The Berlin Thunder (2-4) return home looking to snap a three-game skid when they host the Firenze Red Lions (0-5) in American Football League Europe action, with both teams eager to reverse their recent fortunes.
The first meeting belonged to Berlin, which rolled to a 45-12 victory behind a record-setting passing performance. Since then, both clubs have endured difficult stretches, making this rematch an important opportunity to regain momentum.
Thunder looking to rediscover their offense
The Thunder are coming off a 45-7 loss to the unbeaten Vienna Vikings, but they still feature one of the league’s most dangerous passing attacks.
Quarterback Jakeb Sullivan has thrown for 1,598 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, while wide receiver Jon Cole has been the AFLE’s most productive receiver with a league-leading 51 catches for 681 yards and seven touchdowns. Running back Tomiwa Oyewo has added balance to the offense with 306 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Those same playmakers starred in the first meeting with the Red Lions, as Sullivan threw for 431 yards and five touchdowns while Cole caught 12 passes for 230 yards and four scores, setting a new AFLE single-game receiving record.
Watch live. Firenze Red Lions @ Berlin Thunder, July 12, 14:00 CET (2 pm, 8 am ET)
Red Lions seeking a breakthrough
Despite their winless record, the Red Lions have shown offensive progress in recent weeks, including scoring 34 points against the London Warriors.
Quarterback Matthew McKay has passed for 838 yards and nine touchdowns, while Brandon Belgrave leads the ground game with 269 rushing yards and one touchdown. Lorenzo Cinelli has emerged as McKay’s top target, hauling in 14 receptions for 245 yards and one touchdown.
The challenge for Firenze will be slowing a Berlin offense that proved capable of scoring quickly in the first meeting.
Big opportunity
The Thunder know another victory would provide a timely boost after consecutive losses and keep them in the hunt heading into the second half of the season.
For the Red Lions, the goal is to finally turn improved offensive production into their first win. If Firenze can limit the explosive plays that decided the first matchup and finish its own scoring opportunities, it could make life much more difficult for the home team than it did earlier this season.