Believe it or not, there will be NO Rider news/discussion in this post. Rather I just wanted to take a few minutes to share my thoughts on the NHL's decision making over the last couple of days.
First off, yesterday I spoke of how, even though it was against the team I cheer for, the Edmonton Oilers, I didn't feel Zack Kassian deserved a suspension for the incident involving Sam Gagner and his broken jaw. That being said, he got the remainder of the regular season and the first five games of the regular season. Tell me how Brendan Shanahan deems this intentional and worhty of much more than a game or two? If Sam Gagner doesn't break his jaw on the play, is there any supplemental discipline? Does this mean that if Milan Lucic hits a guy into the boards and tears the guy's knee up that he needs to sit? Call it what you will, but it is essentially the same principle. I get that you should be in control of your stick but the broken jaw was a freak incident to go with the freak play. If Gagner skates away unharmed, am I wrong to think that Kassian gets a double minor and we move on?
What compounds this and makes it more aggravating for me is that Dale Wiese, who deliberately sticks out his elbow and pastes Taylor Hall on the chin gets only the remainder of the pre - season. Dale Wiese has presumably made this team so this is essentially a holiday for him. Truly the fact that Taylor Hall was fine probably played into this, and should it have? Absolutely not. Give Dale Wiese the five game regular season ban if anyone.
And then there was the showdown at the ACC on Sunday between the Leafs and Sabres. Granted John Scott acted like a moron, and granted Phil Kessel was probably scared spitless but the way he swung his stick at Scott TWICE followed by a spear was complete abuse of the stick in your hand. While he was protecting himself from a bit of a pummelling, how does he NOT get a single game for those actions? I mean really NHL, when are you going to wake up and move in the right direction when it comes to these rulings? I don't care who you are or the scenario that is playing out, you can NOT use your stick as a weapon the way Kessel did and walk away scott free.
All this adds up to for me is presumably several more blog posts over the next eight months bemoaning the NHL discipline and trying to make sense of it, something I, along with several other NHL fans will probably never accomplish.
On that note, how can you not be cheering for the Pittsburgh Pirates. If you are Canadian and like the sport of baseball, they have two great Canadian kids on the team in Catcher Russell Martin and 1B Justin Morneau. Add that to the fact this is their first winning season and post - season berth since 1992 and you have to be a fan. Can you imagine an Oakland / Pittsburgh World Series?
Off to bike ride with the kids...
HM
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
Another One Slips Away
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.
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.
Monday, September 16, 2013
General Football Commentary
The sky is not falling. Regardless of what many Roughrider fans might say, there is no need to panic in Riderville yet. Sure we lost on Saturday for the second week in a row, and the third time in our last six outings but still we hold our fate in our own hands. We are one game behind Calgary for first, and one ahead of BC for second. Three games with BC and one with Calgary will determine where we line up come play - off time.
In no particular order, here are my thoughts on Saturday's 31 - 29 loss to Toronto:
*Once again the offensive line struggled to give Darian time. Patrick Neufeld has not looked good in his two starts and we sure missed Ben Heenan on Saturday. We needed the two - point conversion to force OT and Darian had absolutely no time to make anything happen.
*George Cortez appears to be getting stagnant in his play calling.
*If/when Jock Sanders gets healthy and back into the line - up, we must find ways to utilize him the way he was used last year. Coming out of the backfield or lined up in the slot made Jock very dangerous.
*Our DB's were not good on Saturday. There were too many occasions where they were simply running to catch up to their man, having no clue as to where the ball was. This led to some penalties and big plays against. Carlos Thomas sticks out as having had an off game. What happened to the coverage being played in the early weeks of the season?
*Hopefully Eljiro Kuale, brought in recently can help be the run stopper we lost when Rey Williams went down. Jerious Norwood ran roughshot up the middle in the waning moments of Saturday night.
*Kierre Johnson has to make some catches on Saturday. He dropped some balls at inopportune times. Here's to hoping Weston Dressler will be back on Sunday.
*Given the week he had, I was not surprised at the body language of Taj Smith. He looked lost and generally uninterested.
*Too bad injuries cost Chris Milo a shot at Rider history. With Huculack and Dressler out, Peters and Schmitt made a mess of the snap and hold resulting in a missed FG which would have been 29 in a row and a record that has stood for a long time. It also cost us the game if you think more about it. If he makes it, the Getzlaf TD wins it. If he misses but avoids the upright, all we need is the single to tie.
*A lot of people are writing the Riders off; season is all for not, Durant's a bum, blah, blah, blah. I buy none of it. This team has as much talent as we have seen in a long time. They also have leadership which needs to come front and centre this week. With the likes of Simon, Durant, Labatte, etc. leading the charge this week and for the remainder of the season for that matter, I have no worries with the direction of the team. This is a bump in the road, not the dead end sign many have taken it for.
*Good teams find ways to overcome adversity; the Riders simply need to prove what we all know, they are indeed a good team.
And in regards to the NFL:
*Jacksonville is awful. They won't win a game all year.
*New England may have the record for the most unimpressive 2 - 0 start in NFL history.
*Peyton Manning and the Broncos are ridiculously good.
*If I am an NFC team, I am scared of the Seattle Seahawks, particularly on their home turf. What a beating they laid on the 49ers last night.
*The NFC East has proven to be a huge disappointment with a collective 2 - 6 record after Week Two.
In no particular order, here are my thoughts on Saturday's 31 - 29 loss to Toronto:
*Once again the offensive line struggled to give Darian time. Patrick Neufeld has not looked good in his two starts and we sure missed Ben Heenan on Saturday. We needed the two - point conversion to force OT and Darian had absolutely no time to make anything happen.
*George Cortez appears to be getting stagnant in his play calling.
*If/when Jock Sanders gets healthy and back into the line - up, we must find ways to utilize him the way he was used last year. Coming out of the backfield or lined up in the slot made Jock very dangerous.
*Our DB's were not good on Saturday. There were too many occasions where they were simply running to catch up to their man, having no clue as to where the ball was. This led to some penalties and big plays against. Carlos Thomas sticks out as having had an off game. What happened to the coverage being played in the early weeks of the season?
