The lineup for the game against Winnipeg is out (nothing televised or streamed unfortunately) so I thought I would look at it for anything interesting.
At the offensive tackles, two imports Olson and Lewis, who I don't think will be starting come the first game, but with all the injuries, who knows.
For the interior of the o-line, three Canadians, unlike last year. Dyakowski at guard, Filer at centre and the pickup in a trade from Montreal Bomben at the other guard spot. That may well be who starts the first regular season game.
Starting wide receivers are the import Underwood (who?) and second year Canadian Matt Coates (formerly a Hamilton Hurricane). Coates had a few passes caught last game including a TD I believe. Could this be foreshadowing of Coates being a second Canadian starter behind Fantuz as a receiver? In any event the Cats need a Canadian receiver to back up Fantuz.
Three slotbacks are listed as starting, imports Smith and Bakari Grant (who had a dominating game against some wanker REDBLACK defenders last week) and the aforementioned non-import Andy Fantuz.
Prime is the starting fullback, with Holley and Ford as the running backs due to injuries to Gable and Grigsby. Tigercatatonia has always been of the opinion that import running backs are kind of fungible so I'm not that concerned although I do like Gable and Grigsby especially receiving. Gable does seem to get injured a lot.
Collaros starts at quarterback with Masoli and Harris as the backups.
On defence the ends are non-import Gascon-Nadon and Eric Norwood who had a lot of sacks last year. In the middle starting are two imports, Daniels and Nevis, after Bulcke and Gaydosh are gone for the season (so much for defensive tackle non-import depth).
Imports Caldwell and Harris are the outside linebackers with former Laval player Plesius in the middle.
Corners are import Gainey and non-import Stephen, with Posey and Davis as the half-backs with non-import Daly starting at safety.
I'm not sure how well the Cats will play tomorrow. Collaros is in, as is Fantuz but no Tasker. Bakari Grant might have a good game though.
Showing posts with label pre-season. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pre-season. Show all posts
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
No TSN Broadcast CFL Game for the Ticats in 2015
Tigercatatonia has always been enthused about broadcasting pre-season games. TSN already owns the rights, the question is whether the production costs are worth the ratings the game would get (or at least the ratings increase over what they would get with filler).
In previous years, TSN has broadcast varying numbers of games. For 2015, they are only broadcasting three games. The games shown are BC at Calgary, Saskatchewan at Edmonton, and Toronto at Montreal. So no games for the Tiger-Cats, nor Ottawa or Winnipeg.
In some ways I'm surprised that TSN doesn't broadcast both Saskatchewan games, considering how rabid their fans are and their relatively high disposable incomes. I'm sure the Saskatchewan game will be show on cable or something there and probably won't get a bad number.
For the Cats, at least the games will be broadcast on Cable 14 (I'm assuming).
I can understand in some ways TSN only doing three games. With three games they do get to practice for the regular season broadcasts and iron out the kinks. Plus there is only so much interest per team in pre-season. I'm sure Michael Sam will be a big deal for the Toronto Montreal game.
In previous years, TSN has broadcast varying numbers of games. For 2015, they are only broadcasting three games. The games shown are BC at Calgary, Saskatchewan at Edmonton, and Toronto at Montreal. So no games for the Tiger-Cats, nor Ottawa or Winnipeg.
In some ways I'm surprised that TSN doesn't broadcast both Saskatchewan games, considering how rabid their fans are and their relatively high disposable incomes. I'm sure the Saskatchewan game will be show on cable or something there and probably won't get a bad number.
For the Cats, at least the games will be broadcast on Cable 14 (I'm assuming).
I can understand in some ways TSN only doing three games. With three games they do get to practice for the regular season broadcasts and iron out the kinks. Plus there is only so much interest per team in pre-season. I'm sure Michael Sam will be a big deal for the Toronto Montreal game.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Ticats First Pre-Season Game Depth Chart
Another Ticat season starts with today's pre-season game against Montreal. As per usual, I'll go over the starting lineup. Since it is the first pre-season game, it probably isn't that important.
