Galaxy, Thunder clear of chasing pack as season's second half kicks off
May 4, 2004 - National Football League Europa (NFLE) News Release
AS the six NFL Europe League teams turn the corner and begin the long sprint towards World Bowl XII in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on Saturday June 12, the Berlin Thunder (5-0) and Frankfurt Galaxy (4-1) have taken up the role of front runners.
The German clubs have gained some breathing room at the top of the standings so Week 6 marks the time for the chasing pack led by the Rhein Fire (2-3) and Amsterdam Admirals (2-3) - to make their move.
The undefeated Thunder kick off the weekends action on Saturday evening when they travel to face the Cologne Centurions (1-4). There could be plenty of points on offer in this clash as the Week 2 meeting between the teams saw Berlin come out on top in a 35-31 thriller.
On Sunday, Frankfurt visits a Scottish Claymores (1-4) club celebrating its first win of the season at home against the Rhein Fire last weekend.
In a must-win game for both teams if they are to strengthen their position in the World Bowl race, the Admirals visit the Fire to conclude Week 6.
WEEK SIX SCHEDULE
SATURDAY MAY 8
Berlin Thunder at Cologne Centurions
RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, 7:00 p.m.
SUNDAY MAY 9
Frankfurt Galaxy at Scottish Claymores
Hampden Park, Glasgow, 2:00 p.m.
Amsterdam Admirals at Rhein Fire
Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, 4:00 p.m.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK WEEK 5
OFFENSIVE · ROHAN DAVEY · QB, Berlin
149 passing yards, 4 TDs, 1 rushing TD
DEFENSIVE · JIMMY McCLAIN · LB, Scotland
11 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass defense
SPECIAL TEAMS · MIKE SHAFER · K, Rhein
Kicked field goals of 48, 45 and 41 yards
NATIONAL · CARLOS ROSADO · WR, Amsterdam
6 catches for 96 yards and 1st touchdown of career
NEWS AND NOTES NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 - Page 2
COVER STORY (Continued)
In reaching the seasons midway point with a perfect record, the Berlin Thunder have often tested the nerve of head coach RICK LANTZ, winning four of their five games to date by six points or fewer.
Last weeks 33-29 come-from-behind defeat of Amsterdam was no easier on the nerves, as Lantz explains: It was a little too exciting for me. It will make me old if we keep doing this, but I am pleased we got another win. There is a toughness about this team. When things look bleak they fight together and believe in each other.
Facing off against the Thunder in Week 6 are the Cologne Centurions, who know halting Berlins high-powered offense is a very tough task.
Centurions head coach PETER VAAS says: The first thing that comes to mind when you think about playing Berlin is Rohan Davey. He is a fine talent and we are going to have to keep the ball within the interior of our defense and not give up the big plays.
Galaxy head coach MIKE JONES saw his team get back on track following a Week 4 loss in Amsterdam and now has them preparing for a run at a second straight World Bowl title.
He says: I told my guys that it was great that we went 3-1 in April, but that we should try to make sure we go 5-0 in May. Then well be in great shape. Home games are vital and I want us to go 5-0 in Frankfurt.
The Galaxy will go up against a Claymores team that scored with six seconds remaining to beat Rhein 13-12 in Week 5 in order to avoid becoming the first 0-5 team in NFL Europe since the Ohio Glory in 1992.
Claymores head coach JACK BICKNELL says: What a difference one play can make because I now feel entirely different. This win makes me really look forward to the second half of the season. We are at home again this week and that is a good thing. I think we will have a good week of practice following this win and be ready to face the Galaxy.
Following last weeks heartbreaker in Scotland, the Rhein Fire has lost three games in a row for the first time since Weeks 2, 3 and 4 of the 2001 campaign.
Head coach PETE KUHARCHEK insists: We are not out of this thing it is a long way from being over. We have a tough road to travel if we are to reach World Bowl but we will accept the challenge, Im positive about that. We need to regroup, stick together and not point fingers.
The Admirals have the same 2-3 record as the Fire and will aim to get above .500 in the closing weeks of the season, as head coach BART ANDRUS explains: I was encouraged by the effort of my players in last weeks loss in Berlin and it was a very evenly-played game. Hopefully we can regroup and have a better second half of the season. Im really looking forward to next weeks game.
Perfect Thunder lead the way as season reaches halfway mark
WITH victory over the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europes 400th game on Sunday, the Berlin Thunder became the first team since the 1998 Rhein Fire to open a season with five straight wins.
Only three other teams have reached the seasons midway point with a perfect record (London Monarchs, 1991; Amsterdam Admirals, 1995 and Rhein Fire, 1998) and all three of those clubs reached World Bowl.
While there is still half a season to be played, history suggests the Thunder have an outstanding shot at reaching the championship game in Gelsenkirchen on June 12. In NFL Europes previous 11 seasons, the team with the best record after five weeks of play has reached World Bowl on 10 occasions.
The only team ever to lead the standings at the halfway point of a season and not reach World Bowl was the 2003 Barcelona Dragons, who got off to a 4-1 start last year before losing four of their last five games to miss out on a shot at glory.
Here is a look at how those clubs leading the standings after five weeks of play have fared:
Season Leader after Wk 5 Fared
2003 Barcelona (4-1) 5-5, Missed World Bowl
2002 Rhein (4-1) 7-3, Lost World Bowl
2001 Barcelona (4-1) 8-2, Lost World Bowl
2000 Rhein (4-1) 7-3, Won World Bowl
1999 Barcelona (4-1) 7-3, Lost World Bowl
1998 Rhein (5-0) 7-3, Won World Bowl
1997 Barcelona (4-1) * 5-5, Won World Bowl
1996 Scotland (4-1) * 7-3, Won World Bowl
1995 Amsterdam (5-0) * 9-1, Lost World Bowl
1992 Orlando (4-1) + 8-2, Lost World Bowl
1991 London (5-0) # 9-1, Won World Bowl
# European Division Leaders
+ North American East Division Leaders
* Qualified for World Bowl as first half champions
Thunder quarterback ROHAN DAVEY (New England Patriots) has been a key component of Berlins offense in the opening five weeks of the 2004 campaign, topping NFL Europe with a 116.3 passer rating.
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback says: From the beginning of training camp we have wanted to win World Bowl and we now think we are in a position to do that.
Berlin first-year head coach RICK LANTZ adds: We have accomplished our goal each week, which is to win the next game. Our goal now is to go 6-0. We dont care who we play the week after next. We just want to be in a position to win each week.
NEWS AND NOTES NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 - Page 3
Hicks chasing touchdown mark
HAVING scored a league-leading 7 touchdowns in the opening half of the 2004 campaign, Frankfurt Galaxy running back SKIP HICKS (Cincinnati Bengals) is on course to write his name in the NFL Europe League record books.
The NFL veteran is on pace to score 14 touchdowns this term and that figure would match the single-season record of 14 set by Barcelona Dragons running back LAWRENCE PHILLIPS in 1999.
Hicks has scored on 5 rushing touchdowns in 2004 and has found the end zone another two times on receptions. He ranks second in NFL Europe with 271 rushing yards and second overall with 446 yards from scrimmage.
Speaking of his outstanding first half of the 2004 campaign, Hicks says: Things have gone well for me personally but more importantly our team has been winning games this season. The individual accolades are fine, but this is a team game and my ambition is to help the Galaxy win a World Bowl.