*Hopefully Eljiro Kuale, brought in recently can help be the run stopper we lost when Rey Williams went down. Jerious Norwood ran roughshot up the middle in the waning moments of Saturday night.
*Kierre Johnson has to make some catches on Saturday. He dropped some balls at inopportune times. Here's to hoping Weston Dressler will be back on Sunday.
*Given the week he had, I was not surprised at the body language of Taj Smith. He looked lost and generally uninterested.
*Too bad injuries cost Chris Milo a shot at Rider history. With Huculack and Dressler out, Peters and Schmitt made a mess of the snap and hold resulting in a missed FG which would have been 29 in a row and a record that has stood for a long time. It also cost us the game if you think more about it. If he makes it, the Getzlaf TD wins it. If he misses but avoids the upright, all we need is the single to tie.
*A lot of people are writing the Riders off; season is all for not, Durant's a bum, blah, blah, blah. I buy none of it. This team has as much talent as we have seen in a long time. They also have leadership which needs to come front and centre this week. With the likes of Simon, Durant, Labatte, etc. leading the charge this week and for the remainder of the season for that matter, I have no worries with the direction of the team. This is a bump in the road, not the dead end sign many have taken it for.
*Good teams find ways to overcome adversity; the Riders simply need to prove what we all know, they are indeed a good team.
And in regards to the NFL:
*Jacksonville is awful. They won't win a game all year.
*New England may have the record for the most unimpressive 2 - 0 start in NFL history.
*Peyton Manning and the Broncos are ridiculously good.
*If I am an NFC team, I am scared of the Seattle Seahawks, particularly on their home turf. What a beating they laid on the 49ers last night.
*The NFC East has proven to be a huge disappointment with a collective 2 - 6 record after Week Two.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Labour Day Thoughts
Nearly 45, 000 people packed into Mosaic Stadium on a beatiful afternoon for football on Sunday to watch the Riders and Bombers clash in what I believe was the 46th Annual Labour Day Classic. In the end the Riders came out with a rather convincing 48 - 25 victory. While the Bombers hung around in the first half and actually took a four point lead into the break, the Riders showed their mettle in the second half outscoring the Bombers 34 - 7. In fact the only Bombers score came on a busted play brought on by a poor snap. In no particular order, here are my thoughts from the weekend:
* Darian Durant was on full display Sunday utilizing his legs when required. We all know when DD is able to scramble he is simply a more effective QB. While he threw his first pick of the season (to be discussed later), he countered that with four scoring passes bringing his season total to 22.
* John Chick had what I saw as his best game of the season. There were times he was unblockable.
* I have complete confidence in Christopher Mile moving forward. He is 23 / 23 this year and had plenty of leg to spare in making a 48 yarder.
* Geroy Simon may not have had huge numbers but Sunday was the type of game we all hoped we would get from Geroy when the trade was made earlier this year. While he only had five grabs for 44 yards, three were for first downs and two were for scores.
* Say what you will about Dwight Anderson losing his cool on Sunday. Given what had transpired in the quarter and a half prior I can't say I wouldn't have had choice words for the official as well. Anderson plays with his heart on his sleeve and I can honestly say I love having him on this team. He brings in on every play and while he might talk a lot, he generally backs it up with his on field performance. Speaking of talking, did anyone else see Chad Simpson right in the face of the Riders prior to kick off. I had a chuckle then made sweeter by the Riders ability to keep Simpson almost competely in check.
* The Officials were BRUTAL. The only points the Bombers seemed to score in the first half came about on drives sustained by rubbish calls against the Riders. Dwight Anderson was called for PI simply because the reciever fell back - pedalling. Meanwhile, it what led to Darian Durant's first interception of the season, Weston Dressler was being mauled by one of the Muamba brothers well before the ball arrived. It is so hard to tell what is and is not pass interference anymore. It seems to vary from week to week. Let's add to that the fact that not only do the calls they make leave something to be desired they are not calling a lot of stuff that needs to be. At one point on Sunday, DD gets facemasked while scrambling in the backfield but no flag. On the QB dive by the Bombers late in the 1st half, one of the Bomber linemen came up swining but no flag is thrown. I would seriously hope that Tom Higgins and the CFL is doing something to improve the officiating; if not the quality, at least the consistency.
* The Riders have never been 8 - 1 in their history. Let's still be cautious that the last nine games will be sligthly more difficult as we have BC three times, Calgary one more time in Cowtown as well as an ever improving Eskimo squad twice. (More on them shortly as well).
* Regardless of the schedule we have had and have in front of us, this is a great Rider team that I love watching. Here's to hoping the wonder of the first half of the season carries through to Nov. 24th.
* And things just got a little crazy in Edmonton. One day after nearly pulling off a tremendous comeback against the rival Stamps, Eskimo GM Ed Hervey went OFF. He basically shamed his football team and its coaching staff while singling out Linemen Simeon Rottier saying that he hopes the team never sees him play another down this season. Really Ed Hervey, you want to point the finger. Sure Eric Tillman made some questionable moves but who is responsible for the team on the field now? You! This is no way to motivate a team that is so close to getting a win. Mike Reilly is as tough as nails and this team is getting better each week. Sure they played like hell for three quarters yesterday but I thought showed a lot of composure and maturity by never giving up and fighting right until the final horn. Personally I would think you acknowledge the tremendous finish from yesterday and use that to build on heading into next week's rematch. Blasting the team publicly like that can only cause more problems short and long term. The only coach he seemed to still care for was Kavis Reed who I personally think is part of the problem there. A team that came out the way they did yesterday was clearly lacking motivation and a lot of that needs to fall on the coaches shoulders. In closing, I am very glad to not be an Eskimos fan at this point in time.
* Graham Delaet, you are a beauty. I love the beard, I love his game and I think his results are a true testament to working hard to get to where you want to be. Well done! Can you imagine if he wins the Fed Ex Cup? Weyburn might never be the same.
* Darian Durant was on full display Sunday utilizing his legs when required. We all know when DD is able to scramble he is simply a more effective QB. While he threw his first pick of the season (to be discussed later), he countered that with four scoring passes bringing his season total to 22.
* John Chick had what I saw as his best game of the season. There were times he was unblockable.
* I have complete confidence in Christopher Mile moving forward. He is 23 / 23 this year and had plenty of leg to spare in making a 48 yarder.
