Third place in the Eastern Conference. If you only look at the Berlin Thunder's ranking, you could assume that the team had a good season. If you look a little deeper, however, you might lose that impression slightly.

With a record of five wins and seven defeats, the Berlin team clearly missed the playoffs. In general, head coach Jonny Schmuck's team remained rather average. This is also reflected in the statistics.

Sullivan shines - but is not enough on its own

Quarterback Jakeb Sullivan is a real leader. Both for the Thunder and in the ELF. The 30-year-old recorded the most passing yards in the league with 3216. In addition to his accuracy of 62.8 percent, he threw 25 touchdowns.

However, that alone is not enough. The Thunder had the fourth-fewest rushing. The offense is not balanced. Sullivan had to do a lot with his arm. The US import had to throw 411 times. Only Fehervar Enthroner's QB John Mangel threw more often. 

If you throw a lot, you can also make more mistakes in the passing game. Sullivan had ten interceptions - the third most in the ELF. His offensive line also needs to improve. After all, Sullivan was sacked 21 times. As a result, the line allowed the sixth most sacks.  

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Defense allows too much

Sullivan's interceptions also had a negative impact on the team's turnover margin. The offense lost the ball three times more than the defense was able to recover it. Overall Thunder generated twelve turnovers - average. Two more fumbles than interceptions.

The defense often simply allowed too much. A total of 3931 yards are in the books. The seventh-worst number in the ELF. They often had difficulties against the run in particular. In the fight for the playoffs, they will have to improve significantly here in the future.

Kitchen's dominance needs support

But the defensive line manages to generate a lot of pressure. The Thunder are ranked second in terms of sacks. Also thanks to the usual excellent Kyle Kitchen. The D-lineman recorded 16.5 sacks. The US import therefore led the league impressively. Second-placed Johannes Zirngibl from the Munich Ravens achieved nine sacks.

Kitchens also led the league with 25 tackles for loss. The 28-year-old was named Defensive Player of the Year at the ELF Honors and was even nominated for MVP titel. However, Kitchens alone is not enough to turn a rather below-average defense into an excellent one.

So the Thunder have potential and a lot of quality in their squad. Something the coaches need to take advantage of in the offseason. If they strengthen the defense a bit more and improve the running game, Berlin Thunder can become a contender again.

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