Some turned the buck over last weekend, others are slipping deeper and deeper into the crisis. When Stuttgart Surge makes a guest appearance at the Leipzig Kings on Sunday (live on ProSieben Maxx from 2:40 p.m. on ProSieben Maxx) for the fifth day of the ELF, the balance of power is clearly distributed despite similar balance sheets. TOUCHDOWN24 takes a look at the duel.
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The starting point
It was the low point of the still young season for Stuttgart: On the last day of the game, head coach Martin Hanselmann’s team lost 0:33 at the Raiders Tirol. The game was the culmination of the poor performances of the past few weeks. Surge suffered four losses in four games. The first voices after Hanselmann’s resignation were raised. Tight end David Meza was critical and even announced his retirement on Wednesday. The Surge Offense scored an average of six points per game. Each running play averages 1.6 yards, both of which are the worst in the league. After all, the Stuttgart team gains an average of 4.9 yards per pass. Here the Istanbul Rams (4.6) are weaker and the Hamburg Sea Devils (4.9) just as ineffective. Statistically, there is hardly any hope of improvement.
Friends… I also find it difficult to lose one or the other word here. But even in such dark times you look ahead and get ready for the next fight and the first victory!!!!
— Stuttgart Surge (@StuttgartSurge) June 26, 2022
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On the other hand, the Kings don’t have a particularly good offense either. After all, the Saxons managed their first win of the season against Berlin Thunder last weekend. Nine points per game, as well as 2.9 yards per run and 5.1 yards per pass also rank in the bottom third of the ELE. So far, Leipzig have relied on their defense, which can mostly keep the opposing pass game under control. The Kings have the second-best pass defense in the ELF behind the Wroclaw Panthers. However, the run defense is the exact opposite and by far the weakest unit in the league. The Kings’ defensive line, which has already put on 14 sacks, is dominant. Only the Sea Devils (15) brought opposing quarterbacks to the ground more often.
Guys to watch
As if the situation in Stuttgart wasn’t difficult enough, quarterback Randall Schroeder was injured against Tirol on Sunday and has since been released by the Surge. Dante Vandeven, who was last active with the Derby Braves in the British university league, was called in at short notice to replace him on Wednesday. The weak running game is spread over several shoulders. Chris Voumbo and Bryan Yankson have gotten the most touches so far. The most important pass recipients are Moritz Riedinger and Paul Steigerwald after tight end David Meza will no longer play in Stuttgart. Linebacker Precious Ogbevoen stands out on defense. The Dutchman cuts a good figure not only on the line but also in coverage, just like his neighbor Ronley Lakalaka.
Does Quarterback Jordan Barlow Get Another Chance Sunday? That’s the big question with the Kings. The American was benched against Berlin. So far, he has only completed 49.3 percent of his passes and threw a total of seven interceptions in three touchdowns. Ferris El-Hendi took over as a backup and could start against Stuttgart. The two primary passing stations are Anthony Dablé-Wolf and Seantavius Jones, as well as the two running backs Javier Carrasco Sanz and Oliver Bahr. Anton Jallai is also an important target, but was injured against Berlin. Its use is questionable. Defensively, the Front Seven stands out. AJ Wentland and Myke Tavarres make a superb linebacker duo. Jan-Phillip Bombek (3.5 sacks) and Aslan Zetterberg (5.5 sacks) are outstanding edge rushers. And cornerback Roedion Henrique has already caught three interceptions.
forecast
Stuttgart has its back against the wall and actually needs to get a win on Sunday to calm things down in the team and in the environment. But the task will be very difficult against the strong Kings defense, especially since new quarterback Vandeven is thrown in at the deep end. TOUCHDOWN24 predicts fifth loss in five games but expects the Kings to narrowly win.
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