* Geroy Simon may not have had huge numbers but Sunday was the type of game we all hoped we would get from Geroy when the trade was made earlier this year. While he only had five grabs for 44 yards, three were for first downs and two were for scores.
* Say what you will about Dwight Anderson losing his cool on Sunday. Given what had transpired in the quarter and a half prior I can't say I wouldn't have had choice words for the official as well. Anderson plays with his heart on his sleeve and I can honestly say I love having him on this team. He brings in on every play and while he might talk a lot, he generally backs it up with his on field performance. Speaking of talking, did anyone else see Chad Simpson right in the face of the Riders prior to kick off. I had a chuckle then made sweeter by the Riders ability to keep Simpson almost competely in check.
* The Officials were BRUTAL. The only points the Bombers seemed to score in the first half came about on drives sustained by rubbish calls against the Riders. Dwight Anderson was called for PI simply because the reciever fell back - pedalling. Meanwhile, it what led to Darian Durant's first interception of the season, Weston Dressler was being mauled by one of the Muamba brothers well before the ball arrived. It is so hard to tell what is and is not pass interference anymore. It seems to vary from week to week. Let's add to that the fact that not only do the calls they make leave something to be desired they are not calling a lot of stuff that needs to be. At one point on Sunday, DD gets facemasked while scrambling in the backfield but no flag. On the QB dive by the Bombers late in the 1st half, one of the Bomber linemen came up swining but no flag is thrown. I would seriously hope that Tom Higgins and the CFL is doing something to improve the officiating; if not the quality, at least the consistency.
* The Riders have never been 8 - 1 in their history. Let's still be cautious that the last nine games will be sligthly more difficult as we have BC three times, Calgary one more time in Cowtown as well as an ever improving Eskimo squad twice. (More on them shortly as well).
* Regardless of the schedule we have had and have in front of us, this is a great Rider team that I love watching. Here's to hoping the wonder of the first half of the season carries through to Nov. 24th.
* And things just got a little crazy in Edmonton. One day after nearly pulling off a tremendous comeback against the rival Stamps, Eskimo GM Ed Hervey went OFF. He basically shamed his football team and its coaching staff while singling out Linemen Simeon Rottier saying that he hopes the team never sees him play another down this season. Really Ed Hervey, you want to point the finger. Sure Eric Tillman made some questionable moves but who is responsible for the team on the field now? You! This is no way to motivate a team that is so close to getting a win. Mike Reilly is as tough as nails and this team is getting better each week. Sure they played like hell for three quarters yesterday but I thought showed a lot of composure and maturity by never giving up and fighting right until the final horn. Personally I would think you acknowledge the tremendous finish from yesterday and use that to build on heading into next week's rematch. Blasting the team publicly like that can only cause more problems short and long term. The only coach he seemed to still care for was Kavis Reed who I personally think is part of the problem there. A team that came out the way they did yesterday was clearly lacking motivation and a lot of that needs to fall on the coaches shoulders. In closing, I am very glad to not be an Eskimos fan at this point in time.
* Graham Delaet, you are a beauty. I love the beard, I love his game and I think his results are a true testament to working hard to get to where you want to be. Well done! Can you imagine if he wins the Fed Ex Cup? Weyburn might never be the same.
Monday, August 26, 2013
As August Draws to a Close....
As the heat of August continues, the days left in my summer vacation are now down to one. While the summer was great for spending time with family and friends fishing, golfing and watching the Riders, it did nothing for the blog. In saying that, since I am back in 'the office' today I think it's time to provide my insights into the summer that was, and the fall that is in front of us.
First off, today is August 26th. The Winter Olympics kick off in Sochi in approximately six months time. This morning, in a rink in Calgary, a group of men hoping to represent Canada in Men's hockey are playing ball hockey, and from what I read on twitter are practicing line changes amongst other things. Are you kidding me? Look, I love hockey as much as the next and nothing gives me more national pride than watching our hockey teams perform at a high level in international competitions, but really, ball hockey in August? In all reality, these next three days are in my opinion, a colossal waste of both time and effort. Why? There are probably ten players who have already made the team. Guys like Crosby, Stamkos and Doughty are already on the team, don't kid yourself. In saying that, do you honestly think that Bob Nicholson, Kevin Lowe and others on the managment team are going to look back at how well Player A performed playing road hockey in Calgary in August to determine whether or not he goes to Russia or stays home? Not a chance, it will be all based on what they have done in the first few months of the NHL season. I don't usually poke fun at Hockey Canada but this is laughable. TSN has their entire hockey crew there reporting on every bounce of the ball which just adds to the comedic value of this event.
The NFL season is only two weeks away. Not going to say much other than I am excited.
For a stretch in June and July the Toronto Blue Jays gave us reasons to be optimistic. They won eleven in a row and were crawling back into contention. It look like the dogs days of summer were going to provide us with meaningful baseball games to watch. That evaporated quickly. While, injuries have to be taken into account, this group has set the bar in terms of underachievement. As such, the absolute first thing that Alex Anthopoulos needs to do at the end of the season is terminate the contract of John Gibbons. He was fired for a reason three years ago, and his hiring in the off - season raised a lot of eyebrows. The concerns of Blue Jays fans at the time have proven to be warranted over and over.
Graham Delaet has gone from making a name for himself on the PGA to officially having made a name. With yesterday's T2 finish at the Barclay's a bunch of firsts have arisen for the Weyburn product. He cracked the top 50 in the Offical World Rankings as he jumped to #48. He eclipsed the $2 million dollar mark in earnings this season, not to mention jumping him up to #7 in the FedEx Cup stadings which gives him a very legitimate, if not almost, guaranteed spot in the Tour Championship. As if that wasn't enough, he has also jumped into the Top 10 in President's Cup standings which means there is a very strong likelihood that he will be part of Nick Faldo's International squad in Ohio in early October. And to think, he hasn't even won an event yet. While we all talk about how he is close to his first victory, I think we now need to think of how many times will he win once he get's over that proverbial hump.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are somewhere they have not been since 1970. They are 7 - 1 and alone atop the CFL standings. With back to back games against the greatest circus show in Canada presently, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers a 9 - 1 record in two weeks is very much a possibility. Here are my random observations about their season thus far:
* Kory Sheets is a monster. He set a goal of 2,000 yards along the ground this year. He is more than half way home with 10 games to go.
