What a first ELF season for the Madrid Bravos. The Spanish side can be more than satisfied with their debut. They won eight of their games and only lost four. That put them in third place in the Western Conference. 

But that was not enough. Head coach Rip Scherer's team reached the playoffs for the first time right at the start of the franchise's young history. After a clear 10:40 defeat against Rhein Fire, the wild card round was over. A tolerable defeat, considering that Rhein Fire ended up as champions.

Offense shows its horns - defense in turnover mode

A key aspect of Bravo's success is a well-functioning offense. The Madrilenian team scored 411 points, the fifth most in the league. The balance between the running game and the passing game worked particularly well. Led by a good Steve Duncan. The quarterback threw for 2804 yards and 27 touchdowns. 

Running back D'wayne Obi ran for 878 yards - the fourth most in the league - and ten touchdowns. The team is completed by strong receivers such as William Patterson and Jean-Claude Madin Cerezo.

The Bravos' defense was also strong. They allowed the fifth-fewest points and the tenth-fewest yards. But they supported their offense immensely in terms of turnover. The Bravos were able to generate a total of 28 turnovers - 21 interceptions alone. That makes them the second-best defense in terms of turnover in the league.

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This is where the Bravos need to improve

But the offense also had to accept 16 turnovers. Duncan made nine interceptions. And the O-line can also improve. Duncan had to swallow 23 sacks, the fifth most in the league.

The defensive line also has room for improvement. The Bravos only rank 14th in sacks. They lack a clear statistical leader and difference-maker. The potential is there, it just needs to be put on the field.

There is also room for improvement in terms of punt returns. William Patterson only ran for an average of 10.6 yards. This puts the Bravons in 15th place in the league. In terms of kickoff returns, they are only 16th.

Step by step to success

The Madrid Bravos have therefore definitely shown that they can compete in the ELF. After a strong debut season, the next step can now follow. With the right adjustments, the team can go far. 

Before that, however, the coaching staff needs to be fine-tuned. After all, their offensive genius and coordinator Dave Warner has moved to the Prague Lions to become new head coach.

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