Preview: Austrian Bowl XXX – Raiffeisen Vienna Vikings vs Swarco Raiders
Swarco Raiders Offense vs Vienna Vikings Defense
The Swarco Raiders offense is a true spread option. They run the fly sweep, zone read, speed option, triple option, lots of screens, … American QB #7 John Van Den Raadt can be an amazing playmaker. He does most of his damage with his legs as a runner or scrambling forever before finding someone wide open. He has struggled in the passing game in the big games, especially against the Vikings. His wide receiver unit is solid, but not as explosive as their counterparts. #84 Clemens Erlsbacher is the go-to target.
League Offensive MVP, RB #29 Andreas Hofbauer (793 rushing yards and 16 total TDs), has not been used a lot since he came back from European Championship where he carried the load for Team Austria. Was it planned by the coaching staff to rest him? Anyhow, he has gained only 145 yards on the ground in the last 4 games! A former track and field athlete, he might be the fastest player in Europe and burned the Vikings for a 63 yards TD run and a 74 yards TD reception in their last game.
The Vienna defense is the best in the business. Only 15 points and less than 100 yards allowed on the ground per game. Their front 7 is dominant and lead by League Defensive MVP, LB #41 Dustin Illetschko. Yes, it is true, some teams had some success with the pass against the Vikes. The best example was Dresden in Big 6 competition (404 yards 4 TDs). But they have the cornerbacks, #4 Benji Bubik and #29 Andreas Lunzer, to play man-to-man all day and they match up really well against the Raiders receiving core.
It would make sense for the Vikings to play man and focus on stopping the run. Look for American S #26 Craig Sedunov to be the extra guy in run support and keying on the Raiders quarterback.
Raiders are the underdogs, no doubt about it, but it is good at times to be in that position. The Vikings are the two-time defending champions, and the pressure is on the them, not on the Raiders. The Raiders will need a fast start. You have to make the Vikings doubt themselves if you want to have a chance. You cannot play catch up with them.
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