Following a shocking loss at home to the Madrid Bravos in Week 3 the defending champion Rhein Fire seemed to be in unfamiliar waters. As for the first time in over a year doubts from the outside starting to creep in on their ability to hoist the trophy this September.

Responding to adversity

However, Jim Tomsula’s squad has responded in a big way winning three straight road games against talented teams like the Paris Musketeers, Berlin Thunder, and Madrid Bravos this past wwek. In each of these victories the Rhein Fire were able to lean on a physical and explosive run game fueled by none other than veteran running back Glen Toonga.

Since the loss to Madrid, the Rhein Fire and Glen Toonga have embraced a bully identity, playing smash mouth physical football. Feeding Toonga, the league’s leading rusher, controlling the clock, and relying on their defense has helped the defending champs answer to any doubters left after their lone loss.

Toonga's MVP case

Toonga alone has rushed for an eye-popping 565 yards and 7 touchdowns during their three game winning streak. Whether he’s breaking free for 20+ yards, hurdling defenders, converting on crucial short yardage situations, or getting the last first down to ice the game. The Fire have leaned on Toonga, and he has no doubt answered the call. The British talent spoke on the keys to his success recently:

“Honestly, I can just thank God. He keeps putting me in the best positions to help the team. The linemen are absolutely balling, the play calling is perfect.  I just made a decision that I want to leave it all out there this year”

Dominance in Madrid

This past week in Madrid, Toonga didn’t let up at all rushing for 184 yards and three scores as the Rhein Fire avenged their loss a few weeks earlier blowing out the previously undefeated Bravos a home to the tune of 40-15. Toonga commneted on what the win in Madrid meant to the Rhein Fire:

"I think it was a statement to ourselves on how good we are when we play to our standard of football. We aren’t there yet, but I love that regardless of whatever reasons there are to not deliver, we focus and make things work “

Next up Toonga, head coach Jim Tomsula, and the Rhein Fire will host the Cologne Centurions on Sunday at 16:25 CET as they hope to make it four wins in a row.