"We have to finish" – Fire faces clash with Hamburg
Felix Pahl
© Maksim StamenicThe pressure is rising in the North Division of the European League of Football as Rhein Fire prepares to host the Hamburg Sea Devils on Saturday evening, June 14. With both teams aiming to stay in the race for a playoff spot, this divisional matchup could carry major implications for the rest of the season.
A must-win situation for Fire
At 1–2, Rhein Fire currently sits in third place in the North Division, trailing the Sea Devils, who come in with a balanced 2–2 record. The game marks Fire’s first divisional matchup of the 2025 season and could prove decisive in determining playoff positions down the line.
Much of the attention will be on Rhein Fire’s offense, which has undergone major changes this week. After parting ways with offensive coordinator Ed Warinner, wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator Mario Schulz will take over playcalling duties on an interim basis. He is working closely with quarterbacks Chad Jeffries and Rohat Dagdelen, as well as the rest of the offensive staff, to implement adjustments.
Head coach Richard Kent emphasized the need for improved execution across the board: "We have to finish our plays better. Every single person on this team is responsible. We didn’t do that well enough against Vienna and Paris, even though we have the potential."
Hamburg riding momentum into rivalry game
The Sea Devils travel to Duisburg with confidence after a convincing 31–14 win over Berlin Thunder in Week 4. Both units played at a high level, with the defense intercepting Berlin quarterback Jakeb Sullivan four times and recording three sacks.
On offense, Hamburg quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa had a standout performance. He completed 15 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball effectively and showing chemistry with his receivers.
With both teams fighting to climb the North Division standings, the matchup at Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena promises to be one of the most intense contests of Week 5.