Munichs Justin Rodney: "We’re hungry for more success"

The Munich Ravens are set for a top matchup in the Wildcard Round against the Paris Musketeers. This marks the Ravens' first playoff appearance in just their second year of existence, thanks to a strong winning streak from Week 7 through Week 14. One player who has really stood out this year for the Ravens is Justin Rodney. Regarding the team's first-ever playoff appearance, Rodney said: "We’re definitely excited, but we’re not satisfied yet. Playoffs were the expectation from day one, but our goals are set even higher. We had a rocky start with tough opponents right away, a new head coach, and a new offensive coordinator, so it took some time to find our rhythm. Now that we’ve found it, we’ve discovered our identity and we’re hungry for more success."

Fourth year, third playoff appearance

For Justin Rodney, who has been in the ELF since its inception, the playoffs are nothing new. In his first two seasons, Rodney played for Frankfurt Galaxy, gaining valuable experience in what it takes to perform during the hottest part of the season. "I think the most important thing in the playoffs is to keep a cool head. The opponents are often unknown (we've never played against Paris before), and in a knockout system, it’s all or nothing. Even if the momentum shifts, you can’t panic or get nervous—you have to keep playing your game because the situation can change quickly."

A breakout year for Rodney

This is not only Rodney’s third playoff appearance in four years but also his breakout season. In eleven games, Rodney racked up an impressive 835 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, along with 183 receiving yards and two more touchdowns. Rodney credits three key factors for his performance boost this year: "I think there are three key factors that have allowed me to play at a higher level this year than in previous years:

1. I’m injury-free: Last year, I broke a finger in the first game, which kept me out as a ball carrier for 6 games.

2. The environment: I’m really happy with my teammates, coaches, and team management. They give me the confidence and support that allows me to play freely and confidently. For a team in its second year, everything is running really smoothly and professionally.

3. THIS O-LINE: Joe Thomas made the call, and the German O-line talents responded and came down south. The big boys are doing a fantastic job. It’s not just me who feels it—our QB Chad does too. They hold up against strong pass rushers and create gaps in the run game."

The "big boys" Rodney refers to have indeed had an outstanding season, with only the offensive lines of Rhein Fire, Stuttgart Surge, and Raiders Tirol allowing fewer sacks than that of the Munich Ravens.

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Offensive genius Callahan

But it’s not just Justin Rodney delivering in the Ravens’ backfield. Tomiwa Oyewo has also shined, and rookie Benedikt Pohler, at just 20 years old, has already shown his immense potential. It seems that running backs play a crucial role in Offensive Coordinator Kyle Callahan’s system. "Coach Kyle knows exactly how to use his playmakers to get the most out of them: Tomi, who has been used a lot in the passing game this season but is still a hard runner who’s tough to bring down, and Bene, a young talent, a downhill running back who can get the tough yards but is also a good target when the defense locks down our receivers. Plus, Kyle’s offense has countless ways to run the same plays, and he’s very creative, as shown by the many big-man touchdowns we’ve had this season."

Callahan’s talent for offensive playcalling was already proven during his time with the Raiders. It’s no wonder he was named Assistant Coach of the Year in 2022, beating out his current head coach, Kendral Ellison, who was then the defensive coordinator for the Hamburg Sea Devils.

"The game will be a real wild card"

Facing the Munich Ravens is a tough challenge for the Paris Musketeers, who have only been defeated by one team this season - Rhein Fire. This will also be the first meeting between the two franchises, both in their second ELF season, meaning both coaches have only been able to analyze their opponents through film. Rodney expects a very interesting game: "I have to say, this game will be a real wild card. On one hand, we’ve never played against Paris, and on the other, the Paris offense is unpredictable with Zach Edwards and company. But I think we can put pressure on him with our strong pass rush, which will stop him from freelancing - his biggest strength. In any case, I believe the game will be decided by both offenses."

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