The Denver Outlaws needed an offensive spark. Following a dismal 17-4 loss to the New York Atlas and injuries to Logan Wisnauskas and Jack Myers, Denver needed a change. In comes three-time champion Eric Law.

Law’s return to the Outlaws is a great homecoming story, but it’s also a huge addition to the Denver offense. While Law is one of the oldest attackmen in the league, he’s proved there’s still plenty left in the tank.

He scored 22 goals last season -- his most since joining the PLL in 2019 -- and has never had fewer than 20 points in a full professional season. 

Law’s finishing is the most immediate boon to Denver’s offense. The Outlaws actually lead the league in shots per game (46.3), but shooting has been an issue all season. Denver has the second-lowest shooting percentage (23.2%) and goes on long stretches where it cannot find the cage.

That won’t be an issue with Law. The 2017 MLL Offensive Player of the Year is one of the most efficient goal-scorers in history. He shot over 50% in three of his last five seasons, and his career average is 51%.

Part of why Law’s shooting percentage is so high is where he gets his shot. And that’s another element Denver hasn’t had this season.

As Law’s career evolved, he became an elite crease attackman. With the Atlas, he was the best player in the world around the goal. Starting from X, Law has a sixth sense for finding open space for easy finishes. And he rarely wastes time when he gets a look.

He's always getting open and never wasting a second pic.twitter.com/hrGqN1OmeK

— Topher Adams (@Topher_Adams) July 17, 2024

The Outlaws needed an inside presence. Having Law around the crease will make the game easier for the likes of Brennan O’Neill. With a more formidable scoring threat around the goal, it’s harder to immediately slide to a dodger like O’Neill or Sam Handley.

Then, when O’Neill or Handley do dodge, Law is a dangerous option around the goal. Denver has shooters, but nobody occupies the interior. With Law, the Outlaws add a player who is always working to get open and finding ways to be an outlet.

Eric Law is one of the best off-ball players in the league. Nobody on the Outlaws roster does stuff like this pic.twitter.com/4dqTnsG0Ks

— Topher Adams (@Topher_Adams) July 17, 2024

If there’s any downside to Law’s addition, it’s the lack of playmaking. During his first run with Denver, Law was a true X quarterback who could run the offense from behind the cage. At this point in his career, that’s not as big a part of his game.

The Outlaws need more playmaking punch from the attack line. O’Neill, Myers, Wisnauskas and Cross Ferrara are all shoot-first offensive pieces. Josh Zawada is more of a playmaker, but it’s unrealistic to expect him to shoulder all of the playmaking load as a rookie.

Eventually, Denver needs to find a quarterback type of attackman to help free up all the goal-scorers. But even if Law isn’t quite the playmaker the Outlaws need, his skillset will still help Denver’s ball movement and offensive rhythm. 

The ball never gets stuck in Law’s stick. He never wastes time getting off a shot, and he never wastes time when moving the ball around the offense. The Outlaws offense can get slow, with players standing around watching one player set up a dodge or scan the field.

Even if Law isn’t a premier playmaker at X, he sees the game well enough and is experienced enough to keep the offense flowing. His experience will also provide a steady hand and serve as an extension of the coaching staff.

“I think having somebody out there that's vocal and organizing traffic is going to help us organize, create dodging opportunities in good spots and just kind of direct traffic more than anything else,” Outlaws head coach Tim Soudan said.

Denver has a tendency to rush, settle for bad shots and get out of its offense in difficult situations. Adding Law’s experience – he’s played four times longer than any other Outlaws attackman – will help Denver navigate these issues. 

The balance of the offense when Wisnauskas and Myers come back will be another puzzle to solve. But for the time being, Law -- who should make his season debut this Friday in Fairfield against the Philadelphia Waterdogs -- solves a lot of problems for Denver’s attack. Adding a great veteran to this roster will only make things easier for the young stars and help the Outlaws stabilize the rest of the season.