Sunday evening saw the Saskatchewan Roughriders cap off a successful season. A 45 - 23 destruction of the Hamilton Ti - Cats (the score flatters Hamilton) saw the Riders hoist the Grey Cup for only the fourth time in their 103 years of existence. While the Riders victory is meaningful for a lot of reasons. With just thirty minutes before basketball practice, I will try to illustrate my thoughts.
* This victory is special for Brendan Taman. The Rider GM has been accused by many since taking over the position that he was inadequate at assembling a team capable of capturing a Championship. His scouting was inferior and he chose to bring in more 'wash - up's' as many said that bring in fresh talent. To this I bring up the name Kory Sheets; he was scouted and brought in. To this I say Dwight Anderson. Many resented this signing but boy was he big for us all year. To this I say Geroy Simon (more later). The Winnipeg team that lost to BC in 2011 was Brendan's work for the most part. Sure they never won but it was a good team. What Brendan Taman did two years ago after the debacle that was a 5 - 13 campaign was circle November 24th, 2013 on his calendar. He wanted to assemble a team that would stand a chance of playing in this game. Not only did he assemble arguably the most talent laden team this organization has even seen, but he put togeter a team that won convincingly in the division finals and Grey Cup game. While the Stamps may have had a better record, the way this team played the last two weeks, including the beat down at McMahon proved to everyone that when clicking, this was the best team in the CFL. Thank you Brendan.
* I have been a supporter of Darian Durant since he took the reigns of this team in 2009. While many have questioned his ability and performance, I have never given up faith in the man they affectionately refer to as 'Doubles'. Ask anyone I know and they will attest to that unwavering faith. While some stayed faithful, many chose to criticize him over and over again to the point of nausea. For Darian to play the way he did in the play - offs is testament to the fact that he is so much more than most gave him credit for. He is a natural leader, a elite QB, and very much a part of the reason we are the Champions of 2013. All you who questioned him and called for Drew Willy, and you know who you are, can politely shut up and eat crow. You are the best QB in this league, and thankfully you are our QB.
* Geroy Simon; he was washed up and overpaid. Why did we bring him in? We brought him in to make plays like he did on Sunday. Two TD receptions, surprisingly his first two TD receptions in a Grey Cup that A) got us rolling, and B) pretty much sunk the Ti - Cats at the end of the first half. Again, BT knew something when he brought in Geroy. Great players make plays at opportune times and Geroy made those on Sunday in the biggest game of the history of the Riders.
* Richie Hall's defense is no good. They can't make a stop at critical times. Even I jumped on that train occasionally. Richie Hall's defense crushed the Stamps and Ti - Cat's in consecutive weeks. While many talk about Kent Austin's contributions to Rider folklore, Sunday was Hall's third Grey Cup victory with this organization. He played in 89 and was DC in 07. Again, thank you Richie for doing your job and not listening to the nutjobs that make up some of the fan base.
* This is a victory that means so much to the fans and the province. We are often laughed at as being the 'space between Manitoba and Alberta'. Not only did we put on the greatest party one could imagine, we capped it off with a Grey Cup victory in front of 45, 000 faithful fans of the green and white. To all the players and coaches in that locker room who were on the front lines on Sunday, to those who were scratched Sunday, to those who played at some point during the year or even those who spent the year on the practice roster helping prepare for the following week, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You gave me the greatest season of Rider football I could ever expect. You gave me a chance to witness Rider history with my Dad in Section 24. You made me so very proud to be a Rider fan. You guys are the greatest. You often refer to us as the greatest fans in the league. It is easy to be the greatest fans when you are fortunate enough to cheer for the greatest team. See you in June; I can't wait!!!!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Worth It.
It was moderately cold on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium. I would say short of Grey Cup '95 it was the coldest weather I have ever watched football in. For three quarters it looked like I might leave not only cold, but grumpy and disappointed as the season looked to be ticking away. And then......
When his team needed him, Darian Durant put them on his shoulders (or legs) and willed them to a thrilling 29 - 25 victory and a berth in the Western Final Sunday in Cowtown. For most of the latter part of the season, the play of Durant was questioned by many. He wasn't good enough, would never take us where an 'elite' QB would, etc. I am proud to say I never wavered in my belief that not only is he our best QB but one of the best the league has to offer. If being named the Western All - Star QB didn't squash the 'Durant Haters', his play on Sunday should have.
I have stated a couple of times in the past on this very blog that Darian Durant is a much better QB when he uses his legs. He become the double - edged sword; what will you work to prevent; his legs or his arms? On Sunday what first downs were needed and time needed to be taken off the clock, he just took off and made it happen. How many times did he fight off arm tackles? He is like trying to bring down a linebacker. They would never say it, but honestly I would be inclined to think the Calgary Stampeders watched the game on Sunday and went 'Oh s#%T, he's back.' Like a good season wasn't enough reason for concern amongst the Stamps, the play of Durant on Sunday only compounds those concerns and makes game planning doubly difficult.
