The Helvetic Mercenaries end their first season under their new name with a few issues. The Swiss were only able to win one of their twelve games. A record of 1:11 makes them not only the weakest team in the Central Conference, but together with the Prague Lions also the weakest in the European League of Football. So Head Coach Bryan Billy and his coaching team have some work to do this offseason.

Lack of defense and concentration 

The defense had some good plays, but showed too many weaknesses overall. They allowed the fourth most points in the ELF and the fifth most passing yards. Even in important moments, the defense was often not on the spot. A full 43.7 percent of opposing 3rd downs were converted into a new first down. The conversion-rate for 4th downs against the team was even 75 percent. A total of 18 fourth down attempts were converted. Nobody allowed more.

The team also lacks a bit in concentration. The Swiss made too many mistakes. A total of 24 balls were lost in turnovers - 15 interceptions and nine fumbles. That is 18 more turnovers than the defense was able to create. Here are  the Mercenaries in last place in the ELF too.

Offense needs to step up

There is also room for improvement on offense. With 2359 passing yards, they are more in the middle of the league. Quarterback Carlton Aiken Jr. completed less than half of his passes. Only 48.9 percent of his throws found their target. Four games before the end of the season, he was benched. DeAndre Clayton took over, but was not convincing either. The US import completed 50.8 percent of his 130 passes for 820 yards. He threw five touchdowns and six interceptions.

To be fair, both quarterbacks were not protected much by their offensive line. They allowed a total of 46 sacks. Clayton alone went down ten times in his four games.

With 1204 rushing yards, the Mercenaries' rushing game was also among the five less productive teams in the league. Noticeable: with Carlton Aiken Jr. and DeAndre Clayton, two quarterbacks are the best rushers on the team.

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Kickers miss out - top star retires

The kickers Nils Jonkmans and Theo Stirnimann also missed a few points. Only six of the 20 field goals attempted were converted. They also missed seven points after touchdown. That would have been 46 points that the Mercenaries could have scored. Also five field goals were blocked.

Another setback for the Swiss: star linebacker and heart of the defense Jonathan Falk played his last season in 2024. And what a season it was. The Homegrown collected 146 tackles, including 11.5 for loss, two sacks, an interception and forced a fumble. Falk was named Homegrown of the Year at the ELF Honors. Now it's over. The 34-year-old is retiring. A hole that will be difficult to fill.

Talent brings hope

But the talent in the squad should give the Mercenaries' fans hope. Wide receiver Milan Spiller broke the 1000 receiving yards mark just in his first season. The 21-year-old ended up with 1008 yards and five touchdowns. He was named Rookie of the Year at the ELF Honors.

Defensive tackle Pierre-Yves Majo was also honored. The 23-year-old Homegrown received the award for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Majo recorded 39 tackles in his first season, including 16 for loss and seven sacks. He also forced a fumble. 

So the Mercenaries certainly have talent in their roster. The coaching staff just needs to find a way to bring it to the pitch and minimize game mistakes during the offseason.

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