Texans in NFL Europe

Cornerback Rober' Freeman and wide receivers Albert Johnson and Chris Taylor won't be playing in the World Bowl. But they're making every last minute of their 2004 NFL Europe season count.

Freeman scored on a 61-yard fumble return in Rhein's 20-14 overtime loss to Frankfurt, while Johnson returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown in Cologne's loss to Amsterdam this weekend as NFL Europe wrapped up its penultimate week. 

Berlin and Frankfurt had already clinched both World Bowl XII spots the previous week.

Freeman briefly gave the Fire a 14-7 lead when he picked up a fumble by Galaxy quarterback Kirk Farmer and scampered to the end zone for his second touchdown of the season. The other came on a kickoff return on the opening play of the season. Freeman finished with a season-high four tackles.

Johnson, who added a five-yard reception, scored midway through the third quarter to cut the Admirals' lead to 14-11. Cologne eventually took a one-point lead in the fourth quarter, but another Texan took over from there. Kicker Todd Sievers booted two field goals (41, 40) in the final 5:18 to give Amsterdam a 23-18 win.

Taylor continued his strong season for the Admirals, leading the team with four receptions for 61 yards, including a two-yard scoring grab. He leads Amsterdam through nine games with 37 catches for 486 yards (13.1 avg.) and four touchdowns.

In other action, Berlin topped Scotland 27-19 as linebacker Kevin Deronde posted five tackles.

The 2004 regular season concludes next weekend with Cologne at Scotland, Rhein at Amsterdam and a World Bowl "preview" when Frankfurt heads to Berlin.