At least it isn't snowing. But amid the raindrops I had a startling revelation. The Riders are only 2 home wins away from the Grey Cup.
Wild, I know. But with a win at home versus Calgary the Green & White will host the West Final. Win that, and they are in!
I haven't had the chance to ask Coach Miller about this, but I have to think that the club would have taken this situation in a second back on July 3rd when the season kicked off.
Mosaic is a tough place for visitors to come to, so the chance to win 2 in a row to get to the big dance has to an exciting proposition!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Esks Could Be in Cold...Again
Danny Maciocia is good at one thing...In fact he may be the best at it since Matt Millen was running the Detroit Lions. That's keeping his job.
Let's take a look at the Maciocia era in Edmonton. After inheriting a team, Maciocia did manage to win a Grey Cup in 2005, but since then...not so much.
First went the longest streak in North American Pro sports streak missing the playoffs for the first time in 35 years when the Green and Gold missed in 2006 by finishing 4th in the West. The Maciocia led Eskies promptly followed that campaign with a dismal 4th place finish in 2007, missing the post-season for the second straight year.
2008 must be considered a bounce back year. the team won 10 games, but finished 4th in the West for a third consecutive year. The only reason they were allowed into the playoffs is because of the pitiful teams in the East and the CFL's generous allowance of 75% of its clubs into the post season.
Now, 2009 and all the optimism it started with as Maciocia had stepped down as Coach and turned the ropes over to Richie Hall. The team brought in free-agents, kept their core on offence and seemed to be poised to return to glory. NOT. The team continues to underachieve and after last night's thrashing at the hands of the Stampeders, they look destined fr their fourth-fourth place finish in a row.
To see just how the once proud franchise has fallen to such depths, one need not look any further than the man at the top of the Football Operations depth chart: Danny Maciocia,
General Manager & Director of Football Operations.
------------------------------
At what point do we stop calling Ricky Ray an 'elite quarterback' in this league? In a huge matchup against a divisional rival late in the season. Ray managed to drive his team to ZERO TD's. Sure, I understand he has almost all the stats to back up the argument that he is one of the best. But in the last 4 years he's missing the main number that matters. WINS.
Let's take a look at the Maciocia era in Edmonton. After inheriting a team, Maciocia did manage to win a Grey Cup in 2005, but since then...not so much.
First went the longest streak in North American Pro sports streak missing the playoffs for the first time in 35 years when the Green and Gold missed in 2006 by finishing 4th in the West. The Maciocia led Eskies promptly followed that campaign with a dismal 4th place finish in 2007, missing the post-season for the second straight year.
2008 must be considered a bounce back year. the team won 10 games, but finished 4th in the West for a third consecutive year. The only reason they were allowed into the playoffs is because of the pitiful teams in the East and the CFL's generous allowance of 75% of its clubs into the post season.
Now, 2009 and all the optimism it started with as Maciocia had stepped down as Coach and turned the ropes over to Richie Hall. The team brought in free-agents, kept their core on offence and seemed to be poised to return to glory. NOT. The team continues to underachieve and after last night's thrashing at the hands of the Stampeders, they look destined fr their fourth-fourth place finish in a row.
To see just how the once proud franchise has fallen to such depths, one need not look any further than the man at the top of the Football Operations depth chart: Danny Maciocia,
General Manager & Director of Football Operations.
------------------------------
At what point do we stop calling Ricky Ray an 'elite quarterback' in this league? In a huge matchup against a divisional rival late in the season. Ray managed to drive his team to ZERO TD's. Sure, I understand he has almost all the stats to back up the argument that he is one of the best. But in the last 4 years he's missing the main number that matters. WINS.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tough Call
Taking a step back and reading the rules and yeah, maybe it was a foul. But the penalty called on John Chick is a tough pill to swallow for the RiderNation.
Taken in the context of the game, Henry Burris had been able to escape what appeared to be sure tackles on a few occasions. In fact, one could argue maybe the whistle should have been blown on those plays. So after seeing this for four quarters, one can hardly blame John Chick for his actions.
This is football right? You do still play to the whistle right? Henry was rolling around and trying to get up right?
