(S24) - PT 2 - Rising Stocks

[kingsleigher]

With all the major moves made by Chicago in free agency following the ISFL’s 23rd season, the Butchers were expected by many to cut through the competition in Season 24. Unfortunately, that has yet to be the case as the team has struggled in the process of getting out to a 1-4 start, second worst to only the winless Philadelphia Liberty. The Butcher’s offseason moves including the signing of superstar running back Baby Yoda, and Season 23 Ultimus Champion Bender Rodriguez, haven’t exactly provided the spark the Chicago offense was hoping for. It’s the Butchers defense, though, that feels desperately in need of some help. Despite a solid pass rush that features star defensive tackle John Smirh and a cornerback corp loaded with elite talents in Firestorm-Fjord and Oles Jr, the Chicago defense has given up a whopping 269 passing yards per game, good for dead last in the ISFL. They’ve also given up the second most points in the league thus far, averaging nearly 27 points allowed per game.

If Chicago is going to turn their season around, they’re going to need to establish the run - they’re second to last in rushing - in order to control the clock and keep their defense off the field and fresh. The Butchers’ lone bright point to this point has been their passing offense, which is still putting up more yards than half the league, but no doubt those numbers are slightly padded in garbage time as all but one of the Butchers’ losses have come at a point differential of two or more scores. They need to be more efficient as well by turning those yard totals into scores. They currently rank 11th in points scored per game.