The Saakatchewan Roughriders got clobbered yesterday at Mosaic, losing 42 - 5 to the BC Lions. The effort was lacking from the get go. I am not going to ramble on with excuses and explanations. It is simple, they stunk it out im their most important game. I struggle to think of more than three or four players who looked like they wanted it. Darian was not good. However that does not mean he is not the QB of thos team as some idiots have said on other blogs. That is all I am going to say. Put this behind them and re- group for next week.
For the record give the Lions credit, they are a great football team.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
No Witty Title
For the third week in a row, the spirits amongst Rider Nation are high. The Riders were victorious for the third week in a row, and in the process improved their record to 4 - 7. All this after Saturday's less than thrilling 30 - 20 victory over the Toronto Argonauts. My observations of this past weekend are as follows:
I knew this game could be slow and somewhat boring at times based on the entrance of the teams. The Argo's literally walked out of the tunnel and showed very little excitement and emotion. In a way when you are 2 - 8 this is to be expected. However, the entrance of the Riders was less than exciting. Sean Lucas and Remond Willis were the only two who seemed remotely interesting in the game as they raced out of the tunnel, followed slowly by the remaining 44. I know, a win is a win but in hindsight, why were the green and white not chomping at the bit to get out there and continue their dominance of the past two weeks? All I will say is I would hope to see a different team this weekend, and not only on the field, but also coming out of the tunnel. That will tell me and the other 30, 000 plus in attendance where the intensity and desire is at, and in a game as important as Saturday's against BC, the intensity and desire NEEDS to be at a season high.
Clearly the player making the most out of the return of Andy Fantuz is Chris Getzlaf. Following a two touchdown performance in the Banjo Bowl, Getz went for 170 and a score in what was one of his best games as a Rider. The only better game I remember him having was las year's 200 yard performance against the Stamps. While Andy hasn't put up impressive numbers in his two games since returning, well one and a quarter and a half, he sure has made an impression. He obviously demands extra attention which is freeing up guys like Getzlaf and Baker who are starting to become more effective contributors to the offence.
Every June I have the same thought, Wes Cates is too slow, too old and needs to be cut. And every year I am disgruntled when he stays and starts at TB. I am not sure why this thought arrives each year because all Wes does is make plays. Sure he might not put up 1000 yards rushing as he did a couple seasons ago, but seriously, is there a better blocking back in the league? Also, he makes plays when we need them; case in point, 3rd quarter of Saturday's game, 2nd and six or so, he catches a pass in the backfield and is instantly converged on by an Argo defender...done, end of drive, no points, time to punt, right? Nope...Wes makes the first defender look really bad and then jukes and jives for the required yardage. The drive ended in a field goal. Milo made the kick, but Wes made sure he was given that opportunity.
Chris McKenzie is getting better and better every week. In fact I have been really impressed with the secondary since Labour Day. I remember after the season opener, driving home thinking we had the worst secondary in the league. Since then they have slowly improved. A month ago I threw Nick Graham under the bus calling him the worst DB in the league. I doubt Nick Graham read this blog, or if he did, I doubt it really bothered him, but Jesus has he been good since. He along with Tristan Jackson and Craig Butler have totally stepped up their game during this win streak.
The CFL announced their players of the week today. Not surprised to see Chris Mackenzie get the nod on defence after a three tackle, one sack and INT for a TD performance, but Chris Getzlaf totally got snubbed. Buck Pierce won Offensive POW and Jerome Messam was Top Canadian. Sure they had good numbers but to not recognize Getzlaf for at least one of these honors for the game he had is in my opinion, shameful. Honestly, I am starting to think that TSN and other prominent eastern media types are so against the Riders that they do shit like this. I can see why they would dislike the Riders...the smallest market in the league, and at the moment the best team in the league.
Speaking of the east, how on earth does Jim Barker still have a job. That football team is awful. If they had any sort of offense that game would have been out of touch for the Riders by the half. However, they have no QB, marginal receivers at best and just can't put points on the board. I know what you are saying, Barker is the coach, it is the GM who needs to take the blame. Guess what, Jim Barker is also the GM. Seriously, can you fire yourself? That is the only way I see things turning around for the boatmen in the future.
Remember Adam Braidwood, the dominant DE of the Edmonton Eskimos from a few years ago. This guy broke into the league and was a force to be reckoned with from the get go. Where is he now you ask? All he has done in the last year is get in trouble with the law. After spending time in jail for assault and forcible confinement, news today that he has been picked up on weapons possession charges. Good on the Eskimos to see the writing on the wall and let him walk in April. If not for the Eskimos we can only assume he would have been in jail earlier. What a waste of talent...a million dollars worth of talent but only a nickel's worth of intelligence.