* Darian Durant is having his finest season as a Rider. To date he has thrown 17 TD's without an interception. Sure, he may have had a poor showing at home against Montreal but he was a warrior to the end and made the play he needed to make to give us an opportunity to win. While many in this province have a serious 'hate on' for DD, if you are a true football fan, you can appreciate his abilities. Be thankful he is on our team as there aren't anymore I would rather have running my team at this point in time.
* Dwight Anderson may be obnoxious but he makes plays when they need to be made.
* So much for that concern with the kicking game. Chris Milo is the only kicker in the leaague to make every kick this season. The stats would tell you that Calagary's Rene Paredes is also perfect but he has had a kick blocked and if not for ridiculous CFL rules, that perfection would be erased.
* The officiating throughout the CFL is at times horrific. There is absolutely no consistency from one week to the next. What is pass interference this week may not be next week and I don't think anybody, officials included, truly know what roughing the passer entails. What is called one week won't be the next. As a fan, all I can ask for is consistentcy. If the officiating is going to be poor, be poor every week. How some of these guys can even accept a pay cheque is beyonhd me.
* I could go on and on with who has impressed me from the green and white all day but at some point I have to get some work done.
Later,
HM
First off, today is August 26th. The Winter Olympics kick off in Sochi in approximately six months time. This morning, in a rink in Calgary, a group of men hoping to represent Canada in Men's hockey are playing ball hockey, and from what I read on twitter are practicing line changes amongst other things. Are you kidding me? Look, I love hockey as much as the next and nothing gives me more national pride than watching our hockey teams perform at a high level in international competitions, but really, ball hockey in August? In all reality, these next three days are in my opinion, a colossal waste of both time and effort. Why? There are probably ten players who have already made the team. Guys like Crosby, Stamkos and Doughty are already on the team, don't kid yourself. In saying that, do you honestly think that Bob Nicholson, Kevin Lowe and others on the managment team are going to look back at how well Player A performed playing road hockey in Calgary in August to determine whether or not he goes to Russia or stays home? Not a chance, it will be all based on what they have done in the first few months of the NHL season. I don't usually poke fun at Hockey Canada but this is laughable. TSN has their entire hockey crew there reporting on every bounce of the ball which just adds to the comedic value of this event.
The NFL season is only two weeks away. Not going to say much other than I am excited.
For a stretch in June and July the Toronto Blue Jays gave us reasons to be optimistic. They won eleven in a row and were crawling back into contention. It look like the dogs days of summer were going to provide us with meaningful baseball games to watch. That evaporated quickly. While, injuries have to be taken into account, this group has set the bar in terms of underachievement. As such, the absolute first thing that Alex Anthopoulos needs to do at the end of the season is terminate the contract of John Gibbons. He was fired for a reason three years ago, and his hiring in the off - season raised a lot of eyebrows. The concerns of Blue Jays fans at the time have proven to be warranted over and over.
Graham Delaet has gone from making a name for himself on the PGA to officially having made a name. With yesterday's T2 finish at the Barclay's a bunch of firsts have arisen for the Weyburn product. He cracked the top 50 in the Offical World Rankings as he jumped to #48. He eclipsed the $2 million dollar mark in earnings this season, not to mention jumping him up to #7 in the FedEx Cup stadings which gives him a very legitimate, if not almost, guaranteed spot in the Tour Championship. As if that wasn't enough, he has also jumped into the Top 10 in President's Cup standings which means there is a very strong likelihood that he will be part of Nick Faldo's International squad in Ohio in early October. And to think, he hasn't even won an event yet. While we all talk about how he is close to his first victory, I think we now need to think of how many times will he win once he get's over that proverbial hump.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are somewhere they have not been since 1970. They are 7 - 1 and alone atop the CFL standings. With back to back games against the greatest circus show in Canada presently, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers a 9 - 1 record in two weeks is very much a possibility. Here are my random observations about their season thus far:
* Kory Sheets is a monster. He set a goal of 2,000 yards along the ground this year. He is more than half way home with 10 games to go.
* Darian Durant is having his finest season as a Rider. To date he has thrown 17 TD's without an interception. Sure, he may have had a poor showing at home against Montreal but he was a warrior to the end and made the play he needed to make to give us an opportunity to win. While many in this province have a serious 'hate on' for DD, if you are a true football fan, you can appreciate his abilities. Be thankful he is on our team as there aren't anymore I would rather have running my team at this point in time.
* Dwight Anderson may be obnoxious but he makes plays when they need to be made.
* So much for that concern with the kicking game. Chris Milo is the only kicker in the leaague to make every kick this season. The stats would tell you that Calagary's Rene Paredes is also perfect but he has had a kick blocked and if not for ridiculous CFL rules, that perfection would be erased.
* The officiating throughout the CFL is at times horrific. There is absolutely no consistency from one week to the next. What is pass interference this week may not be next week and I don't think anybody, officials included, truly know what roughing the passer entails. What is called one week won't be the next. As a fan, all I can ask for is consistentcy. If the officiating is going to be poor, be poor every week. How some of these guys can even accept a pay cheque is beyonhd me.
* I could go on and on with who has impressed me from the green and white all day but at some point I have to get some work done.
Later,
HM
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Week One Analysis / Previewing Friday Night
The 2013 CFL season started exactly as Ridernation hoped it would. Saturday afternoon's 39 - 18 drubbing of the Eskimos in Edmonton got the Riders off on the right foot. The end result was truly flattering to the Eskimos as they trailed 36 - 1 miidway through the third quarter before the Riders called off the dogs. In many ways the season opener gave us plenty of reasons for optimism along with the usual issues that people want to over analyze which I will also bring up.
First up, the bright spots:
* Darian Durant looked calm and poised in the pocket. He made some things happen with his legs and he made ZERO mistakes. Three TD scores without an INT. Great start to the season for Darian in that it should shut a lot of Durant haters up for the meantime. I, along with many others also know DD is capable of more which is promising as a Rider fan and scary for future opposition. I look forward to unveiling my spanky new Durant #4 jersey on Friday night.