There are several other NFLEL records that could fall in the 2004 season, including the single-season sack mark of 14 set by London Monarchs linebacker Danny Lockett in 1991 and 1992.
Frankfurts BOBBY SETZER (Oakland Raiders) has a shot at the record as the 2004 season enters its second half. Setzer has recorded a sack in all five games this season and leads the league in that category with 7 quarterback takedowns.
The modest Setzer says: Any success I have is down to our whole defensive line and our defensive backs. They have been covering guys behind me, allowing me to pressure the quarterback.
With one more kickoff return for a touchdown, Rhein will tie the league record of three set by the Fire squad of 2002.
In the QB ranks, Berlins ROHAN DAVEY (New England Patriots) has a shot at setting a new high in single season passer rating. Daveys league-leading rating is currently 116.3. If he maintained that standard, he would eclipse the rating of 107.3 posted by Scotlands Kevin Daft in 2000. With 11 TD passes in five games, Davey also has a chance to attack the single season record of 25 set by Rheins Danny Wuerffel in 2000.
A couple of negative records could also be set in 2004. The Cologne Centurions have given up 596 kickoff return yards and could yet exceed the 1,199 yards given up by the Amsterdam Admirals in 2002.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Claymores need to average 14.4 points per game to avoid setting the single-season record for fewest points in a season (104 by Barcelona Dragons in 1992).
Claymores produce late heroics to avoid 0-5 start
BY defeating the Rhein Fire 13-12 in Week 5, the Scottish Claymores avoided becoming the first team to open a season 0-5 since the 1992 Ohio Glory.
Even though they are the lowest-scoring team in NFLEL history through five games (scoring 33 points in five games. Previous record was 38 by Ohio in 1992.) the Claymores were able to forget about their troubles for a week and enjoy the sweet taste of victory.
Trailing 12-7 with 1:27 remaining and the ball at their own 20-yard line, the Claymores put their offensive woes behind them to march downfield and snatch victory with six seconds remaining on a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback CURT ANES (Detroit Lions) to wide receiver RONALD BELLAMY (Miami Dolphins).
Claymores head coach JACK BICKNELL says: That was the most important game for me since I have been in this league because I have never had an 0-4 team before.
One win doesnt make a season but it stops you from just being awful. We have continued to really struggle on offense but I believe we can solve some of those problems.
Bellamy adds: I felt a mix of joy, excitement and relief when I scored that touchdown. It was frustrating being 0-4 but we have stuck together as a team and we now have a little bit of momentum going into this weeks game against Frankfurt.
Anes says: It was one of those situations where we laid it all on the line for each other, the fans and our coaches. We were able to respond in a pressure situation with the game on the line and that shows we have a lot of character. We showed we had faith and belief in each other and got the job done. It feels great to get a win.
Hart left waiting for record
WITH the Scottish Claymores struggling to put points on the board, veteran English kicker ROB HART has been forced to wait yet another week to break NFL Europes all time scoring record.
In five games this season, Hart has scored just 9 points second-lowest among national kickers. He has 326 career points to his name and needs 4 more points to surpass JESUS ANGOY, who scored 329 points for the Barcelona Dragons from 1997-2003.
If he breaks the all-time scoring mark, Hart could have his record threatened by Frankfurts RALF KLEINMANN, who ranks third all time with 308 points.
NEWS AND NOTES NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 - Page 4
Quarterbacks putting up big numbers in seasons first half
THE 2004 NFL Europe League season is turning out to be a good one for quarterbacks, with passer ratings being posted in excess of 100 points each weekend.
ROHAN DAVEY (New England Patriots) of the Berlin Thunder was the latest quarterback to compile passer a rating above the 100 mark (127.1 vs Amsterdam), which is generally considered an outstanding passing day by the men under center.
In the opening half of this season, quarterbacks have registered passer ratings of 100 or above on 10 occasions that figure puts the Class of 2004 on course to rank among the best in league history in that category.
The most 100-point passing performances in a single season came in 2000, when quarterbacks topped that mark on 24 occasions.
Here is a look at the top five seasons in NFLEL history in terms of 100-point passing performances (based on the NFL criteria of quarterbacks having attempted at least 14 passes in a game to qualify):
1. 2000 24
2. 1999 20
3. 1995 13
4. 1996 12
5. 2004 10
Cologne head coach PETER VAAS, a former college quarterback, says: One of the things you measure the quarterback by is his passer rating. The ratings have been very high in the first five weeks of the season and weve seen some outstanding individual efforts.
Naturally, a quarterback has to stand the test of time, but so far this season the play of the leagues quarterbacks has been great.
Amsterdam Admirals head coach BART ANDRUS has coached some outstanding quarterbacks in his career. In 1999, he served as quarterbacks coach of the Tennessee Titans, tutoring All-Pro passer STEVE McNAIR as the AFC club went all the way to Super Bowl XXXIV and came within a yard of winning it all against the St. Louis Rams.
Andrus says of the quarterback Class of 2004: There are more quarterbacks allocated by NFL teams than ever before and that, right away, raises the number of guys who can play at this level. I think the quality of play league-wide is at its highest as NFL teams are sending better players than ever before. Also, I think there is a willingness among the coaches in this league to throw the football and that gives the quarterbacks a chance to shine. A combination of those things has made it a much better year in terms of passing performances.
Close games and exciting finishes the norm in NFLEL
THE Week 4 action saw all three games decided by less than one score (8 points) and two of the contests were settled with touchdowns inside the final minute.
The Frankfurt Galaxy squeezed past the Cologne Centurions 24-17 as SKIP HICKS (Cincinnati Bengals) scored on a 5-yard run with 47 seconds remaining.
In Scotland, the previously winless Claymores recorded a 13-12 victory over the visiting Rhein Fire as CURT ANES (Detroit Lions) lofted a 28-yard touchdown pass to RONALD BELLAMY (Miami Dolphins) with six seconds remaining.
Those kind of finishes have been the norm in NFL Europe over the years. This season alone, nine of the 15 games played to date have been decided by one score or less (8 points) and five have contests have seen the competing teams separated by just four points.
The league-leading Berlin Thunder have been riding a rollercoaster throughout the 2004 season, winning four of their five games to date by six points or less. Each of their last three games has been decided by four points.
Head coach RICK LANTZ says: We have played in some very exciting games for the fans, but as coaches we would prefer to have things a little bit easier.
The Amsterdam Admirals have seen their last three games decided by four points or less, prompting head coach BART ANDRUS to say: We have been involved in some close games and some exciting finishes and that is normal for life in NFL Europe. It makes for exciting viewing for the fans but can be tough on the hearts of coaches. If you have to coach in too many games like that each season you will be old before your time.
Rookie Lantz joins elite group
BY leading the Berlin Thunder to a 5-0 record RICK LANTZ has become just the third rookie head coach in NFLEL history to win his first five games, joining LARRY KENNAN (London Monarchs 1991) and AL LUGINBILL (Amsterdam Admirals 1995).
Both those coaches took their teams to World Bowl in their rookie campaigns.
Paying tribute to Lantz and his assistants, Thunder quarterback ROHAN DAVEY says: I had a good feeling about this team coming out of camp because of our coaching staff and the personnel.