Speaking of intelligence, you would expect members of the media to be moderately intelligent. However, too many media members are knobs. Case in point, Bob Hughes. From time to time Bob Hughes writes a column that Rod Pederson posts on his blog. Anyways, in his latest installment Hughes talks about the need for the Riders to trade Andy Fantuz because he is just going to leave them to play down east, if not in the NFL in the future. Were you dropped on your head at birth Bob? Why would we trade the reigning Most Outstanding Canadian and leading reciever? Why would we trade a guy who despite having three catches in two games has made such a huge impact on the fortunes of this club? Why would we trade him as a rental when we are trying to make the post season? Who is going to give us much of anything for a player who in all honesty if free to choose where he plays next year? Nobody is going to give you much just to see him walk away in the off season. Bob, you may have been a good columnist in the past, however all you are now is a naive, and out of scope imbecile past his prime as a member of the media.
I wanted to talk more about the NHL and other topics, but that will have to wait until tomorrow.
I knew this game could be slow and somewhat boring at times based on the entrance of the teams. The Argo's literally walked out of the tunnel and showed very little excitement and emotion. In a way when you are 2 - 8 this is to be expected. However, the entrance of the Riders was less than exciting. Sean Lucas and Remond Willis were the only two who seemed remotely interesting in the game as they raced out of the tunnel, followed slowly by the remaining 44. I know, a win is a win but in hindsight, why were the green and white not chomping at the bit to get out there and continue their dominance of the past two weeks? All I will say is I would hope to see a different team this weekend, and not only on the field, but also coming out of the tunnel. That will tell me and the other 30, 000 plus in attendance where the intensity and desire is at, and in a game as important as Saturday's against BC, the intensity and desire NEEDS to be at a season high.
Clearly the player making the most out of the return of Andy Fantuz is Chris Getzlaf. Following a two touchdown performance in the Banjo Bowl, Getz went for 170 and a score in what was one of his best games as a Rider. The only better game I remember him having was las year's 200 yard performance against the Stamps. While Andy hasn't put up impressive numbers in his two games since returning, well one and a quarter and a half, he sure has made an impression. He obviously demands extra attention which is freeing up guys like Getzlaf and Baker who are starting to become more effective contributors to the offence.
Every June I have the same thought, Wes Cates is too slow, too old and needs to be cut. And every year I am disgruntled when he stays and starts at TB. I am not sure why this thought arrives each year because all Wes does is make plays. Sure he might not put up 1000 yards rushing as he did a couple seasons ago, but seriously, is there a better blocking back in the league? Also, he makes plays when we need them; case in point, 3rd quarter of Saturday's game, 2nd and six or so, he catches a pass in the backfield and is instantly converged on by an Argo defender...done, end of drive, no points, time to punt, right? Nope...Wes makes the first defender look really bad and then jukes and jives for the required yardage. The drive ended in a field goal. Milo made the kick, but Wes made sure he was given that opportunity.
Chris McKenzie is getting better and better every week. In fact I have been really impressed with the secondary since Labour Day. I remember after the season opener, driving home thinking we had the worst secondary in the league. Since then they have slowly improved. A month ago I threw Nick Graham under the bus calling him the worst DB in the league. I doubt Nick Graham read this blog, or if he did, I doubt it really bothered him, but Jesus has he been good since. He along with Tristan Jackson and Craig Butler have totally stepped up their game during this win streak.
The CFL announced their players of the week today. Not surprised to see Chris Mackenzie get the nod on defence after a three tackle, one sack and INT for a TD performance, but Chris Getzlaf totally got snubbed. Buck Pierce won Offensive POW and Jerome Messam was Top Canadian. Sure they had good numbers but to not recognize Getzlaf for at least one of these honors for the game he had is in my opinion, shameful. Honestly, I am starting to think that TSN and other prominent eastern media types are so against the Riders that they do shit like this. I can see why they would dislike the Riders...the smallest market in the league, and at the moment the best team in the league.
Speaking of the east, how on earth does Jim Barker still have a job. That football team is awful. If they had any sort of offense that game would have been out of touch for the Riders by the half. However, they have no QB, marginal receivers at best and just can't put points on the board. I know what you are saying, Barker is the coach, it is the GM who needs to take the blame. Guess what, Jim Barker is also the GM. Seriously, can you fire yourself? That is the only way I see things turning around for the boatmen in the future.
