LIVESTREAM Germany PPV: Düsseldorf Panther @ Berlin Rebels, Aug. 15, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)
The Berlin Rebels (2-6) host the Düsseldorf Panther (3-6) Saturday at Mommsen Stadium in a German Football League North matchup that could have a major impact on a crowded race for the final playoff spots.
The Panther currently sit fourth, while the Rebels are sixth with one fewer game played. With just one victory separating them, Saturday gives Berlin a chance to pull right back into the postseason picture and Düsseldorf an opportunity to put some distance between itself and a direct competitor.
Rebels searching for first home win
Both of Berlin’s victories this season have come on the road, against the Pforzheim Wilddogs and Braunschweig Lions.
The Rebels now need to find a way to get the job done at Mommsen Stadium. They enter the weekend after a 36-7 loss to the unbeaten Dresden Monarchs, with their only touchdown coming on a defensive pick six.
The biggest issue has been getting the offense going consistently. Head coach Lee Rowland will be looking for answers against a Düsseldorf team coming off a difficult weekend of its own.
Watch live PPV. Düsseldorf Panther @ Berlin Rebels, Aug. 15, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)
Panther looking to rebound
The Panther were shut out 49-0 by the defending champion Potsdam Royals last week, but had shown better form before that setback.
Düsseldorf beat the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes 31-22 and then pushed the Dresden Monarchs in a 30-20 loss.
Quarterback Dawson Herl has taken over the offense since the departure of Isaiah Weed. Herl, who previously played for the Stockholm Mean Machine, has James Okike among his receiving options, while Gennadiy Adams gives the Panther another threat out of the backfield.
Berlin defense faces important test
If the Rebels are going to pick up their first home victory, their defense could play a major role.
Jonas Gacek, Paul Seifert and Exavier Edwards are part of a Berlin unit that will be tasked with disrupting Herl and preventing the Panther from finding an early offensive rhythm.
Playoff pressure building
There is little margin for error for either team.
Düsseldorf can strengthen its hold on fourth place with a victory, while Berlin badly needs a win to stay within striking distance as the regular season enters its final stretch.
For two teams separated by a single victory, Saturday’s meeting has all the ingredients of a playoff game arriving a few weeks early.
Watch live PPV. Düsseldorf Panther @ Berlin Rebels, Aug. 15, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)
