The 2024 season was a difficult one for the Prague Lions. With a 1-11 record, they were not only the weakest team in the Eastern Conference but, along with the Helvetic Mercenaries, the weakest team in the entire league. However, the Prague Lions have reasons to be optimistic as they look ahead to the 2025 season. The signing of Dave Warner is a key step for the future. The struggling offense, which rarely showed its full potential last season, needs improvement. Ranking as the third-worst team in rushing, the worst in passing and total yards, and the second-worst in scoring highlights the problems. Warner, who was the offensive coordinator for the Madrid Bravos last season, has shown that he can balance the passing and rushing game with creative play-calling.

Defense: A mixed bag

The defense had its moments but remains a big challenge. While the team ranked in the middle of the league in rushing yards allowed and points allowed, their pass defense and total yards allowed were among the worst, ranking 17th and 14th in the league, respectively. Even though Warner is more offensively focused, he will need to improve the defense and ensure it becomes more solid.

Standout players show potential

Despite the struggles, several Prague Lions players stood out and could form a strong core for the team’s future. Radim Kalous, entering his second season and only 25 years old, led the Lions in receiving yards and showed his big-play potential, especially in games against the Hamburg Sea Devils and Berlin Thunder. Adam Zouzelka, a 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year nominee, also displayed his talent in the rushing game, which should be of great interest to Warner.

On the defensive side, Aleksandar Borkovic and Jakub Smutny were standout performers. Smutny ranked seventh in the league in tackles for loss and added two sacks and 51 tackles. Borkovic had an impressive season, ranking sixth in tackles with 108, while also contributing 1 sack, 7 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and a fumble return touchdown. Borkovic's performance highlights his value to the team.

Many areas to address for the Lions

The Prague Lions have a lot of work to do in the offseason. The offensive and defensive lines need particular focus. Quarterbacks Kare Lyles and Anthony Perkins Jr. were among the most sacked in the league, while the Lions' defensive line recorded the second-fewest sacks in the league. Without enough pressure on opposing offenses, receivers have too much time to get open, and the passing game becomes much harder to stop.

It will be interesting to see how the Prague Lions handle the offseason and which players they add to their roster for the 2025 season.

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