The offensive line has some differences and and some stuff the same as last year. Again the tackles are imports, with Figueroa as the left tackle and Simmons as right tackle, both having played last year. In the middle, Filer is listed at centre with Myddelton at left guard and O'Neil back at right guard (he played centre sometimes too). Obviously no Dyakowski due to injury. I'm wondering if he comes back at all this year.
Collaros is listed as the starting quarterback and LeFevour as the backup. Considering Collaros is still young and has never played for the Ticats, he probably plays more this game than say Burris would have last year.
Starting wide receivers are Koch and Banks. Was never a particular fan of Koch when he didn't play for the Ticats, but maybe he'll prove me wrong. Grant, Tasker and Fantuz are listed as slotbacks with Fantuz the only non-import. All three will be in without a fullback (which is a lot) I assume. Prime is the listed starting fullback. Medlock is back with the Cats and is listed as the starting kicker and punter. Certainly with Medlock, the Cats have opportunities for longer field goals they didn't have last year. Gable is the starting running back.
On the defensive line, Norwood and Boudreaux are both imports, however in the interior the Cats are indeed going with two non-imports as starters (for this game at least) with the returning Bulcke and the recently signed Laurent. That's quite unusual for the CFL, however with two starting you can get away with one decent Canadian backup who can spell off both.
For linebackers, on the outside it is the re-signed Lawrence and Morley, both imports and the returning non-import Plesisus gets the start in the middle. I'm a bit skeptical that that will happen for regular season games, but who knows.
In the secondary, Breaux and Davis both imports start at corner. Stewart and McCollough are the starting half-backs and the newly signed Butler, a non-import starts at safety. That's four defensive Canadian starters, which is a lot by Canadian standards. The Ticats don't lack for Canadian talent on both sides of the ball this year, although that's before injuries. Their Canadian depth seems to be enough that even if they loss a Canadian starter, starting seven won't be a problem.
The offensive line has some differences and and some stuff the same as last year. Again the tackles are imports, with Figueroa as the left tackle and Simmons as right tackle, both having played last year. In the middle, Filer is listed at centre with Myddelton at left guard and O'Neil back at right guard (he played centre sometimes too). Obviously no Dyakowski due to injury. I'm wondering if he comes back at all this year.
Collaros is listed as the starting quarterback and LeFevour as the backup. Considering Collaros is still young and has never played for the Ticats, he probably plays more this game than say Burris would have last year.
Starting wide receivers are Koch and Banks. Was never a particular fan of Koch when he didn't play for the Ticats, but maybe he'll prove me wrong. Grant, Tasker and Fantuz are listed as slotbacks with Fantuz the only non-import. All three will be in without a fullback (which is a lot) I assume. Prime is the listed starting fullback. Medlock is back with the Cats and is listed as the starting kicker and punter. Certainly with Medlock, the Cats have opportunities for longer field goals they didn't have last year. Gable is the starting running back.
On the defensive line, Norwood and Boudreaux are both imports, however in the interior the Cats are indeed going with two non-imports as starters (for this game at least) with the returning Bulcke and the recently signed Laurent. That's quite unusual for the CFL, however with two starting you can get away with one decent Canadian backup who can spell off both.
For linebackers, on the outside it is the re-signed Lawrence and Morley, both imports and the returning non-import Plesisus gets the start in the middle. I'm a bit skeptical that that will happen for regular season games, but who knows.
In the secondary, Breaux and Davis both imports start at corner. Stewart and McCollough are the starting half-backs and the newly signed Butler, a non-import starts at safety. That's four defensive Canadian starters, which is a lot by Canadian standards. The Ticats don't lack for Canadian talent on both sides of the ball this year, although that's before injuries. Their Canadian depth seems to be enough that even if they loss a Canadian starter, starting seven won't be a problem.
