As the Vienna Vikings prepare for the 2024 ELF Championship Game, they face one of their toughest challenges of the season — the powerful defense of Rhein Fire. With the stakes higher than ever, the Vikings must draw on their strengths and carefully address potential weaknesses to secure victory. We spoke with Andreas "Nommi" Nommensen, former Sea Devils Head Coach and current ELF Director of Football Operations, to analyze the Vikings' approach and their chances of overcoming Rhein Fire in the final.

A test of offensive strength against Rhein Fire's defense

The matchup against Rhein Fire’s defense will be a true test for the Vikings' high-powered offense. Known as the league's best defense in terms of points allowed, Rhein Fire presents a challenge that Vienna has yet to encounter at this level. While the Vikings have had an impressive season, Nommensen points out that their offensive unit hasn’t been as rigorously tested as some might assume. 

"The Vikings have many offensive weapons, but they haven't been tested as much this season," explains Nommensen. "That being said, they've broken through every defense they've faced so far. However, Rhein Fire’s defense brings a level of quality they haven’t seen yet."

This clash between Vienna's offense and Rhein Fire's defense will likely be one of the key storylines of the final, determining which team controls the flow of the game.

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Composure in high-pressure situations

Pressure often defines championship games, and the Vikings will need to maintain their composure if they are to succeed. Nommensen is confident in the Vikings' ability to handle high-pressure situations, noting that they have shown remarkable calmness throughout the season, even in tight moments.

"The team has always remained calm and composed under pressure," he says. "They don’t need to worry about how they'll perform in these moments." 

This poise has been a hallmark of their season, helping them navigate difficult situations and emerge victorious. With the stakes as high as they’ve ever been, that same composure will be critical if they are to lift the trophy.

Offensive firepower: A balanced attack

One of Vienna’s biggest strengths this season has been their balanced offensive attack. Despite dealing with injuries, the team has consistently found ways to produce points. Quarterback Ben Holmes has played a crucial role as the leader of this offense, distributing the ball effectively and ensuring all weapons are utilized.

"Holmes has been a true leader on the field," says Nommensen. "He’s great at getting his teammates involved, and wide receivers like Reece Horn and Noah Toure have been incredibly dangerous, combining for over 20 touchdowns between them." 

In addition to the passing game, the Vikings have a strong ground game, led by running back Karri Pajarinen, who has scored 13 touchdowns this season. "The Vikings' offense doesn’t have many weak spots," Nommensen adds. "It’s a well-rounded unit that makes it hard for defenses to key in on just one area."

Red zone efficiency and offensive line performance

Red-zone efficiency has been a defining feature of the Vikings' success. Of their 457 points scored this season, a staggering 427 came from within the red zone, underlining their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. 

"They’ve been extremely efficient in the red zone," Nommensen notes. "Every time they reach the 20-yard line, it usually ends in points."

The offensive line has also been a crucial part of this success, providing strong protection for Holmes and creating lanes for Pajarinen. "The offensive line has done a fantastic job this season, allowing just one sack per game on average and helping Pajarinen rack up nearly 1,200 rushing yards," says Nommensen. "They’re a cohesive unit and have been key to keeping the offense moving."

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Potential weaknesses: A lack of tough defensive opponents?

When discussing potential weaknesses in Vienna’s offense, Nommensen finds it difficult to pinpoint major flaws. However, he notes that the level of competition they’ve faced defensively might give a slightly skewed view of their overall strength.

"It’s hard to find real weaknesses in Vienna’s offense," says Nommensen. "But they haven’t faced many top-tier defenses this season, which could lead to a somewhat softened perception of their ability to handle stronger defenses. That said, they showed their quality in the semifinal against Paris, and now we’ll see if they can do the same against Rhein Fire’s number-one defense."

Defensive strength: A well-balanced unit

Vienna’s defense has been a reliable force all season, with no glaring weaknesses. According to Nommensen, the defense’s biggest strength lies in its balance and collective effort, rather than relying on individual stars.

"You have to look hard to find weaknesses in this defense," Nommensen explains. "They play as a complete unit, with every player contributing at a high level. They don’t build around a single standout player — instead, they defend as a group."

This balanced approach has made the Vikings' defense formidable, able to adjust and perform in key moments when the game is on the line.

Handling critical moments on defense

When asked how the Vikings have handled key moments on defense, Nommensen highlights their ability to rise to the occasion. "They’ve always stepped up in critical moments," he says. "There have been a few surprises, but overall, they’ve been able to hold their ground when it matters most. A lot of credit goes to the coaching staff for preparing the players for these situations."

One area where the Vikings' defense could improve is in one-on-one situations. "Occasionally, they’ve had some trouble in those situations, which could be a potential weakness if exploited," Nommensen admits. Still, these issues have been rare and haven’t significantly impacted their overall defensive performance.

Special teams and tactical flexibility

When it comes to special teams, the Vikings have been relatively average. "They’ve allowed some returns here and there, and their special teams are more middle-of-the-pack compared to other units in the league," says Nommensen. "There’s still work to be done in this area, but it hasn’t been a major issue."

In terms of tactical flexibility, the Vikings have shown the ability to adapt to different game situations, though they haven’t had to make many major in-game adjustments this season. "They’ve found ways to control the game through their coaching," Nommensen explains. "Their ability to adjust hasn’t been tested often, but when needed, they’ve made the right moves."

Surprise plays and unconventional tactics

Though the Vikings aren’t known for taking big risks, they have been willing to surprise opponents with trick plays when the moment calls for it. "In the 2022 final, they used a trick play to score quickly and ended up winning the game," Nommensen recalls. "It’ll be interesting to see if they’ve got something similar up their sleeve for this year’s final."

As the Vienna Vikings prepare to take on Rhein Fire in what promises to be a thrilling Championship Game, their balanced attack, composure under pressure, and well-rounded defense will be key factors. Whether they can overcome Rhein Fire’s formidable defense and bring home the trophy remains to be seen, but with Nommensen’s insights, it’s clear that the Vikings are more than capable of rising to the challenge.

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