Turn the tables. If that was Darian Durant flailing around on the turf and somebody landed on him, Rider supports would scream bloody murder for a flag. But the referee is not a fan and must separate between colors.
The magnitude of the call was so massive because of the result...Almost 30 yards in field position and some hope for the Stamps. Enough hope to allow them to pretty much move the ball at will on a deflated defence.
Check out Rob Vanstone of the Leader Post. He maybe sums up this situation better than anyone. As he usually does!
http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/football/roughriders-football/VANSTONE+Unnecessary+roughness+against+Roughriders+necessary+call/2116071/story.html#
-------------------------------
Enough negative, let's hit the positive. DD was A+. Durant once again fashioned together a 4th quarter scoring drive that gave his team a chance. Then he made the plays he needed to in OT to have his team come home in first place. Its getting harder and harder to be a Durant detractor. Sure, they still make up stuff about his arm strength and his interception numbers, but when it comes down to it, the only number that matters is in the 'W' column and he has as many as anybody in the West.
-------------------------------
The Pats are showing life. The Blue & White took 3 of a possible 4 points at home this weekend and looked much improved doing it. There is still a long ways to go, but if the get decent goaltending, they have a chance every night with Jordan Eberle dominating the way he does.
--------------------------------
If you are bored one night and looking for some good action, check the schedule and see if the Warriors are playing. I'm not wrong very often, but these guys look to be making a fool out of me. I said the Tribe would make the playoffs this year, but the way they are believing in themselves and playing right now, they might quickly become a contender for the league. I know, its a long season, but Hunchak et al are really looking good and I'm not just talking about Dave's suits.
-------------------------------
Too bad for my fantasy opponent this weekend who started Eli Manning over Tom Brady. As Tom Vernon told me, "Stick with your horses"...I did, and won!
------------------------------
Cougar Tracks on Global Wednesday on News Final promises to be fun. A special guest interviewer spoke to the U of R Cougars Women's BBall Coach Dave Taylor....This team is easily my favorite in town.
------------------------------
Speaking of the U of R. I'm working on a special feature that you are going to want to check out. Its coming in a couple of weeks and trust me, there will be lots of pub for it. Its going to be fun.
------------------------------
Trino's Men's Wear is my favorite shop in the city. They have their own line of shirts in right now that are absolutely awesome...My wardrobe is growing because of them. No doubt that soon when you see me, I'll be wearing something from this great store on Quance.
-----------------------------
Press Box sports bar has Buffalo Ranch wings that are amazing! Rod Pedersen and Tom Vernon combined to convince me of the non-breaded version. So good!
----------------------------
Did Chris Szarka ask Ken Miller to help him in his campaign for City Council? Lol...He sure saw the ball alot and likewise the endzone. Lots of free pub this weekend. Great game for the vet.
-----------------------------
Cheers
Taken in the context of the game, Henry Burris had been able to escape what appeared to be sure tackles on a few occasions. In fact, one could argue maybe the whistle should have been blown on those plays. So after seeing this for four quarters, one can hardly blame John Chick for his actions.
This is football right? You do still play to the whistle right? Henry was rolling around and trying to get up right?
Turn the tables. If that was Darian Durant flailing around on the turf and somebody landed on him, Rider supports would scream bloody murder for a flag. But the referee is not a fan and must separate between colors.
The magnitude of the call was so massive because of the result...Almost 30 yards in field position and some hope for the Stamps. Enough hope to allow them to pretty much move the ball at will on a deflated defence.
Check out Rob Vanstone of the Leader Post. He maybe sums up this situation better than anyone. As he usually does!
http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/football/roughriders-football/VANSTONE+Unnecessary+roughness+against+Roughriders+necessary+call/2116071/story.html#
-------------------------------
Enough negative, let's hit the positive. DD was A+. Durant once again fashioned together a 4th quarter scoring drive that gave his team a chance. Then he made the plays he needed to in OT to have his team come home in first place. Its getting harder and harder to be a Durant detractor. Sure, they still make up stuff about his arm strength and his interception numbers, but when it comes down to it, the only number that matters is in the 'W' column and he has as many as anybody in the West.