* Kory Sheets is a beast. Sheets is part of the reason why the passing game was less active as he got it done on the ground for most of the afternoon. I know Sheets would like to eclipse 2000 yards on the ground this season which is something that is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.
* Chris Getzlaf looked like an entirely different reciever. He caught everything thrown his way and was able to gain additional yardage after the catch, or the YAC yards as they are commonly referred to. I think Getzlaf is the one who will truly benefit this season from the presence of Dressler and Simon (when healthy) along with the emergence of Smith and Sheets. He could have a real good year.
* Mitchell Blair, AKA Scruffy called for Keith Shologan to have a big year and so far, he is absolutely correct. Two big sacks for #74 up the middle along with eating a lot of eating up space and minimizing the effectiveness of Hugh Charles.
* Macho Harris and the secondary played great. I haven't seen a Rider secondary cover like that in years. There was nothing being given and they were all over the ball. I was in conversations with Mrs. Morin yesterday about potentially purchasing a #3 Harris jersey. That is how much he impressed me on Saturday.
* Ben Heenan was under the gun all week. He had been moved outside with the injury to Neufeld and hadn't looked particularly good against Calgary in the pre - season finale. I thought Heenan played very well on Saturday as did the entire line who gave DD lots of time in the pocket.
* I could go on and on which about the players who played well. I won't but I could and this is refreshing because it shows just how complete a game the Riders played on Saturday.
* One more, Diamond Ferri is one tough SOB. He got nailed by Matt O'Donnell but got up and walked off. He has so much left in the tank from what I see. He is a true asset to the Riders.
Now, the issues people need to leave alone...
* Yes, Dwight Anderson had a melt down. Yes, Dwight Anderson has a history. Yes, many of you never wanted him in the first place. How much did Fred Stamps do on Satruday afternoon? Next to nothing. Who covered him for most of the game? Yes, that's right Dwight Anderson. Look, Anderson is not going to cost us thirty yards every week, and he is one hell of a cover guy to have. I will take a little Tom Foolery with that type of play every week. I look for him to be a real thorn in the big ass of Nik Lewis this week. If he can shut down Nik Lewis, I can completely forget his moment of weakness which meant little to nothing in a game that was in the bag.
* Geroy Simon was ruled out for Friday night this afternoon by Coach Chamblin following practice. People are going to bitch and people are going to call for his release and bemoan the release of Greg Carr. Look, Geroy is 37 years old. I would much rather we get Geroy back at 100% than have him rush back at 80% only to see him make it worse. Those that are calling for his release need to sit back and think; this is the greatest reciever the CFL has ever seen. If we get 75% of a season out of him, and 60% of his season averages he is still bringing a lot to the table, not to mention what else had does aside from simply stats. He is a true leader on and off the field. Geroy, I doubt you read this but if you do, don't listen to the no - mind's who think they know everything. Take your time and get healthy. Ridernation is ready for the arrival of Superman whenever Superman is ready to go.
* Greg Carr got cut yesterday. People on Rod Pederson's blog had a running debate as to whether it was a salary thing, a Geroy thing or what was the reasoning. Here it is; Greg Carr isn't that good. The guy is 6'6 but is afraid to get hit. He won't go over the middle to make a catch and his hands are just slightly better than average. He had chances to become a household name and never got there. I also had high hopes following last year's Western Semi but he just didn't fit into the plans this year.
And then there was Friday. In approximatley 52.5 hours I will be right back in my favorite place in the world, Section 24, Row 23, Seat 19 for the Rider's home opener. As of today, 34, 000 tickets had been sold for the game and there is a realistic chance the old girl could house 40, 000 for Friday night. That is going to be one electric atmosphere.
Friday should be a real good litnus test for the Riders and also one that does a little more to clear up the debate as to how things might shape up in the west. Calgary looked pretty good against BC on Friday night and many have them ahead of the Riders at the end of the season. I am not one of those people but still think BC is the team to beat. That being said, Friday could give us a real indication as to whether both or one of these two teams are as good as they looked in their season openers.
As mentioned earlier you can expect Nik Lewis to get a face full of Dwight Anderson all night. Those two will beak and battle all night long and if Anderson can do half the job he did on Fred Stamps last week, we are in great shape. At the same time, if our front seven, stronger this week than last with the return of Tearrius George can keep Jon Cornish and his gigantic ego in check, things will be even better. I can not wait for Friday; is there any better way to start the seasn than a smacketh of the Eskimos followed by a beat down of the Stamps? Hang on to your hats, crack open the Pil and get ready for some good old fashioned Rider football. WOOOOEEEEE!
And in other, unrelated to the CFL News:
* Apparently Aaron Hernandez has been a despicable loser for quite some time.
* Yasiel Puig is a decent baseball player
* I shot 61 on nine holes last week. Fortunatley I didn't have any rope laying around the garage when I got home.
* I also suck at fishing; two trips up north on consecutive days resulted in the filleting of exactly ONE fish. Maybe I need to revoke my 'we eat only what daddy catches this summer' rule. Kruze could stand to lose a few but Kylie already struggles to keep straight in a slight prarie breeze.
* NHL Free Agency has open. Teams can talk to UFA's but not sign until Friday. While there are no real marquee names on the market this year, that doesn't mean stupid amounts of money won't be agreed to on Friday. If you had more than eight goals and twenty points last season, daddy will surely be getting more than a new pair of shoes.
* The Philadelphia Flyers are really an interesting group aren't they. They just saved a bunch of money buying our Danny Briere and Ilya Bryzgalov only to turn around and give Vinny Lecavalier $22.5 million. To me that's a stretch for Lecavalier who hasn't been at his best since the Lightning's Stanely Cup run of 2005. I think I would rather give that kind of money to Vinny Damphousse.
* That move could help the Oilers however as needed to clear cap space could mean the Flyers may be more willing ot discuss a potential deal for Brayden Coburn which the Oilers have made no secrets regarding their desire to acquire him.
* Speaking of the Oilers, what a refreshing move they made on Sunday, taking Darnell Nurse at #7. That is exactly the type of player this club needed and if he molds into the form many expect him to, he could become a staple on the Oil blue line for years to come. And if nothing else, perhaps his Uncle, Donovan McNabb could move to Edmonton in search of work. I know a football team not far from Rexall Place with with a bit of a stench to them.
