The Call of Duty League is in a state of flux. Organizations are dropping entire rosters like it’s nothing and gambling huge on Free Agency. The move to 4v4 in the CDL has caused teams to completely rethink their strategy for 2021. Teams are now in the business of picking up the best available players and not who might fit the roster best. However, this only applies to the starting rosters. The substitute role is very much up in the air and some are suggesting that the bench should be made up of Search and Destroy experts.
CDL subs to be Search and Destroy masterminds?
This was a topic that arose around this time last year. When the CDL announced that organizations could hold a few substitute players, some fans suggested that teams sign Search and Destroy experts. These specialists would come off the bench during S&D maps only and provide a boost to the team.
However, no organization in 2020 implemented this strategy. Instead, some teams signed “Analysts” who coached the roster on Search and Destroy tactics. While this was a neat idea, it didn’t serve a huge purpose in the grand scheme of things.
Although, with 2021 moving to 4v4, could this strategy be revitalized? Content creator for the Chicago Huntsmen, David “Hitch” Edwards, posed this very question a week ago.
I wonder if subs are going to come into play more in 4v4s. Dedicated search players has always been something that I’ve been interested in. I think some teams could benefit from that if utilized correctly.
enough of this analysis bs… somebody get Pac a jersey
— OpTic Hitch (@hitchariide) August 31, 2020
The strategy is a great idea in theory. Teams would sign one or two S&D specialists to come in during maps two and five. They would replace two starters who aren’t as proficient in the mode. Easy enough. However, in practice, this strategy becomes a bit more convoluted.
Competing online against Call of Duty League professionals is a whole other game. The S&D specialists likely don’t have as much experience as the starters they would replace, which could see worse results in the long run.
Still, it would be interesting to see teams take more advantage of the substitute role in 2021. In 2020, the bench wasn’t utilized by any team except the Toronto Ultra. The 4v4 format calls for more tactical strategies and bringing in new players for S&D could be a great decision. We’ll have to see how if this topic pans out in any way over the course of Free Agency.
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