Remember Adam Braidwood, the dominant DE of the Edmonton Eskimos from a few years ago. This guy broke into the league and was a force to be reckoned with from the get go. Where is he now you ask? All he has done in the last year is get in trouble with the law. After spending time in jail for assault and forcible confinement, news today that he has been picked up on weapons possession charges. Good on the Eskimos to see the writing on the wall and let him walk in April. If not for the Eskimos we can only assume he would have been in jail earlier. What a waste of talent...a million dollars worth of talent but only a nickel's worth of intelligence.
Speaking of intelligence, you would expect members of the media to be moderately intelligent. However, too many media members are knobs. Case in point, Bob Hughes. From time to time Bob Hughes writes a column that Rod Pederson posts on his blog. Anyways, in his latest installment Hughes talks about the need for the Riders to trade Andy Fantuz because he is just going to leave them to play down east, if not in the NFL in the future. Were you dropped on your head at birth Bob? Why would we trade the reigning Most Outstanding Canadian and leading reciever? Why would we trade a guy who despite having three catches in two games has made such a huge impact on the fortunes of this club? Why would we trade him as a rental when we are trying to make the post season? Who is going to give us much of anything for a player who in all honesty if free to choose where he plays next year? Nobody is going to give you much just to see him walk away in the off season. Bob, you may have been a good columnist in the past, however all you are now is a naive, and out of scope imbecile past his prime as a member of the media.
I wanted to talk more about the NHL and other topics, but that will have to wait until tomorrow.
Monday, September 12, 2011
How Sweet it is....
If you weren't convinced the Rider's made considerable strides as a team after Labour Day, you must be now. The Rider's not only marched into Swaggerville, (which in my opinion has now been permanently erased from the map) and looked Mayer Odell Willis and the rest of his crew right in the eye, but then they punched them in that eye, the other eye, the back end, the manhood and any other body part they felt obligated to strike. What a demolition!
After falling down 10 - 0 the Riders went on a 45 - 6 run over nearly the next three quarters and headed home with a convincing 45 - 23 victory. In total the last two weeks the Riders outscored the apparent best team in the CFL 72 - 30. Well done by all facets of the team, the offence, the defence and for the second week in a row I was really impressed with the Special Teams.
For me the tide started to turn when Craig Butler sent Buck Pierce into next week. Butler came untouched off the corner, drilling Pierce in the CanadInn Stadium turf, sending his helmet flying off. Sure Pierce continued the drive which culminated in a Blue Bomber score, but after that he didn't even look average.
Here are my thoughts, in no particular order:
Andy Fantuz' stats may not have been off the charts; two catches for 48 yards but look at how his presence helped the other recievers. How do you let guys like Getzlaf and Dressler get that wide open? You put two men on Fantuz because you know he will kill you otherwise. I mean really, it isn't fair to the opposition to line up against our starting five...who are you going to double team? Glad they are our recievers, and not somebody elses.
Craig Butler was VERY impressive yesterday. He had played well in limited game action up to this point, but what a game he had yesterday, two INT's, a huge hit on Pierce, as was already mentioned, and was big on the teams a couple of times as well. When the Riders made the move to insert Butler at Safety and move James Patrick to linebacker, I will admit I had my reservations. How can you move arguably the league's best Safety to a new position in the middle of the season? You simply move him because you A) know he is good enough to play there, and B) you have a Canadian rookie who has not missed a beat back there. Should Butler continue to play the way he is, thos Brendan Taman nay-sayers can just shut right up.
If the Riders continue to play the way they have the last two weeks, is there a team in the CFL that can beat us? I mean honestly, if the Riders play the same way next week Jim Barker and the Argos are going to get creamed. Looking at Jim Barker and his manly physique, looks like he's been enjoying a little too much cream anyways.
But on a serious note, these guys are at the moment the most feared team in the CFL. On the past game show Michael Ball said that a 10 - 8 record in very possible. At the time I thought that was perhaps some wishful thinking, but looking at the schedule, that is VERY possible. The fact that the teams we need to beat, BC, Edmonton and Calgary present the opposition six times in the last eight games, things are certainly looking up in Rider Nation.
See you at Mosaic on Saturday where it WILL be loud, the Riders WILL be great and our march towards the play - offs WILL continue.
After falling down 10 - 0 the Riders went on a 45 - 6 run over nearly the next three quarters and headed home with a convincing 45 - 23 victory. In total the last two weeks the Riders outscored the apparent best team in the CFL 72 - 30. Well done by all facets of the team, the offence, the defence and for the second week in a row I was really impressed with the Special Teams.
For me the tide started to turn when Craig Butler sent Buck Pierce into next week. Butler came untouched off the corner, drilling Pierce in the CanadInn Stadium turf, sending his helmet flying off. Sure Pierce continued the drive which culminated in a Blue Bomber score, but after that he didn't even look average.
