The Stockholm Mean Machines (1-0) will host the Limhamn Griffins (0-0) this upcoming weekend, in the second week of Sweden’s Super Serien. The Mean Machines are returning from a decisive week one victory, while this will be the first game of the season for the Griffins.
THE BACKGROUND
The Stockholm Mean Machines started the 2024 season the way they ended 2023: Winning. In their first action of the season, the Stockholm team had an offensive explosion for 39 points and held their opponents to 18 (scoreless second half) points, continuing their dominance in the Super Serien. The reigning back-to-back champions were in a back and forth match until halftime, when their defense held their opponents in check for the second half of the game. Their offense looked as good as advertised, being highlighted by running back Kasper Wedberg and quarterback Mateo Renteria.
The Limhamn Griffins are new to the Super Serien, but are the 2023 Division 1 (undefeated) champions. The Division 1 title means nothing in this matchup, but it does lead sports enthusiasts to believe the Griffins are accustomed to winning, and know how to do so effectively.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Here are a few key players to keep a look out for heading into this weekend’s matchup.
STOCKHOLM MEAN MACHINES
Kasper Wedberg (Running Back)
9 att, 72 yds, 2 tds / 3 rec, 49 yds (161 yds all-purpose)
Wedberg had a great season opener against his former team, and he was the central focus of the Mean Machines offense. His stats were accurate of his performance, and he looked like a man amongst boys when he had the ball in his hands. Expect to see a lot of #30 in this matchup.
Mateo Renteria (Quarterback)
16/23 (70%), 232 yds, 3 td, 1 int / 23 rush yds, 1 td
Renteria had a great debut in the Super Serien. His first throw showed he has a rocket attached to his shoulder. Throughout the game he showed great poise, decision making, and some beautiful deep ball throws. He should have no trouble replicating his performance this week.
Matthew Retzlaff (Wide Receiver)
4 rec, 62 yds, 2 tds
Rettzlaff is the Mike Evans of the Super Serien, he just does what he does. With only a few catches in last week’s game, he made sure two of them were for scores. The first touchdown was reminiscent of what we see from him every year as he got behind the defender, created space, and hauled the ball in the back corner of the endzone. Matt Retzlaff is inevitable.
Anton Blomgren (Wide Receiver)
2 rec, 58 yds, 1 td / 3 pr, 28 yds / 1 kr 59 yds (145 yds all-purpose)
Blomgren is a gamechanger for the Mean Machines in multiple aspects. As a returner, he puts Stockholm in great field position every chance he has, and almost scored on a 59 yard return last week. At the receiver position, he took advantage of the few targets he had, including a beautiful 47 yard over the shoulder touchdown catch that gave his team the lead heading into half time. Anton Blomgren is the X-factor for the Mean Machines team.
MATCHUP ANALYSIS
This matchup involves a lot more speculation than analysis. The Stockholm Mean Machines exhibited a great week 1 performance, and a lot of assumptions about their team can be made from it. Stockholm’s receiving corps is arguably the best group in the Super Serien, and their quarterback Mateo Renteria possesses all the skills necessary to give that group opportunities to confirm that assessment. Running back Kasper Wedberg is an impact player for the team, and will be heavily involved in their game plan. This offense is primed to score a lot of points in this matchup.
The Mean Machines defensive front is their strength, led by Sebastian Diakiti on the defensive line. Combined with an athletic secondary group, the Stockholm defense will be opportunistic in this game, whether it be sacks, fumbles, or interceptions. What can really be relied upon is the gang tackle mentality that this group possesses, making sure every play is finished with physicality.
There is not much to say about the Limhamn Griffins in this matchup. From last year’s team, we can expect to see a young athletic group who will fight to the end. That fight will have to go up against more talent, better coaching, and more experience in their opponents. It seems that they have opted not to employ import players, which could impact their overall performance in this matchup.
GAME OUTCOME
It’s pretty obvious that the Stockholm Mean Machines are the better team, and should win this game convincingly. But the Limhamn Griffins do have the element of surprise on their side. They have access to current film on the Mean Machines, and could use that to their advantage in terms of game planning. Despite that advantage, it won’t allow this team to compete with the reigning champs for the entirety of the game.
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