Monday, June 9, 2014
2014 Pre Pre-Season Power Rankings
It has been a while since I've done a power rankings. I meant too, but never got around to it. Now with no strike (yay!) and tonight's first pre-season game between Toronto and Winnipeg I've got to get one done before any type of playing information is known, even pre-season games.
Also we'll find out tonight who replaces Dave Randorf on the panel. I would accept the Wendy's girl. I will not accept Rod Black.
1. Calgary Stampeders
A bit of a risky pick. The Stamps no longer have Kevin Glenn to sub in when Drew Tate is inevitably injured (I think Tate says he won't be healed until next year himself). However they do have Bo Levi Mitchell and a consistent and significantly better running back than the average fungible import running back in Jon Cornish. Second in the West last year, but I'm thinking they've got the drop on the rest of the division.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Somewhat of a homer pick, but at least I didn't put them first. Made it to the Grey Cup before ultimately falling to the Riders, mainly on a bullshit play where the quarterback was sack and the ball flew up into the air and right into the running back's hands. But I digress. The Cats no longer have Henry Burris, who looked good statistically, but down the stretch of the season was frequently spelled off by his backup Dan LeFevour. The Cats have picked up Argo backup Zack Collaros as Burris' replacement. Collaros is young, but had a great run winning a bunch of road games on the road for the Argos while their first string quarterback was injured.
The Cats also have a great receiving corps and a potentially fantastic running back in C.J Gable if he can step it up from last year. The Cats also have a potentially decent defence, with surprisingly good Canadians. The Cats broke a record for injured players last year and still made the Grey Cup, so a better year than last year injury wise would guarantee a good season.
3. BC Lions
Before signing Kevin Glenn, I would have been more leery with my BC placement as I have some concerns with the health of first string quarterback, Travis Lulay. With Glenn, there's less of a dropoff and the rest of the team isn't that bad. I still like Andrew Harris at running back. I'm not super up to date on the off-season moves BC made besides Glenn, but I'm going to assume Wally Buono made good moves.
4. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Sure they won the Grey Cup last year, mostly on a lucky bounce early, but what have they done in 2014? Mainly lost some of their most important players. Running back Kory Sheets is gone to the Raiders and Weston Dressler to KC. Who knows if they will stick, but it isn't a great way to start a season. They still have quarterback Darian Durant, but he isn't the best quarterback in the CFL in my opinion and will have a harder time without Dressler and sheets.
5. Toronto Argonauts
First in the East after the regular season, the Argos lost to the Cats in the Eastern final with their crack using mayor in attendance (to be fair, Hamilton mayor Bob Bratina was also at the game and looked somewhat stunned, although that probably wasn't due to crack). The Argos had a decent team last year, especially on defence. The Argos released backup Zack Collaros, so they'll have to make due with somewhat elderly quarterback Ricky Ray even if he gets injured again. The Argos still have Chad Owens although the league seemed to figure him out last year, compared to the previous year. We'll see what the Argos do.
6. Montreal Alouettes
The Alouettes definitely got somewhat better at the end of the season when they went with quarterback Troy Smith with an injured and now departed Anthoney Calvillo. I'm not sure how good he is as a quarterback over a season and the backups don't inspire me with a lot of confidence. GM Jim Popp always seems to unearth some decent imports so the Alouettes are rarely truly terrible.
7. Edmonton Eskimos
I don't have a lot of opinions on the Eskimos. Mike Reilly did OK as a quarterback last year considering his porous offensive line. At least he picked up a lot of experience. They could be somewhat better than last year, but that's not saying a lot.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Ugh. Try out a bunch of quarterbacks and hope one emerges. Seems like the Bombers have been doing that since the end of Swaggerville (remember that?). I just can't see this team doing much.
9. Ottawa RedBlacks
They've got Burris as quarterback, but he's no doubt quite old. Personally I would have stuck with Glenn. They are an expansion team therefore last place.
Also we'll find out tonight who replaces Dave Randorf on the panel. I would accept the Wendy's girl. I will not accept Rod Black.