Here are my thoughts, in no particular order:
Andy Fantuz' stats may not have been off the charts; two catches for 48 yards but look at how his presence helped the other recievers. How do you let guys like Getzlaf and Dressler get that wide open? You put two men on Fantuz because you know he will kill you otherwise. I mean really, it isn't fair to the opposition to line up against our starting five...who are you going to double team? Glad they are our recievers, and not somebody elses.
Craig Butler was VERY impressive yesterday. He had played well in limited game action up to this point, but what a game he had yesterday, two INT's, a huge hit on Pierce, as was already mentioned, and was big on the teams a couple of times as well. When the Riders made the move to insert Butler at Safety and move James Patrick to linebacker, I will admit I had my reservations. How can you move arguably the league's best Safety to a new position in the middle of the season? You simply move him because you A) know he is good enough to play there, and B) you have a Canadian rookie who has not missed a beat back there. Should Butler continue to play the way he is, thos Brendan Taman nay-sayers can just shut right up.
If the Riders continue to play the way they have the last two weeks, is there a team in the CFL that can beat us? I mean honestly, if the Riders play the same way next week Jim Barker and the Argos are going to get creamed. Looking at Jim Barker and his manly physique, looks like he's been enjoying a little too much cream anyways.
But on a serious note, these guys are at the moment the most feared team in the CFL. On the past game show Michael Ball said that a 10 - 8 record in very possible. At the time I thought that was perhaps some wishful thinking, but looking at the schedule, that is VERY possible. The fact that the teams we need to beat, BC, Edmonton and Calgary present the opposition six times in the last eight games, things are certainly looking up in Rider Nation.
See you at Mosaic on Saturday where it WILL be loud, the Riders WILL be great and our march towards the play - offs WILL continue.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Are you Kidding me....?
Apparently the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are confused about how sports work. I don't know what they teach in Manitoba but to me when you get your you know what handed to you on a platter, you don't talk trash before taking on the same opponent seven days later. The picture above was found in the Winnipeg Free Press this morning. Laughable really when you think it was just five short days ago that 'Swaggerville' came to town and looked like 'S%!tville'. Oh well, just another piece of bulletin board material to fire our guys up.
The game will mark the return of Andy Fantuz to the Rider line - up. And on that topic, again the Bombers are putting gigantic feet in their mouths. When asked about the addition of Fantuz to the Rider line - up, Blue Bomber CB Jovon Johnson said the Bombers had nothing to worry about because Fantuz did nothing last year in the Banjo Bowl. Last year...are you serious? I remember this one time Wayne Gretzky was held pointless...and another time when Larry Bird missed a three pointer. Honestly Jovon Johnson, that sounds like the words of a typical Winnipeg Blue Bomber...classless, and at times down right stupid.
All this does is make the Rider victory on Sunday that much more enjoyable for all of Rider Nation.
PS to Winnipeg...riderssuck is not one word; in Saskatchewan we use spaces to seperate words from one another which in turn makes it easy to read.
As for the 'other' league, if the rest of the season is anything like last night's barn burner in Green Bay, we are in for a whale of a season in the NFL. Good to see the Packers win as AJ Hawk was not guilty of pass interference on what should have been the last play of the game; just a great play.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
NFL Picks and Idiots in Sports
First off, my fearless NFL Prognostication goes as follows. I will provide you with what I see as the division winners, the wild card teams, my AFC and NFC Finals as well as who I see playing for the Lombardi Trophy when all is said and done.
AFC West: San Diego is clearly the team to beat. Phillip Rivers is a very good QB and Vincent Jackson is back in the fold for the entire year. If anyone is going ot give the Chargers some heat, it will be Kansas City. Oakland is still on the rise ad Denver will be terrible.
AFC East: New England is as good a team as you are going to find in the NFL this year. Aside from the wealth of talent left from last year's team you add Chad Ochocinco who will have a year similar to that off Randy Moss in his first year in the northeast, as well as Albery Haynesworth, who we all know when happy and healthy is a beast in the middle. The Jets might think they can compete with the Patriots but they can't. Patriots win no less than 13 games this year, and none of those three losses will come at the hands of Rex and the Jets.
AFC South: What has been the Indianapolis Colts division the past decade will no longer be theres. From what I read, Peyton Manning could be out for a while. Without him the Colts will struggle to make the playoffs; with him they make the second season but not as division champions. The team to beat in the divsion...the Houston Texans. Houston has made strides every year since they returned, and while they have not met expectations the past few seasons, my gut tells me this is the year they turn things around.
