Top Defense: Musketeers blank Surge in historic matchup

In what will go down as the lowest-scoring game in European League of Football history, the Paris Musketeers defeated the Stuttgart Surge 6–0 in Week 2 of the 2025 season. Playing at Stade Robert Bobin in front of a charged home crowd, Paris not only secured a win but made a resounding statement by becoming the first team to shut out the Surge since the German powerhouse’s rise in 2023.

The lone score of the game came late in the first quarter when Paris quarterback Jaylon Henderson found French wideout Rémi Bertellin in the end zone. Although the extra point was missed, the touchdown stood as the game’s only successful offensive play that resulted in points. From that moment on, the Musketeers’ defense took center stage - and never gave up control.

Defensive mastermind - Jack Del Rio

Leading the Paris defense was head coach Jack Del Rio, a former National Football League head coach and one of the league’s most respected defensive minds. Known for building hard-nosed, fundamentally sound units in the NFL, Del Rio’s influence was unmistakable. His defense suffocated Stuttgart’s attack at every level of the field, mixing disguised coverages with aggressive front-seven pressure.

Paris’ defensive line consistently collapsed the pocket, forcing Surge quarterback Reilly Hennessey into rushed throws and poor decisions. Edge rushers such as Stanley Zeregbe disrupted the rhythm of Stuttgart’s passing game throughout the afternoon, combining for multiple quarterback pressures and several key tackles for loss. 

Excellent coverage = producitve pass rush 

In the secondary, cornerbacks Jamalcom Liggins and Kevin Fortes with discipline and physicality, denying Stuttgart’s receivers any real separation. Their team-play was instrumental in keeping Stuttgart from attacking over the middle, while also stepping up in run support with several open-field tackles that halted promising drives.

However, perhaps the most telling statistic of the day was Stuttgart’s third-down conversion rate: just four out of 20 attempts. Paris forced a total of nine punts and came up with stops on each of Stuttgart’s red-zone possessions. Even when Stuttgart threatened to break through, the Musketeers responded with poise and execution - none more impressive than a fourth-quarter goal-line stand that saw the entire front seven stonewall a Surge run on fourth-and-short.

Are the Musketeers a Top 3 team in the ELF?

The shutout did not just secure a win - it reflected the Musketeers’ growing identity under Del Rio: a team built on toughness, discipline, and defensive excellence. In a league where offense often dominates headlines, the Paris Musketeers reminded everyone that a well-coached, unified defense can still be the deciding factor.

With this win, the Musketeers improved to 1–1 on the season and head into Week 3 with momentum and confidence. For Stuttgart, who now share the same record, the loss is a wake-up call. However, for Paris and their veteran coach, it is a milestone—and perhaps the beginning of something even greater.

© Maxim Le Pihif / Paris Musketeers