1. Calgary Stampeders
A bit of a risky pick. The Stamps no longer have Kevin Glenn to sub in when Drew Tate is inevitably injured (I think Tate says he won't be healed until next year himself). However they do have Bo Levi Mitchell and a consistent and significantly better running back than the average fungible import running back in Jon Cornish. Second in the West last year, but I'm thinking they've got the drop on the rest of the division.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Somewhat of a homer pick, but at least I didn't put them first. Made it to the Grey Cup before ultimately falling to the Riders, mainly on a bullshit play where the quarterback was sack and the ball flew up into the air and right into the running back's hands. But I digress. The Cats no longer have Henry Burris, who looked good statistically, but down the stretch of the season was frequently spelled off by his backup Dan LeFevour. The Cats have picked up Argo backup Zack Collaros as Burris' replacement. Collaros is young, but had a great run winning a bunch of road games on the road for the Argos while their first string quarterback was injured.
The Cats also have a great receiving corps and a potentially fantastic running back in C.J Gable if he can step it up from last year. The Cats also have a potentially decent defence, with surprisingly good Canadians. The Cats broke a record for injured players last year and still made the Grey Cup, so a better year than last year injury wise would guarantee a good season.
3. BC Lions
Before signing Kevin Glenn, I would have been more leery with my BC placement as I have some concerns with the health of first string quarterback, Travis Lulay. With Glenn, there's less of a dropoff and the rest of the team isn't that bad. I still like Andrew Harris at running back. I'm not super up to date on the off-season moves BC made besides Glenn, but I'm going to assume Wally Buono made good moves.
4. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Sure they won the Grey Cup last year, mostly on a lucky bounce early, but what have they done in 2014? Mainly lost some of their most important players. Running back Kory Sheets is gone to the Raiders and Weston Dressler to KC. Who knows if they will stick, but it isn't a great way to start a season. They still have quarterback Darian Durant, but he isn't the best quarterback in the CFL in my opinion and will have a harder time without Dressler and sheets.
5. Toronto Argonauts
First in the East after the regular season, the Argos lost to the Cats in the Eastern final with their crack using mayor in attendance (to be fair, Hamilton mayor Bob Bratina was also at the game and looked somewhat stunned, although that probably wasn't due to crack). The Argos had a decent team last year, especially on defence. The Argos released backup Zack Collaros, so they'll have to make due with somewhat elderly quarterback Ricky Ray even if he gets injured again. The Argos still have Chad Owens although the league seemed to figure him out last year, compared to the previous year. We'll see what the Argos do.
6. Montreal Alouettes
The Alouettes definitely got somewhat better at the end of the season when they went with quarterback Troy Smith with an injured and now departed Anthoney Calvillo. I'm not sure how good he is as a quarterback over a season and the backups don't inspire me with a lot of confidence. GM Jim Popp always seems to unearth some decent imports so the Alouettes are rarely truly terrible.
7. Edmonton Eskimos
I don't have a lot of opinions on the Eskimos. Mike Reilly did OK as a quarterback last year considering his porous offensive line. At least he picked up a lot of experience. They could be somewhat better than last year, but that's not saying a lot.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Ugh. Try out a bunch of quarterbacks and hope one emerges. Seems like the Bombers have been doing that since the end of Swaggerville (remember that?). I just can't see this team doing much.
9. Ottawa RedBlacks
They've got Burris as quarterback, but he's no doubt quite old. Personally I would have stuck with Glenn. They are an expansion team therefore last place.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Thoughts on Last Night's Pre-Season Win Against Montreal 2013
TSN didn't show the game last night (and why TSN is only showing two games, both with Edmonton seems weird) so I can only look at the recaps. At least backup quarterback Dan Lefevour looked good. As I recall he did well when he was in last year during the pre-season. With Quinton Porter gone to Montreal, if anything happens to Burris then the Cats need somebody. Pre-season is different than regular season however.
