With the holiday season right around the corner, LFL Friday Night is giving fans an early present as two powerhouse teams in the Eastern Conference face off in perhaps the most anticipated game of the season. The Philadelphia Passion (2-1) are coming off a big win last week versus Tampa Bay and they travel to Chicago to play the Bliss (2-0) in a potential playoff preview.
Philly is coming off a season changing performance. Philly has had a rollercoaster type season and many questions surrounded the team. The Passion responded last week by picking up a win in dramatic fashion. A goal line stand to preserve a 12-6 win put them back on track. I mentioned that the outcome of the game would dictate the rest of the season for the Passion. Now they are in a position to book their payoff spot in Miami with a win and a Miami loss. They are coming in the game as underdogs to a very good Chicago team and look to end their regular season by earning a playoff spot.
Chicago comes in looking to take care of business like they have done all year. Last time we saw Chicago, they defeated the Tampa Breeze at Tampa 27-18. Chicago won the game on the ground and had a punishing game plan that has worked all season. Look for them to continue to run against a Passion rush defense that struggles at times. Running back #10 Saran Dunmore should play a key role in the Bliss offense. She is a talented back the runs hard, she might not be the flashy back that some teams have but she gets the job done.
The key of the game for Philadelphia is going to be on the defensive side. The offense will score and keep them in the game. Despite troubles in the passing game, the Passion finds ways to score with a solid game plan and good play calling. The have potential MVP candidate running back #11 Tyrah Lusby who is one of he hardest runners in the league. The Passion offense might not be the best in the league but they can light up the scoreboard like we saw versus New York and they should try to come into this game with the same mentality when the killed the Majesty 40-6.
However, after watching Chicago in their two wins, stopping the run is key. Chicago is not the greatest passing team and if the Passion can make the Bliss one dimension, then they can put themselves into a position to win. Chicago Quarterback #4 Elle Cartabiano has not thrown the ball much this season and combine that with her questionable status (concussion) for the game could put more pressure on the Chicago offense. If Cartabiano can play and has to the throw the ball, the game will be decided on the Bliss passing offense. Chicago is going to hope that they can establish the run and pound their way to a #1 seed in the playoffs.
Each team has it’s own flaws, but at this point in the season it will come down to who wants it more. What Philly lacks on defense they make up for in the running game. Chicago can run the ball and control the clock but have yet to have a game with so much pressure on them. This game has the makings to be the game of the season and it is definitely going to be a clash of Eastern Conference rivals.
This one will be decided on the ground, with only a token pass to keep the secondary honest (and when the rules force it). Chicago will attack the Passion weakside relentlessly, either with misdirection or weakside sweeps. Cartabiano will be a non-factor, healthy or otherwise. Why throw when you have two of the best runners on your team?
For the Passion, Lusby and Fairweather will be carrying the load. Lusby can catch if Danico can get the ball to her, but that’ll probably come on a trick play or misdirection.
It’ll be interesting to see how many bodies Pryor leaves in her wake when she’s running downhill to the endzone. But Philly can’t focus on her too much or Dunmore will get outside and burn them for big plays.
thx for this one m8