AFC North: Well it won't be a team from Ohio. Sorry Bengals and Browns fans but you are not in the same league as either the Steelers or the Ravens. While both Pittsburgh and Baltimore presumably make the playoffs, I see the continued development and maturation of Joe Flacco to be the differnce maker for the Ravens. With Ray Rice not having to share so many carries, you can also look to him to put some big numbers. The aging Raven defence is able to get it done for another season.
AFC SEEDS (1) New England (2) San Diego (3) Baltimore (4) Houston (5) Indianapolis (6) Pittsburgh
Wild Card: Houston over Indy; Baltimore over Pittsburgh
New England over Houston; Baltimore over San Diego
AFC Champs: New England
NFC West: This is the same division who crowned a champion with a losing record last season in St. Louis. I think St. Louis will be over .500 this season and will win the division. A lot of people are writing off San Francisco as the worst team in this division but I see it otherwise. San Fran could breath down the Rams neck all year. As for Arizona and Seattle...those are two teams lining up for the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. Seattle will be one of, if not the worst team in the league.
NFC East: What has always been viewed as the toughest division in football is still pretty good minus Washington, even thought Rex Grossman, Tim Hightower and company think they 'could make some noise'. Trust me, the mute button will be on in Washington for most of the year. Philly spent a lot of money in the off season and it will pay off as I see them being head and shoulders above the other members of this division. The Eagles win the division, the Cowboys fight for a wild card berth and the Giants struggle to a .500 record which is just fine with me.
NFC South: In many ways this division could rival the NFC East as the toughest division in football. All I know for sure is that Carolina fans should enjoy watching Cam Newton because that will be the higlight of their season. The Bucs made strides last year but I just don't see Josh Freeman and Co. ready to compete against Atlanta and New Orleans yet. New Orleans is still good but are a little older than the Falcons which is why I see Matt Ryan and the boys repeating in the south.
NFC North: Green Bay; plain and simple, they are the best team in the division. I think Chicago is overrated, Detroit will surprise, and Minnesota will be really bad. Eventually teams will see that Donovan McNabb is not going to beat anyone alone anymore, so stuff the box with eight and take AP away. Detroit brings smiles back to the Motor City with a playoff appearance; granted only one game but hey, the second season is the second season.
NFC SEEDS (1) Philadelphia (2) Green Bay (3) Atlanta (4) St. Louis (5) New Orleans (6) Detroit
WILD CARD Atlanta over Detroit; New Orleans over St. Louis
Philadelphia over New Orleans, Green Bay over Atlanta
Green Bay over Philadelphia
SUPER BOWL New England over Green Bay
And just quickly, a note from the CFL. Arash Madani is an IDIOT. He thinks the Riders should trade Andy Fantuz. Really Arash, and you are a sports authority on a major national network? That would be like saying the Caps should trade Ovechkin, the Pens shoud trade Crosby. Does he have any idea what this province would do if that transaction were to take place? Idiot...that is all.
AFC West: San Diego is clearly the team to beat. Phillip Rivers is a very good QB and Vincent Jackson is back in the fold for the entire year. If anyone is going ot give the Chargers some heat, it will be Kansas City. Oakland is still on the rise ad Denver will be terrible.
AFC East: New England is as good a team as you are going to find in the NFL this year. Aside from the wealth of talent left from last year's team you add Chad Ochocinco who will have a year similar to that off Randy Moss in his first year in the northeast, as well as Albery Haynesworth, who we all know when happy and healthy is a beast in the middle. The Jets might think they can compete with the Patriots but they can't. Patriots win no less than 13 games this year, and none of those three losses will come at the hands of Rex and the Jets.
AFC South: What has been the Indianapolis Colts division the past decade will no longer be theres. From what I read, Peyton Manning could be out for a while. Without him the Colts will struggle to make the playoffs; with him they make the second season but not as division champions. The team to beat in the divsion...the Houston Texans. Houston has made strides every year since they returned, and while they have not met expectations the past few seasons, my gut tells me this is the year they turn things around.
AFC North: Well it won't be a team from Ohio. Sorry Bengals and Browns fans but you are not in the same league as either the Steelers or the Ravens. While both Pittsburgh and Baltimore presumably make the playoffs, I see the continued development and maturation of Joe Flacco to be the differnce maker for the Ravens. With Ray Rice not having to share so many carries, you can also look to him to put some big numbers. The aging Raven defence is able to get it done for another season.