From what I've read the defence looked good, but again that was against quarterbacks who aren't Anthony Calvillo. The Ticat defence was bad enough last year and there's a lot of changes this year, especially in the secondary. The one benefit is that there's a lot of import defensive backs out there so it isn't inconceivable the Cats secondary could regress towards the mean, but in a good way (i.e. less sucky). I've never done the stats, but my guess is that the CFL has less correlation between seasons for teams than other sports so there's always some hope.
Impressive also that Lindsay Lamar scored a TD off a punt return. Without Chris Williams, the Cats might be in trouble on special teams, so any indication of a spark is welcome.
I'll be going to the game next week in Guelph, so I'll be able to do a more in depth report, both on the stadium and the last pre-season game. There should be a lot of Burris in that one and more indication on who starts on defence.
From what I've read the defence looked good, but again that was against quarterbacks who aren't Anthony Calvillo. The Ticat defence was bad enough last year and there's a lot of changes this year, especially in the secondary. The one benefit is that there's a lot of import defensive backs out there so it isn't inconceivable the Cats secondary could regress towards the mean, but in a good way (i.e. less sucky). I've never done the stats, but my guess is that the CFL has less correlation between seasons for teams than other sports so there's always some hope.
Impressive also that Lindsay Lamar scored a TD off a punt return. Without Chris Williams, the Cats might be in trouble on special teams, so any indication of a spark is welcome.
I'll be going to the game next week in Guelph, so I'll be able to do a more in depth report, both on the stadium and the last pre-season game. There should be a lot of Burris in that one and more indication on who starts on defence.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
CFL June 2012 Power Rankings, Post Pre Season
Now that the 2012 pre-season is over and the last Canadian quarterback has been released, it is time for the June power rankings.
1. BC Lions
Reigning Grey Cup champions, not a lot of changes from last year and an excellent quarterback under 30 and dominant in the pre-season, things are looking good for the Lions. New coach, but it shouldn't make a difference. Also the team probably won't start 0 and 5 this year.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Didn't look great overall in the pre-season, but the team played well when Henry Burris is in. One of the few teams to have a serviceable backup quarterback. The offense should be good, but the defence is a little suspect, especially the defensive line.
3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Probably going against consensus, and the Bombers didn't make many moves in the off-season to improve their team. Buck Pierce is a good quarterback, providing he doesn't break a bone or get a concussion or some other injury that can occur at any time. Still a good defence can get you to the Grey Cup (like last year) and is especially effective early in the season.
4. Montreal Alouettes
Is this the season when the wheels finally come off the Alouettes bandwagon? Anthony Calvillo can still play, but is obviously old in football years. The Alouettes also have a decent backup. Like the Cats, the Alouettes offense should be fine, but the Alouette defence last season wasn't great and who knows after big changes what it will be like this season. GM Jim Popp always finds good imports every season so maybe things will turn out OK.
5. Calgary Stampeders
I'm not totally sold on quarterback Drew Tate this year as a top quarterback this year. The Stamps do have insurance in Kevin Glenn. Possible quarterback controversy. Again a good offense and a meh defence. Will benefit from playing the Eskimos and Riders multiple times.
6. Toronto Argonauts
With Ricky Ray at quarterback and better receivers, the Argos should be better than last year and Toronto wasn't absolute excrement last year at 6 and 12. The Argos had a good defence last year too. However Ricky Ray isn't that fantastic either, so the Argos only have so much upside.
7. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Going against consensus perhaps, but I don't think the Riders will be the worst team in the CFL in 2012. Second worst sure, but not worst. Darian Durant still has some skills, although the team will miss Andy Fantuz, not that he did much for them last year, only playing in a handful of games. The Riders still have some decent receivers, providing that Rob Bagg can come back successfully from injury.
