Burrell keeps return star status and warns of Nordic Storm

The Wroclaw Panthers start a European Football season with a win for the fifth time. This makes them one of the few ELF teams to win all of their opening games. In addition to quarterback Demarcus “DJ” Irons Jr., Devan Burrell also played a major role in the Panthers' 55:12 victory over the Ferhévár Enthroners.

The ELF 2024 Special teams Player of the Year once again proved why he rightly holds this title. In addition to 126 kickoff return yards, Burrell ran for 87 punt return yards and a return touchdown.

Panthers star Burrell: "I see this game like a game we had to have faith to finish"

“I see this game like a game we had to have faith to finish,” said Burrell after the game. In addition to his return qualities, the US-American was also required as a cornerback. Here he repeatedly had to deal with Enthroner's A-import receiver Rashad Still. "A talented boy, he's tall. But it wasn't too much for me," said Burell. He still couldn't prevent Still from scoring a touchdown, but he held him under 60 receiving yards.

Panthers Head Coach Craig Kuligowski: was happy with his team's performance after the game: "I'm happy with the way we played. I knew that we were capable of winning this large margin. You know, our goal is to play as well as we can play every game."

Craig Kuligowski ©Lukasz Skwiot.

"We really did a good job": Panthers Head Coach Kuligowski happy 

In addition to Burrell, new Panthers quarterback Irons Jr. also put in a great performance, scoring five total touchdowns for his team. “DJ Irons did not disappoint,” says Kuligowski and warns the upcoming opponents: “In my opinion can play even better.”

Overall, the Panthers showed a very positive development in the first game of the season. "We really did a good job running the football and passing the ball, playing complimentary, doing a good job, getting the clock down at the end of the game when we needed to secure the victory. And I really was happy with the improvement on our offense", says the Panthers Head Coach.

Watch Enthroners at Panthers highlights here!

Kuligowski and Burrell warn ahead of Nordic Storm

However, the task ahead is a tough one for the Polish team. A hungry Nordic Storm team, who won their first game in franchise history, is waiting in Week 2. “This is a really good team coming in,” says coach Kuligowski. "We're going to have to improve in all three phases and really reduce the amount of penalties and mistakes that we had. That's, that's our, that's the big thing for us to improve on."

Special teams star Devan Burrell has a similar view. "Next week, they're gonna watch and see what we did, and they're gonna see our weaknesses and where it plays and the other team that they hit us at. So, coming next week, be more disciplined, be able to read the quarterback and make a new play."

And perhaps the 29-year-old can help his team with another return touchdown.

Don't miss a play - watch the ELF live on DAZN