Paris Musketeers build championship foundation in 2025 campaign
The Paris Musketeers established themselves as one of the European League of Football‘s most complete teams during the 2025 season, finishing with a 7-5 record while demonstrating dominance on both sides of the ball that positions them as legitimate championship contenders moving forward. Despite narrowly missing the playoffs, the team showcased a blueprint for success that combines defensive excellence with a potent offensive identity.
Elite defensive performance
The Musketeers fielded the ELF‘s most dominant defensive unit in 2025, allowing a league-low 14.75 points per game while also leading in both passing defense (145.5 yards per game) and rushing defense (80.6 yards per game). This consistent defensive excellence provided the foundation for the team’s success, making them difficult to score against even for the league’s most high-powered offenses. The defensive scheme implemented by head coach Jack Del Rio created a structured and disciplined unit that consistently put the team in position to win games throughout the season.
Potent offensive identity
Offensively, the Musketeers developed the most dangerous rushing attack in the league, averaging a league-best 204.6 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Jaylon Henderson emerged as a dynamic dual-threat weapon, throwing for 2,135 yards and 29 touchdowns while adding 676 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground. He was complemented by running back Nicolas Khandar, who contributed 811 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns, creating a multifaceted ground game that overwhelmed opposing defenses. Despite ranking 11th in passing yards, the offense finished fourth in scoring with 38.25 points per game, demonstrating remarkable efficiency and explosive capability.
Building toward championship contention
The 2025 season established the Paris Musketeers as a team with all the components necessary for championship success. Their elite defense and dominant running game provide a proven formula for winning football, while the development of passing targets like receivers Austin Mitchell (47 catches, 600 yards) and Hugo Tekedam (42 catches, 486 yards) shows growing balance in the offensive attack. With continued development in the passing game and maintained defensive excellence, the Musketeers have positioned themselves as genuine title threats heading into the 2026 season, having built a foundation that consistently competes with the league’s best teams.