-------------------------------
The Pats are showing life. The Blue & White took 3 of a possible 4 points at home this weekend and looked much improved doing it. There is still a long ways to go, but if the get decent goaltending, they have a chance every night with Jordan Eberle dominating the way he does.
--------------------------------
If you are bored one night and looking for some good action, check the schedule and see if the Warriors are playing. I'm not wrong very often, but these guys look to be making a fool out of me. I said the Tribe would make the playoffs this year, but the way they are believing in themselves and playing right now, they might quickly become a contender for the league. I know, its a long season, but Hunchak et al are really looking good and I'm not just talking about Dave's suits.
-------------------------------
Too bad for my fantasy opponent this weekend who started Eli Manning over Tom Brady. As Tom Vernon told me, "Stick with your horses"...I did, and won!
------------------------------
Cougar Tracks on Global Wednesday on News Final promises to be fun. A special guest interviewer spoke to the U of R Cougars Women's BBall Coach Dave Taylor....This team is easily my favorite in town.
------------------------------
Speaking of the U of R. I'm working on a special feature that you are going to want to check out. Its coming in a couple of weeks and trust me, there will be lots of pub for it. Its going to be fun.
------------------------------
Trino's Men's Wear is my favorite shop in the city. They have their own line of shirts in right now that are absolutely awesome...My wardrobe is growing because of them. No doubt that soon when you see me, I'll be wearing something from this great store on Quance.
-----------------------------
Press Box sports bar has Buffalo Ranch wings that are amazing! Rod Pedersen and Tom Vernon combined to convince me of the non-breaded version. So good!
----------------------------
Did Chris Szarka ask Ken Miller to help him in his campaign for City Council? Lol...He sure saw the ball alot and likewise the endzone. Lots of free pub this weekend. Great game for the vet.
-----------------------------
Cheers
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thems the Breaks
Bad news. I'm sure you've all heard by now that Weston Dressler is out for awhile, possibly the season with a broken fibula. Tough loss in a game the Riders won, but its not the end of the world.
Yes, Dressler was headed for his 2nd straight 1,000 yard season in receiving, the first time a Rider pass catcher would accomplish that since Don Narcisse did it in the mid 90's. And sure, #7 was probably going to be in the discussion for the Riders MOP (along with John Chick & Stevie Baggs). But this is football and it takes 12 guys pulling in the same direction to be successful.
So, what are the options? How about this theory. Slide Gerran Walker into Dressler's spot and put Chris Jones back on the roster. Simple, no ratio problems, just a 1 for 1 switch. And Walker has shown good speed and great elusiveness in recent games, he may not be the same as Dressler, but he's the closest thing the Riders have.
In Jones, the Riders are convinced there is some shine if they can just get to it under the dust. In fact, he was thought of highly enough to start the season at the wide out spot, so he mustn't be bad.
-------------------------------
I'm tired of receivers asking for a flag every time that a ball is thrown in their direction and they don't make a catch. BRUTAL...This is football, not figure skating. Suck it up. Maybe the leagues should look into throwing a flag for these whiners when they try and influence the call. Really, they are showing up the officials when they do this. In hockey if you pulled a stunt like that you'd get "T'ed" up for a pair.
-------------------------------
ATTN: Scott Moore @ CBC. Please get rid of Don Cherry.
I've been a huge supporter of Coach's Corner over the years, but the time has come to send Grapes out to pasture. This weekend I caught him saying that a player who had his thumb bitten by another player should just suck it up and quit crying. Sorry Don, but even the WWE doesn't allow biting anymore, nor should the NHL.
----------------------------------
I may have been wrong about the Moose Jaw Warriors. They might not just make the playoffs, they may contend for the East Division title. The Tribe took down the #1 Calgary Hitmen twice in a week. Jason Bast is sick. This kid may not have the most talent, but there is no doubt that there is not a more determined player in the league. Unreal! He outworks even the concession people! In fact, if I catch him serving burgers at intermission before going back on the ice to score another goal I wouldn't be shocked! His leadership is spreading thru the team like and mad disease. The result. Wins!
