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+---- Thread: *DeSoto's Improved Involvement (/showthread.php?tid=26746)
*DeSoto's Improved Involvement - Jimi64 - 10-13-2020
It was only a week ago that we published an article describing how Jimi DeSoto’s first sack in his limited playtime could jumpstart an illustrious career for the Philadelphia Liberty. Since then, both DeSoto’s playtime and stats have increased dramatically. In his first two games, DeSoto only recorded two total tackles, counting that previously mentioned sack. In the last three games, DeSoto has recorded 32 tackles. Nobody can truly know what occurred to see DeSoto’s dramatically increased time on the field, whether it was simply a coach’s decision or pressure put on the front office by DeSoto himself, but he is clearly making a significant impact on the defense. Instead of DeSoto’s typical involvement, which was usually as an extra linebacker in short yardage situations, such as when the team needed to pack the box for an expected run on third and short. However, his role was expanded from weeks 3-5 to be more involved in a variety of situations and formations. This move has the potential to cause some unrest among the veteran linebackers on the squad, but DeSoto’s recent performances has proved that the head coach has thus far made the correct decision. Unfortunately, despite his talent being put on display, this has not translated into a successful Liberty defense overall. In those three games, the defense surrendered 27, 33, and 42 points. This contributed to an average of 30 points being given up by the Liberty per game, which is clearly not conducive to a winning season. It’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly is the Liberty’s defensive weakness, as teams have had success with just about any playcalling, but there seems to especially be difficulty defending the pass, with every quarterback facing the Liberty leaving with potentially their game of the season. The offense has tried it’s best to keep up with the onslaught, with quarterback Brock Pheonix having a fairly successful beginning of the year. However, it certainly hasn’t been enough. In week 5 against Colorado, the Liberty offense was essentially shut down, and with the Yeti having extended time of possession we all saw how ugly that game quickly became. Although pessimists surely remain among Liberty fans after the disappointing previous season, hope does not need to be lost anytime soon. At a record of 2-3, their destiny is certainly still within their hands, and the playoffs undoubtedly attainable, but the NSFC seems to be stacked with contenders this season, with the Colorado Yeti being the only standout, only having dropped one game this season. In addition, the better playing of the two expansion teams, the Berlin Fire Salamanders, have created an additional challenger in the NSFC. If the New York Silverbacks, at 0-5, were in the NSFC instead, the playoff picture would seem just a bit more favorable to the Liberty. The schedule shows the next 3 games being at home in Philadelphia, and I’m sure both the fans and players are hopeful for a 3-0 record to shoot themselves to the upper echelon of the NSFC. The first two are definitely winnable games and Yellowknife and Chicago, but the last one will truly be a difficult Venture, as they face the currently undefeated Orange Country Otters. DeSoto has stated he is looking forward to facing off against former teammate and friend Suleiman Ramza, but time will tell if this matchup will be one worth remembering for the Liberty.