TEAM BY TEAM CAPSULES NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 - Page 5
AMSTERDAM ADMIRALS (2-3)Head Coach: Bart Andrus (14-21 in NFLEL)Colours: Orange and blue OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: John Allen (1st season)
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Darryl Sims (1st season)
ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 48-47
MEDIA CONTACT: Perry Hendriks
Phone: 31-20-465-0550
Fax: 31-20-465-0555
E-mail: hendriksp@admirals.nl
Internet: www.admirals.nl
LAST GAME: Lost 29-33 at Berlin (5/2/04)
OFFENSE: 16.2 pts/game; 331.4 yds/game (rank 2); 100 yds rush/game (rank 4); 231.4 yds pass/game (rank 1)
Passing: Clint Stoerner, 1,047 yards
Rushing: Chris Downs, 246 yards
Receiving: Chris Horn, Chris Taylor 19 rec; Horn 312 yards
DEFENSE: 22.4 pts/game; 340.8 yds/game (rank 6); 134 rush yds/game (rank 6); 206.8 pass yds/game (rank 4)
Sacks: Drew Wahlroos, Charles Alston, 2.0
Interceptions: Todd Howard, 2
· THIS WEEK: at RHEIN FIRE·
Head coach BART ANDRUS saw 2-game winning streak come to an end last week but faces important game against Rhein saying: I was encouraged by our effort. Hopefully we can regroup and have a better second half of the season. I am looking forward to next week. QB CLINT STOERNER (Miami Dolphins) leads NFL Europe in attempts, completions and yards (see table). With 260 career completions in NFLEL the ex-Claymores man needs 11 to tie ex-Fire QB Andy Kelly (1995-96) for third all-time (271) QB GIBRAN HAMDAN (Washington Redskins) completed 3 of 7 attempts for 49 yards last week and rushed for 9 yards and 1 TD on 3 carries RB CHRIS DOWNS (Oakland Raiders) leads Amsterdam with 246 rushing yards after gaining 48 on 12 carries last week. Caught 4 passes for 31 yards to rank fourth on team with 16 catches RB JASON ANDERSON (Houston Texans) rushed for 20 yards on 9 carries last week and added an 11-yard catch WR CHRIS HORN (Kansas City Chiefs) leads NFL Europe in receiving yards (see table) but has yet to find the end zone WR CHRIS TAYLOR (Houston Texans) caught 5 passes for 60 yards and 1 TD last week and is joint team leader with 19 catches Mexican WR CARLOS ROSADO caught team-high 6 catches for 96 yards last week, including first TD of seven-year NFLEL career from 29 yards. Has 14 catches for 218 yards this season TE TONY DONALD (Green Bay Packers) scored third TD of the season last week (see table) DE CHARLES ALSTON (Atlanta Falcons) posted 7 tackles last week and has 24 for the season, including 2 sacks LB JERRY SCHUMACHER (Chicago Bears) recorded 6 tackles last week and has now recorded 22 for the season Japanese LB RIKIYA ISHIDA registered 2 tackles last week and has 11 this year
LB DREW WAHLROOS jointly leads the Admirals with 2 quarterback sacks this year CB TODD HOWARD leads the team with 2 interceptions and made 2 tackles last week for 11 this season S JASON PERRY (New England Patriots) leads team with 34 tackles after posting 4 last week S WILLIE PILE (Kansas City Chiefs) had 6 tackles last week to rank second on team with 26 this season Linebacker BEN MAHDAVI posted 3 tackles last week Dutch kicker SILVIO DILBERTO is in his eighth NFLEL season and has a club record 262 points to his name. Missed only FG attempt last week but was 3/3 on PATs K TODD SIEVERS (Houston Texans) kicked game-winning FGs in Week 3 and 4, Admirals only two wins this season, but did not attempt a FG last week.
QB CLINT STOERNER (Miami Dolphins), GAME-BY-GAME
Att Comp Yds TD Int
Wk 1: at Frank 25 14 158 1 3
Wk 2: vs Ber 41 30 329 1 0
Wk 3: at Sco 18 8 81 0 0
Wk 4: vs Frank 34 19 219 1 0
Wk 5: at Ber 32 18 249 3 1
TOTAL 150* 89* 1,047* 6 4
WR CHRIS HORN (Kansas City Chiefs), GAME-BY-GAME
Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: at Frank 5 73 0
Wk 2: vs. Ber 5 78 0
Wk 3: at Sco 2 31 0
Wk 4: vs Frank 4 70 0
Wk 5: at Ber 3 60 0
TOTAL 19 312* 0
TE TONY DONALD (Green Bay Packers), GAME-BY-GAME
Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: at Frank 5 65 1
Wk 2: vs. Ber 4 38 0
Wk 3: at Sco 1 13 0
Wk 4: vs Frank 5 44 1
Wk 5: at Ber 2 40 1
TOTAL 17 200 3
* Leads NFL Europe League
TEAM BY TEAM CAPSULES NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 - Page 6
BERLIN THUNDER (5-0)Head Coach: Rick Lantz (5-0 in NFLEL)Colours: Black, green and gold OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Don Eck (1st season)
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jim Tomsula (1st season)
ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 27-28
MEDIA CONTACT: Maik Matischak
Phone: 49-30-300-644-00
Fax: 49-30-300-644-77
E-mail: maik.matischak@berlin-thunder.de
Internet: www.berlin-thunder.de
LAST GAME: Won 33-29 vs Amsterdam (5/2/04)
OFFENSE: 26 pts/game; 326.2 yds/game (rank 3); 107.6 rush yds/game (rank 3); 218.6 pass yds/game (rank 2)
Passing: Rohan Davey, 896 yards
Rushing: Eric McCoo, 226 yards
Receiving: Chas Gessner, Richard Allston 14 rec; Allston 236 yards
DEFENSE: 20.2 pts/game;307 yds/game (rank 4); 76.8rush yds/game (rank 1); 230.2 pass yds/game (rank 6)
Sacks: Corey Smith, 6.0
Interceptions: Willie Ford, 2
· THIS WEEK: at COLOGNE CENTURIONS ·
Berlin head to Cologne as the first 5-0 team since 1998. Head coach RICK LANTZ says:: We have accomplished our goal ech week, which is to win the next game. Our goal for this week is to be 6-0. Our goal is just to put ourselves in position to win each game. QB ROHAN DAVEY (New England Patriots) has thrown a league-high11 TD passes this season (see table) and has a league-leading passer rating of 116.3, which would be a single-season NFLEL record if he maintains it. He won his third Offensive Player of the Week award of the year last week after throwing 4 TD passes and running for 1 TD QB DAVID RIVERS has a passer rating of 99.7 on 15 of 21 completions for 112 yards and 1 TD RB ERIC McCOO remains the teams leading rusher after gaining 48 yards on 11 carries last week, Gained 45 yards on 13 attempts against Cologne in week 3 RB RAY JACKSON (Tennessee Titans) rushed 9 times for 34 yards last week. He rushed 12 times for 34 yards and 1 TD against Cologne this year WR CHAS GESSNER (New England Patriots) has not scored in the past three games (see table) but is joint leader on the team in receptions German WR JÖRG HECKENBACH is the clubs all-time leading receiver with 68 catches. Has 6 receptions for 141 yards and 3 touchdowns to his name this year WR AARON BOONE (Chicago Bears) turned his one reception last week into a 37-yard touchdown WR RICHARD ALSTON (Cleveland Browns) leads NFL Europe in receiving touchdowns (see table). Also rushed for 10 yards on 1 carry and threw an 11-yard pass last week TE MIKE PINKARD (Kansas City Chiefs) has 12 receptions after grabbing 2 for 17 yards last week FB ED IEREMIA-STANSBURY (Houston Texans) gained 7 yards on 2 carries last week but did not add to his 8 catches DE COREY SMITH (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is second in the league after his sixth sack of the year last week DE T.J. BINGHAM registered 3 tackles and his third sack of the year last week LB BRENDEN GIVAN (Miami Dolphins) added 9 tackles last week for a total of 36 on the season. Also
knocked down 2 passes . LB LAWRENCE FLUGENCE (New England Patriots) had 7 tackles last week for a total of 25 this season LB JASON KAZAR had 8 tackles last week for a total of 26. Also posted first sack CB WILLIE FORD (Kansas City Chiefs) has 2 interceptions and 17 tackles this season CB OLIVER CELESTIN has made 18 tackles this season after adding 5 last week S KEITH DAVIS (Dallas Cowboys) led Berlin with 12 tackles last weekend, also posting his first interception and 4 knockdowns. Leads team with 37 tackles S SCOTT FARLEY (New England Patriots) has 21 tackles after adding 3 stops last week Danish K HEINZ QUAST has scored 16 points this season but was only 3/5 on PATs last week. Yet to attempt a FG in NFLEL.