While the play of Darian was refreshing, the ability to stop the run was a bit concerning on Sunday. The efforts of Andrew Harris, Stefan Logan and even Travis Lulay created headaches for the Rider D as well as the faithful in the stands. Some players didn't have their best games of the season but that is something I look to see change this week. It may have been me, but did the Riders send a blitz once in the entire game? From what I saw they went with only the front four the entire game, and had next to no pressure on Travis Lulay in the process. Yes, our D - Line is presumably the envy of the league but you have to send a different look on occasion to mix things up. That will be something that I would look to change heading into the weekend.
All said and done, this is exactly where we all wanted the team to be; one game for a chance to play in the Grey Cup on home turf. While I would rather the game be taking place in Regina, part of me feels like we are due for a victory in McMahon to catapult us back home for the big one.
Moving to hockey, Nail Yakupov and his agent, Igor Larionov apparently have some issues with the role he has played thus far. Larionov has gone so far as to say he is travelling to Edmonton to meet with the team and speak with management and Head Coach Dallas Eakins about the role they see Yakupov playing with the organization. Honestly, Yakupov is starting to wear thin on my nerves; he earlier in the year said that he doesn't like skating without the puck and having to play the body. When a twenty year old kid and his agent want to call the shots, it may be time to move him before he becomes a serious problem. He may have said that he is committed to Edmonton, and I get that he may be frustrated. Use that as motivation to get back into the line - up and prove you are what you claim to be, a top notch NHL calibre forward. Just my thoughts.
Steven Stamkos injury could be a devastating blow to the Men's Hockey team in Sochi come February. Let's face it; he was permanent markered in as a top six, probably top line forward. A broken tibia and three to four month recovery time does not bode well for him lacing it up. He will be on the roster obviously but could be one of those injury shuffles 24 hours prior to the opening game of the tournament.
Not much else to say today. Loved the effort of Darian Durant on Sunday and eagerly look forward to Sunday afternoon. Some cool 'pops', some good friends, maybe some chips and dip and what I hope will be a green and white victory. Have a great week. Enjoy the W but be ready for Sunday. Those of you travelling to attend the game; I envy you.
When his team needed him, Darian Durant put them on his shoulders (or legs) and willed them to a thrilling 29 - 25 victory and a berth in the Western Final Sunday in Cowtown. For most of the latter part of the season, the play of Durant was questioned by many. He wasn't good enough, would never take us where an 'elite' QB would, etc. I am proud to say I never wavered in my belief that not only is he our best QB but one of the best the league has to offer. If being named the Western All - Star QB didn't squash the 'Durant Haters', his play on Sunday should have.
I have stated a couple of times in the past on this very blog that Darian Durant is a much better QB when he uses his legs. He become the double - edged sword; what will you work to prevent; his legs or his arms? On Sunday what first downs were needed and time needed to be taken off the clock, he just took off and made it happen. How many times did he fight off arm tackles? He is like trying to bring down a linebacker. They would never say it, but honestly I would be inclined to think the Calgary Stampeders watched the game on Sunday and went 'Oh s#%T, he's back.' Like a good season wasn't enough reason for concern amongst the Stamps, the play of Durant on Sunday only compounds those concerns and makes game planning doubly difficult.
While the play of Darian was refreshing, the ability to stop the run was a bit concerning on Sunday. The efforts of Andrew Harris, Stefan Logan and even Travis Lulay created headaches for the Rider D as well as the faithful in the stands. Some players didn't have their best games of the season but that is something I look to see change this week. It may have been me, but did the Riders send a blitz once in the entire game? From what I saw they went with only the front four the entire game, and had next to no pressure on Travis Lulay in the process. Yes, our D - Line is presumably the envy of the league but you have to send a different look on occasion to mix things up. That will be something that I would look to change heading into the weekend.
All said and done, this is exactly where we all wanted the team to be; one game for a chance to play in the Grey Cup on home turf. While I would rather the game be taking place in Regina, part of me feels like we are due for a victory in McMahon to catapult us back home for the big one.
Moving to hockey, Nail Yakupov and his agent, Igor Larionov apparently have some issues with the role he has played thus far. Larionov has gone so far as to say he is travelling to Edmonton to meet with the team and speak with management and Head Coach Dallas Eakins about the role they see Yakupov playing with the organization. Honestly, Yakupov is starting to wear thin on my nerves; he earlier in the year said that he doesn't like skating without the puck and having to play the body. When a twenty year old kid and his agent want to call the shots, it may be time to move him before he becomes a serious problem. He may have said that he is committed to Edmonton, and I get that he may be frustrated. Use that as motivation to get back into the line - up and prove you are what you claim to be, a top notch NHL calibre forward. Just my thoughts.
Steven Stamkos injury could be a devastating blow to the Men's Hockey team in Sochi come February. Let's face it; he was permanent markered in as a top six, probably top line forward. A broken tibia and three to four month recovery time does not bode well for him lacing it up. He will be on the roster obviously but could be one of those injury shuffles 24 hours prior to the opening game of the tournament.
Not much else to say today. Loved the effort of Darian Durant on Sunday and eagerly look forward to Sunday afternoon. Some cool 'pops', some good friends, maybe some chips and dip and what I hope will be a green and white victory. Have a great week. Enjoy the W but be ready for Sunday. Those of you travelling to attend the game; I envy you.
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