8. Edmonton Eskimos
After trading away Ricky Ray, the Eskimos are going with somebody at quarterback, who I'm not sure. I thought it would be Steven Jyles, but judging by the pre-season stats, Nichols had some decent results. After a surprisingly good record last year, this will be a rebuilding year for the Eskimos.
TSN has their pre-season show tomorrow at 8 pm.
1. BC Lions
Reigning Grey Cup champions, not a lot of changes from last year and an excellent quarterback under 30 and dominant in the pre-season, things are looking good for the Lions. New coach, but it shouldn't make a difference. Also the team probably won't start 0 and 5 this year.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Didn't look great overall in the pre-season, but the team played well when Henry Burris is in. One of the few teams to have a serviceable backup quarterback. The offense should be good, but the defence is a little suspect, especially the defensive line.
3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Probably going against consensus, and the Bombers didn't make many moves in the off-season to improve their team. Buck Pierce is a good quarterback, providing he doesn't break a bone or get a concussion or some other injury that can occur at any time. Still a good defence can get you to the Grey Cup (like last year) and is especially effective early in the season.
4. Montreal Alouettes
Is this the season when the wheels finally come off the Alouettes bandwagon? Anthony Calvillo can still play, but is obviously old in football years. The Alouettes also have a decent backup. Like the Cats, the Alouettes offense should be fine, but the Alouette defence last season wasn't great and who knows after big changes what it will be like this season. GM Jim Popp always finds good imports every season so maybe things will turn out OK.
5. Calgary Stampeders
I'm not totally sold on quarterback Drew Tate this year as a top quarterback this year. The Stamps do have insurance in Kevin Glenn. Possible quarterback controversy. Again a good offense and a meh defence. Will benefit from playing the Eskimos and Riders multiple times.
6. Toronto Argonauts
With Ricky Ray at quarterback and better receivers, the Argos should be better than last year and Toronto wasn't absolute excrement last year at 6 and 12. The Argos had a good defence last year too. However Ricky Ray isn't that fantastic either, so the Argos only have so much upside.
7. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Going against consensus perhaps, but I don't think the Riders will be the worst team in the CFL in 2012. Second worst sure, but not worst. Darian Durant still has some skills, although the team will miss Andy Fantuz, not that he did much for them last year, only playing in a handful of games. The Riders still have some decent receivers, providing that Rob Bagg can come back successfully from injury.
8. Edmonton Eskimos
After trading away Ricky Ray, the Eskimos are going with somebody at quarterback, who I'm not sure. I thought it would be Steven Jyles, but judging by the pre-season stats, Nichols had some decent results. After a surprisingly good record last year, this will be a rebuilding year for the Eskimos.
TSN has their pre-season show tomorrow at 8 pm.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Ticats Second Pre-Season Game Lineup
Nothing remarkably notable about the lineup. Markeith Knowlton is listed as a starter at linebacker, along with Johnson and Williams, with non-import Eiben as a backup. Defensive line starters are all imports, which again isn't a surprise, with Powell and Boudreaux as the ends and Rose and McElveen in the middle.
Import Turenne starts at one corner, but with non-import Bucknor at the other corner. I assume Bucknor is being auditioned to see if he's worthy of being a backup if the Cats start a non-import. Young and Smith are the halfbacks, with Webb being the import safety starter.
On the offence, import known entity Simmons starts and import not known entity Dile starts. No Hage starting in the middle, with non-import O'Neill starting. Usual suspect and brilliant non-import Peter Dyakowski starts at guard, with non-import Husband is the other guard.
Burris is listed as the quarterback starter, with Walker the starting running back, but Avon Cobourne is in as backup. Williams and non-import Giguere are listed as the starting wide receivers. Jones and non-import Dave Stala are listed as the slotback starters.
On offence look for Porter to do something positive, or risk having the team give up on him. Also watch if Cobourne has something to prove when he gets the ball after being released earlier by the team. Is Giguere good enough to start as a non-import receiver? If he does, that makes things easier ratio wise.