-----------------------------------
I'm already excited about USC/ND this weekend.
Yes, Dressler was headed for his 2nd straight 1,000 yard season in receiving, the first time a Rider pass catcher would accomplish that since Don Narcisse did it in the mid 90's. And sure, #7 was probably going to be in the discussion for the Riders MOP (along with John Chick & Stevie Baggs). But this is football and it takes 12 guys pulling in the same direction to be successful.
So, what are the options? How about this theory. Slide Gerran Walker into Dressler's spot and put Chris Jones back on the roster. Simple, no ratio problems, just a 1 for 1 switch. And Walker has shown good speed and great elusiveness in recent games, he may not be the same as Dressler, but he's the closest thing the Riders have.
In Jones, the Riders are convinced there is some shine if they can just get to it under the dust. In fact, he was thought of highly enough to start the season at the wide out spot, so he mustn't be bad.
-------------------------------
I'm tired of receivers asking for a flag every time that a ball is thrown in their direction and they don't make a catch. BRUTAL...This is football, not figure skating. Suck it up. Maybe the leagues should look into throwing a flag for these whiners when they try and influence the call. Really, they are showing up the officials when they do this. In hockey if you pulled a stunt like that you'd get "T'ed" up for a pair.
-------------------------------
ATTN: Scott Moore @ CBC. Please get rid of Don Cherry.
I've been a huge supporter of Coach's Corner over the years, but the time has come to send Grapes out to pasture. This weekend I caught him saying that a player who had his thumb bitten by another player should just suck it up and quit crying. Sorry Don, but even the WWE doesn't allow biting anymore, nor should the NHL.
----------------------------------
I may have been wrong about the Moose Jaw Warriors. They might not just make the playoffs, they may contend for the East Division title. The Tribe took down the #1 Calgary Hitmen twice in a week. Jason Bast is sick. This kid may not have the most talent, but there is no doubt that there is not a more determined player in the league. Unreal! He outworks even the concession people! In fact, if I catch him serving burgers at intermission before going back on the ice to score another goal I wouldn't be shocked! His leadership is spreading thru the team like and mad disease. The result. Wins!
-----------------------------------
I'm already excited about USC/ND this weekend.
Friday, October 2, 2009
NHL Drops Puck
Wow, hockey season is already here in the bigs! Last night I only got a chance to tune into the second game of HNIC's double header.
First thoughts were "Really, Kevin Weeks?" Now while the former goalie really didn't add any insight into the part of the game that I watched, he at least seemed to realize his limitations and played it between the lines. I'll certainly give the guy a while to get comfortable to his new role before passing any judgement. I thought he was ok and no doubt nervous, but he didn't come off as a know it all, and I liked that.
-------------------------------
Could the NHL please talk to its officials and clarify to them that ans and spectators aren't their to watch them. Since when did lifting a guy's stick constitute a hooking call? Honestly, I had to turn the channel in the first period after being forced to watch the refs decide the game in the first 15 minutes by handing Calgary PP after PP. Credit the Flames for capitalizing, wait a sec, I'll never credit the Flames for anything.
-------------------------------
Was that Hakan Loob wearing the 'C' for Calgary last night? I hated those jerseys in the 80's and I still hate them today.
------------------------------
Let's see if the Pats can ride the momentum of Eberle being back in town this weekend. A couple of home wins and the Blue & White are back to 500.
------------------------------
Warriors take their first long trip of the year to Alberta this weekend. The Tribe will face a real test in the number 1 team in the country on Sunday in Calgary. Nice for Hunchak et al to have an early season measuring stick like that.
-------------------------------
Hard to believe I'm this far into this blog and this is the first Rider talk I have. I just figure that most people who come here are passing by after reading Roddy's blog, and they've got all the best dirt on the Green & White already. However, I will say to watch Global this week for a potentially big story and another edition of OTF.
First thoughts were "Really, Kevin Weeks?" Now while the former goalie really didn't add any insight into the part of the game that I watched, he at least seemed to realize his limitations and played it between the lines. I'll certainly give the guy a while to get comfortable to his new role before passing any judgement. I thought he was ok and no doubt nervous, but he didn't come off as a know it all, and I liked that.