QB ROHAN DAVEY (New England Patriots), GAME-BY-GAME
Att Comp Yds TD Int
Wk 1: vs Scot 14 8 106 0 0
Wk 2: at Ams 18 12 164 2 0
Wk 3: vs Col 27 19 279 4 1
Wk 4: at Rhe 26 17 198 1 2
Wk 5: vs Ams 17 10 149 4 0
TOTAL 102 66 896 11 * 3
WR CHAS GESSNER (New England Patriots), GAME-BY-GAME
Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: vs Scot 4 37 1
Wk 2: at Ams 4 77 2
Wk 3: vs Col 2 42 0
Wk 4: at Rhe 2 25 0
Wk 5: vs Ams 2 30 0
TOTAL 14 211 3
WR RICHARD ALSTON (Cleveland Browns), GAME-BY-GAME
Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: vs Scot 0 0 0
Wk 2: at Ams 1 3 0
Wk 3: vs Col 5 123 2
Wk 4: at Rhe 2 26 0
Wk 5: vs Ams 6 84 2
TOTAL 14 236 4*
* Leads NFL Europe League
TEAM BY TEAM CAPSULES NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 - Page 7
COLOGNE CENTURIONS (1-4)Head Coach: Peter Vaas (20-25 inNFLEL, plus 2-0 in World Bowl)Colours: Black, red and white OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Bob Bicknell (1st season)
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: David Duggan (1st season)
ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 1-4
MEDIA CONTACT: Karsten Meier
Phone: 49-221-271-430
Fax: 49-221-271-43299
E-mail: Karsten.meier@cologne-centurions.de
Internet: www.cologne-centurions.de
LAST GAME: Lost 17-24 at Frankfurt (5/1/04)
OFFENSE: 20 pts/game; 322.4 yds/game (rank 4); 117.4 yds rush/game (rank 2); 205 yds pass/game (rank 3)
Passing: Ryan Van Dyke, 981 yards
Rushing: Avon Cobourne, 341 yards
Receiving: Reggie Newhouse 18 rec, Carl Morris 276 yards
DEFENSE: 21.6 pts/game; 275.4 yds/game (rank 2); 89.6 rush yds/game (rank 3); 185.8 pass yds/game (rank 2)
Sacks: Felipe Claybrooks, 4.5
Interceptions: Three players, 1
· THIS WEEK: vs BERLIN THUNDER ·
The Centurions kick off the second half of their inaugural season by playing host to the league-leading Berlin Thunder. Head coach PETER VAAS, who led Berlin to World Bowl titles in 2001 and 2002, says: It is frustrating any time you lose in football but we have to leave our last game in the locker room. We are already looking forward to the next game against Berlin. Starting QB RYAN VAN DYKE (New York Giants) ranks second in NFLEL in passing yardage (see table) and has a QB rating of 86.1 through five games RB AVON COBOURNE (Detroit Lions) leads NFL Europe in rushing yards and total yards from scrimmage (see table) but was held to a season-low 30 yards on 10 carries last wee . RB ANTWON McCRAY carried 4 times for 18 yards and a touchdown last week and added 4 receptions for 36 yards . WR REGGIE NEWHOUSE (Arizona Cardinals) leads the team with 18 catches after posting 3 for 21 yards last week. Scored a touchdown in previous meeting with Berlin this season WR CARL MORRIS (Miami Dolphins) leads the team in receiving yards (see table). Scored two of his three touchdowns this season in Week 3 loss to the Thunder WR TODD DEVOE (Baltimore Ravens) has scored 2 touchdowns this season but did not have a catch last week . WR ALBERT JOHNSON (Houston Texans) caught 2 passes for 21 yards last week and ran back a pair of kickoffs for 52 yards WR BEN NELSON (Minnesota Vikings) caught 4 passes for 65 yards last week with a long of 31 yards. Has now caught 8 passes for 115 yards this season Cologne native TE WERNER HIPPLER is still waiting to make his first career catch as a Centurion Mexican WR MARCO MARTOS has scored 9 career touchdowns but all were in his first three seasons in NFLEL (1997-99). Career total of 68 receptions for 916 yards. Needs 84 receiving yards to become just the second national player in league history to reach the 1,000-yard barrier TE MARK INKROTT (New York Giants) caught 2 passes for 14 yards and a touchdown last week DE FELIPE CLAYBROOKS (Cleveland Browns)
leads the team with 4.5 sacks after recording 1 against Frankfurt last week DE DEMETRIC EVANS has 14 tackles and 2 sacks this season after recording a sack against the Galaxy last week LB BOBBY BROOKS (Oakland Raiders) posted 8 tackles last week and leads Cologne with 29 stops this season LB MARCUS REESE (Chicago Bears) recorded 5 tackles last week and ranks second on the team with 22 stops this season. French LB CEDRIC COTAR has made 8 stops on defense this term CB ERWIN SWINEY (Green Bay Packers) posted 3 tackles and defended 2 passes last week S ERIK TOTTEN made 2 tackles last week CB MARCUS FLOYD (Carolina Panthers) made 4 tackles last week and added a sack for a 17-yard loss Swedish K OLA KIMRIN leads all kickers in NFL Europe with 22 points. Has yet to miss a kick this season, connecting on 4/4 field goals and 10/10 PATs P STEVE CHEEK (Houston Texans) ranks second in NFLEL with a 39.4-yard average.
