Championship Game Preview – Special Teams
Tim Hanswillemenke
© © Michael Freitag Vienna Vikings
Kickers: Oska Herz, Dennis Tasic
Punters: Sebastian Daum
Returners: Jordan Bouah, Exavier Edwards
Player to watch: Exavier Edwards
The Vienna Vikings are an all-around team. But you could argue that their kicking game is a weak spot. With letting punter Sebastian Daum also kick field goals and kickoffs at the beginning of the season, the Vikings were steadily improving. But starting kicker Oska Herz is now kicking and has to deliver against the Sea Devils as every point counts.
In general, defensive back, returner and occasional halfback Exavier Edwards is a player to watch in all three phases. But on special teams, Edwards could have some game-changing returns to bring the Vikings and elite field position to start drives.
A 25.37% in the kick resulting into a touchback is also a high number and should limit the Sea Devils chances of being dangerous in the return game.
Hamburg Sea Devils
Kicker: Eric Schlomm
Punter: Eric Schlomm
Returners: Jéan Constant, Lamar Jordan, Justin Rogers
Player to watch: Eric Schlomm
Once again, the Sea Devils kicker will be the man of the hour. However, this time it will be Eric Schlomm and not 2021 Special Teams Player of the Year Phillip Friis Andersen.
Nevertheless, the German placekicker will have to deliver when the Sea Devils offense stalls in or before the red zone. With 12 out of 17 field goal attempts over the season while also handling punting duties, Schlomm is a real weapon for the Hanseatic franchise who seems to have a game-changing kicker every season.
Next to Schlomm, returners like Jéan Constant, Lamar Jordan III and Justin Rogers are always ready to make a big play. For both teams, the Championship Game will be about field position. With three more than capable returners, the Sea Devils could have slight advantage on their side.