Stuttgart set stage for ELF Final with dominant defense

In the European League of Football Semi-Final against the Munich Ravens, the Stuttgart Surge defense once again demonstrated why it has been the backbone of the franchise’s 2025 campaign. Facing a high-powered Munich Ravens offense led by quarterback Russell Tabor, the Surge defenders consistently disrupted timing, blanketed receivers, and capitalized on mistakes. 

The standout of the night was cornerback Ben Wenzler, who turned in one of the most complete defensive performances of the playoffs. Wenzler finished with four total tackles, four pass breakups, and a pivotal interception, shutting down one side of the field and frustrating Munich’s passing attack, including wide receiver Malik Stanley. His interception late in the third quarter stalled a promising Ravens drive and flipped momentum squarely in Stuttgart’s favor.

Offense wins games, defense wins championships?

Wenzler wasn’t alone. The Surge secondary, coordinated and aggressive, limited explosive plays while the defensive front applied constant pressure led by Robert Lachmann and Chris Mulumba. The two edge rusher logged in two sacks each against the Ravens, showcasing what they are best at. Every critical down seemed to tilt toward Stuttgart, reinforcing the notion that defense wins championships. The semifinal wasn’t just a win, it was a defensive statement ahead of Sunday’s grand finale.

What makes the Surge defense so good?

Zooming out to the broader picture, the Surge defense’s performance in the Semi-Final was not an isolated event but rather a continuation of season-long dominance. Throughout the 2025 regular season, Stuttgart established itself as one of the league’s toughest units. Statistically, their numbers rank among the very best across nearly every category:

• Second-fewest points allowed: just 193 total points across 12 games, an average of barely 16 per game
• Second-fewest total yards allowed: 3,189 yards
• Third-fewest touchdowns allowed: only 27 touchdowns given up in the regular season
• Elite situational defense: opposing offenses converted just 28.93% of third downs, the second-lowest rate in the ELF

Turnovers were another defining trait. The Surge defense displayed a ball-hawking instinct that consistently tilted games in their favor. They finished the season with 20 interceptions, the second-most in the league, and paired that with the most forced and recovered fumbles. Altogether, their opportunism produced a league-best +16 turnover margin, proving that Stuttgart didn’t just stop opponents, they stole possessions and created scoring chances for their offense.

Players like Wenzler, along with a deep supporting cast across the defensive line and linebacker corps, have embodied a physical, fast, and opportunistic style that frustrates even the most efficient offenses. The Ravens saw that firsthand in the Semi-Final, where Stuttgart’s defense not only limited scoring but actively dictated the rhythm of the game.

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Can the Surge defense slow down the Vikings offense on Sunday?

Now, as the Surge prepare to host the ELF Championship Game against the Vienna Vikings, all eyes will be on whether this defense can replicate its consistency on the biggest stage in front of over 30.000 fans. The Vikings bring an explosive offense and a history of playoff experience, but Stuttgart counters with a unit that has been disciplined, relentless, and clutch all season long. If Wenzler, Lachmann, Mulumba and their teammates can once again generate turnovers, win key downs, and apply suffocating pressure, the Surge will have every chance to lift their first-ever ELF title in front of a home crowd at the MHP Arena.

At its core, this season has proven one thing: for the Stuttgart Surge, defense is more than just part of the game plan, it’s their championship identity.

© Svenja Sabatini / Stuttgart Surge