The Munich Ravens can look back on a good season. Although they did not make it to the Championship Game, the team managed to reach the playoffs in their second year in the ELF.

After the regular season, head coach Kendral Ellison's team had a record of nine wins and just three defeats. The Munich team then faced the Paris Muskeeters in the wildcard round.

In a nail-biting game in which the Ravens gained 149 more total yards than their opponents, they were narrowly beaten 37:40. After a total of ten lead changes, a good Musketeers defense prevented Munich's victory in the final drive.

But what is behind the Ravens' success?

Strong passing and balanced offense

On the one hand, the Ravens have a strong offense. They even have the fourth-best offense in the ELF in a league comparison. With 534 points, they even scored the second most in the league. Only Stuttgart Surge was better in this category.

The team is especially dangerous through the air, as it should be for a Raven. 3004 passing yards, 39 passing touchdowns and therefore the fourth best passing offense in the league speak for themselves. But anyone who thinks the run is being overlooked is more than wrong.

Led by a strong Justin Rodney, the Ravens overall ran for 1896 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns. The rushing unit was completed by Tomiwa Oyewo, who ran for eight touchdowns. Even quarterback Chad Jeffries participated with 337 yards and ten rushing touchdowns.

The offense was well-balanced.

Defense is legit

On the other hand, the Munich Ravens' defense is brutal. With 2941 yards, they allowed the fewest in the ELF. They dominated against the run in particular. 3rd down conversions? No chance. Only 34 percent of all 3rd down attempts ended in a new opposing 1st down. Only the Vienna Vikings and Stuttgart Surge were better here.

It could be slightly better against the pass. But even here, the Ravens are the fifth-best defense in the league, with only 25 touchdowns allowed. They also generated 18 turnovers, nine more than their own offense.

The D-line also put the pressure on and made the sixth most sacks in the league. It was led by a strong Johannes Zirngibl. The homegrown player recorded nine sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. The edge rusher alone caused an opponents' loss of 193 yards.

Strong kicker - solid returners

The special team is also quite good. Kicker Robert Werne is one of the best in the league. He converted 78.5 percent of his field goals and 85.3 percent of his points after touchdowns. He scored a total of 91 points.

The returners were average. Kickoff returner Luca Salvo returned his seven attempts for an average of eight yards. Fellow returner Jon Cole returned his five for an average of 22.8 yards.

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So the Munich Ravens did a lot right in the 2024 season. With a bit more concentration against the Musketeers, a deeper playoff run would have been possible and deserved. So the coaches can build on a good foundation and have to make small adjustments in the offseason.