And with that I have said about all I have to say, or can think of to say. It's hot out there, avoid milk.
First up, the bright spots:
* Darian Durant looked calm and poised in the pocket. He made some things happen with his legs and he made ZERO mistakes. Three TD scores without an INT. Great start to the season for Darian in that it should shut a lot of Durant haters up for the meantime. I, along with many others also know DD is capable of more which is promising as a Rider fan and scary for future opposition. I look forward to unveiling my spanky new Durant #4 jersey on Friday night.
* Kory Sheets is a beast. Sheets is part of the reason why the passing game was less active as he got it done on the ground for most of the afternoon. I know Sheets would like to eclipse 2000 yards on the ground this season which is something that is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.
* Chris Getzlaf looked like an entirely different reciever. He caught everything thrown his way and was able to gain additional yardage after the catch, or the YAC yards as they are commonly referred to. I think Getzlaf is the one who will truly benefit this season from the presence of Dressler and Simon (when healthy) along with the emergence of Smith and Sheets. He could have a real good year.
* Mitchell Blair, AKA Scruffy called for Keith Shologan to have a big year and so far, he is absolutely correct. Two big sacks for #74 up the middle along with eating a lot of eating up space and minimizing the effectiveness of Hugh Charles.
* Macho Harris and the secondary played great. I haven't seen a Rider secondary cover like that in years. There was nothing being given and they were all over the ball. I was in conversations with Mrs. Morin yesterday about potentially purchasing a #3 Harris jersey. That is how much he impressed me on Saturday.
* Ben Heenan was under the gun all week. He had been moved outside with the injury to Neufeld and hadn't looked particularly good against Calgary in the pre - season finale. I thought Heenan played very well on Saturday as did the entire line who gave DD lots of time in the pocket.
* I could go on and on which about the players who played well. I won't but I could and this is refreshing because it shows just how complete a game the Riders played on Saturday.
* One more, Diamond Ferri is one tough SOB. He got nailed by Matt O'Donnell but got up and walked off. He has so much left in the tank from what I see. He is a true asset to the Riders.
Now, the issues people need to leave alone...
* Yes, Dwight Anderson had a melt down. Yes, Dwight Anderson has a history. Yes, many of you never wanted him in the first place. How much did Fred Stamps do on Satruday afternoon? Next to nothing. Who covered him for most of the game? Yes, that's right Dwight Anderson. Look, Anderson is not going to cost us thirty yards every week, and he is one hell of a cover guy to have. I will take a little Tom Foolery with that type of play every week. I look for him to be a real thorn in the big ass of Nik Lewis this week. If he can shut down Nik Lewis, I can completely forget his moment of weakness which meant little to nothing in a game that was in the bag.
* Geroy Simon was ruled out for Friday night this afternoon by Coach Chamblin following practice. People are going to bitch and people are going to call for his release and bemoan the release of Greg Carr. Look, Geroy is 37 years old. I would much rather we get Geroy back at 100% than have him rush back at 80% only to see him make it worse. Those that are calling for his release need to sit back and think; this is the greatest reciever the CFL has ever seen. If we get 75% of a season out of him, and 60% of his season averages he is still bringing a lot to the table, not to mention what else had does aside from simply stats. He is a true leader on and off the field. Geroy, I doubt you read this but if you do, don't listen to the no - mind's who think they know everything. Take your time and get healthy. Ridernation is ready for the arrival of Superman whenever Superman is ready to go.
* Greg Carr got cut yesterday. People on Rod Pederson's blog had a running debate as to whether it was a salary thing, a Geroy thing or what was the reasoning. Here it is; Greg Carr isn't that good. The guy is 6'6 but is afraid to get hit. He won't go over the middle to make a catch and his hands are just slightly better than average. He had chances to become a household name and never got there. I also had high hopes following last year's Western Semi but he just didn't fit into the plans this year.
And then there was Friday. In approximatley 52.5 hours I will be right back in my favorite place in the world, Section 24, Row 23, Seat 19 for the Rider's home opener. As of today, 34, 000 tickets had been sold for the game and there is a realistic chance the old girl could house 40, 000 for Friday night. That is going to be one electric atmosphere.
Friday should be a real good litnus test for the Riders and also one that does a little more to clear up the debate as to how things might shape up in the west. Calgary looked pretty good against BC on Friday night and many have them ahead of the Riders at the end of the season. I am not one of those people but still think BC is the team to beat. That being said, Friday could give us a real indication as to whether both or one of these two teams are as good as they looked in their season openers.
As mentioned earlier you can expect Nik Lewis to get a face full of Dwight Anderson all night. Those two will beak and battle all night long and if Anderson can do half the job he did on Fred Stamps last week, we are in great shape. At the same time, if our front seven, stronger this week than last with the return of Tearrius George can keep Jon Cornish and his gigantic ego in check, things will be even better. I can not wait for Friday; is there any better way to start the seasn than a smacketh of the Eskimos followed by a beat down of the Stamps? Hang on to your hats, crack open the Pil and get ready for some good old fashioned Rider football. WOOOOEEEEE!
And in other, unrelated to the CFL News:
* Apparently Aaron Hernandez has been a despicable loser for quite some time.
* Yasiel Puig is a decent baseball player
* I shot 61 on nine holes last week. Fortunatley I didn't have any rope laying around the garage when I got home.
* I also suck at fishing; two trips up north on consecutive days resulted in the filleting of exactly ONE fish. Maybe I need to revoke my 'we eat only what daddy catches this summer' rule. Kruze could stand to lose a few but Kylie already struggles to keep straight in a slight prarie breeze.
* NHL Free Agency has open. Teams can talk to UFA's but not sign until Friday. While there are no real marquee names on the market this year, that doesn't mean stupid amounts of money won't be agreed to on Friday. If you had more than eight goals and twenty points last season, daddy will surely be getting more than a new pair of shoes.
* The Philadelphia Flyers are really an interesting group aren't they. They just saved a bunch of money buying our Danny Briere and Ilya Bryzgalov only to turn around and give Vinny Lecavalier $22.5 million. To me that's a stretch for Lecavalier who hasn't been at his best since the Lightning's Stanely Cup run of 2005. I think I would rather give that kind of money to Vinny Damphousse.
