Is it time to start worrying about team liquid?
Just a week ago, I wrote here that Team Liquid was finally ready to start doing what they were expected to do all season long, dominate. Now, a week later, they feel so far removed from the team that has owned the LCS for four consecutive splits. With Broxah finally set to join the team this week, is it okay for us to be worrying or will Team Liquid right the ship over the weekend?
Why you should worry
Let’s start by looking at where they are. After three weeks, they sit at 2-4, having just dropped a miserable pair of games over the weekend. If they had only lost on Saturday to 100 Thieves, I would have said that Shernfire might be the reason for it. He didn’t look great and Meteos punished his inexperience. That’s something that won’t happen this week with Broxah stepping into the jungle position.
However, Team Liquid didn’t just lose to 100 Thieves, did they? No, they also dropped an embarrassing loss to Golden Guardians. Not to say that GG is a joke, but they’re not on the same level as Liquid. Or at least, they shouldn’t be. A cursory glance at the rosters should have told you all you need to know about that match up. So while I give all the props in the world to Golden Guardians for pulling out the win, that cannot happen if you are Team Liquid. Especially not when you’re 2-3 and struggling.
Worse than the loss was the reason for the loss. This time, Shernfire wasn’t to blame. I actually thought he looked pretty solid. This time, the responsibility for the loss fell squarely on Doublelift and the bottom lane. For touting one of the best bottom lanes in North American history, Doublelift is currently dead last as far as AD Carries are concerned. The team’s coaching is being called into question as they continue to try and put their star ADC on Senna, a champion he clearly isn’t comfortable on. Doublelift has played Senna in 3 out of 6 games this season, and all three have been losses. It’s time for Cain to call an audible. The question? Is Doublelift insisting on playing Senna or is Cain telling him to? Either way, it needs to stop because it clearly isn’t working.
Why you shouldn’t worry
Again, we can start by looking at where they are. It’s easy to look at them being in 7th place and hit the panic button. But take a moment to breathe and remember that it’s the third week of the season. Two wins this weekend and they’re back to 500. That looks all the more possible given they have matches with Immortals and CLG. So as bleak as the standings may look, a couple strong weekends will have them right back in the thick of things.
In addition, Broxah is finally set to join the roster this weekend. I don’t think it’s fair to lay the blame of Liquid’s struggles at Shernfire’s feet. He’s filled in admirably, but there’s a reason they signed Broxah. With his arrival, their squad has finally had a week to compete together and should be ready to go this week. It’ll be interesting to see how their new jungler performs as he competes in the LCS for the first time.
Lastly, I would be surprised if we continue to see Doublelift pick Senna. Post-game interviews have shown that Liquid is picking Senna based on scrimmage results, but something is clearly wrong. Doublelift and CoreJJ are one of the best bottom lanes we’ve ever had and the pick is clearly not working for them. Cain is one of the best coaches in North America and I doubt he’ll allow the team to continue to flounder while trying to force picks that aren’t working. Expect to see some big changes this week. And if not, then there’s always time to hit the panic button next week.
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