To end the S20 season, the Chicago Butchers rattled off wins against 9-4 Wraiths, the 7-6 Otters, and the 8-5 and champions of the S20 season Austin Copperheads, as well as losing a narrow contest to the Arizona Outlaws 44-42. With such momentum heading into the S21 season, hopes are high in the Windy City that this is the season Chicago finally turns the corner and achieves some action in the postseason. New additions Osiris Firestorm-Fjord and Jerome Davis should prove viable as replacements for underwhelming inactives. And while the Butchers were able to supplement their draft acquisitions with a couple depth signings in free agency (despite not landing the big free agent fish they were hoping), perhaps the biggest move for the Butchers comes in the form of an internal change: Ryan Leaf Jr, long time defensive lineman for Chicago, is slimming down and switching sides of the ball. As of S21, Leaf Jr takes over the lead running back position, giving Chicago undoubtedly the most lethal offense in the league. Overall, the arrow is pointed upwards for Chicago, with improvements on both sides of the ball and another year of maturation for their existing players, and when you compare that with some of the regression/retirements/losses of teams in their conference, it is easy to see why the Butcher should be the representative from the NSFC in the S21 Ultimus.
|
|
