Mi scusie!!! With the World Bowl this past weekend, Bent wraps with one last analysis of the last game of the season. Why a picture of SNL's Fred Armisen massaging some other dude? Rent Euro Trip (not with the little ones present) and enjoy Armisen's portrayal of “Creepy Italian Guy.”

The NFL Europe season reached its climax with a tightly contested affair in Düsseldorf, as the Frankfurt Galaxy defeated the Amsterdam Admirals 22-7 to win their fourth World Bowl in 14 years.

In the fourth quarter the focus centred on Jets allocated guard Michael King, but for all the wrong reasons. King left the field on an ambulance after suffering a spinal injury, which evoked memories of Dennis Byrd whose career was ended by a similar injury in 1992, which – at the time – looked to have caused permanent paralysis.

After an innocuous looking fall, King lay motionless on the field and was eventually removed via ambulance following close to a 45-minute delay. Apparently, there was movement in his arms and legs and he was talking to team-mates, but such a sobering incident put a dampener on what had been a tense affair, with a good atmosphere. Reports were that the careful removal of King from the field of play was “precautionary” and I’m sure we will hear more about his status in the coming days.

King’s injury occurred after the Admirals had driven down to the Frankfurt 25 with two and a half minutes remaining, trailing just 15-7. They eventually turned the ball over on downs and Frankfurt scored the clinching touchdown as JR Niklos (Oakland) went over from 12 yards after MVP Butchie Wallace (Free Agent) ran 63 yards to set up the clinching score. Wallace finished up with 143 yards rushing and a touchdown (a three yarder in the third quarter to give the Galaxy the lead for good at 9-7).

Amsterdam had led 7-2 at the half as Frankfurt’s only score came via a safety. Larry Croom, who rushed for 82 yards and had 40 receiving yards went in from the 12 for the Admirals score.

There were five Jets allocated players that participated in the game. C Charles Missant, G Isaac Snell and DB James Taylor went away with championship rings, whereas T Marko Cavka and King will fly home “empty-fingered”.

Missant was, as ever, the lynchpin of the Galaxy’s superb running game, as they churned out 269 yards, 229 of which were in the second half as they wore down the Admirals front seven with 42 carries. This was symptomatic of their performances more or less all season long. Once again, Missant alternated series with ex-Jet Jason Nerys. This was evidently based on having the freshest guy out there because they did not alter the pattern depending on the importance of the situation. Nerys was on the field on the clinching drive.

On the year, Missant started every game but one and demonstrated strength, mobility and leadership, along with flawless long snapping. He will be up against the likes of Norm Katnik, James Dearth, Steve Morley and Ed Blanton for a roster spot in camp. Missant was a team captain, which we know will impress Messrs Tannenbaum and Mangini. His most important role was his involvement in dunking Gatorade over the offensive line coach and head coach. I know it’s the wrong sport to have “good at dunking” on your résumé, but these things are important.

Missant talked about the build-up to the World Bowl in his two most recent diary entries: here and here.

Snell came off the bench again behind Nigerian-born British National Manny Akah, who is raw and inconsistent, but stronger and more powerful than Snell. However, Snell got plenty of reps at right guard as Frankfurt’s line began to dominate in the second half. They also only gave up one sack, although this was Snell’s fault. One of the keys to the Galaxy running game was Will Svitek (KC) who was surprising the only Galaxy offensive lineman to make the all-league team. Snell is probably a long shot to make the Jets with the additions of Clement, Mangold, Ferguson and Teague, but the experience will have been invaluable to him.

Taylor did not make much of an impact but certainly seemed to enjoy the experience. He registered 2 special teams tackles, including one solid open field tackle at the 15 on kickoff coverage, but is not considered to have much chance of making the team. For the year, he had two tackles, one pass defensed and eight special teams tackles.

King’s injury undermined another solid performance as he played most of the game. Amsterdam rushed for 109 yards, but their line gave up six sacks. One of the sacks occurred as he collided with a teammate, although this did not appear to be his fault. He was beaten for a sack on the play that resulted in his injury, but it was difficult to see where the injury occurred. He fell to the floor heavily as he hustled back and tried to save the situation.

On the season, King managed to hold down his starting job all year. He was considered the most athletic member of the Admirals offensive line. The team led the league in total offense, although most of it was through the air. They did give up quite a lot of sacks, but it did not seem that many of these were his fault. It will be a shame if his injury prevents him from having a chance to battle for a place on the team this summer, although his chances of making the roster are probably slim anyway.

Cavka got quite a few reps at left tackle and was for the most part solid in pass protection. He also played a bit of right tackle, as he had done earlier in the season. That versatility will help him as he is currently expected to make the team. He has great size and surges forward with power in the running game. He also exhibited great hustle to recover a fumble at one point. None of the sacks were his fault although pressure from his side contributed to an interception in the third quarter. He will have been disappointed not to regain his starting spot after losing it in week two.

The game featured three defensive backs who were in camp with the Jets last year but failed to make the team as Darrien Johnson beat them to the final roster spot. All three were impressive here, as Brandon Haw, who made the All-League team had three tackles and his league leading sixth interception, Atari Bigby – the hard hitting strong safety type the Jets lacked last year, but hope that Maddox and Eric Smith will fill this year – had 4 tackles and a forced fumble and Art Thomas also had 4 tackles.

The three Jets allocated players that did not make it to the World Bowl were Kliff Kingsbury (58-102-633yds 2TD, 2int and 22-51 rushing), Terry Butler (26-89-1TD rushing, 1-2 receiving) and Jovan Witherspoon (13-154-3TD). To call all three long shots to make the roster would apparently be an understatement.

This year’s NFL Europe coverage has been brought to you by apathy, indifference and the lack of other stuff to report on at this time of year.

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