More than 39, 000 left disappointed yesterday afternoon as the Saskatchewan Roughriders let another victory elude them. Paul McCallum's 42 yard field goal as time expired was the difference as the B.C. Lions improved to 8 - 4 and took over second place in the CFL's West Division while the Riders fall to third after their third consecutive set back. The result is more unfortunate given what Zach Collaros and the Toronto Argonauts did the night before in Calgary.
All that aside, I have said this before and I will say it again; it sickens me to read/listen to supposed Rider fans jump down the throat of Darian Durant whenever adversity shows up in Riderville. Was Darian perfect yesterday? No. Did he turn the ball over a couple of times? Yes. Could he have been better? Yes. But most importantly, at least to me, did he put us in a position to win with less than a minute remaining? ABSOLUTELY. A 352 yard performance with a couple of scores is a not bad afternoon of football.
I am not in any way pinning this on Chris Milo, but he has had the unfortunate luck of hitting three up - rights in two weeks, including two yesterday. Make one of those, and we win. Go back a week, and if he misses the upright either way, we either win or take the game to OT. Adversity has appeared and it is time for this group to overcome it. Here are my general thoughts in no particular order, take them for what they're worth:
* Darian Durant is a good QB. While we couldn't move the ball at times yesterday, I see two explanations, neither of which are Darian himself. (1) George Cortez seems to be running a play book similar to the eight play book used by the Alexandrai Titans in the film "Remember the Titans". How many times have we seen Taj Smith run that crossing route? A lot have, including opposing coaches as it isn't working anymore. (2) We are a much different team with Kory Sheets in the line - up. Nothing against Chris Garret who played all right when given the ball but Sheets make our offence much more two - dimensional. The last two games have seen Darian thrown the ball 101 times. An effective run game not only brings that number down, it also gives the opposition a second element to look out for.
* That being said, why is Darian not using his legs. We all know he is a much better QB when on the move; he himself knows that. I am almost convinced they have told him not to run out of fear that he will get hurt. If you are playing with fear, or coaching for that matter with fear, you are not nearly as effective as you could and should be.
* Our secondary needs to be better in clutch moments. We all knew that Thomas Demarco was looking sidelines yesterday on 3rd and 10, but still the corner; not sure which one it was gave him a pile of space to make that catch and get out of bounds. That is on Richie Hall and the D. I get it that injuries and last minute scratches weren't on our side but that is simple Football 101.
* We will get better, and we will get over this. That is what I believe, and that is because I am a true fan. I despise the fickle who speak only during down times and even then couldn't find an ounce of positive in a pound of gold. Ask anyone, I am as loyal as they come.
* Montreal on Sunday afternoon; look out Alouettes as you are going to meet a composed, hungry football team.
* On to the NHL, and as much of an Oiler fan as I am, Vancouver's Zack Kassian should not be suspended for the stick incident which broke the jaw of Sam Gagner on Saturday night. That is as freak an incident as you will see. He had no intention of hitting Gagner; none. Dale Wiese on the other hand, he will get a few for the elbow he planted on the chin of Taylor Hall.
* John Scott is the laughing stock of the NHL today as the Sabres 6'8 hooligan went after mighty Phil Kessel last night. The Leafs will lose David Clarkson for the first ten games of the season as per league rules which is right. I found humour in the story reported this morning that Joffrey Lupul had to hold back Nazem Kadri from jumping the boards. I get team unity and sticking up for teammates but Kadri coming to the rescue of Kessel would be like trying to extinguish a fire with gasoline; good luck.
* I LOVE the fact that the Giants and Steelers are both 0 - 3.
* If they leave the horses to run, the Broncos may put up 60 on the Raiders tonight.
* The Jaguars are still terrible.
* Can't help but feel good for Marc Trestman as his Chicago Bears are now 3 - 0 and atop the NFC North. Also shines a positive light on the CFL.
* Congratulations to Weyburn's Graham Delaet on a great season which wrapped up yesterday at the Tour Championship. All told the young man won nearly $3 million, moved up to 32nd in World Rankings and opened a pile of doors for next year. The Majors, WGC events will all see the kid who grew up playing golf in Weyburn teeing it up with the world's best; something he has earned through hard work and determination.
* I am outta here.
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