The Philadelphia Waterdogs began the season with three heartbreaking, one-point losses en route to a 1-4 start. In that time, they’ve had some spectacular individual performances as well as some underwhelming production from key players. 

Two attackmen rank top five in points, while two defenders are second in caused turnovers at their respective positions. But one attackman had a shockingly quiet first half as the offense has taken a step back since last season. The Waterdogs' 11.2 scores per game would be their worst since the team’s first season in 2020. Yet, on the other end, they lead the league in caused turnovers by a large margin. 

Here are grades for every unit and player through five games, relative to their personal history and expectations:

Attack: B

Kieran McArdle: A

McArdle has been Mr. Reliable for the Waterdogs from the start, but he’s actually improved statistically this season. He’s currently on pace to tie his PLL career high of 42 points and has his lowest turnover rate in the PLL. The captain has increased his goals-per-game average in his age-32 season, yet he’s still not an All-Star…

Michael Sowers: A-

Sowers’ footwork is the best in the game. He loses defenders behind the cage and is fearless as a finisher near the net. His 21 points are tied for fifth in the league with McArdle, and he’s turned the ball over just five times on 209 touches. If anything, it would be nice to see him be even more aggressive at times, because when he and McArdle take matters into their own hands, that’s when the Dogs offense has been at its best.

Ethan Walker: D

Walker has the worst goal rate in the league among offensive players with at least 50 touches. His 155 touches ranks 10th in the PLL, but Walker has scored just twice this season on 15 shots. His passive nature on offense is baffling, especially after reuniting with his former college head coach, Bill Tierney. Everyone else in the league with 130-plus touches has at least 10 points. Walker has four. 

Matt Brandau: C

The Waterdogs’ first-round pick seems to be struggling to adapt to the pro game. He’s played some minutes at attack and some coming out of the box, but it just doesn’t seem like he’s found his footing. Brandau’s 51 touches have produced just three points (on 16.7% shooting) and as many turnovers, as he’s struggled to carve out a place in the Waterdogs’ offense. He has tons of potential, but it’s just not being realized right now.

Midfield: B-

Zach Currier: B

The case of Currier is an interesting one. He was the primary faceoff guy for two games, which muted his offensive production, but then broke out in game three for a hat trick and five points. Since then, he’s gone scoreless on five shots. Everyone knows Currier is an impact player in all three aspects of the game, but he’s been quiet since Homecoming Weekend, and the Waterdogs need him to produce to be at their best. Only 89 touches (17.8 per game) isn’t enough for one of the craftiest facilitators in the game.

Connor Kelly: B+

The first-ever Waterdog has displayed his versatility this season. Most people think of Kelly as a shooter, but he’s had tons of success off the dodge and finishing close to the cage in 2024. He’s got eight goals on the season and has scored in every game so far. Only one thing is missing: range. The Waterdogs have only made one two-point shot this season on 23 attempts, and CK is 0-for-7 from beyond the arc. The three-time two-point king needs to get the deep ball going.

Jack Hannah (two games): A-

He’s only played two games, but it’s clear that Hannah is back and better than ever. He scored twice in each appearance, adding a slick no-look skip assist in his return. Hannah is as creative and competitive as it gets coming out of the box, and his presence opens up a myriad of options for the Waterdogs’ offense. Whenever he graces the field, defenses have to pay attention.

Jake Carraway: B-

Carraway is one of the best shooters in the game. He can battle contact and momentum to snipe corners with incredible velocity. That said, he hasn’t gotten many opportunities to do what he does best: shoot the deep ball. Carraway (four one-point goals) is 0-for-4 on two-point attempts this season but is shooting 24.5% overall. He needs to get more touches and be more aggressive when he gets them.

Ryan Conrad: B-

The two-way midfielder has made his presence felt all over the field, but his offensive output has been underwhelming. Conrad has shot 5-for-28 (17.9%) with one assist on 103 touches. He’s got the fifth-most touches and points on the team, but his shooting has just been a bit off. Conrad is as clutch as they come, and he illustrated that by sending the first Boston Cannons game to overtime, but that offensive output just needs to be more consistent.

Close Defense: A

Ben Randall: A+

The Waterdogs’ All-Star defender has put together another fantastic season. Randall is second in caused turnovers (nine) while also excelling in transition. He’s also taken the top matchup in every game this season, shutting down physical playmakers like Asher Nolting. No notes.

Marcus Hudgins: A

Philadelphia’s 2024 third-round pick has taken full advantage of his opportunities with the Dogs. After Chris Sabia got injured, Hudgins got the call at close defense, and he made an immediate impact. He’s physical, smart, and has caused clutch turnovers that have given the Waterdogs life late in games. He’s the only player in the PLL with four or fewer games played and seven caused turnovers. He rarely gets beat one-on-one, proving beyond doubt that he belongs in the pros.

MARCUS HUDGINS IS A DAWG 😤@marcus_hudgins is keeping this a one-goal game 👊 pic.twitter.com/HUGRbYg482

— Philadelphia Waterdogs (@PLLWaterdogs) July 7, 2024

Liam Byrnes: A

Defensive captains like Byrnes are hard to come by. He’s low-key but can flip a switch and fire everyone up when he needs to. Byrnes is having another solid season as the voice of this defense, and his six caused turnovers rank ninth in the league. The Dogs’ close defense trio wouldn’t be having nearly as much success without him.

Defensive Midfield: B+

Eli Gobrecht: B

Gobrecht played close defense and took faceoffs last season for the Waterdogs, but Tierney has him playing a different role this season. After two straight All-Star appearances at close, Gobrecht has been effective as a long-stick midfielder this season (four caused turnovers). However, he registered a costly penalty at the end of the second Cannons game. 

Ryland Rees: B

The only two-pointer for the Waterdogs this season came from Rees, and it helped seal their first victory of the year. With two caused turnovers and eight ground balls, Rees has been effective but hasn’t made the same overwhelming, physical impact that he had in years past.

Matt Whitcher: A+

Both defensive All-Stars get an “A+” for the first half. Whitcher leads all short-stick defensive midfielders with seven caused turnovers, using pristine stick work and speed. The Division-III product has the complete package as a defender while also leading the Waterdogs’ transition offense with two goals.

Jake Richard: B

Richard’s production hasn’t shown up on the stat sheet, but his leadership has provided a boost for an already-loaded defense. He’s a vocal, experienced weapon who may not be living up to his All-Pro past but has still matched up well against some of the league’s best midfielders.

Christian Scarpello: B+

Scarpello is another locker room gem who has shown up for the defense. His nine ground balls have helped the Waterdogs dictate transition offense, and his aggressive tact in one-on-one matchups gives life to the unit. He’s a great pick-setter on the offensive end and will always be one of the most-liked personalities on the field.

Specialists: B+

Alec Stathakis (FO): B+

The rookie faceoff specialist has done everything that’s been asked of him in two starts. He’s 21-for-42 at the stripe (50%) with 11 ground balls. And even when he’s not winning, he’s shown a proclivity for pushing his opponent backward and not letting up quality fast-break shots. He hasn’t gone against any of the league’s top specialists yet, but he’s looked like a consummate professional so far.

Dillon Ward (G): A-

The Canadian veteran has only finished one game with a save rate under 50%, which was in Week 1. Since then, he’s saved at least 12 shots at a 53% rate in four straight games. His total save percentage of 55.3% ranks third in the league (among players with three or more starts), and he’s saving just under 70% of shots in the fourth quarter. His success with the high arc has kept the Dogs competitive on more than one occasion.