On defence, everything focuses on the defensive line. Will they get any pass rush? Probably more important against Winnipeg, can they stop the run? They're all imports so that should help, although I doubt any is getting paid much money and none can be considered a CFL name. The line needs Peach back for the season, although if the pre-season is any indication, the number of games Peach actually plays in could be quite low.
Import Turenne starts at one corner, but with non-import Bucknor at the other corner. I assume Bucknor is being auditioned to see if he's worthy of being a backup if the Cats start a non-import. Young and Smith are the halfbacks, with Webb being the import safety starter.
On the offence, import known entity Simmons starts and import not known entity Dile starts. No Hage starting in the middle, with non-import O'Neill starting. Usual suspect and brilliant non-import Peter Dyakowski starts at guard, with non-import Husband is the other guard.
Burris is listed as the quarterback starter, with Walker the starting running back, but Avon Cobourne is in as backup. Williams and non-import Giguere are listed as the starting wide receivers. Jones and non-import Dave Stala are listed as the slotback starters.
On offence look for Porter to do something positive, or risk having the team give up on him. Also watch if Cobourne has something to prove when he gets the ball after being released earlier by the team. Is Giguere good enough to start as a non-import receiver? If he does, that makes things easier ratio wise.
On defence, everything focuses on the defensive line. Will they get any pass rush? Probably more important against Winnipeg, can they stop the run? They're all imports so that should help, although I doubt any is getting paid much money and none can be considered a CFL name. The line needs Peach back for the season, although if the pre-season is any indication, the number of games Peach actually plays in could be quite low.
CFL Pre-season Television Ratings
Tigercatatonia has long argued for TSN to broadcast CFL pre-season games, well before TSN started broadcasting them last year. Reasons advanced were that TSN already owned the rights anyways (sure CFL production does cost something, but reasonable ratings would cover them easily), the games are a big long commercial for the season to come, and rabid fans of the Saskatchewan Rough Riders would probably tune in for both games in large amounts. Last year between TSN and TSN2, the network broadcast seven games, while this year only four (or was it five?) were broadcast.
Chris Cuthbert recently tweeted that the BC Saskatchewan game last week had over 400,000 viewers, confirming that Rider fans will tune in, especially in the pre-season when hope springs eternal. He also tweeted the Cats Argos game at Ivor Wynne got close to 336,000 fans, which is also impressive for the pre-season. That's some decent numbers and way better than the average MLS game.
I can understand why the day game yesterday for the Argos wasn't broadcast, but I can't understand why both Rider games weren't broadcast. I'm sure the second game would have gone over 400,000 as well.
Finally broadcasting the pre-season games is good for showing some interesting stories, like Canadian quarterbacks Brad Sinopoli and Kyle Quinlan being successful in their outings (unlike the heralded quart back Tate Forcier for the Ticats who revealed himself to be a wang).
Chris Cuthbert recently tweeted that the BC Saskatchewan game last week had over 400,000 viewers, confirming that Rider fans will tune in, especially in the pre-season when hope springs eternal. He also tweeted the Cats Argos game at Ivor Wynne got close to 336,000 fans, which is also impressive for the pre-season. That's some decent numbers and way better than the average MLS game.
I can understand why the day game yesterday for the Argos wasn't broadcast, but I can't understand why both Rider games weren't broadcast. I'm sure the second game would have gone over 400,000 as well.
Finally broadcasting the pre-season games is good for showing some interesting stories, like Canadian quarterbacks Brad Sinopoli and Kyle Quinlan being successful in their outings (unlike the heralded quart back Tate Forcier for the Ticats who revealed himself to be a wang).
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Ticats Lose to Argos 29 to 24; Beer Prices Rise to $9.00
I attended the pre-season game on Wednesday. Generally, despite the loss I was happy with how the team looked. Burris looked good when he was in and the receiving corps is strong, both import and non-import although Aaron Kelly was his usual inconsistent self. Running game was decent with Walker and Berezik looking good. Porter played poorly. I think he needs to talk to Danny Mac and learn his quick release. LeFevour looked good as the third string quarterback, and Forcier looked crap and is apparently now released.
