Much like the Edmonton Eskimos, the peerless one is entering Week 4 on a hot streak.
To borrow a line from Bull Durham, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
Last week was one of them.
Peerless began with a loss, but forged three victories to finish on the plus.
So, our confidence is strong this week, and we’re looking for more positive results.
Friday
Hamilton (1-2) at B.C. (0-3)
The Ticats turned it on last week against the hapless Saskatchewan Roughriders with improved performances all around on offence, notably on the offensive line at left tackle, which gave Kevin Glenn time to throw.
Marcus Thigpen also stepped up his game as a returner, which the Ticats desperately need. The Ticats have won the past two meetings in B.C. Runa Koreth, formerly known as Arland Bruce 3D, returns to the lineup. Maurice Mann is still out.
The Lions were blown apart by Edmonton last week. Their vaunted defence just didn’t do the job. Sloppy tackling and mental mistakes proved to be the difference. Defensive back Jerome Dennis is back with B.C. after Hamilton dropped him and he has been badmouthing his former team and talking about revenge.
Offensive lineman Kelly Bates, an entry-level coach this year, has been plunked (or is it planked?) back into action because of a hole. This just has to be the week for the Lions. They’re at home and they simply can’t afford to continue self-imploding. They have faced the three toughest teams so far and they will finally run the ball. The veterans will step up. The rookies won’t drop the ball. This is it.
I think they’ll win, but the bookies have them giving points.
Lions favoured by three.
Pick: Hamilton and the points.
Saturday
Winnipeg (2-1) at Toronto (1-2)
Technically, this game should be circled because of the uncertainty of whether or not Buck Pierce will play. He has a bruised quad but insists he will play. Why would he lie? But the Bombers are taking their chances because if he re-injures himself, they are down to only two healthy quarterbacks – their third-stringer and a recent recall.
We wonder if he will be playing gingerly – to borrow a Danny Gallivan word, and I can’t believe the legendary Montreal Canadiens’ announcer found his way into a football-related story.
The Bombers have a strong running game and all they have to do is make a concerted effort to give the ball to Fred Reid and hope their defence holds. If Alex Brink plays at quarterback and is forced to pass, it’s not an ideal situation.
The Bombers beat the Argos in Winnipeg despite a comedy of errors. The Argos are finally home and this is really do-or-die for embattled quarterback Cleo Lemon. He’s been coddled and needs to step up. Without Cory Boyd, the ball goes to rookie Chad Kackert, who had an up-and-down game in his debut. This really is about two strong defences – who came up with the name Swaggerville for the Bombers? – and strong special teams. Both teams have a good returner. But both have struggling offences.
The pressure on the Argos to win is enormous following their lukewarm start, and playing at home won’t exactly get them maximum support – not really on a Saturday at 4 p.m.
I think the Argos can win, but I also think it will be close.
Toronto is favoured by three.
Pick: Bombers and the points.
Edmonton (3-0) at Calgary (2-1)
The Eskimos have done little wrong so far and quarterback Ricky Ray is lighting it up and his receivers are developing confidence. I like the three-pronged running attack of Canadians Calvin McCarty, Jerome Messam and import Arkee Whitlock, who comes off the injured list replacing Daniel Porter.
I’d love to see one of the two Canadians and Whitlock in the same backfield. It would create all kinds of interesting situations.
With Calgary still finding its way on defence, they are not nearly as dominant a force as in years past. The Eskimos have scored twice as many points as they’ve given up, so credit must go to the defence and co-ordinator Rich Stubler. Calgary has been lukewarm so far on offence. Quarterback Henry Burris has yet to get in a real groove, although he seems to get better in the second half.
The Stamps still aren’t giving the ball enough to Joffrey Reynolds. And they seem to be going long to receiver Johnny Forzani for some reason.
It’s time to get the ball in the hands of the playmakers.
Calgary is favoured by three.
Pick: Eskimos and the points.
Sunday
Saskatchewan (0-3) at Montreal (3-0)
The best against the worst.
There is serious concern in Riderville about the team, which has been a downright disappointment in every aspect. Darian Durant is simply making too many turnovers, but he’s not getting help from his offensive line, and some of his receivers aren’t doing the job.
Weston Dressler can’t do it all alone. He’s getting hammered. The defence has been dreadful so far. The only thing sound about the Riders is their kicking game. And the Riders are facing a ferocious defence, which absolutely chewed up the Argos. Als quarterback Anthony Calvillo didn’t strike with a touchdown on his first series as he normally does against Toronto, but it didn’t take long afterward.
And now the Als have one of their best ground games in years. Receiver Jamel Richardson is back after missing one game with a leg injury and he just might be the best receiver in the game (although Fred Stamps of Edmonton is having a hell of a start).
Left tackle Josh Bourke is out with an injury and a raw rookie takes his place, but it shouldn’t compromise the offence too much. The Riders pass rush has been lukewarm. If the Riders apply pressure, they leave themselves open to man-to-man situations. If they blanket the field to protect against the long ball, Calvillo will do what he did against Toronto – take the short stuff and wait for the opening.
Als favoured by 11.
Pick Als to cover.
Record last week: 3-1
Overall record so far: 6-6.
