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.