QB RYAN VAN DYKE New York Giants ), GAME-BY-GAME
Att Comp Yds TD Int
Wk 1: at Rhein 24 18 240 2 0
Wk 2: vs Frank 27 12 99 0 3
Wk 3: at Berlin 31 19 229 3 2
Wk 4: vs Sco 18 15 159 2 0
Wk 5: at Frank 34 20 254 1 1
TOTAL 134 84 981 8 6
RB AVON COBOURNE (Detroit Lions), GAME-BY-GAME
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: at Rhein 16 45 0 3 34 1
Wk 2: vs Frank 14 65 0 3 42 0
Wk 3: at Berlin 16 85 0 2 25 0
Wk 4: vs Sco 18 116 0 3 15 0
Wk 5: at Frank 10 30 0 1 7 0
TOTAL 74 341* 0 12 123 1
WR CARL MORRIS (Miami Dolphins), GAME-BY-GAME
Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: at Rhein 4 50 0
Wk 2: vs Frank 3 53 1
Wk 3: at Berlin 5 75 2
Wk 4: vs Sco 1 8 0
Wk 5: at Frank 4 90 0
TOTAL 17 276 3
* Leads NFL Europe League
TEAM BY TEAM CAPSULES NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 - Page 8
FRANKFURT GALAXY (4-1)Head Coach: Mike Jones (4-1) in NFLELColours: Purple, orange, red and white OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Dwain Painter (4th season)
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Ed ONeil (1st season)
ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 62-53
MEDIA CONTACT: Joachim Haas
Phone: 49-69-978-2790
Fax: 49-69-978-279099
E-mail: joachim.haas@frankfurt-galaxy.
Internet: www.frankfurt-galaxy.de
LAST GAME: Won 24-17 vs Amsterdam (5/1/04)
OFFENSE: 24.6 pts/game; 336.8 yds/game (rank 1); 140.2 rush yds/game (rank 1); 196.6 pass yds/game (rank 4)
Passing: J.T. OSullivan, 927 yards
Rushing: Skip Hicks, 271 yards
Receiving: Drew Haddad, 16 rec, 197 yards
DEFENSE: 13.8 pts/game; 307.4 yds/game (rank 5); 93.6 rush yds/game (rank 4); 213.8 pass yds/game (rank 5)
Sacks: Bobby Setzer, 7.0
Interceptions: Lynaris Elpheage, 2
· THIS WEEK: at SCOTTISH CLAYMORES ·
The Galaxy got back to winning ways last week edging past the Cologne Centurions. Head coach MIKE JONES says: Cologne came in and played a good game. They played a tough game and we certainly didnt come in expecting a blowout. We kept our poise and came away with the victory. QB J.T. OSULLIVAN (New Orleans Saints) has started all five games this season for the Galaxy (see table) and is the leagues second-ranked passer with a rating of 95.6. Added 30 rushing yards on 3 carries last week QB KIRK FARMER (Kansas City Chiefs) did not see playing time in Week 5 but has completed 10 of 20 passes for 105 yards this season RB SKIP HICKS (Cincinnati Bengals) leads the Galaxy in rushing (see table) and ranks second in NFLEL in rushing yards and total yards from scrimmage (446). Has scored a touchdown in every game this season FB COREY McINTYRE had a career day last week, rushing for 67 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries, including a 55-yard scoring run; and also caught 4 passes for 41 yards WR DREW HADDAD (Indianapolis Colts) is Frankfurts leading receiver (see table) French WR MARC SOUMAH has 1 catch for 6 yards this season, taking his career reception total to 38 WR DERRICK LEWIS (New Orleans Saints) grabbed 3 passes for 53 yards last week, taking his season total to 197 yards on 13 receptions. Also rushed twice for 21 yards last week WR JASON WILLIS (Seattle Seahawks) caught 3 passes for 46 yards last week WR JERMAINE LEWIS (Houston Texans) has averaged 18.0 yards on his 5 receptions this season after adding a 22-yard catch vs Cologne TE CHAD HAYES caught 2 passes for 18 yards last week... DE COREY JACKSON (Cleveland Browns) ranks second on the Galaxy with 5 sacks this season DE BOBBY SETZER (Oakland Raiders) kept up his streak of recording a sack in every game this season with 2 for 5 yards against Cologne. Leads NFL Europe with 7 sacks this term and is on pace to tie the single season record of 14 sacks set by London Monarchs LB Danny Lockett in 1991 and 1992. Streak of five games is third-longest in NFLEL history behind Barcelonas Josh Taves (7 in 1998) and Berlins Mike Sutton and Scotlands Chris Ward
(6 in 2000 and 2001 respectively) German DT DANIEL BENETKA registered 1 tackle and forced a fumble against the Centurions DT AUBRAYO FRANKLIN (Baltimore Ravens) recorded 3 tackles last week, taking his season total to 8 tackles and 1 sack LB MASON UNCK (Cleveland Browns) ranks second on the team with 28 tackles this season after recording 4 against Cologne. Has also added 5 special teams stops this season LB DUSTIN COHEN made 4 tackles and knocked down a pass last week. Has registered a team-high 6 special teams tackles this season LB SHAWN PRICE (Carolina Panthers) ranked second on the team with 5 tackles last week CB LYNARIS ELPHEAGE (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) leads the Galaxy with 2 interceptions and tops NFL Europe with 14 passes defended. Registered 4 tackles and 2 pass defenses vs Cologne last week CB AHMAD BROOKS (New Orleans Saints) leads the team with 36 tackles after adding 6 last week. Also knocked down a pass against the Centurions . S CHRIS BROWN (Jacksonville Jaguars) posted 3 tackles last week S RICKY SHARPE (Cleveland Browns) registered 4 takedowns last week S RALPH PARENT made 1 tackle last week and has 8 on the season K RALF KLEINMANN is NFL Europes all-time leader in converted field goals (56). Has 308 career points for third place on the all-time scoring list after adding 3 PATs vs Cologne.
