Fresh off their Eurobowl victory over Austria’s Swarco Raiders, the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (#1 in Europe) will face a tough opponent in German league action Sunday, June 19 as they head to Berlin to play the undefeated and number four ranked Berlin Rebels.
The Lions offense is averaging 46.2 points a game so far in 2016 good for third in Germany but the Rebels are right behind in fourth with 37.6 yards per game. However, the Rebels run game has been superb averaging over 300 yards a game which will be a key. The Lions have proven to be excellent against the run giving up just over 100 yards a game so the game could well be decided here.
Rebels running back Larry McCoy leads the league in rushing by a wide margin with 754 yards on 85 carries (12 touchdowns) for an average of 151 yards a game. Teammate and quarterback Terell Robinson isn’t far behind with 493 yards on 51 carries. The Lions duo of David McCants and Chris Smith is also deadly averaging just under 100 yards a game.
Lions quarterback Grant Enders is the highest rated passer in the league having completed 76% of his passes for 746 yards. The Rebels will have to find a way to get to Enders as fast as possible with his quick release. Enders is mobile too having carried the ball 28 times for 215 yards.
However, Robinson is dangerous in the air as well having thrown for 678 yards to go with his outstanding rushing numbers.
Both teams have played the Dresden Monarchs and Berlin came away with a 21-21 tie in their opening game while Braunschweig edged Dresden 33-26 in a tough, physical matchup a couple of weeks ago.
The key to this game could be turnovers. The Lions have by far the best turnover margin in the league and are forcing 2.5 turnovers a game.
After the Lions exciting win over the Swarco Raiders last week, and with Berlin coming off a bye week, this game could well be just as entertaining.
