It was another shortened weekend in the CFL, but now the second half of the season approaches.
Here’s a look at the two games this past weekend.
Ticats @ Bombers | Boxscore
With all the smack talk prior to this game, both teams really performed at a high level.
I have to admit, I thought Hamilton would come into the game with a great game plan focusing on neutralizing the Winnipeg pass rush. They were able to protect Glenn throughout most of the game and gave him adequate time to find his open receivers.
They were able to go toe to toe with the Bombers and their energetic crowd.
You have to give credit to this Bomber team. We all know this team is very vocal on and off the field. However, they are backing it up with their actions every single week.
The biggest things that stood out for me this game:
— The pick-six by Jovon Johnson.
— The amazing hustle by Joe Lobendahn, never giving up and forcing the fumble at the 1-yard line. Instead of Hamilton scoring a TD, the Bombers recover the ball in the end zone. That single play epitomizes what this team is all about. Heart and swagger!
For those people who aren’t sold on this team, it’s time to open your eyes and take notice.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are for real!
Montreal @ Calgary | Boxscore
This match-up featured the two MOPs in the CFL the past two seasons. They definitely put on a show for all CFL fans around the country.
Both QBs had great numbers through the air.
This game was like a heavyweight boxing match. Both teams delivering knockout punches. Neither team would give up, and they fought hard throughout the entire 60 minutes.
The biggest thing that stood out to me was the ability of Calgary’s offence to convert on 2nd-and-long situations throughout the game.
The biggest one:
Calgary is 2nd-and-18 from their own 17-yard line with just over two minutes to go in the first half. Instead of the Als preventing the first down and forcing Calgary to punt, they surrender a long bomb from Burris to Rambo which leads Calgary to a field goal.
I understand that losing Mark Estelle in the first quarter was tough on the Als’ secondary. But giving up a 2nd-and-18 with the Stamps back-up is inexcusable.
We also have to give credit to the Stamps’ D for stepping up and making a key interception late in the 4th quarter which led to Burris’ game-winning TD.
I am definitely questioning the offensive play call in that situation. The Als were on their own 6-yard line with the score tied and one minute left on the clock. I would have loved to know why Marc Trestman called for a pass rather than running the ball.
However, it’s very easy for me to question the coaches’ decisions; after all, hindsight is 20/20.
As Labour Day weekend approaches, I can guarantee you this: there will be some fantastic games in the next two months as teams start to gear up for the home stretch.
As a player, once Labour Day comes, you start to see the light at the end of the tunnel… The Grey Cup!