QB J.T. OSULLIVAN (New Orelans Saints ), GAME-BY-GAME
Att Comp Yds TD Int
Wk 1: vs Amst 16 10 148 1 0
Wk 2: at Col 18 11 85 0 0
Wk 3: vs Rhein 27 18 225 2 0
Wk 4: at Amst 34 20 276 2 1
Wk 5: vs Col 31 17 193 1 0
TOTAL 126 76 927 6 1
RB SKIP HICKS (Cincinnati Bengals), GAME-BY-GAME
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: vs Amst 20 86 1 1 7 0
Wk 2: at Col 8 25 1 0 0 0
Wk 3: vs Rhein 17 40 2 4 29 1
Wk 4: at Amst 23 74 0 7 138 1
Wk 5: vs Col 14 46 1 2 1 0
TOTAL 82 271 5 14 175 2
WR DREW HADDAD , GAME-BY-GAME
Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: vs Amst 4 37 0
Wk 2: at Col 1 14 1
Wk 3: vs Rhein 5 93 1
Wk 4: at Amst 4 41 0
Wk 5: vs Col 2 12 0
TOTAL 16 197 2
TEAM BY TEAM CAPSULES NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 - Page 9
RHEIN FIRE (2-3)Head Coach: Pete Kuharchek (20-15 in NFLEL, 0-2 in World Bowls)Colours: Burgundy, black and white OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Whitey Jordan (1st season)
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Adrian White (1st season)
ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 53-42
MEDIA CONTACT: Markus Müller
Phone: 49-211-478-730
Fax: 49-211-478-7329
E-mail: markus.mueller@rhein-fire.de
Internet: www.rhein-fire.de
LAST GAME: Lost 12-13 at Scotland (4/24/04)
OFFENSE: 17.8 pts/game; 213.2 yds/game (rank 6); 57.4 rush yds/game (rank 6); 155.8 pass yds/game (rank 6)
Passing: Chad Hutchinson, 687 yards
Rushing: Joffrey Reynolds, 154 yards
Receiving: Willie Quinnie 20 rec, Adam Herzing 254 yards
DEFENSE: 16.6 pts/game; 282 yds/game (rank 3); 86 rush yds/game (rank 2); 196 pass yds/game (rank 3)
Sacks: David Nugent, 5.0
Interceptions: Abdual Howard, 3
· THIS WEEK: vs AMSTERDAM ADMIRALS ·
Fire head back home looking to snap a three-game losing streak. After seeing his team concede a game-deciding touchdown with six seconds remaining in Scotland last week, head coach PETE KUHARCHEK said: That was a tough loss but we have to regroup, get back on track and get this thing turned around. We are not out of the World Bowl hunt yet. QB CHAD HUTCHINSON (Dallas Cowboys) has started all five games for the Fire this season but has not thrown a TD pass in his last two outings (see table) QB GREG ZOLMAN (Buffalo Bills) connected on 2 of 2 passes for 9 yards last week RB JOFFREY REYNOLDS (Cleveland Browns) leads the team in rushing (see table) after gaining 35 yards on 9 carries in Scotland RB RYAN BREWER carried 7 times for 20 yards last weekend and added 2 kickoff returns for 34 yards . WR ADAM HERZING (San Francisco 49ers) leads Rhein with 254 receiving yards this season. Last week he had a team-high 6 catches for 53 yards WR WILLIE QUINNIE (Atlanta Falcons) lead the Fire in receptions (see table) but has not scored a touchdown in his last three games after opening the year with one in each of the first two contests WR SHOCKMAIN DAVIS (Green Bay Packers) caught 3 passes for 19 yards last week and has 10 receptions this season German WR CHRISTOPHER LIESS caught his third pass of the season last week for 5 yards TE DWAYNE BLAKLEY (Tennessee Titans) caught 2 passes for 43 yards with a long of 27 last week TE DANIEL WILCOX had 1 reception for 2 yards last week . DE DAVID NUGENT (Oakland Raiders) leads the Fire with 5 sacks after adding 3 in Scotland last week. Also registered 6 tackles and forced a fumble DE RANDY GARNER recorded 5 tackles, knocked down a pass and recovered a fumble last week in Scotland LB MAUGAULA TUITELE earned All-NFLEL honors with the Fire in 2002. Recorded 3 tackles last week but had an interception overturned by penalty LB CHARLES BURTON recorded 8 tackles in Week 5 and now has 24 stops in his second season with the Fire LB JAMES HARRISON (Baltimore Ravens) registered 4 tackles
against the Claymores last week, taking his half-season total to a team-leading 27 LB TERRENCE ROBINSON (Atlanta Falcons) recorded 4 tackles and knocked down a pass last week, taking his season total to 18 CB TONY LUKINS (Seattle Seahawks) ranks fourth on the Fire squad with 19 tackles after adding 1 last week. Also knocked down 2 passes CB EARTHWIND MORELAND has made 11 tackles and knocked down 4 passes this season S ABDUAL HOWARD grabbed his third interception of the season last week and ranks second on the club with 26 tackles after adding 4 against Scotland German S RICHARD YANCY has recorded 16 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 1 pass defense in five games this season K INGO ANDERBRÜGGE missed his first field goal of the season from 31 yards but later connected from the same distance K MIKE SHAFER (Buffalo Bills) earned NFLEL Special Teams Player of the Week honors last week after kicking field goals of 48, 45 and 41 yards in Scotland P BROOKS BARNARD (Chicago Bears) averaged 35.4 yards on 7 punts last week.
QB CHAD HUTCHINSON (Dallas Cowboys), GAME-BY-GAME
Att Comp Yds TD Int
Wk 1: vs Col 14 8 101 0 1
Wk 2: vs Sco 18 14 141 1 0
Wk 3: at Fra 22 12 128 1 0
Wk 4: vs Ber 27 16 172 0 1
Wk 5: at Sco 28 18 145 0 0
TOTAL 109 68 687 2 2
WR WILLIE QUINNIE (Atlanta Falcons), GAME-BY-GAME
Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: vs Col 2 4 1
Wk 2: vs Sco 4 50 1
Wk 3: at Fra 5 46 0
Wk 4: vs Ber 5 48 0
Wk 5: at Sco 6 36 0
TOTAL 22 184 2
RB JOFFREY REYNOLDS (Cleveland Browns), GAME-BY-GAME
No Yds TD Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: vs Col 15 58 0 1 14 0
Wk 2: vs Sco 13 31 2 2 13 0
Wk 3: at Fra 14 34 0 5 29 0
Wk 4: vs Ber 8 -4 1 2 20 0
Wk 5: at Sco 9 35 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 59 154 3 10 76 0
TEAM BY TEAM CAPSULES NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 Page 10
SCOTTISH CLAYMORES (1-4)Head Coach: Jack Bicknell (60-55 in NFLEL, 2-5 in post-season)Colours: Navy, white and silver OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Vince Martino (1st season)
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Dan Daniel (1st season)
ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 42-53
MEDIA CONTACT: Steve Livingstone
Phone: 44-141-222-3801
Fax: 44-141-222-3828
E-mail: slivingstone@claymores.co.uk
Internet: www.claymores.com
LAST GAME: Won 13-12 vs Rhein (5/2/04)
OFFENSE: 6.6 pts/game; 224.8 yds/game (rank 5); 67.6 rush yds/game(rank 5); 157.2 pass yds/game (rank 6)
Passing: Nate Hybl, 512 yards
Rushing: Maurice Hicks, 136 yards
Receiving: Scott McCready, 31 rec 246 yards
DEFENSE: 16.6 pts/game; 242.2 yds/game (rank 1); 110.2 rush yds/game (rank 5); 132 pass yds/game (rank 1)
Sacks: Damian Gregory, 2.0
Interceptions: None
· THIS WEEK: vs FRANKFURT GALAXY ·
The Claymores snapped a four-game losing streak against Rhein last weekend and helped head coach JACK BICKNELL become the first in NFLEL history to record 60 regular season wins. Bicknell says: The start to this season has bothered me much more than it should bother a veteran coach. It has really eaten away at me so this was a special win for the entire organization the players, the coaches and the fans, who have been great. QB NATE HYBL (Cleveland Browns) has started all five games for the Claymores this season (see table). Threw second TD pass of season last week QB CURT ANES (Detroit Lions) hit on 10 of 19 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown last week. On game-winning drive, Anes completed 4 of 5 passes for 74 yards, including a 28-yard TD strike with six seconds remaining RB MAURICE HICKS (San Francisco 49ers) leads the Claymores in rushing (see table) and added 5 catches for 44 yards last week RB AHMAAD GALLOWAY (Denver Broncos) was held to -5 rushing yards on 5 carries last week but did catch 5 passes for 55 yards, including a 44-yard reception that was Scotlands longest play of the 2004 season. English WR SCOTT McCREADY has led his team in receptions in all five games this year (see table) and leads the league in receptions. He is bidding to become the first national player to led the league in a major individual non-kicking category. Scottish WR SCOTT COUPER is the all-time receiving leader among national players with 103 catches for 1,108 yards and 12 touchdowns. Has 2 catches for 19 yards but did not have a reception in Week 5 WR RONALD BELLAMY (Miami Dolphins) turned both of his catches into touchdowns in Week 5, scoring on a pair of 28-yard passes TE MARCUS HELFMAN (San Francisco 49ers) caught a 16-yard pass last week to move into position to win the game in the dying moments and has 11 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown on the season WR HERB HAYGOOD (Kansas City Chiefs) caught a 10-yard pass last week and has 5 receptions for 45 yards this season DE
ROBERT FLICKINGER leads all nationals with 13.5 career sacks after recording his first of the season vs Rhein last week. Also added 1 tackle and 1 pass defense, taking his season tally to 8 tackles DT CEDRIC SCOTT (Cleveland Browns) had 4 tackles last week and also forced a fumble DE DURRAND ROUNDTREE recorded 2 tackles and 1 sack during defeat of Fire last week DE DAMIAN GREGORY posted his second sack in as many games last week DT ALAN HARPER (New York Jets) recorded 4 tackles, half a sack and knocked down 2 passes last week LB JIMMY McCLAIN (Jacksonville Jaguars) led the Claymores with 11 tackles, 1 sack and 1 pass defense last week, taking season totals to 36 tackles and 1 sack. Earned NFLEL Defensive Player of the Week prize for his efforts vs Rhein LB RYAN MYERS (New York Jets) leads the Claymores with 45 tackles after adding 4 vs Rhein in Week 5 S THOMAS WRIGHT (Tennessee Titans) registered 6 tackles and knocked down 2 passes last week . CB ALPHONSO ROUNDTREE (Miami Dolphins) ranked second on the Claymores defense last week with 7 tackles CB BRAD FRANKLIN (Seattle Seahawks) had 3 tackles last week CB KAHLIL CARTER (Buffalo Bills) registered 2 tackles, 1 pass defense and a fumble recovery last week K ROB HART missed his second 47-yard field goal attempt in as many games last week. With 326 career points he needs 4 points to become the all-time scoring leader in NFLEL history. (Jesus Angoy, Barcelona 329) . P NICK MURPHY (Philadelphia Eagles) punted 4 times for 160 yards last week and has a league-best 40.5-yard average.
