Munich Ravens vs Stuttgart Surge: Battle of Southern Germany and Special Teams

In a rivalry that ended up closer than anyone could have expected entering the 4th quarter there were two words that really made the difference: special teams, special teams, special

teams. 

This was truly the difference in this game between German teams. Sure you could point to

Russell Tabor’s inability to stick in the pocket and deliver accurately to his receivers. You could look at the lack of pressure put on Reilly Hennessey throughout the game, leading to his ability to find receivers when open and take off for a first down when no one was open. What I point to, however, is the complete and utter dysfunction of the Munich Ravens special teams unit. 

Let’s take a look at what they did throughout the game:

1st quarter: Surge up 7-0. Ravens get their punt blocked and return for a touchdown. That makes it 14-0 and a quick 7 point swing.

2nd quarter: Surge up 17-0 after a made field goal. Tabor finds a wide open Malik

Stanley for 6 points. Extra point missed. 17-6.

2nd quarter: Surge up 23-12. Drive down the field and make a 45 yard field goal. 26-12.

3rd quarter: Surge up 26-12. Botched punt snap. Surge takes over, goes down the field and scores.

3rd quarter: Surge up 33-12. The Munich Ravens go to punt, and punt for 13 yards. Surge gets the ball in great field position.

These five plays changed the course of this game in what ended up being only a one

possession game. If special teams gets cleaned up I believe the Ravens have a real shot at this one even with the ineffectiveness of Tabor until the 4th quarter.

Now, let's break down everything else. Hennessy played like Hennessy. Smart plays, no big

errors, effective football. Tomiwa Oyewo played ok, rushing for 64 yards on 18 carries,

expected a bit more on a revenge game against his old team, but he played good enough. The player who made a big splash in his first game in the European League of Football was former University of Miami and NFL practice squad receiver Mike Harley Jr.. He had a monster touchdown grab on a beautiful ball by Hennessy, and ended up with 6 catches for 91 yards. and a touchdown. He could become a real problem for defensive backs in the future.

Listen, Malik Stanley did his thing (7/107/2), Justin Rodney impressed (16 for 76 yards) but

Tabor looked rushed all day until the 4th quarter. Maybe the bye week had left them rusty as

they had two delay of games and a timeout used on their first two drives, and Tabor had some of that rust on him. But if the Ravens want to be a contender in this league Tabor, who is relatively inexperienced since coming out of high school, has to stand in the pocket, take a hit, and deliver the ball to Malik Stanley. Tabor cleans it up, special teams clean it up, and the Ravens still have a shot, but on the other hand this Surge team can give problems to almost every team in this league. Look for them to make a run at the title.