AFC SEEDS (1) New England (2) San Diego (3) Baltimore (4) Houston (5) Indianapolis (6) Pittsburgh
Wild Card: Houston over Indy; Baltimore over Pittsburgh
New England over Houston; Baltimore over San Diego
AFC Champs: New England
NFC West: This is the same division who crowned a champion with a losing record last season in St. Louis. I think St. Louis will be over .500 this season and will win the division. A lot of people are writing off San Francisco as the worst team in this division but I see it otherwise. San Fran could breath down the Rams neck all year. As for Arizona and Seattle...those are two teams lining up for the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. Seattle will be one of, if not the worst team in the league.
NFC East: What has always been viewed as the toughest division in football is still pretty good minus Washington, even thought Rex Grossman, Tim Hightower and company think they 'could make some noise'. Trust me, the mute button will be on in Washington for most of the year. Philly spent a lot of money in the off season and it will pay off as I see them being head and shoulders above the other members of this division. The Eagles win the division, the Cowboys fight for a wild card berth and the Giants struggle to a .500 record which is just fine with me.
NFC South: In many ways this division could rival the NFC East as the toughest division in football. All I know for sure is that Carolina fans should enjoy watching Cam Newton because that will be the higlight of their season. The Bucs made strides last year but I just don't see Josh Freeman and Co. ready to compete against Atlanta and New Orleans yet. New Orleans is still good but are a little older than the Falcons which is why I see Matt Ryan and the boys repeating in the south.
NFC North: Green Bay; plain and simple, they are the best team in the division. I think Chicago is overrated, Detroit will surprise, and Minnesota will be really bad. Eventually teams will see that Donovan McNabb is not going to beat anyone alone anymore, so stuff the box with eight and take AP away. Detroit brings smiles back to the Motor City with a playoff appearance; granted only one game but hey, the second season is the second season.
NFC SEEDS (1) Philadelphia (2) Green Bay (3) Atlanta (4) St. Louis (5) New Orleans (6) Detroit
WILD CARD Atlanta over Detroit; New Orleans over St. Louis
Philadelphia over New Orleans, Green Bay over Atlanta
Green Bay over Philadelphia
SUPER BOWL New England over Green Bay
And just quickly, a note from the CFL. Arash Madani is an IDIOT. He thinks the Riders should trade Andy Fantuz. Really Arash, and you are a sports authority on a major national network? That would be like saying the Caps should trade Ovechkin, the Pens shoud trade Crosby. Does he have any idea what this province would do if that transaction were to take place? Idiot...that is all.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A Sad Day in Sports
Tragically this was the scene in Russia this morning as a plane crashed into the Volga River shortly after take - off. The majority of passengers on the plane were the Lokomotiv hockey club of the Kontinental Hockey League. The team was on their way to Belarus to kick off their KHL schedule. Amongst those who perished in the accident were coach Brad McCrimmon, a former NHLer and native of Saskatchewan and former NHLers including Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei and Karl Rachunek. These are just the names of those most hockey fans might recall.
What a horrible few months it has been for the game of hockey off the ice. The NHL family has lost three players since May in Derek Boogard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak, and then the international hockey scene has to endure this tragic event. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all those who lost someone in this unfortunate accident this morning in Russia; may they all rest in peace.
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On a day when there is so much sadness in sports, the news of Andy Fantuz' return to Riderville is over - shadowed as it rightfully should be. Nonetheless, HEEEEE's BAAAAACK. Andy Fantuz was back in Rider green this afternoon, practicing with the first team offence at Mosaic and according to Rod Pederson's blog he and Darian Durant did not miss a beat. He along with Weston Dressler, Chris Getzlaf, Efrem Hill and Dallas Baker make up easily the best recieving corps in the CFL. How good is this crew? So good that it looks like Carey Koch, who is eligible to come off the Nine Game list this week will remain right there on the injured list. And let's face it, every team in the league would be quick to grab a guy like Koch.
I can only think that with Doug Berry gone and Darian in a better place in terms of happiness and freedom that the sky is the limit for this offensive group the rest of the way.
Like I said yesterday, let's just hope that the Riders brass and Andy's representatives can get together and work out a deal that will pay Andy what he deserves while at the same time making sure he is in Rider green for years to come.
Going back to the Rider offence, not only are they scary good, look how young they are. Is anyone of the five starters over 28? We could have something very special to watch for years to come.
While bad news for the Riders, this is great news for John Chick. The former Rider who was cut loose by the Colts at the NFL cut down deadline, not only caught on with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he has been put on their 53 man roster for this weekend's game against Tennessee. While I would have loved to have seen him back with the Riders, this is great for John, his family and all his fans as he gets to realize his dream of playing in the NFL.
