The Firenze Red Lions were defeated 45–12 by the Berlin Thunder in Week 3 at home, in a game that saw flashes of competitiveness from the Italian side but ultimately ended with the visitors taking full control in the second half.

Strong Start from Berlin Sets the Tone

The Thunder came out aggressively, converting two of their first three possessions into touchdowns and immediately putting the Red Lions under pressure. The early momentum allowed Berlin to dictate the pace of the game and play with confidence from the opening quarter.

Despite the fast start from the visitors, Firenze showed resilience and began to settle into the contest. The Red Lions’ offense found some rhythm in the first half, while the defense managed to slow Berlin’s production long enough to keep the game within reach at halftime.

Competitive First Half from the Red Lions

At the break, Firenze remained in contention thanks to a defensive effort that forced Berlin into difficult stretches and limited their consistency for a period of time. However, as the game progressed, the Red Lions struggled to maintain that level of resistance.

Both sides also experienced difficulties in the kicking game, with multiple missed field goal attempts and missed extra points impacting scoring efficiency throughout the afternoon.

Sullivan–Cole Connection Decisive

The turning point of the game came through the connection between Berlin quarterback Jakeb Sullivan and wide receiver Jon Cole. Sullivan delivered an outstanding performance with 431 passing yards and five touchdowns, while Cole set a new single-game league record with 12 receptions for 230 yards and four touchdowns.

Firenze’s defense had no consistent answer in the second half, as Berlin pulled away decisively to secure back-to-back victories.

Looking Ahead

The Red Lions now turn their attention to Week 4, where they travel to London to face the Warriors, aiming to bounce back and regain momentum on the road.