DUSSELDORF, Germany -- Out of the 13 players that participated in the NFL Europe League (NFLEL) this season that were allocated by the Texans, all have packed their bags and headed back to the States except for three players that will play in World Bowl XII this Saturday between the Frankfurt Galaxy and Berlin Thunder. The three remaining players, who all play crucial roles for their respective teams, are wide receiver Jermaine Lewis for the Galaxy, and fullback Ed Ieremia-Stansbury and linebacker Kevin DeRonde for the Thunder.
Lewis, in particular, who is a 6-4, 210-pound former safety from Western Michigan, totaled a modest seven catches for 129 yards (18.4 avg.) for the Galaxy this season. However, two of the receptions were for touchdowns, including a 22-yard strike on a seam route in Week 8 versus Berlin. The way that (Berlin) plays their safeties wide, their weakness is up the middle of the field, Lewis said about his scoring play versus the Galaxys World Bowl rival. After I scored that touchdown, theyve been trying to drop their linebackers a little deeper. As a result, the crossing routes should be a little more open this weekend. Were just trying to take advantage where we can.
This weekends game, which will be shown live in the U.S. on Fox (12 p.m. EST), will be the first title game of Lewis career. Not only will he have a chance to win his first championship ring, but he can also enter the Texans training camp with something none of the other allocated players have. I dont necessarily know if bragging rights are on my mind, Lewis, a former undrafted rookie free agent and member of the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans, said with a slight grin. Im really just focused on competing my hardest. When I get to Houston, its just going to be another opportunity to prove myself. My main goal now is to just help the team win on Saturday night.
The NFLEL is mainly a developmental league for players that lack a lot of game experience on the professional level. Although Lewis plays on a predominantly rushing team, he has made up for his lack of touches by working with first-year Galaxy head coach, and former NFL wide receiver, Mike Jones. That extra time, he believes, will pay dividends when he arrives for training camp with the Texans at the end of July. The Texans coaches never really said anything to me about what specific areas I need to improve on before I came out here, Lewis said. But every receiver has an idea of what their areas of weakness are. Ive improved my route-running a lot. Ive also been catching the ball a lot more consistently with my hands as opposed to letting the ball hit my pads. Thats all part of what it takes to be a polished receiver. Coaches always like big receivers in the league and Im a big, fast receiver that can go over the middle. So hopefully I can add my speed and size to the Texans.
For those readers that havent tuned in to a lot of NFLEL action this season, the title game between the Galaxy and Thunder will most likely be a shootout. Galaxy quarterback J.T. OSullivan (Saints) and running back Skip Hicks (Bengals) have had a hand in 22 of the teams 27 touchdowns on the year. For the Thunder, former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey (Patriots) finished the season as the NFLEL Offensive MVP with 19 passing touchdowns, while running back Eric McCoo (Eagles) led the league with 669 rushing yards.
Just five days ago, the Thunder dealt the Galaxy their most lopsided loss in franchise history in the regular season finale for both squads. Even so, Lewis still likes his teams chances on Saturday. Since they beat us badly (41-0) in Week 10, Im just excited to go out there and compete again, Lewis said. We have a sour taste in our mouths, so its like a revenge game for us. I think everyone is anxious to get back on the field and make a statement.