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For the record that 'other' football league kicks off tomorrow with a showdown between the last two Superbowl Champions as the Saints travel to Lambeau to take on the Packers. I don't think the NFL could have picked a better game to kick off the season and build up the excitement of the NFL season to come. I will have my prediction's for the NFL in tomorrow's post. Let me know what YOU think will play out this season.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Labour Day in Perspective
I hate to give myself a pat on the back, but the post written two hours prior to kick off on Sunday is basically a carbon copy of what transpired on the field. Hopefully my ideas for the remainder of the season also turn out to be true. Here are my thoughts two days after arguably the most complete game the Riders have played in the last three years:
* Darian Durant played a whale of a game, and I have yet to see him as emotional this year as he was on Sunday. Following his first quarter touchdown connection with Chris Getzlaf, DD was jumping around like he was twelve years old again. In addition, he got to call most of the game himself and low and behold he used his legs when necessary. Can't help but think he is thrilled to have the shackle that was Doug Berry cut loose.
* Dallas Baker looks like a keeper. In his first game as a Rider he hauled in four receptions for eighty yards plus. This included a third quarter catch when he just flat out used his size to beat the defender to the ball. He reminds me a lot of Prechae Rodriguez, only he isn't scared to get hit and go after the ball.
* The defence was tenacious and ferocious like never before. Dario Romero and the boys up front literally fought in the trenches all day long. Not that I like to see the melees that took place, but this intensity was not there under Marshall. Jerryl Freeman continues to get better as the season goes on..seven tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception...can you say player of the week?
* The special teams have not been that good for years. They essentially eliminated Winnipeg's return game with flat out hustle. On four seperate plays, Shomari Williams (2x) and James Patrick (2x) just simply beat everyone down field and held the Bombers to next to no return.
* The Blue Bombers showed absolutely no class in the end. Two ejections which should have been three if you ask me as I have no idea how Chris Carr stays in the game after laying Freeman into a DDT ala Jake the Snake Roberts in the early 90's. I feel sorry for Paul LaPolice as I know he doesn't condone this type of garbage. And to be honest, all I think they did was inspire the Riders to go kick their ass again next week.
* Could you help but not get goose bumps when Andy Fantuz was shown on the Jumbotron and 30, 000 people stood up and went crazy. Clearly we love you Andy and want nothing more than to see you in Rider green this week, next week and for years to come. Taman, Hopson, Miller...open the vault and give this guy what he needs to stay here. This offence can only get better with #83 out there.
* As Matt Dominguez said on the post game show, Labour Day is easy to get up for. This week in Winnipeg will tell us if Miller truly has this team turned around, and my gut tells me he does. These guys had fun out there on Sunday like they haven't all year. That excitement carried into the stands and out after the game. Call me crazy but reminding all those Bomber fans how badly they just got bombed was a lot of fun for me.
Here's to hoping the Riders go into Swaggerville and once again prove the power of Rider Nation is greater than any other force this league has to offer.
* Darian Durant played a whale of a game, and I have yet to see him as emotional this year as he was on Sunday. Following his first quarter touchdown connection with Chris Getzlaf, DD was jumping around like he was twelve years old again. In addition, he got to call most of the game himself and low and behold he used his legs when necessary. Can't help but think he is thrilled to have the shackle that was Doug Berry cut loose.
* Dallas Baker looks like a keeper. In his first game as a Rider he hauled in four receptions for eighty yards plus. This included a third quarter catch when he just flat out used his size to beat the defender to the ball. He reminds me a lot of Prechae Rodriguez, only he isn't scared to get hit and go after the ball.
* The defence was tenacious and ferocious like never before. Dario Romero and the boys up front literally fought in the trenches all day long. Not that I like to see the melees that took place, but this intensity was not there under Marshall. Jerryl Freeman continues to get better as the season goes on..seven tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception...can you say player of the week?
* The special teams have not been that good for years. They essentially eliminated Winnipeg's return game with flat out hustle. On four seperate plays, Shomari Williams (2x) and James Patrick (2x) just simply beat everyone down field and held the Bombers to next to no return.
* The Blue Bombers showed absolutely no class in the end. Two ejections which should have been three if you ask me as I have no idea how Chris Carr stays in the game after laying Freeman into a DDT ala Jake the Snake Roberts in the early 90's. I feel sorry for Paul LaPolice as I know he doesn't condone this type of garbage. And to be honest, all I think they did was inspire the Riders to go kick their ass again next week.
* Could you help but not get goose bumps when Andy Fantuz was shown on the Jumbotron and 30, 000 people stood up and went crazy. Clearly we love you Andy and want nothing more than to see you in Rider green this week, next week and for years to come. Taman, Hopson, Miller...open the vault and give this guy what he needs to stay here. This offence can only get better with #83 out there.