QB NATE HYBL (Cleveland Browns), GAME-BY-GAME
Att Comp Yds TD Int
Wk 1: at Ber 24 17 147 1 0
Wk 2: at Rhe 19 13 111 0 1
Wk 3: vs Ams 14 7 45 0 1
Wk 4: at Col 22 10 89 0 0
Wk 5: vs Rhe 19 12 121 1 1
TOTAL 98 59 512 2 3
WR SCOTT McCREADY, GAME-BY-GAME
Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: at Ber 11 67 1
Wk 2: at Rhe 4 31 0
Wk 3: vs Ams 4 35 0
Wk 4: at Col 4 51 0
Wk 5: vs Rhe 8 62 0
TOTAL 31* 246 1
RB MAURICE HICKS (San Francisco 49ers), GAME-BY-GAME
No Yds TD Rec Yds TD
Wk 1: at Ber 4 24 0 1 8 0
Wk 2: at Rhe 5 23 0 2 8 0
Wk 3: vs Ams 12 59 0 1 7 0
Wk 4: at Col 3 1 0 2 13 0
Wk 5: vs Rhe 8 29 0 5 44 0
TOTAL 32 136 0 11 80 0
*Leads NFL Europe League
THIS WEEK'S MATCHUPS NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 - Page 11
BERLIN THUNDER (5-0) at
COLOGNE CENTURIONS (1-4)
RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Saturday May 8, 7:00 p.m.
SERIES NOTES
Overall: Berlin leads 1-0
At Cologne: First meeting between teams in Cologne
At Berlin: Berlin leads 1-0
Streak: Berlin 1
This season: Cologne 31 at Berlin 35 (Wk 3)
TELEVISION
Germany: LIVE/Premiere Sport 2 (7:00 p.m. CET)
US: LIVE/NFL Network (1:00 p.m. ET) DELAY/8:00 p.m. ET
Play-by-play announcer BILL JONES will be joined in the broadcast booth by Jacksonville Jaguars tight end KYLE BRADY.
COACHES
Berlins RICK LANTZ is 5-0 as a rookie head coach, following in the footsteps of Larry Kennan (London Monarchs 1991) and Al Luginbill (Amsterdam Admirals), who both achieved that feat Cologne are led by PETER VAAS, who won back-to-back World Bowl titles with the Thunder in 2001 and 2002.
GAME NOTES
Two of the top three highest-scoring teams in NFL Europe meet for the second time this season. Berlin leads the league with 130 points in five games, while Cologne ranks third with 100 points Berlin needs one more victory to record a seventh win in a row dating back to Week 10 of the 2003 season. That would tie the third-longest winning streak in NFLEL history (9 London, 1991 and Rhein, 1997-98; 7 Amsterdam, 1995 and Frankfurt, 1995-96) Berlin boasts one of the most productive passing attacks in NFL Europe this season, ranking first overall in competion percentage (65.2), fewest sacks allowed (5), yards per completion (12.8) and touchdowns (14) Cologne ranks second in NFLEL against the pass, allowing 185.8 yards per game Berlin has also scored a league-high 18 touchdowns this season and has an NFLEL-high success rate on third downs (30/58 for 65.2 percent) Cologne quarterbacks have thrown a league-high 6 interceptions this season Berlins defense has recorded 5 interceptions this year (second in NFLEL) and also jointly leads the league with 14 sacks Four of Berlins victories this season have come by one score or less (8 points) and each of the last three wins have been by four points Colognes four losses have come by an average of 5.5 points per game this season Berlin has NFL Europes best offense inside the opponents 20-yard line, scoring on 85.7 percent of 14 trips into the red zone (11 touchdowns and 1 field goal) Cologne ranks second in red zone offense, scoring on 82.4 percent of their 17 visits inside the 20 (9 touchdowns, 5 field goals) Cologne boasts NFL Europes second-ranked rushing attack, averaging 117.4 yards per game The Centurions jointly lead NFLEL with 4.3 yards per rush Cologne leads NFL Europe in average time of possession per game (32:28) Cologne kickers have yet to miss the target this season, connecting on 6 of 6 field goals and 10 of 10 PATs In the last meting between these teams in Week 3, Berlin emerged as 35-31 winners at the end of a thrilling shootout at Olympic Stadium QB ROHAN DAVEY (New England Patriots) earned Player of the Week honors as he led Berlin to victory, completing 19 of 27 passes for 279 yards and 4 touchdowns. WR RICHARD ALSTON (Cleveland Browns) was on the end of two Davey scoring strikes as he caught 5 passes for 123 yards. Centurions QB RYAN VAN DYKE (New York Giants) threw a pair of TD passes to WR CARL MORRIS (Miami Dolphins).
FRANKFURT GALAXY (4-1)
at SCOTTISH CLAYMORES (1-4)
Hampden Park, Glasgow, Sunday May 9, 2:00 p.m.
SERIES NOTES
Overall: Frankfurt leads 10-8 (Scotland leads 1-0 in postseason)
At Scotland: Frankfurt leads 5-4
At Frankfurt: Frankfurt leads 5-4
Streak: Frankfurt 6
Last Season: Frankfurt 17 at Scotland 13 (Wk 2), Scotland 27 at Frankfurt 33 OT (Week 6)
TELEVISION
United Kingdom: DELAY/Sky Sports 3 (7:00 p.m. Sunday May 9). Repeated at 12 noon (Mon) on Sky Sports 3.
