[b2d8f7ba]Great Lakes Spotlights: Chicago. Bottom's Up![/b2d8f7ba]
Gone are the days of Chicago's favorite son, Art Brady, who ran all over the Great Lakes Division and was named the CFL Player of the Year for 2005, 2007, and 2008. The Hitmen have never been a power in the league, but at least there was that one running back everyone could identify, the face of the franchise, Art Brady. In twenty three seasons, the Hitmen, known for their ability to take a hit and not deliver one, has only had three winning seasons. Three. By anyone's standard, that's moribund.
And the Hitmen were never a hit with the fans. Attendance is historically bad but last season saw a nineteen percent decline at the turnstyles. In an effort to increase attendance, G.M. "Hoosier" Owens has held prices steady, with only a slight increase in luxury boxes at Soldier Field. And we do mean, Soldier Field.
[img2d8f7ba]http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1289/chciagosoldierslarge.png[/img2d8f7ba]
After long deliberations and careful thought, G.M. Owens has asked the CFL's permission to abandon the Hitman logo and rebadge Chicago as the Soldiers. The Chicago Soldiers.
"As a retired Army Sergeant, I understand what it takes to be a soldier. It's about personal physical and mental toughness, being doggedly determined to accomplish the mission. We will put this franchise through basic training, and Soldier On..." G.M. "Hoosier" Owens.
But, Soldiers head coach Tyrus Fields does have some offensive weapons in his arsenal. The heir apparent to the title of Chicago's Favorite Running Back, Karl Sellers, ran for 920 yards with five touchdowns, but has amassed 4364 yards in a four year career. His fifth year will only add to that under G.M. David "Hoosier" Owens fondness for the smashmouth run oriented offense. Sellers ranks first all time Chicago 100 yards rushing, and is closing in on first all time in every other rushing record. The question is not if he'll overtake the three time CFL Player Of The Year Arthur Brady as Chicago's favorite son, but when. And if he can run them to an unfamiliar spot, the playoffs.
Chicago's been there once. One time. Uno. Just once.
Chicago ranks last in the CFL in won lost records, standing at an all time 123 wins, 244 losses, and 1 tie. We are young, tied with Albany at an average 27.6 years old. The salary cap is okay, and Chicago has twenty six players under contract.
Chicago's offense is led by a young quarterback, Solecismic Green Page Honoree Marvin Griffith. But, the second year quarterback from California has to improve his play this season. Twelve interceptions against 9 touchdowns and a qb rating of 66.9 all came in a King Rex Gameplan. That has to change this season.
Defensively, Chicago is led by their best defensive player, left corner Neil Harding. The former Illini and All Big 10 defensive back is well liked by fans, and has 15 career interceptions. His pass defense percentage of 82.7 is the second best of his seven year career, and despite a long laundry list of leg injuries, he still started in 15 games last season. He'll need help from a depth standpoint, and a rookie right corner would be outstanding, but if he can avoid the injury bug he can become an outstanding defensive back that will garner more national attention.
Special Teams is anchored by 15 year kicker Kris Lyle. Lyle is a fan favorite, and owns Chicago's Field Goal Record and Chicago's Points Scored records. He hit 80 percent of his field goal attempts last season, with the longest being 48 yards, and hit all of his point after attempts.
THE Chicago Soldiers will improve, it may not show it in the standings, but with Detroit and Albany looking for a new owner, Cleveland looks to be the challenger to the Vampires reign in the Great Lakes. The Soldiers will keep humpin' their rucks up that hill of losing seasons, and break through into the winning ranks.
Tomorrow: The Cleveland Flats.
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