-------------------------------
Could the NHL please talk to its officials and clarify to them that ans and spectators aren't their to watch them. Since when did lifting a guy's stick constitute a hooking call? Honestly, I had to turn the channel in the first period after being forced to watch the refs decide the game in the first 15 minutes by handing Calgary PP after PP. Credit the Flames for capitalizing, wait a sec, I'll never credit the Flames for anything.
-------------------------------
Was that Hakan Loob wearing the 'C' for Calgary last night? I hated those jerseys in the 80's and I still hate them today.
------------------------------
Let's see if the Pats can ride the momentum of Eberle being back in town this weekend. A couple of home wins and the Blue & White are back to 500.
------------------------------
Warriors take their first long trip of the year to Alberta this weekend. The Tribe will face a real test in the number 1 team in the country on Sunday in Calgary. Nice for Hunchak et al to have an early season measuring stick like that.
-------------------------------
Hard to believe I'm this far into this blog and this is the first Rider talk I have. I just figure that most people who come here are passing by after reading Roddy's blog, and they've got all the best dirt on the Green & White already. However, I will say to watch Global this week for a potentially big story and another edition of OTF.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Bits & Bites
Mark it down. The Moose Jaw Warriors are a playoff team.
I know they've only played 5 games, but the way they are playing is real impressive. Last year's dismal record is long forgotten by this group of kids ho hit the ice every shift with dogged determination.
Look no further than co-captain Jason Bast for the motor of this squad. The 20 year old doesn't take a stride let alone a shift off. He just keeps coming at you and the rest of the squad follows suit.
Contrary to popular belief, this team can score goals. In fact one of the most impressive aspects of this squad is the depth that they are rolling out. The Tribe boast three hard working lines that can all put the biscuit in the basket.
And their backend in Moose Jaw, well it looks better than Megan Fox's. Hamonic & Stanton anchor a solid 6 that are certainly in the top 5 in the conference.
-------------------------
Red Sox & Yankees are both officially in the playoffs. Now I actually care about baseball.
-------------------------
No NHL team in Hamilton. I'm shocked.
-------------------------
This weather sucks. Bye bye summer. Hello NHL season.
-------------------------
Congrats to Amber Holland and her rink in their big win at the Schmirler. Just add one more Saskatchewan women's team to that of the best in the World. This event featured teams that will represent China (current World Champs), Japan, Russia and the US at the 2010 games and Holland was the cream of the crop!
-------------------------
Lastly today. This sportscaster is leading the fantasy football league that is comprised of various sports reporters and personalities in and around town. I'm 3-0 and go up against some team name the Fury who are 0-3 and managed by a dude named Fox.
I know they've only played 5 games, but the way they are playing is real impressive. Last year's dismal record is long forgotten by this group of kids ho hit the ice every shift with dogged determination.
Look no further than co-captain Jason Bast for the motor of this squad. The 20 year old doesn't take a stride let alone a shift off. He just keeps coming at you and the rest of the squad follows suit.
Contrary to popular belief, this team can score goals. In fact one of the most impressive aspects of this squad is the depth that they are rolling out. The Tribe boast three hard working lines that can all put the biscuit in the basket.
And their backend in Moose Jaw, well it looks better than Megan Fox's. Hamonic & Stanton anchor a solid 6 that are certainly in the top 5 in the conference.
-------------------------
Red Sox & Yankees are both officially in the playoffs. Now I actually care about baseball.
-------------------------
No NHL team in Hamilton. I'm shocked.
-------------------------
This weather sucks. Bye bye summer. Hello NHL season.
-------------------------
Congrats to Amber Holland and her rink in their big win at the Schmirler. Just add one more Saskatchewan women's team to that of the best in the World. This event featured teams that will represent China (current World Champs), Japan, Russia and the US at the 2010 games and Holland was the cream of the crop!
-------------------------
Lastly today. This sportscaster is leading the fantasy football league that is comprised of various sports reporters and personalities in and around town. I'm 3-0 and go up against some team name the Fury who are 0-3 and managed by a dude named Fox.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
