The Carolina Chaos enter the Cash App Playoffs with a record of 4-6 and are struggling to find an offensive identity.

Head coach and general manager Andy Towers began the season with the intention of changing the offensive philosophy from a two-man game to a two-handed evasion, but that philosophy continued to change throughout the season as the offense was lacking in effectiveness.

Despite the problems on offense, the team was close in most games due to its world-class defense.

Why Chaos Can Win the Cash App Championship

One word: defense.

Leading the way is four-time Goalkeeper of the Year, Oren Lyons Blaze RiordenCarolina has allowed the league’s most goals against at 11 per game. Riorden’s 11.5 saves per game and 59% save percentage are great, but the goalie’s ability to initiate a transition attack and take over an entire game is unmatched.

The close defense unit consists of Will Bowen, Jack Rowlett, Jarrod Neumann and sometimes Jack Posey was elite all season long.

Each week, the close unit and the rest of the defensive staff have collectively stopped the opposing offense more effectively than any other team in PLL history. They haven’t done it by causing a ton of turnovers; the defense is successful because it allows each player to play to their strengths.

A unit this solid shouldn’t have to suffer six losses this season. The positive is, if the Chaos defense continues to keep the opposing offense in check, an average Carolina offense will be enough to win games.

But as promising as that sounds, something like that has rarely happened this year.

Why Chaos could lose in the Cash App Playoffs

The star player of the chaos in the offensive, Josh Byrnehas had a season with 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists). After Byrne, there is a steep descent to the next most productive player, the rookie Ross Scottwho has 16 points (14 goals, 2 assists). Every team except Carolina has two shooters who score 20 or more points.

The kryptonite on offense has been turnovers and lack of possession. Carolina averages 17.1 turnovers per game and wins only 37% of its faceoffs, resulting in a low possession rate each week. This has led to long periods of no scoring on offense and games becoming out of reach sooner than they should be.

If Carolina’s offense continues to struggle and fails to play an average game, that will be the reason the team fails to advance past the first round.

X-Factor: Blaze Riorden

The team’s X-factor for the playoffs is his defensive anchor. Simply put, he can steal games. A red-hot Riorden is a fearsome sight for the rest of the league and led to a championship chaos in 2021.

Key statistics: 12 goals

Earlier this season, Towers said 12 goals is Carolina’s measure of success. He believes if the Chaos can score 12 goals on their opponent, they can win every week because their defense is so talented

After allowing 11 goals in an overtime loss to Boston last Friday, the Chaos have a second chance in the quarterfinals against Boom Squad on September 2nd.

For the Chaos to survive the Cannons and reach the semifinals, they will need another world-class defensive performance led by Riorden and at least an average offensive performance.