After a first heavy defeat against the Rhein Fire in week 3, the Musketeers (or Musketeers, as desired) were condemned to the feat against the favorite of the season in the Western Conference. In a great atmosphere, the two teams put on a nice show, whether in attack or defense, with the exception of the special teams which are still in difficulty in this league.
If Paris did better than resist, leading even during the third quarter, it was ultimately the Germans who made the difference. More incisive on the running game and disciplined in defense, Jim Tomsula’s men remain undefeated, with a seventh consecutive victory. The final score is 37-25, but it is far from paying tribute to the performance of Paris, which was neck and neck for a very long time.
Receivers Anthony Mahoungou and William Patterson were the detonator of this team, and they deserve the honorary title of man of the game offensive. In defense it was the German defensive lineman Eric Adam who dominated, giving the Paris offensive line a bad day.
David almost knocked down Goliath
From the first drive, the Rhein Fire will take control of the match. And the executioner of Paris is French, since it is receiver Anthony Mahoungou (ex-Eagles) who scores the first touchdown on a long-distance reception.
But Paris will quickly rebel, relying almost exclusively on the passing game with the exception of quarterback runner Zachary Edwards. With in particular a touchdown from Florian Larose, the Musketeers return to the locker room with a delay of 4 points (11-15). In this first act, it was the defensive lines that ruled, making it difficult for the attackers for most of the first 30 minutes.
If the Musketeers will believe it after a touchdown from Edwards on returning from the locker room, it is the Düsseldorf players who will wear it out, scoring three new touchdowns including one from the inevitable Mahoungou. The defense of the Musketeers showed, with the exception of an interception by Kenny Floret, a prohibitive feverishness in the air which strongly penalized the team in the second act.
Adria Botella Moreno will save the honor, but it’s already too late. Cruel but logical defeat for the only French representative in the league.
The following
Paris now has a record of 2 wins for 5 losses, and is 4th in the conference. Next meeting on June 23, still in Paris, against the Frankfurt Galaxy. Another big piece since the Germans are the dolphins of the Rhein Fire in the conference.