Vienna Vikings and Nordic Storm Collide in ELF Semifinal Clash
The Vienna Vikings host the Nordic Storm in a European League of Football semifinal defined by stylistic contrasts, with the Storm’s aerial dominance testing the Vikings’ balanced attack and defensive discipline.
Offensive firepower: Air vs. ground
Nordic Storm QB Jadrian Clark, the 2023 ELF MVP, headlines the league’s 2nd-ranked passing offense (310.9 yards/game), throwing for 3,708 yards (2nd in ELF) and 47 TDs (2nd) with a 125.10 QBR. His connection with WR Brendan Beaulieu (1,392 receiving yards) anchors a unit averaging 28.4 PPG. Vienna counters with QB Ben Holmes’ precision (40 TDs, 1.50% INT rate) and a ground game led by RB Karri Pajarinen (518 rushing yards). The Vikings’ balanced scheme (239.7 pass/156.7 rush yards per game) fuels the ELF’s third-ranked scoring offense (38.6 PPG).
Defensive strengths: Pressure vs. discipline
Vienna’s defense allows 19.3 PPG, featuring DE Lucky Ogbevoen (7.5 sacks) and LB Noel Swancar (72 tackles). Their secondary, conceding 21.1 PPG, faces its toughest test against Clark’s deep-ball prowess. The Storm counter with the ELF’s third-stingiest defense (16.8 PPG), led by LB Hugo Dyrendhal (101 tackles) and DE Max Parkinson (9.5 sacks). Their fourth-ranked pass defense (178.9 yards allowed/game) must contain Holmes’ dual-threat mobility (291 rushing yards, 4 TDs).
Special teams uncertainty
Both teams struggled with kicking consistency during the regular season. The Storm’s late signing of 53-year-old former NFL kicker Ola Kimrin from Sweden provided stability in their Wild Card win over the Rhein Fire (28-23), while Vienna navigated stretches without kicker Dennis Tasic. Field position battles and fourth-down decisions could sway momentum.
Experience and legacy
Clark, a two-time ELF champion with Rhein Fire (2023–2024), seeks a third title to cement his European legacy. His playoff pedigree contrasts with Holmes’ quest for his first championship after globetrotting stints in the CFL, IFL, and Spring League. The Vikings’ home-field advantage at Vienna’s raucous stadium amplifies pressure on the Storm, who are playing their inaugural semifinal.
Playoff implications
Vienna must exploit the Storm’s 25th-ranked rush defense (142.3 YPG) to control the clock and limit Clark’s possessions. Conversely, Clark’s 9.32 yards/attempt (vs. Holmes’ 8.37) demands the Vikings’ secondary contain big plays. With both teams ranking top-four in red-zone efficiency, execution in critical moments will decide this clash of philosophies.
Kickoff in Vienna promises a tactical duel between Clark’s high-risk verticality and Holmes’ methodical efficiency—a semifinal spectacle shaping the ELF’s championship landscape.