* That move could help the Oilers however as needed to clear cap space could mean the Flyers may be more willing ot discuss a potential deal for Brayden Coburn which the Oilers have made no secrets regarding their desire to acquire him.
* Speaking of the Oilers, what a refreshing move they made on Sunday, taking Darnell Nurse at #7. That is exactly the type of player this club needed and if he molds into the form many expect him to, he could become a staple on the Oil blue line for years to come. And if nothing else, perhaps his Uncle, Donovan McNabb could move to Edmonton in search of work. I know a football team not far from Rexall Place with with a bit of a stench to them.
And with that I have said about all I have to say, or can think of to say. It's hot out there, avoid milk.
Friday, June 28, 2013
It's FINALLY here...
After months of what seemed like the longest, coldest winter ever, the CFL lifted the curtain on their 101st season last night. Before I get to my rant and predictions, here are some general sports thoughts from the last few days.
* Aaron Hernandez had forty MILLION reasons not to be an idiot. It is these guys, of which there are very few who give sports a bad reputation.
* While I agree with the compliance buyout NHL teams are able to exercise twice annually, it really proves one thing. Long term contracts are ridiculous and completely unnecessary. Like really Tampa Bay, was it a good idea to sign Vinny Lecavalier to his ridiculous contract? Obviously not but it will still cost you $32 million over the next fourteen years. To make this even more aggravating is he will be receiving this money from the Lightning all the while being paid what will likey be a pretty good salary to play for another team.
* It is also contracts like that which is the sole reason why Roberto Luongo is still a Vancouver Canuck
* The Colorade Avalanche have gone on record as saying they will NOT pick Portland Winterhawk Seth Jones with the first pick in the NHL draft on Sunday in Newark. Having watched the 'big three' if you will at the Memorial Cup last month, Nathan McKinnon has to be the pick. Florida will not pass up on the big guy though as they have a need on the back end. In my books that leaves Jonathon Drouin with a ticket to Tampa.
* My surprise pick won't be a huge surprise but Max Domi will go higher than many think. I can see him being a top ten pick.
* The Edmonton Oilers pick at #7 and I can only hope they do the right thing and take the absolute best defenceman on the board at the time. The big kid out of London, Nikita Zadorov looked pretty good at the Memorial Cup. Other players like Darnell Nurse, Ryan Pulock and the Finn Rasmus Ristolainen could come into play. Kevin Lowe can think it is never a bad thing to have too many forwards but look down the bench, you don't need skilled forwards you need grit and you don't address grit in the top ten of an NHL Draft. The pick of a skilled forward at this spot would be in my mind, awful. That is unless moves are made this year to address the team's real needs which are not skilled forwards.
* Apparenlty Dave Nonis is willing to trade pretty much any player the Leaf's have. I find this somewhat confusing as I thought the Leafs had proven they were a team on the rise. Why play around with what has the potential to be a pretty good hand?
* John Tortorella being hired in Vancouver is an absolutely stupid move by GM Mike Gillis and one I firmly believe will lead to his dismissal. Tortorella may be the 'cool' pick but he is not a good coach. His tactics are awful as you can't use public humiliation as a motivating tool. Secondly, look at what he had on that team last year in New York and they were terrible underachievers. Sure he won a ring in 2005 but that was eight years ago. How do you think the Sedin sisters will relate to his tactics? I thought the Canucks were really interested in Dallas Eakins who ended up in Edmonton. Funny thing is Edmonton still had a coach when Gillis should have been wining and dining Eakins. At the end of the day, I really could care less as I despise the Vancouver Canucks with every morsel of my being. This just makes hating them easier.
* History in the NBA Draft last night as a Canadian, Anthony Bennet was taken first overall. I don't talk basketball much, however, every mock draft I read was nowhere close. Nothing I read had Bennett in the top thre let alone at the top. That being said with fellow Canuck Kelly Olynyk taken 12th and Andrew Wiggins the apparent top pick in next year's draft, Canada Basketball is shaping up nicely.
And then there was the CFL...
* The Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicked off the season by hosting the Montreal Alouettes the brand new $200 million Investor's Group Field. In a game that I thought would be a blow out, the Bombers actually had a real chance to win the game well into the fourth quarter. Let's be realistic here, a lot of factors were working in favor of the Bombers, who in my opinion are hands down the worst team in the league. They had the home crowd in their favor which was a full house due to the new field and it's easy to get jacked up for the opener. Mitchell Blair had a 4.5 over under on his blog this morning as to how many games the Bombers win this season. I am strongly saying UNDER.
* The Riders kick it off for real tomorrow afternoon in Edmonton. For me I am full of optimisim. The defence, our achilles at times last year is greatly improved and could be something special. For all thos naysayers about the age of some of our acquisitions on that side of the ball, age is a number and nothing more.
* Anyone and everyone calling for Geroy Simon to be cut or released because he is nicked up and won't play tomorrow, kindly take your head out of your ass. This is football people, injuries are going to happen. Sure he was brought in amidst a lot of fan fare, some negative but at the end of the day it is one game in an eighteen game grind. Would you rather he play, only to worsen the situation and miss half the season. Those fans are embarrassing to listen to and at times I am ashamed we cheer for the same team. Those aren't fans, they are morons living in their parents basement who have no perception of anything outside of their Game Cube.
* And now my fearless CFL predictions. Last time I tried this I didn't do so well so...... I will also avoid the long winded analysis of why each team will finish where.
EAST
1. Toronto -- Build off of last year. Chad Owens is scary. Defence is pretty good.
2. Hamilton -- Can score points but don't see a whole lot of improvement on the defensive side of the ball.
3. Montreal -- Can still play but they are getting old on both sides.
4. Winnipeg -- May be better to play in the PFC this season. Buck Pierce can't stay healthy all year and he is the achilles heel of that team.
WEST
1. B.C. -- Best QB with the best all around team.
2. Saskatchewan -- Improvements made in all required areas from last season. When on, DD is as good as anybody in the league and we have the best recieving corps.
