Mr. Post, the Delmenhorst Bulldogs had a 7-1 record in the regular season and only lost in the final. How do you classify playing time?
René Post: The development is very positive. Last season we had a 5-3 record and didn’t make the playoffs. This year we have been more adaptable and variable. I find the performance of our rookies, who worked hard to earn their starting positions, particularly impressive. However, the one defeat against the Windmills shows that we still have room for improvement.
In the playoff semi-finals it was again against Emhusen Windmills. Were you nervous before the first knockout game in Bulldogs history?
In fact, I was very busy at work during the week, which is why I mainly focused on my playbook. There wasn’t much time for nervous thoughts. On the day of the game we established the run better and were able to make the decisive points with precise passes. Our defense provided a tailwind with a Pick-6, which we were then able to convert into points on offense. In the end we deserved to win the semi-final.
Things didn’t go well in the final. Neither for the team as a whole, nor for you personally.
That’s correct. We had two turnovers right at the start, which set us back. I usually see my role as motivating the team and building up my teammates. But in this game I was very focused on my own mistakes, even though the team kept trying to support me. As captain and quarterback, my goal is to give my best in every situation and move forward. I didn’t manage to do that in the final – an aspect that I will work intensively on in the offseason.
What is your overall personal balance?
Overall, I’m happy with my second season as quarterback, but of course I still see room for improvement. I threw 24 touchdown passes with eight interceptions in the regular season. However, the comparison to the previous season is difficult because we had an undefeated opponent in the Lohne Longhorns twice.
What were the Bulldogs’ strengths and weaknesses?
Our biggest weakness was probably the lack of consistency. Injury-related absences in individual positions were an issue. For example, on the offensive line, eleven players suddenly became just six over the course of the season. This meant that positions had to be rotated. Nevertheless, the performance of my boys on the line was very solid over the season. I was given a lot of time to distribute the balls, especially in the pass block. The run block also got much better at the end of the season after minor difficulties. I’m also very happy with the receivers, tight ends and running backs. They often pulled the team along and shared the responsibility with their individual class.
The new season doesn’t start until April, how are you approaching the offseason?
The boys and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch. This is also a good way to process the final defeat. The team’s willingness to train and perform is enormous. Many wide receivers, tight ends and running backs have already asked if we could do a few extra training sessions in the winter. As a team, we have proven many times that we can emerge stronger from setbacks. Of course we would also be happy to take revenge against the Flensburg Sealords.
What’s possible for the Bulldogs next year?
That’s difficult to predict. A lot of things are uncertain in the amateur world because professional and private obligations always play a big role. So it will depend on what the squad looks like next year. However, we will once again do our best and work hard to achieve the best possible result.
What is important if you want to play quarterback?
Of course you should be athletic and have agility. Body size plays less of a central role and depends largely on your individual playing style – whether you are more mobile and run yourself or stand in the pocket with an overview and throw passes. The most important thing, however, is the head. You have to know the playbook inside out and know exactly what every player on the field is doing. Willingness to learn and the willingness to study moves outside of training are essential. As a quarterback, you have a lot of responsibility and lead the offense onto the field, which is why leadership qualities and strong nerves are particularly important.
The interview was conducted by Michael Kerzel
To the home page
