the talented Potsdam team.
The Cowboys’ offense has gone from lining up with five wide receiver sets at the beginning of the season to running quarterback powers and pounding the ball over 40 times a game. After a shoulder injury side-lined veteran passer Justin Sottilare, the team’s offensive identity shifted as his backup, German quarterback Marian Engelmann, brings a different skillset. What Engelmann may lack in accuracy though, he certainly makes up in physicality. The 6’3″ 240 pounder can find his receivers through the air or run over a linebacker for a first down. Engelmann will look to get the ball to All-Star receiver Kai Silbermann on the outside and shifty Luca Salvo in the slot.
Munich Cowboys @ Potsdam Royals, September 19, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET). The game is being shown on Sport1 and is available only to viewers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Despite Engelmann’s powerful running, former rugby star Brandon Watkins has personified toughness this season. The 5’10″, 200 pound back was rarely brought down by the first defender as he ran low and through contact. Since losing their starting quarterback, the Cowboys have made Watkins their workhorse. He’s risen to the challenge rushing for 643 yards and eight touchdowns this season. If Watkins can get loose against an athletic Potsdam defense, Munich could pull off the upset.
Potsdam’s defense will certainly be focused on stopping the run. However, Potsdam’s locker room feels confident in the trenches as defensive ends OJ Thompson and Swedish talent Malcolm Engström are the team’s two leading tacklers. Behind their pass-rushing duo, defensive backs Heiko Bals, Abu Daramy-Swaray, and Adehkeem Brown will need to step up and match Munich’s physicality.
Munich’s ballcarrier Brandon Watkins is hardly the only running back to watch in this one as Potsdam features the league’s leading rusher in Jake Mayon. Mayon feels confident enter the postseason after putting up 1,456 yards and 20 touchdowns in only nine contests. The Royals offense unsurprisingly revolves around their talented back, as many of the offensive play calls involve play action.
Quarterback play however has been a different story for the Royals this year as dual-threat PJ Settles and pocket pass Giovanni Rescigno have shared snaps from behind center. Neither signal-caller has separated himself from the other as they both bring different strengths and weaknesses to the table. When passing, either quarterback should have options as the Royals talented receiving core features possession receiver Michael Breuler along with former CFL receiver Kimi Linnainmaa.
Munich’s defensive coordinator Nadine Nurasyid will certainly have Mayon’s name circled in her scouting report. One positive in this matchup is linebacker Ryan Newell. The veteran Cowboys defender is thrilled to be back in the postseason after many up and down years in Munich. The Peru State (NAIA) product recently amassed 1000 career tackles in his career. Newell and All-Star defensive end Dominik Seigel must shed blocks and gang tackle with the rest of the defense to contain the league’s best running game.
Both of these hard-hitting teams are excited to potentially punch their ticket to the semifinals. For Potsdam, they know the opportunity that sits before them as a win will advance them to the semifinals for the first time in the club’s history. On the opposite sideline, the Cowboys have fought hard all season to overcome injuries, coaching changes, and adversity. This Munich team has shown fans of the German Football League they are no pusher overs.
Watch the game live here. Munich Cowboys @ Potsdam Royals, September 19, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET) The game is being shown on Sport1 and is available only to viewers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Potsdam Royals roster
Munich Cowboys roster