3. Calgary -- Just don't like them.
4. Edmonton -- A good team who may make the play - offs with the cross over but the weakest of the four in the west.
Let's remember one thing before tomorrow's home opener. I want to win as badly as you do. That being said, if we lose, let's not call for Durant to be traded, Taman fired, Jim Hopson removed as President and extradited to Manitoba, et al. It get's really depressing and at times aggravating to listen to some fans. There are eighteen games. We have a solid management group in place. We have good coaches, a group that includes a tremendous Head Coach with a lot of passion who will not settle for anything but the best from the 46 players on the field. Here's to a great summer of Rider football and hoping we can freeze our nads off watching them on November 24th.
* Aaron Hernandez had forty MILLION reasons not to be an idiot. It is these guys, of which there are very few who give sports a bad reputation.
* While I agree with the compliance buyout NHL teams are able to exercise twice annually, it really proves one thing. Long term contracts are ridiculous and completely unnecessary. Like really Tampa Bay, was it a good idea to sign Vinny Lecavalier to his ridiculous contract? Obviously not but it will still cost you $32 million over the next fourteen years. To make this even more aggravating is he will be receiving this money from the Lightning all the while being paid what will likey be a pretty good salary to play for another team.
* It is also contracts like that which is the sole reason why Roberto Luongo is still a Vancouver Canuck
* The Colorade Avalanche have gone on record as saying they will NOT pick Portland Winterhawk Seth Jones with the first pick in the NHL draft on Sunday in Newark. Having watched the 'big three' if you will at the Memorial Cup last month, Nathan McKinnon has to be the pick. Florida will not pass up on the big guy though as they have a need on the back end. In my books that leaves Jonathon Drouin with a ticket to Tampa.
* My surprise pick won't be a huge surprise but Max Domi will go higher than many think. I can see him being a top ten pick.
* The Edmonton Oilers pick at #7 and I can only hope they do the right thing and take the absolute best defenceman on the board at the time. The big kid out of London, Nikita Zadorov looked pretty good at the Memorial Cup. Other players like Darnell Nurse, Ryan Pulock and the Finn Rasmus Ristolainen could come into play. Kevin Lowe can think it is never a bad thing to have too many forwards but look down the bench, you don't need skilled forwards you need grit and you don't address grit in the top ten of an NHL Draft. The pick of a skilled forward at this spot would be in my mind, awful. That is unless moves are made this year to address the team's real needs which are not skilled forwards.
* Apparenlty Dave Nonis is willing to trade pretty much any player the Leaf's have. I find this somewhat confusing as I thought the Leafs had proven they were a team on the rise. Why play around with what has the potential to be a pretty good hand?
* John Tortorella being hired in Vancouver is an absolutely stupid move by GM Mike Gillis and one I firmly believe will lead to his dismissal. Tortorella may be the 'cool' pick but he is not a good coach. His tactics are awful as you can't use public humiliation as a motivating tool. Secondly, look at what he had on that team last year in New York and they were terrible underachievers. Sure he won a ring in 2005 but that was eight years ago. How do you think the Sedin sisters will relate to his tactics? I thought the Canucks were really interested in Dallas Eakins who ended up in Edmonton. Funny thing is Edmonton still had a coach when Gillis should have been wining and dining Eakins. At the end of the day, I really could care less as I despise the Vancouver Canucks with every morsel of my being. This just makes hating them easier.
* History in the NBA Draft last night as a Canadian, Anthony Bennet was taken first overall. I don't talk basketball much, however, every mock draft I read was nowhere close. Nothing I read had Bennett in the top thre let alone at the top. That being said with fellow Canuck Kelly Olynyk taken 12th and Andrew Wiggins the apparent top pick in next year's draft, Canada Basketball is shaping up nicely.
And then there was the CFL...
* The Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicked off the season by hosting the Montreal Alouettes the brand new $200 million Investor's Group Field. In a game that I thought would be a blow out, the Bombers actually had a real chance to win the game well into the fourth quarter. Let's be realistic here, a lot of factors were working in favor of the Bombers, who in my opinion are hands down the worst team in the league. They had the home crowd in their favor which was a full house due to the new field and it's easy to get jacked up for the opener. Mitchell Blair had a 4.5 over under on his blog this morning as to how many games the Bombers win this season. I am strongly saying UNDER.
* The Riders kick it off for real tomorrow afternoon in Edmonton. For me I am full of optimisim. The defence, our achilles at times last year is greatly improved and could be something special. For all thos naysayers about the age of some of our acquisitions on that side of the ball, age is a number and nothing more.
* Anyone and everyone calling for Geroy Simon to be cut or released because he is nicked up and won't play tomorrow, kindly take your head out of your ass. This is football people, injuries are going to happen. Sure he was brought in amidst a lot of fan fare, some negative but at the end of the day it is one game in an eighteen game grind. Would you rather he play, only to worsen the situation and miss half the season. Those fans are embarrassing to listen to and at times I am ashamed we cheer for the same team. Those aren't fans, they are morons living in their parents basement who have no perception of anything outside of their Game Cube.
* And now my fearless CFL predictions. Last time I tried this I didn't do so well so...... I will also avoid the long winded analysis of why each team will finish where.
EAST
1. Toronto -- Build off of last year. Chad Owens is scary. Defence is pretty good.
2. Hamilton -- Can score points but don't see a whole lot of improvement on the defensive side of the ball.
3. Montreal -- Can still play but they are getting old on both sides.
4. Winnipeg -- May be better to play in the PFC this season. Buck Pierce can't stay healthy all year and he is the achilles heel of that team.
WEST
1. B.C. -- Best QB with the best all around team.
2. Saskatchewan -- Improvements made in all required areas from last season. When on, DD is as good as anybody in the league and we have the best recieving corps.
3. Calgary -- Just don't like them.
4. Edmonton -- A good team who may make the play - offs with the cross over but the weakest of the four in the west.
Let's remember one thing before tomorrow's home opener. I want to win as badly as you do. That being said, if we lose, let's not call for Durant to be traded, Taman fired, Jim Hopson removed as President and extradited to Manitoba, et al. It get's really depressing and at times aggravating to listen to some fans. There are eighteen games. We have a solid management group in place. We have good coaches, a group that includes a tremendous Head Coach with a lot of passion who will not settle for anything but the best from the 46 players on the field. Here's to a great summer of Rider football and hoping we can freeze our nads off watching them on November 24th.
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