* As Matt Dominguez said on the post game show, Labour Day is easy to get up for. This week in Winnipeg will tell us if Miller truly has this team turned around, and my gut tells me he does. These guys had fun out there on Sunday like they haven't all year. That excitement carried into the stands and out after the game. Call me crazy but reminding all those Bomber fans how badly they just got bombed was a lot of fun for me.
Here's to hoping the Riders go into Swaggerville and once again prove the power of Rider Nation is greater than any other force this league has to offer.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The Classic is upon us!
For the 45th time in history the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers will clash in the annual Labour Day Classic at Mosaic Stadium. The two teams could not be at more polar opposite ends of the spectrum...the Bombers come in with the best record in the CFL at 7 - 1, while the Riders counter with a feeble 1 - 7 mark.
As we all know the Riders made some serious changes during their two week lay off following a 24 - 18 loss in Toronto. No longer here are OC Doug Berry and HC Greg Marshall and the old man, Ken Miller is back roaming the green and white sidelines. While Ken Miller may not make them Grey Cup contenders overnight, he will make them a better football club. From what I hear, practice has been full of energy and enthusiasm the last week, and god forbid it looks like they may have even had some fun as evidenced by Miller's dance moves following Saturday's walk through at Mosaic. That alone is what this team needed. To me Greg Marshall never had this team in his pocket the way Miller does. These guys love Ken Miller and he knows how to inspire them and prepare them to play. These are two attributes that Marshall didn't possess. The difference will be seen today when they come out of the tunnel..rather than lolly gag their way to midfield....look for them to sprint out and challenge the Bomber's sideline. This is something that has been lacking all year.
I also think you can expect to see Darian Durant use his legs more which makes him a much greater threat to the Bombers. In general, the one player who will benefit the most from these changes is Durant. This in turn will make the offence better, which in turn will lead to more sustained drives which results in the defence being on the field less than they have been to this point in the season.
Call me crazy, and an eternal optimist but I have not given up on this team, and until the season end's still think they will be there in Vancouver in November. I know he is only one man, but given MIller's track record with the green and white, his arrival comes at the absolute right time. He debuts in the biggest game of the year...Labor Day is always a zoo. A victory today over the best the CFL has to offer will return confidence to the players and optimism to RiderNation. We must remember there are still ten games left, and we are still right in the thick of the play - off race. We have BC twice more, Edmonton a couple of times who are not the 5 - 0 team they started, not to mention we owe the Stamps an ass whopping in their back yard. Today is the day the fortunes of this year's edition of the Roughriders turn around.
Let's get 'er done and show Swaggerville, they are nothing compared to Riderville.
As we all know the Riders made some serious changes during their two week lay off following a 24 - 18 loss in Toronto. No longer here are OC Doug Berry and HC Greg Marshall and the old man, Ken Miller is back roaming the green and white sidelines. While Ken Miller may not make them Grey Cup contenders overnight, he will make them a better football club. From what I hear, practice has been full of energy and enthusiasm the last week, and god forbid it looks like they may have even had some fun as evidenced by Miller's dance moves following Saturday's walk through at Mosaic. That alone is what this team needed. To me Greg Marshall never had this team in his pocket the way Miller does. These guys love Ken Miller and he knows how to inspire them and prepare them to play. These are two attributes that Marshall didn't possess. The difference will be seen today when they come out of the tunnel..rather than lolly gag their way to midfield....look for them to sprint out and challenge the Bomber's sideline. This is something that has been lacking all year.
I also think you can expect to see Darian Durant use his legs more which makes him a much greater threat to the Bombers. In general, the one player who will benefit the most from these changes is Durant. This in turn will make the offence better, which in turn will lead to more sustained drives which results in the defence being on the field less than they have been to this point in the season.
Call me crazy, and an eternal optimist but I have not given up on this team, and until the season end's still think they will be there in Vancouver in November. I know he is only one man, but given MIller's track record with the green and white, his arrival comes at the absolute right time. He debuts in the biggest game of the year...Labor Day is always a zoo. A victory today over the best the CFL has to offer will return confidence to the players and optimism to RiderNation. We must remember there are still ten games left, and we are still right in the thick of the play - off race. We have BC twice more, Edmonton a couple of times who are not the 5 - 0 team they started, not to mention we owe the Stamps an ass whopping in their back yard. Today is the day the fortunes of this year's edition of the Roughriders turn around.
Let's get 'er done and show Swaggerville, they are nothing compared to Riderville.
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