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Not as dominant in the rematch against Edmonton four days previous and had to overcome a bit of a rough start, but this team is just too good right now. Quarterback Henry Burris gave up an early interception, but settled down for his best game of the year, completing 29 of 35 passes for 404 yards, and had two touchdowns. He also had three rushes for 28 yards and two touchdowns. Eight players caught at least one pass. Running back Joffrey Reynolds played the whole game and totaled 145 yards on 21 carries. Defensively, the Stamps had four sacks and two interceptions. The only real issue with the Stamps is the production of rookie kicker Rob Maver, who nailed only one of three attempts and is clearly in a slump, though it hasn't really affected the team overall because of the production of the offence and the defence. |
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After a pitiful performance the week before at home against B.C., the Als proved they could win without Anthony Calvillo at quarterback. Adrian McPherson, playing in his first game action of the year following a knee injury in the pre-season, played with poise, making plays with his arm and particularly his legs, running for more than 100 yards. He did what Chris Leak couldn't do the week before and has indicated again he is the Als' starter of the future when Calvillo retires and might possibly be coveted in the off-season by another team. The defence raised its level of performance following an ineffective effort the week before. This victory kept the Als four points ahead of the Ticats and gave them the season series. Overall, this game meant a lot and could mean even more because the Als can give Calvillo one more week's rest if he needs it because of McPherson's performance. Expect the Als to also put in some packages for McPherson as the season progresses. Coach Lefko is drawing a play for Als' coach Marc Trestman. Do you think I have a shot at winning a Nissan? |
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At the risk of sounding repetitive, the Roughriders are just not playing well. They were terribly inept against Winnipeg and now have a record of only three wins in their last seven games, including a loss to Edmonton, after starting out 3-0. The high-flying offence has been grounded, in particular the run game. The offensive line is allowing quarterback Darian Durant to take way too many shots or having to hurry his throws, and he continues to throw interceptions. Versatile lineman Gene Makowsky has been asked to do way too much playing various positions and should be moved inside to guard, where he will be more effective. Return specialist Dominique Dorsey is handling balls like he's fielding live hand grenades and you knew it was only a matter of time before the team made an adjustment. Weston Dressler did some returning against Winnipeg, but he's too valuable as a starter to be doing that. Expect someone else to be groomed for the role, maybe Stu Foord. Whatever happened to all-purpose running back Hugh Charles? He has enthusiasm the team needs. The defence is also a little beat up right now, which may have played a factor in three interceptions called back because of penalties. Either that, or there's some areas in the back end that need immediate attention. Safety James Patrick can't do it all by himself, and he's slightly banged up. |
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The four-game win streak came to an end and perhaps it was not unexpected. The team was playing at a high level, but was due for a letdown, particularly playing only five days after its emotional win over Toronto and having lost two key offensive linemen to injury. This was really the first game of the season that quarterback Kevin Glenn was not in sync, and the Cats' inability to run the ball underlined what can happen when their air attack isn't working. DeAndre' Cobb had only four rushes and only five touches overall. Overall, this was a wakeup call for the Ticats. The one benefit they have is season-series' victories over Toronto and Winnipeg, but they need to re-focus. |
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Three consecutive losses are cause for concern for the Argos, who played with a patchwork offensive line against B.C. only six days after their Labour Day defeat. The running game with Cory Boyd has been silenced, and the fact he suffered a concussion against B.C. makes his immediate playing status uncertain. Quarterback Cleo Lemon simply can't win games on his own with his arm at this point, while also having to play with an inexperienced receiving corps. The defence totaled eight sacks, but also gave up a sure touchdown when defensive end Ronald Flemons scooped up a fumble and then dropped it en route to the end zone. It was that kind of a day for the Argos. |
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I suggested in previous power rankings that the Bombers were much better than their 2-7 record. A dominant 31-2 victory over Saskatchewan proved it. With Buck Pierce sidelined for the rest of the season with a dislocated elbow, Steven Jyles showed what he can do as a full-time starter. He was aided by a re-tooled offensive line, which opened holes for tailback Fred Reid. He surpassed 100 rushing yards in the first half alone. When Reid is on his game, it makes a world of difference for the Bombers. But maybe the big difference overall is that the Bombers didn't drop balls or turn the ball over. Their defence is also turning into the nastiest unit in the league. |
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As indicated last week when the Lions snapped their seven-game losing streak, B.C. is the team to watch in the second half of the season. They will do well as long as quarterback Casey Printers is healthy. He was running to escape the pressure of the Argos' defence and took some shots, but he also made some great plays on the run to locate some receivers in the scoring zone. You had to admire the one-two punch of burly running back Jerome Messam and tiny backup Yonus Davis. The Lions appear to be much better in their last two games and just might make a run at catching Saskatchewan. |
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Showed a little bit of life early against Calgary, but then came apart against a superior opponent. Expecting the Eskimos to put up much of a fight with running back Arkee Whitlock sidelined is asking too much, particularly playing their second game in five days and with changes on the offensive line. With Eric Tillman scheduled to be hired any day, at least there is a glimmer of hope for the Eskimos moving forward. Don't look for them to make the playoffs, but maybe they'll show a bit of fight with a new general manager in place, knowing every game will be an evaluation. Clearly the team isn't playing any more for head coach Richie Hall, who will likely be allowed to finish off the season, unless the incoming GM decides to put an interim coach in place. Mid-season coaching changes rarely work, but veteran Dave Ritchie is available, has worked with Tillman and has won a Grey Cup. He might be an alternative in the interim because he is a defensive coach and would fill Hall's roles if a change is made. My early guess for the Eskimos' coach of the future (and by that I mean after the season) is one of either Calgary offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson, Calgary defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones or television analyst, Ritchie or Matt Dunigan, whom I've said previously would do well working with an inexperienced GM. He has previous coaching experience and can improve on what he did wrong the first time. Then again, what about Coach Lefko? |
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