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!!!!
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