Rise of the Surge
After the Stuttgart team had been losing for the first two years, promotion came in 2023. This had already been “announced” in the offseason. This rebuild turned the entire franchise on its head, and did so successfully. Since then, it was practically impossible to imagine Stuttgart as a title contender without the Surge. The Surge was the team that had to be beaten on the way to the championship.
Champus interruptus
Unfortunately, that’s also a bit of a problem. Surely everyone at Surge, and after a few games of breathtaking dominance at the latest every fan, knew that the goal of becoming champions seemed achievable. And yet they failed both times against Rhein Fire. The 2023 final was probably quite exciting, but you didn’t get the impression that it would be enough. Of course, Rhein Fire didn’t put in a declassifying performance, but somehow managed to finish the game in a confident and professional manner. The 2024 semi-final in Stuttgart was actually much worse. No effort was spared to make it as unpleasant as possible for the visitors. This ranged from limited contingents to a cheerleader “field ban” gate. The defeat was incredibly close and it was very exciting. I think it hurt even more than the 2023 final. Of course, just being eliminated in the semi-finals and not being in CG24 in Gelsenkirchen. You definitely have to make sure that a small negative spiral doesn’t start again and that the boys stay “hot”. But I’m not worried about the general structure and I also have the feeling that the Surge is taking its players by the hand.
The dead live longer
Quite a few experts rate the Surge quite low in their current power rankings. I see it differently. You shouldn’t forget that the Surge with their OLine (which has delivered a great performance), the QB (Reilly Hennessey) etc. led Rhein Fire to the brink of defeat. And Rhein Fire have now been champions twice in a row. So there’s definitely not much missing.
With such a well-positioned franchise, it’s also worth more that the structure, environment, coaches, etc. continue to do such a good job. Then you can also make adjustments for the future.
Try again - 2025
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, you have to show a little respect for what good moves the Surge is making again.
They did have decent running backs last year, but to be honest it has to be said that compared to Rhein Fire, it wasn’t enough to appreciate the run like they had to with Rhein Fire. They have now signed a real weapon in Tomiwa Oyewo! In addition, the OLine, the guarantor of success in the last two years, remains almost complete and is strengthened by 2 good newcomers from Munich. Behind him, Hennessey, who in my opinion is not a top 3 QB, will be able to shine again.
The signs point to Surge and a “Finale dohoim”
