Each week seven-time CFL all-star and two-time Grey Cup winner Bryan Chiu watches every minute of each game played and afterwards shares with readers what he jotted down in his notebook.
Enjoy.
Montreal @ Toronto
Anthony Calvillo (AC) broke the all-time CFL completion record on the first drive.
The Alouettes finally used Brandon Whitaker after not seeing him feature at all last week. As a result, they have a more balanced attack.
Toronto used a different strategy than Hamilton last week. They primarily used a three-man rush and dropped nine into coverage. It was effective initially until the Als made some adjustments.
It was apparent that every time AC and the O-line saw a three-man front, they audibled to a run play. As a result, Whitaker put up some big numbers. When the Als have a balanced attack, their opponents are in big trouble.
Edmonton @ Winnipeg
The first thing I noticed watching this game was how physical the Bombers are playing. I’m sure that the emotions are still there from the passing of Richard Harris.
In my opinion, the Bombers have the No. 1 defence in the CFL right now. Their pass rush was absolutely dominant, forcing Ricky Ray to get rid of the ball earlier then he would have probably liked.
It was obvious that the Bomber D-Line dictated the tempo of this game, and that’s saying alot when Doug Brown wasn’t even in the lineup. If, (and that’s a big IF,) Buck Pierce stays healthy, Montreal had better watch out!
Saskatchewan @ BC
BC finally gets their first win of the season!
This was the match-up of the two worst teams in the West.
I’m really confused about this Saskatchewan team. I don’t believe this team has found their identity yet. Their offence is playing very inconsistent football and has yet to play a complete game. Is it time for this team to make more changes? It’s time for the few veterans they have to stand up and make everyone accountable.
BC is a team that I felt had the best chance of winning the West at the beginning of the season. With the Grey Cup in their backyard, it’s time for them to dig themselves out of the hole they’re in. Hopefully this win will get them on the right track.
Travis Lulay is still short on experience, but I see the progress he’s making with his wide receivers. Now with the addition of Arland Bruce, they are only going to get better and much more dangerous.
Hamilton @ Calgary
This game started out with plenty of offence from both teams. Hamilton came into this game with a two-game winning streak, while Calgary had yet to win at home.
The question has always been: Which Henry Burris will show up? It is obvious that when Burris is “on”, they become a very dangerous team. One that is capable of going “all the way”. Let’s see if Calgary can play to their potential throughout the rest of the season.
As for Hamilton, it is simply unacceptable for this team to not score 1 point in the second half. If they want to play with the big boys, they better show up for the full 60 minutes. Otherwise, it will be a long, road ahead.