STORM READY FOR DELICATE SOUND OF THUNDER
The Nordic Storm have got off to a flying start in their inaugural European League of Football campaign, recording two big wins against very different standards of opposition where both offense and defense have played at an impressive level, not least for a new team.
Opening against the Helvetic Mercenaries, albeit on the road in Switzerland, was something of a soft landing for the Storm as they handily despatched one of the ELF’s whipping boys. Week two, against likely playoff contender Wroclaw Panthers in their Polish back yard, should have been more of a test — especially following the season-ending injury that league MVP running back Glen Toonga sustained in his first half of action as a member of the Storm — but the Scandinavians again dominated proceedings, and have already accounted for 96 points through two road trips.
That number is currently leading the entire league, as quarterback Jadrian Clark — like Toonga, a preseason steal from reigning champions Rhein Fire — has led an explosive offense and shown why he is a former league’s MVP. The American has thrown a total of 10 touchdowns across his first two appearances for the Storm, five of which have been caught by the team’s other American on offense, Brendan Beaulieu, who is also setting the ELF pace as the season rolls into June.
The loss of Toonga may prove to be a handicap down the line but, for now, the Danish-Swedish combo of Anton Witmeur and Alexander Kennedy have provided an excellent replacement, combining for over 300 rushing yards since Toonga was placed on IR.
The Storm has also played to a high level on defense, having only allowed two touchdowns and two field across their opening games. Big hits and highlights have been delivered on a consistent basis, with Max Parkinson leading the team with three sacks and Ludvig Myrén bringing his usual high performance level and leading the team with 18 tackles.
There are some concerns, however, with the kicking game proving especially worrisome. So far, eight kicks have been missed across the first two games, a record which will undoubtedly prove extremely costly in closer games, the first of which could come this weekend as Gladsaxe Stadium provides the setting for the first-ever top-flight European game in Denmark.
The Berlin Thunder will be the opposition in Sunday’s lunchtime kickoff and, despite a fluctuating start to the season, come heavily armed. Like the Storm, Berlin faced lowly opposition in Week 1, with the ELF’s supposed bottom team, the Cologne Centurions, being handily beaten. From being the highest scorers of the opening weekend, however, the Thunder were humbled next time out, as they were put firmly in their place by a Munich Ravens team that has surprised so far this season.
As with all the leading ELF franchises, Berlin has top-class players, including a former league champion in quarterback Jakeb Sullivan. The American arrives in Copenhagen leading the league in passing yards, having thrown for nearly 800 yards across the first two games of the season.
On defence, Will Lydle will likely make things difficult for Clark and the Storm. The aggressive defensive lineman wreaks havoc in the middle and has already established himself as a major player in the ELF, having been named as the sixth best player across all positions in 2024. The battle will almost certainly have to be fought on the lines this weekend, and Berlin has some defensive profiles that could potentially make it difficult for the Storm’s O-line if they don’t play up to their usual standard. It will also be up to Clark to continue to get the ball out fast, and distribute it to his multitude of playmakers so that the pressure from Berlin’s defense is negated.
On the other side of the ball, the Storm defense, which has caused the opposition problems with a lot of movement, pressure and confusion in their first two games, should continue to be a handful for the team from the German capital. Berlin’s O-line struggled against the Ravens, and the Storm should be no easier task. Unless they have improved a lot in the past, it could end up being a long day for Sullivan.