Homegrowns of Week 4

Double trouble at tight end

When Darrell Stewart Jr. was ruled out for the Vienna Vikings in Week 4, the question was how the offense would cope without one of their most experienced weapons. The answer came from an unexpected source, or rather two of them. Florian Bierbaumer and Bernhard Seikovits stepped up and delivered a combined performance that more than filled the void. Together the two Austrian tight ends racked up over 150 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, numbers that speak not just to a productive afternoon but to the depth and versatility the Vikings have built into their roster. Ben Holmes found them time and time again and they delivered every single time.

Sousa makes life miserable in the backfield

Firenze Red Lions pass rusher Quelly Sousa had a day to remember against the London Warriors, even if the final result did not go his way. The homegrown defender racked up 3 tackles, 2 sacks and a tackle for loss, causing problems in the Warriors backfield on a consistent basis throughout the game. On one of his sacks he also forced a fumble, showing that his impact went well beyond just getting to the quarterback. The Red Lions could not convert that pressure into a win, but Sousa’s effort and performance absolutely deserve recognition. He was a handful all afternoon.

Brzozowski is back and better than ever

After missing Week 3 through injury, Dawid Brzozowski returned to the Panthers Wroclaw lineup in Week 4 and wasted absolutely no time reminding everyone what he is capable of. The Polish running back carried the ball 17 times for 156 rushing yards at a remarkable average of 9.18 yards per carry against the Berlin Thunder. When a player of his calibre is healthy and in rhythm, the Panthers offense reaches a completely different level. In case anyone had forgotten why Brzozowski is considered one of the best players in all of European football, he made sure to put that beyond doubt.

Lary adds the defensive icing

Alongside Brzozowski on the Panthers side, veteran defensive back Adam Lary had a quietly excellent game against the Thunder. Five tackles, a pass deflection and an interception from a player who brings experience and composure to the Panthers secondary. Lary contributed to a convincing overall defensive display from Panthers Wroclaw and showed once again that the homegrown depth in this squad goes well beyond the obvious names.

Week 4 was another reminder that the homegrown talent spread across this league is the real deal. Whether it is tight ends filling a gap, a pass rusher making the quarterback’s life miserable or a running back returning from injury with a statement performance, European football is in very good hands.