Updated: 10/4/2011, 4:06 p.m. ET
Two teams sitting on the fringes of the Western Conference playoff picture meet this week at Toyota Park as the Green Bay Chill (0-2) hope to shake off a disastrous showing last week against Seattle while the Chicago Bliss (0-1) hope to regain their footing in time with the hope of an eventual return trip to the playoffs hanging in the balance.
The Green Bay Chill, led by former Green Bay Packers icon Gilbert Brown, are buoyed by stand-out quarterback Anne Erler, who possesses poise in the pocket as well as the intelligence and guile to emerge as the clear-cut leader on an all-rookie team. Comparable to NFL rising star Matt Ryan because of her field vision and mechanics, the Green Bay native’s performance will significantly impact her team’s chances to win on any given night. On the receiving end of Erler passes promises to be the talented wide receiving-duo of Jessica Peyton and Katie Zellner, who possess solid hands, agility and speed while running back Melissa De Jesus and Cassie Anderson lead a developing running game.
The Chill defense is anchored by linebacker Rykki Casey and safety Leslie Bowman, who dish out hard hits and punishing blows with regularity. Statistically, Green Bay has one of the weakest defensive units in the league, allowing an average of 119.5 yards-per-game on the ground and 36.5 points-per-game overall.
The Chicago Bliss enter the action facing more questions than answers about not only their defense, after surrendering 32 points in their home opener against Las Vegas, but their offense as well due to a largely ineffective passing game in their home opener, combined with depth concerns and inexperience. The Bliss, who struggled mightily in the passing game, will be without the services of promising rookie wide receiver Amanda Sartoris, due to a personal matter.
Chicago will rely on 2010-11 LFL MVP Heather Furr to quarterback their attack, with emerging star ChrisDell Harris anchoring the running game and talented rookie wide receiver Laura Petersen to mount a challenge to the Chill defense. On defense, veteran and recent addition Yahshi Rice, the sister of former NFL Pro Bowler Simeon Rice, will attempt to control Green Bay’s Melissa De Jesus on the ground while Petersen, Furr and the Chicago secondary are tasked with limiting big-play opportunities out the dangerous trio of Erler, Peyton and Zellner.
Photo courtesy of Joe Petro, LFL National Director of Photography and Mike McGinnis, Official Photographer of the Chicago Bliss.
Stadium: Toyota Park (Grass Surface, Outdoors)
Broadcast: 9:00 p.m. CST Kickoff (MTV2)
Key Match-Ups:
- Chicago’s ChrisDell Harris versus the Green Bay run defense.
- WR Bowman and Zellner versus Chicago secondary.
- Efficiency of QB Furr versus QB Erler.
FANTASY FOOTBALL IMPACT PLAYERS
GREEN BAY: QB/S ANNE ERLER | S LESLIE BOWMAN | WR JESSICA PEYTON
CHICAGO: QB/S HEATHER FURR | RB CHRISDELL HARRIS
INJURY REPORT
GREEN BAY:
- JAMIE JACOBSON (OL/DL) (KNEE – QUESTIONABLE)
- ASHLEY LAMAL (OL/DL) – (MUSCLE STRAIN- OUT)
- KATIE ZELLNER (WR/CB) – (ELBOW – PROBABLE)
- ASHLEY RUMSEY (C) – (QUAD – PROBABLE)
CHICAGO:
- AMANDA SARTORIS (PERSONAL – OUT)
SERIES HISTORY: No previous meeting.
J.ROOD’s MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL BETTING LINE: CHICAGO -11.5, OVER | UNDER 44.5
Tags: Chicago Bliss, game preview, green bay chill, Jim Wallin, week seven