Hamilton outgained Toronto 524 yards to 317, but the turnovers were a problem. The linebackers looked good, but the defensive line looked weak.
The Cats at one point had third and 46 (to which I yelled go for it) which made me wonder, what's the record for the longest third down in the CFL? Probably a lot longer than third and 46.
Argos didn't look bad with Ricky Ray in, but I question their depth. They did manage to win six games last year with complete fools at quarterback, so a nine win season is not impossible.
With regards to the game day experience, I wasn't surprised to see tall boy beer prices rise to $9.00 from $8.75 last year. That probably hurts tips for the attendants. Who knows what the prices will be in the new stadium. With regards to beer service, I noticed that on the North side concourse, the all you can eat section near section five has been replaced by a regular food and beer stand, which wasn't busy at all.
There's a Smoke's Poutinerie on the South side now which is an improvement. I saw someone with a full sized pizza box from Pizza Pizza. I can't imagine how much that costs. There was also something called "Three Minutes of Madness" sponsored by Pizza Pizza which seems to consist of jump cuts of fans on the big screen with no apparent purpose.
The cheerleaders had their last centre field performance at 9:28 of the third quarter which strikes me as somewhat lazy. The Cats appear to have a DJ, located somewhere, but I could never figure out where sitting on the North side.
There was a nice hit by linebacker Jamall Johnson but rather than a replay, we saw a Poole Shoppe commercial. That was somewhat annoying.
Finally there was some new mascot that seemed to be a tiger, but in some weird spherical form. I found it disturbing and would appreciate it if it didn't make a return appearance.
Hamilton outgained Toronto 524 yards to 317, but the turnovers were a problem. The linebackers looked good, but the defensive line looked weak.
The Cats at one point had third and 46 (to which I yelled go for it) which made me wonder, what's the record for the longest third down in the CFL? Probably a lot longer than third and 46.
Argos didn't look bad with Ricky Ray in, but I question their depth. They did manage to win six games last year with complete fools at quarterback, so a nine win season is not impossible.
With regards to the game day experience, I wasn't surprised to see tall boy beer prices rise to $9.00 from $8.75 last year. That probably hurts tips for the attendants. Who knows what the prices will be in the new stadium. With regards to beer service, I noticed that on the North side concourse, the all you can eat section near section five has been replaced by a regular food and beer stand, which wasn't busy at all.
There's a Smoke's Poutinerie on the South side now which is an improvement. I saw someone with a full sized pizza box from Pizza Pizza. I can't imagine how much that costs. There was also something called "Three Minutes of Madness" sponsored by Pizza Pizza which seems to consist of jump cuts of fans on the big screen with no apparent purpose.
The cheerleaders had their last centre field performance at 9:28 of the third quarter which strikes me as somewhat lazy. The Cats appear to have a DJ, located somewhere, but I could never figure out where sitting on the North side.
There was a nice hit by linebacker Jamall Johnson but rather than a replay, we saw a Poole Shoppe commercial. That was somewhat annoying.
Finally there was some new mascot that seemed to be a tiger, but in some weird spherical form. I found it disturbing and would appreciate it if it didn't make a return appearance.
Friday, April 29, 2011
TSN Confirms Coverage of CFL Pre-Season Games
Finally TSN has confirmed coverage of 7 out 8 pre-season games on TSN and TSN2. No Hamilton at Toronto game, but I was probably going to go to that anyways, if I was in the country. Kind of annoying for those Hamilton fans that can't make the trip.
Not sure why TSN waited so long to give the actual confirmation, but good they finally did. Hopefully the ratings will be reported. Could be good for some laughs in comparison to Raptor and TFC games.
Not sure why TSN waited so long to give the actual confirmation, but good they finally did. Hopefully the ratings will be reported. Could be good for some laughs in comparison to Raptor and TFC games.
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