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Five consecutive wins now. The offence is starting to kick it into an extra gear, using a multitude of different weapons and schemes. Yeah, Henry Burris got a little greedy with some of his throws against B.C., but we won't quibble too much about that. And yeah the back end gave up some big plays, but again that's nitpicking. What's becoming apparent is that the Stamps have one of the best front sevens in the league, and have tons of speed. They were chasing Casey Printers all over the place. Impressive rookie linebacker Robert McCune had four tackles and one special teams tackles in the last game. He has 13 tackles, six special teams tackles and three sacks in his last three games. Underrated defensive lineman Malik Jackson had two tackles, two special teams tackles and one sack. The Stamps have totaled 91 points in their last two games and have developed a killer attitude. I like how backup running back Jon Cornish is starting to get some quality playing time to lessen the wear and tear on Joffrey Reynolds. Signing defensive tackle Corey Mace can only make this team stronger. |
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Did not play. |
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Did not play. |
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Totally listless in a surprising loss to Edmonton, but it has underlined some serious problems, notably on offence. Quarterback Darian Durant is struggling. Badly. He has thrown only six touchdown passes and a staggering 12 interceptions since the opening game of the season. He threw three interceptions and no touchdowns, while completing only 19 of 39 passes for a measly 211 yards against Edmonton. Did the defection of offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice to Winnipeg make that much of a difference? Is Doug Berry struggling taking over as the co-ordinator? Unlike the Stamps who have found ways to spread the ball around using some simple plays, the Roughriders are trying to manufacture points the hard way. Receivers Weston Dressler and Andy Fantuz simply aren't getting enough touches. The two had a combined six catches for 55 yards against the Eskimos. The leading receiver was Prechae Rodriguez, with seven catches for 72 yards. No disrespect to Rodriguez, who was acquired in a trade from Hamilton, but at best he's the third or fourth option. When your defence scores a touchdown and limits the opposition to 17 points, there's no reason to lose. For the first time in four seasons, which started with the Grey Cup in 2007, the Roughriders appear to have lost their edge. Yes, they're in second, but there should be cause for concern in Rider Nation. |
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Did not play. |
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Did not play. |
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Give the Eskimos credit. Following a byeweek filled with changes in the coaching staff, a mild quarterback controversy and questions about the character of middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd, the Eskimos came to play. They didn't overwhelm Saskatchewan offensively, but defensively they did the job - and defence has been one key area of concern. Overcoming an early 14-0 deficit, the Eskimos shut down the Roughriders. Lloyd let his play do the talking with three tackles and an interception. This was a baby step, but let's put it this way: As of right now, the Eskimos have qualified for the playoffs. Yes, it's only eight games into the season and their record is 2-6, but in the crazy world of the CFL their record would be good enough at this point to qualify for the playoffs. Back-to-back games against Calgary will be the litmus test. |
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Seven losses in a row and still winless in four games at Empire Field. At least the Lions were able to push the ball downfield and get receiver Geroy Simon involved. But unless the Lions find a way to protect quarterback Casey Printers, playing his first after missing four with a knee injury, this could get even uglier. The offensive line is still the biggest area of concern. You wonder if letting offensive tackles Rob Murphy (last year) and Jason Jimenez (this year) leave as free agents has contributed to the Lions' decline. They aren't nearly as nasty and fearsome. Of course, when you keep flip-flopping with your quarterbacks, it doesn't help. General manager/head coach Wally Buono has never had a season like this, and it doesn't figure to improve substantially. |
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