The Carolina Chaos’ 2024 regular season was characterized by great defense and a weak offense. One part of the team that has flown under the radar is the faceoff unit.

The Chaos have the second-lowest faceoff percentage (37%) in the Premier Lacrosse League and the lowest of any team in the Cash App Playoffs. Problems at the free throw line led to few possession numbers for the Chaos, who need as much possession as possible.

In nine games of the regular season with ten games Nick Rowlett was the starting faceoff specialist for Carolina. Rowlett was on the injured list before the Chaos’ season finale against the Boston Cannons. James Reilly was signed a day later and started the game in Rowlett’s place.

With two faceoff specialists on the roster and below-average season numbers at the free throw line, a new question arises: Is Rowlett or Reilly the best option for Carolina?

The decision must be made by head coach and general manager Andy Towers and his staff on a game-by-game basis.

Against the Cannons in the quarterfinals, Reilly is the best option. In the last game of the regular season against Boston, Reilly was successful on 12 of 24 (50%) faceoffs and looked great at times against Zac Tucci.

Tucci has outstanding speed and can generate offense for Boston, but Reilly did a good job of keeping it to a minimum.

Reilly’s first start for Carolina was mixed. He won four straight faceoffs in the first quarter after losing the first of the game. The four wins were followed by five losses.

Lacrosse is a game of running, and inconsistent performance at the line can lead to scoring streaks and dry spells, but Carolina’s stellar defense makes it less difficult for the rope unit to stay in top form as they regularly shut down the opposing offense.

Rowlett has never played against Tucci in the PLL or in college. Putting him against a guy he’s never played against isn’t the best recipe for Carolina.

If the Chaos beat the Cannons, should Reilly remain the starter?

Simple answer: No.

A win against Boston would mean a duel with the New York Atlas and Trevor Baptiste. Baptiste has been named Paul Cantabene Faceoff Player of the Year four times and has performed well against Rowlett and Reilly.

Reilly achieved 25% in his only duel with Baptiste and Rowlett has performances of 28% and 25%.

Rowlett is the better option for this matchup from a chemistry perspective, as he has spent more time on the wings of the rope unit. To win draws against Baptiste, every member of the rope unit will need to bring their full effort and then some.

However, if Reilly goes above 60% against Boston, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he starts ahead of Rowlett.

The final decision will ultimately come down to what the coaching staff most wants to pick from the 19-man roster. There is one roster spot available for faceoff specialists each week, so Towers and his team will have to make a clear decision to make it through the postseason.