There was a lot going on in the European League of Football this week! But what are the takeaways? 

The first week of the 2023 season is in the books. Upsets, brutal losses and thrilling fourth-quarter endings were all part of Week 1. But what are the major takeaways after the first seven games of the regular season? 

Raiders show offensive firepower 

The Tirol Raiders were ready. Against the Munich Ravens in Week 1, they fired out of all cylinders with quarterback Christian Strong ending the game with the first-ever perfect passer rating in the European League of Football. 

But another player who stood out and also earned Week 1 MVP honors was wide receiver Jarvis McClam. Whenever McClam touched the ball, there was something going to happen. He ended the day with eleven catches for 152 yards, one receiving touchdown, one passing touchdown, and one kickoff return touchdown. 

Now, imagine this offense with former New York Giants running back Sandro Platzgummer returning to game action. He had to sit out Week 1 because of an injury but is considered “game-to-game”, according to Raiders head coach Kevin Herron in an interview on ProSieben MAXX.  

Centurions defense is up for the task

The Cologne Centurions were a team that not many believed to be up for the task in 2023. But in Week 1 against the Paris Musketeers, the German franchise proved to be ready for the upcoming season. The Centurions were able to sack the former Barcelona Dragons quarterback Zach Edwards six times on 46 pass attempts. They were also able to hold the Musketeers to zero points in the first half. 

To no surprise, linebacker Zachary Blair was a difference maker for the Centurions. The experienced linebacker already wreaked havoc for the Stuttgart Surge in 2021 and the Istanbul Rams in 2022. The 23-year-old defensive end Janek Wenke was also ready to eat with one-and-a-half sacks, one-and-a-half tackles for loss, and one forced fumble against the Musketeers. The young defensive end already played for the Centurions in 2022 and ended that season with two-and-a-half sacks. So, he is a player to look out for in the upcoming weeks.

Rhein Fire are what we thought they were  

After their Week 1 win against the Frankfurt Galaxy, it is safe to say that Rhein Fire is what everyone thought they were: the number one title contender. 

The 33 – 9 statement win over the Galaxy showed how dominant Rhein Fire really is on defense. Their offense was productive as well, but Rhein Fire’s defense was what made the difference. Galaxy quarterback Jakeb Sullivan was limited to only 134 passing yards and one touchdown while throwing two interceptions. Meanwhile, former NFL wide receiver Reece Horn caught only four balls from Sullivan for a score and total gain of only 24 yards. This defense might turn out to be the best in 2023! 

As already mentioned, Rhein Fire moved the ball on offense as well. With Clark frequently connecting to his top targets Nathaniel Robitaille and Anthony Mahoungou, the talented Galaxy secondary looked overwhelmed at times. And make no mistake, the German franchise will add former Sea Devils running back and 2022 rushing leader Glen Toonga to their offense after his suspension in Week 5, as well as German wide receiver Harlan Kwofie who is currently recovering from an injury. 

For me, Rhein Fire is the team to beat if you want to hoist the European League of Football trophy this September.