Vikings vs Crusaders Playoff Preview

29/06/2024

The Vikings are on a roll as they head into the semi-finals, winning four straight, including an impressive win against the Örebro Black Knights in the quarter-finals. The Vikings will need every bit of momentum against the Crusaders however, as the last matchup featured 6 measly points scored and 41 points against, easily the Vikings worst game of this season. How will the berserkers fare in the rematch against Superseriens top team? 

Quarterback #12 C.J Fowler and co. will go up against the league’s top defense. The Crusaders are top of the league against the run, points allowed, and in total defense. The Crusaders have only allowed 8.7 points per game this season. That is not a lot of points allowed, meaning the Crusaders have shut down some of the top offenses in the league. To put it into context, the Mean Machines were the top scoring offense during the regular season, averaging 36.4 points per game, and the Crusaders held them to just 7 points in their week 7 win. For those of you that don’t remember, the Vikings were missing their starting QB, top 3 receivers, and several key offensive lineman in the last game against the Crusaders. A healthier Vikings offense should be able to perform better, but they will need to execute flawlessly to be able to put points on the board. 

On the defensive side of the ball it doesn’t look any easier. The Crusaders have not just been good on defense, they also field arguably the league’s best offense as well. The Crusaders have scored 35.7 points per game this season, and is the top total offense as well. Carlstads offense features the passing yards leader, the second, fourth and fifth leading receivers, as well as the second leading rusher. Overall, the Crusaders are a very good football team, and the Vikings are traveling to their home turf. Hopefully, the Vikings rise to the occasion and turn some heads in the process, just like they did in the quarter-finals. 

Key players to watch

It would almost be silly to leave #1 Will Sewell off this list. He turned in a spectacular performance against the Black Knights, and the Vikings will need some more heroics again in this game. I expect another big game from Sewell, the only hard part is defining what kind of production we will see, whether it’s on the offense, defense or both. 

A player that will likely be extremely important to the Vikings offense this week is offensive tackle #77 Aksel Turk. The big man up front will have to go against the number 2 on the sack leader list, Carlstads #41 Lucas Hedberg. Hedberg tops the league in tackles for loss as well as compiling 7 sacks on the season. It will be crucial to the Vikings offensive success that Turk, along with the rest of the offensive line, can create some running lanes and give C.J Fowler time in the pocket. It won’t be easy, but it should be a fun matchup to look out for. 

Lastly, a key position group to watch is the entire Vikings receiving corps. With availability having been an issue during the season, a multitude of players have made their way onto the field for the Vikings. Hopefully, the Vikings can get the most out of slot receivers like #9 Linn Byrd and #3 Matthew Snawder, as well as wide receivers #2 Daniel Nygård and #89 Truls Hansen. Running back #7 Vegard Tysse has made regular appearances in the slot as well, so don’t be surprised if they make a catch or two playing receiver this weekend. 

Kick-off is today (Saturday, June 29th) at 17:00. If you’re not in Carlstad, make sure to follow along on our live stream -> here