US: LIVE/DirecTV (9:00 a.m. ET) DELAY/NFL Network (8:00 p.m. ET)
NICK HALLING the only British commentator ever to call an NFL regular season game is joined in the booth by STEVE BEUERLEIN a veteran QB with 16 seasons of experience in the NFL.
COACHES
JACK BICKNELL became the first coach in NFLEL history to reach 60 career wins with victory over the Rhein Fire last week. Won a World Bowl with the Barcelona Dragons in 1997 and led that club to the championship game in 1991, 1999 and 2001 Galaxy head coach MIKE JONES won World Bowl rings with the Rhein in 1998 and 2000. Played wide receiver for Minnesota and New Orleans from 1983-89.
GAME NOTES
Galaxy has had the best of this series in recent times, winning the last six meetings between the clubs... Frankfurt currently second in the standings and gunning for a second straight World Bowl appearance and what would be a record sixth overall Frankfurt has won more regular season games (62) than any other team in league history and more World Bowls (3) In last nine games, including World Bowl XI, the Galaxy has posted a 7-2 record Scotland won for the first time in 2004 last weekend and therefore avoided becoming the first team since the 1992 Ohio Glory to open a season with five straight losses Through the opening five games of the year, the Claymores have scored an NFLEL all-time low 33 points (previous low was 38 scored by Ohio in 1992) Claymores rank fifth on offense in NFL Europe Scotland has scored a league-low 4 touchdowns this season and is averaging 4.0 yards per offensive play, which jointly ranks as a league low alongside the Rhein Fire Scotlands defense ranks as the best in NFLEL through five weeks of play, averaging 242.2 yards per game. However, that same unit has created just 2 turnovers (2 fumble recoveries) and that has the Claymores ranked sixth in NFLEL with a -7 turnover ratio (2 takeaways to 9 giveaways) Frankfurt leads NFL Europe with a +9 turnover ratio (15 takeaways to 6 giveaways) Frankfurt quarterbacks have thrown just 1 interception in five games this season, while Galaxy defensive backs have come up with a league-high 8 interceptions The Claymores have not recorded an interception this season Frankfurt boasts NFL Europes number one-ranked offense, averaging 336.8 yards per game The Galaxy has scored a league-high 9 rushing touchdowns this season, while the Claymores have yet to find the end zone on the ground this year Frankfurt jointly leads NFL Europe with 14 sacks, while the Claymores have given up 14 sacks (second-highest amount in NFLEL) Frankfurts defense ranks fifth overall in terms of yards allowed but is first in fewest points allowed (69).
THIS WEEK'S MATCHUPS / RECAP OF WEEK 5 NFL Europe 2004, Week 6 - Page 12
AMSTERDAM ADMIRALS (2-3)
at RHEIN FIRE (2-3)
Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, Sunday May 9, 4:00 p.m.
SERIES NOTES
Overall: Amsterdam leads 11-7
At Rhein: Rhein leads 5-4
At Amsterdam: Amsterdam leads 7-2
Streak: Rhein 1
Last season: Amsterdam 17 at Rhein 15 (Wk 1), Rhein 34 at Amsterdam 27 (Wk 6)
TELEVISION
Netherlands: HIGHLIGHTS/RTL 5 (Saturday May 15, p.m.)
US: LIVE/DirecTV (10:00 a.m. ET) DELAY/NFL Network (5:00 p.m. ET)
Play-by-play analyst MIKE GOLDBERG is joined in the broadcast booth by Dallas Cowboys All-Pro safety DARREN WOODSON.
COACHES
BART ANDRUS is in his fourth season as head coach of the Admirals. Won a World Bowl ring as a member of the Rhein Fire coaching staff in 2000 and also coached in Super Bowl XXXIV, when he served as quarterbacks coach of the Tennessee Titans Fire head coach PETE KUHARCHEK has a 2-4 career record against the Admirals. Has led Fire to past two World Bowls, losing to Berlin in 2002 and Frankfurt in 2003.
GAME NOTES
Teams with identical 2-3 records meet for the first time this season knowing victory will strengthen their chances of making a World Bowl run in the closing weeks of the season Amsterdam has won four of the last five meetings between the two clubs Rhein has lost three games in a row for the first time since Weeks 2, 3 and 4 of the 2001 campaign, having opened the year with two straight wins In opening two wins, Rhein scored 57 points and 7 touchdowns. In their last three losses, they have scored a total of 32 points and just 2 touchdowns Offensively, Rhein ranks sixth in NFL Europe, averaging 213.2 yards per game Rhein quarterbacks have been sacked a league-high 15 times and the Fire rushing attack has averaged just 57.4 yards per game and 2.5 yards per carry (both league lows) Amsterdam boasts NFL Europes most productive passing attack, gaining 231.4 yards per game The Admirals have attempted a league-high 185 passes and completed 105, which also ranks first in NFL Europe Amsterdam has fumbled a league-high 11 times, losing the football 6 times (also top in NFLEL) Admirals rank fifth in NFLEL with a -3 turnover ratio (8 takeaways to 11 giveaways) Rhein has scored a league-high 3 touchdowns on returns this season (2 kickoffs, 1 interception) Amsterdams defense is ranked sixth in NFL Europe (340.8 yards per game) but ranks as the best in the league in the red zone, limiting opponents to scores on 54.5 percent of 11 trips into their 20-yard line (5 touchdowns, 1 field goal) Despite losing their last game in the Arena AufSchalke to Berlin in Week 4, Rhein has posted a 27-7 record on home soil in its last 34 games The Fire needs a win this weekend to guarantee a winning record at home for the eighth season in a row Amsterdam has played in some close encounters this season with their last three games being decided by a total of 11 points.
· WEEK FIVE RECAP ·
Cologne Centurions 17, Frankfurt Galaxy 24
(Waldstadion, Frankfurt. Attendance: 24,117)
Corey McIntyre (Galaxy) 108 total yards, 1 TD
Ryan Van Dyke (Centurions) 254 passing yards, 1 TD
Bobby Setzer (Galaxy) 4 tackles, 2 sacks
Rhein Fire 12, Scottish Claymores 13
(Hampden Park, Glasgow. Attendance: 9,165)
Ronald Bellamy (Claymores) 2 TD receptions
Jimmy McClain (Claymores) 11 tackles, 1 sack
David Nugent (Fire) 6 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Amsterdam Admirals 29, Berlin Thunder 33
(Olympic Stadium, Berlin. Attendance: 12,909)
Rohan Davey (Thunder) 4 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD
Richard Alston (Thunder) 6 catches, 84 yards, 2 TD
Keith Davis (Thunder) 12 tackles, 1 interception
· RED ZONE STATISTICS 2004 ·
OFFENSE No TD TD% FG FG% Scoring %
Berlin 14 11 78.6 1 7.1 85.7
Cologne 17 9 52.9 5 29.4 82.4
Scotland 5 2 40.0 2 40.0 80.0
Rhein 14 5 35.7 6 42.9 78.6
Amsterdam 13 5 38.5 3 23.1 61.5
Frankfurt 14 7 50.0 1 7.1 57.1
DEFENSE No TD TD% FG FG% Scoring %
Amsterdam 11 5 45.5 1 9.1 54.5
Scotland 15 6 40.0 4 26.7 66.7
Berlin 14 7 50.0 3 21.4 71.4
Cologne 12 7 58.3 2 16.7 75.0
Frankfurt 13 6 46.2 5 38.5 84.6
Rhein 12 8 66.7 3 25.0 91.7
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