As the playoff approach this weekend there has been a lot of hype around some of the newer faces and teams in the league propelling themselves as title contenders. However, its hard to look past the one loss Rhein Fire as they look to defend thier 2023 title this September. 

Head Coach Jim Tomsula's squad as put together a 10 game winning streak since loosing to the Madrid Bravos in Week 3. The loaded offense featuring quarterback Jadrian Clark, MVP canidate Glen Toonga, and a former XFL standout Kelvin Mckight Jr certianly has the fire power to hoist the trophy once again. For Clark, another playoff run in the ELF will be his fourth as he's been in as many big games in Europe as anyone. 

"The team feels great heading into the playoffs. We’ve put in the work all season, and now it’s about executing when it matters most. Everyone’s focused and ready to give their best. We know the playoffs are a different animal, but we’ve prepared well, and there’s a quiet confidence in the locker room. We respect every opponent, but we believe in what we’re capable of when we play our game."

Get your Rhein Fire Merch!

While the 2024 Rhein Fire are hoping to follow the same formula that saw them pull off a perfect season last year, this year's team certianly has a different flavor. Many new players such as former NFL, CFL, and XFL pro's Aaron Donkor, Kevlin Mckight Jr, and veteran Marloshawn Franklin are now giving them experience at some of the highest levels of the game. Clark commented on what makes this team specail comapre to last year's championship squad. 

"This year’s team is special because of the mix of talent and experience we have. We’ve got a great combination of veterans who have been through these battles before and young guys who bring a lot of energy and fresh perspectives. What sets us apart is our adaptability and our ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. We’ve had to overcome various challenges throughout the season, and that’s built a sense of determination and resilience within the group. It’s about coming together on game day and performing at a high level, and this team knows how to do that."

As the 2024 season has unfolded the momentum has swung as the Stuttgart Surge and Vienna Vikings at times looked like the best teams in the league. However, after looking vunerable during the first half of the season with close games in Berlin and Paris, coupled with the loss to the Bravos. The Rhein Fire have turned up the heat down the stretch dominating opponents to the tune of 347-83 during the last 7 games. Many of these games were against payoff teams as the Fire play in a stacked Western Conference, blowing out quality opponents like Paris and Madrid.

Get your tickets to the 2024 ELF Championship

 "I think we’re playing our best football right now, and that’s crucial with the playoffs starting. Early in the season, we had some really close games that could have gone either way. Those experiences taught us a lot about ourselves as a team; how to handle pressure, how to close out games, and the importance of every single play. Since then, we’ve been able to clean up some mistakes and execute much better in all phases of the game. Lately, we’ve been more consistent and playing at a higher level, which is exactly where we want to be heading into the playoffs. It’s about building on that momentum and continuing to improve each week."

Former NFL head coach Jim Tomsula and the Rhein Fire have a chance to be the first ever back to back champions in the ELF's short history. Another title would mean a lot to what has quickly become argueably the league's strongest fanbase as the Rhein Fire have boasted some of the best crowds in the ELF week in and week out. Jadrian Clark spoke on what another title would mean to the organisation. 

"Winning back-to-back titles would mean everything to us, especially for the fans and the organization that have supported us so passionately. It’s not something that happens often, and we understand the magnitude of that opportunity. It would be a testament to the hard work, commitment, and belief we have in each other. But we’re not looking too far ahead—we’re focused on the next game, the next play, and taking it one step at a time. If we do that, the rest will take care of itself." 

The Rhein Fire will host the Madrid Bravos in wild card round this Sunday at 15:15 CET. Madrid was the only team to beat teh Rhein Fire this season defeating them in Germany 22-10 in Week 3. Clark, Toonga, and the Rhein FIre responded defeating the Bravos 40-15 in Madrid in Week 6. Now they meet for the third and final time this season with a trip to the semi-fianls on the line.

Don't miss a single game! Watch on ELF Gamepass