So, at the time of this writing we are through week 7 of the ISFL and perhaps one of the most surprising placements in the league standings is the Chicago Butchers, who currently sit at the bottom of the NSFC with a record of 1-6 (tied for last in the league with the ASFC bottom team, the Honolulu Hahalua). While Chicago was by no means a favorite to win their division this season, their current standing is surprising and disappointing given their roster.
Now Chicago has a few question marks on offense. They are starting the oldest QB in the league, with O’Donnell, but even after regression he still has higher TPE than Ryan Negs of the Philadelphia Liberty and Luke Skywalker of the Baltimore Hawks (two teams currently higher in the NSFC standings) not to mention significant player experience! They have a top receiving outlet in Scabbia and a veteran vertical-threat TE in Gelbman, but lack some depth in receiving as their more recent draft picks develop. At running back, Hayes is an exciting, up-and-coming young starter who gets better every game. And their veteran OL, including Julio Jones, Mo Magic, and Icebox Riposte, can help make up for some of the deficiencies by keeping O’Donnell clean in the pocket and helping to make holes for Hayes.
On defense, they have a solid D-line, but no major stand-outs. At LB, they have three fantastic players in Domine, Gleel, and Chainbreaker. At safety, Blackfyre and the young, but savvy Jones provide help. And even with trading away Tyron Shields mid-season, they still have veteran Firestorm-Fjord and rookie HeHateMe PickSix II. All=in-all, a formidable squad for any offense to face, at least on paper.
Given this roster, one might expect for the team to bounce back from this disappointing start to the season, but I’m not optimistic given their remaining schedule. At 1-6, Chicago has already played all but three of their home games. That means they are going to have to win on the road if they want to climb the standings.
Now Chicago has a few question marks on offense. They are starting the oldest QB in the league, with O’Donnell, but even after regression he still has higher TPE than Ryan Negs of the Philadelphia Liberty and Luke Skywalker of the Baltimore Hawks (two teams currently higher in the NSFC standings) not to mention significant player experience! They have a top receiving outlet in Scabbia and a veteran vertical-threat TE in Gelbman, but lack some depth in receiving as their more recent draft picks develop. At running back, Hayes is an exciting, up-and-coming young starter who gets better every game. And their veteran OL, including Julio Jones, Mo Magic, and Icebox Riposte, can help make up for some of the deficiencies by keeping O’Donnell clean in the pocket and helping to make holes for Hayes.
On defense, they have a solid D-line, but no major stand-outs. At LB, they have three fantastic players in Domine, Gleel, and Chainbreaker. At safety, Blackfyre and the young, but savvy Jones provide help. And even with trading away Tyron Shields mid-season, they still have veteran Firestorm-Fjord and rookie HeHateMe PickSix II. All=in-all, a formidable squad for any offense to face, at least on paper.
Given this roster, one might expect for the team to bounce back from this disappointing start to the season, but I’m not optimistic given their remaining schedule. At 1-6, Chicago has already played all but three of their home games. That means they are going to have to win on the road if they want to climb the standings.