The Hamburg Sea Devils (1-2) and Berlin Thunder (1-2) collide at Stadion Hoheluft in Hamburg in a key Week 4 ELF matchup, with both franchises battling to reverse early season slides and reignite playoff aspirations.
Emotional homecoming meets mounting pressure
Hamburg returns to their historic Stadion Hoheluft for the first time this season, seeking to rally fan support after a demoralizing 53-14 Week 3 loss to Stuttgart. Defensive end Kyle Kitchens, a former Thunder player, faces his old team with mixed emotions: “It’s harder than ever to break through offensive lines… but that’s what makes it exciting.” His leadership anchors a defense tasked with containing Berlin’s pass-heavy scheme.
Quarterback carousel vs. aerial reliance
Hamburg’s three-man quarterback rotation—Taulia Tagovailoa, Micah Leon, and Moritz Maack—has combined for just 423 passing yards, the ELF’s second-lowest total. General Manager Mark Weitz acknowledged Tagovailoa’s rushed debut last week but emphasized his “untapped potential” in a critical home test. Berlin counters with quarterback Jakeb Sullivan, whose 892 passing yards (2nd in ELF) and nine touchdowns mask the Thunder’s third-worst rushing attack (184 yards). Receiver Bryce Goggin (285 yards, 2 TDs) remains Sullivan’s primary weapon, though Hamburg’s secondary must capitalize on Berlin’s predictable one-dimensional approach.
Ground game mismatch
Sea Devils running back Chrisman Kyei (225 yards, 2 TDs) offers Hamburg a rare edge as the ELF’s third-leading rusher. His ability to control tempo against Berlin’s porous run defense—ranked ninth—could alleviate pressure on the team’s unstable passing game. Conversely, Berlin’s ground struggles worsened with running back Gennadiy Adams’ Week 3 injury, forcing adjustments to a committee approach.
Defensive adjustments loom large
Hamburg’s defense, shredded for 53 points last week, faces scrutiny. Linebacker Raul Khalifa (6.5 tackles) and Swiss lineman Mika Stieger must disrupt Sullivan’s rhythm to avoid another shootout. Berlin’s secondary, fresh off a 35-0 loss to Nordic Storm, grapples with coverage lapses but retains ballhawks like Santtu Salmi (Week 1 interception).
Stakes and redemption
Both teams’ playoff hopes teeter on this result. Hamburg’s homecoming demands urgency to stabilize their quarterback rotation and rekindle defensive identity. Berlin, mired in a three-game skid, must prove Sullivan’s arm can compensate for rushing deficiencies and special teams woes.
With desperation fueling both sidelines, this clash hinges on Hamburg’s ability to leverage home-field energy and Kyei’s dominance—or Berlin’s capacity to exploit defensive vulnerabilities through Sullivan’s precision. The loser risks sinking deeper into the ELF’s basement, while the winner claws back toward contention.