BC at Winnipeg
Surprisingly, Drew Willy is supposed to be starting at quarterback after getting sandwiched last week against Edmonton. The Bombers have been good with Willy and poor with his backup Brohm. BC has been somewhat meh this year, despite Travis Lulay playing and not being injured. Since it seems both quarterbacks could be suddenly injured at any time, I'll pick the home team.
Bombers 24 Lions 20
Saskatchewan at Edmonton
The Riders are now 0 and 5, Kevin Glenn was just placed on the six game injured list and the team is down to whoever their third string quarterback is. Edmonton on the other hand is starting their former second stringer Nichols even though their third stringer Franklin looked good last week. The Riders are on the road and have found any way possible to lose. I expect it to contain with much bitching in the province.
Eskimos 30 Roughriders 17
Montreal at Calgary
The Stampeders are still a good team, although their offensive line isn't as good as last year and Jon Cornish is injured. The Alouettes seem to have found a keeper in quarterback Rakeem Cato, himself essentially the fifth stringer in camp. Still the Stamps are at home, where they are 3 and 0 while the Alouettes are 0 and 1 on the road.
Stampeders 26 Alouettes 17
Toronto at Hamilton
Arguably the premier game in week 6. The Argos have fashioned a 3 and 1 record with backup quarterback Trevor Harris. Hamilton is 2 and 2 after four games on the road. Importantly the Ticats are home at Tim Horton's Field where they were undefeated in 2015. Plus the Ticats are starting to get healthier, including CJ Gable who last week against the Riders resurrected the Tiger-Cat running game with over 100 yards. Expect a hard fought game, but Gable and Ticat kicker Justin Medlock to make the difference.
Tiger-Cats 27 Argonauts 25
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
2015 CFL Week 5 Power Rankings
1. Toronto Argonauts
I really didn't expect Toronto to be here at this point before the season started, but here they are. One can make a pretty strong argument that Trevor Harris is a better quarterback at this point in time than Ricky Ray even when healthy. The Argos have won a lot of games on the road (including their pseudo home opener in Fort Mac). That's impressive in a league with a big home field advantage.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Cats bounced back with a big road win over Saskatchewan. Sure the Riders are in last place, but they have been in most games. The Cats are 2 and 2 on the road, which as I mentioned previously in a league with as big a home field advantage is impressive. The Cats actually discovered a running game with the return of CJ Gable who is a big upgrade on Holley at running back. Eric Norwood returned at defensive end and the return of receiver Luke Tasker is imminent.
3. Calgary Stampeders
Calgary lost on the road to the REDBLACKS. Jon Cornish got injured and Bo Levi Mitchell didn't look that great without him. Between injuries and losses to the NFL, the Calgary line isn't that great. The Stamps are still a good team, but not nearly as good as last year's team.
4. Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos demolished the Bombers, but was probably most promising was that the Eskimos did most of the demolishing in the second half with James Franklin as quarterback instead of Matt Nichols. With Mike Reilly still out, Franklin emerging really helps Edmonton out.
5. Montreal Alouettes
Montreal didn't play, so at least they didn't pick up any more injuries. The Alouettes are lucky Rakeem Cato emerged out of the fifth string role at quarterback to become a successful starter. Cato looks better than Crompton has, so maybe even when Crompton returns, Cato will keep the starting job.
6. Ottawa REDBLACKS
So maybe the REDBLACKS are for real after winning a close one against Calgary and coming on in the second half at home. Receiver Chris Williams got a ton of yards, and the receiving corps mostly did well, although there were a lot of drops in the first half. Looks like Henry Burris can still get it done at 40 in some games.
7. BC Lions
The Lions lost a close one at home to the Argos. The Lions are a decent team and Travis Lulay at least isn't hurt, but he hasn't been dominant either.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Quarterback Drew Willy keeps getting injured in games and then the Bombers fall apart. It happened again last game, which makes one wonder about the quality of the Bombers offensive line. The backup is one time wunderkind Brian Brohm, who is no longer particularly young and not particularly wonderous.
9. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
The Riders are 0 and 5. Sure you can argue they've lost some heartbreakers, but at some point, they have to win a game.
I really didn't expect Toronto to be here at this point before the season started, but here they are. One can make a pretty strong argument that Trevor Harris is a better quarterback at this point in time than Ricky Ray even when healthy. The Argos have won a lot of games on the road (including their pseudo home opener in Fort Mac). That's impressive in a league with a big home field advantage.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Cats bounced back with a big road win over Saskatchewan. Sure the Riders are in last place, but they have been in most games. The Cats are 2 and 2 on the road, which as I mentioned previously in a league with as big a home field advantage is impressive. The Cats actually discovered a running game with the return of CJ Gable who is a big upgrade on Holley at running back. Eric Norwood returned at defensive end and the return of receiver Luke Tasker is imminent.
3. Calgary Stampeders
Calgary lost on the road to the REDBLACKS. Jon Cornish got injured and Bo Levi Mitchell didn't look that great without him. Between injuries and losses to the NFL, the Calgary line isn't that great. The Stamps are still a good team, but not nearly as good as last year's team.
4. Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos demolished the Bombers, but was probably most promising was that the Eskimos did most of the demolishing in the second half with James Franklin as quarterback instead of Matt Nichols. With Mike Reilly still out, Franklin emerging really helps Edmonton out.
5. Montreal Alouettes
Montreal didn't play, so at least they didn't pick up any more injuries. The Alouettes are lucky Rakeem Cato emerged out of the fifth string role at quarterback to become a successful starter. Cato looks better than Crompton has, so maybe even when Crompton returns, Cato will keep the starting job.
6. Ottawa REDBLACKS
So maybe the REDBLACKS are for real after winning a close one against Calgary and coming on in the second half at home. Receiver Chris Williams got a ton of yards, and the receiving corps mostly did well, although there were a lot of drops in the first half. Looks like Henry Burris can still get it done at 40 in some games.
7. BC Lions
The Lions lost a close one at home to the Argos. The Lions are a decent team and Travis Lulay at least isn't hurt, but he hasn't been dominant either.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Quarterback Drew Willy keeps getting injured in games and then the Bombers fall apart. It happened again last game, which makes one wonder about the quality of the Bombers offensive line. The backup is one time wunderkind Brian Brohm, who is no longer particularly young and not particularly wonderous.
9. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
The Riders are 0 and 5. Sure you can argue they've lost some heartbreakers, but at some point, they have to win a game.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
2015 CFL Week 5 Picks
Calgary at Ottawa
A couple of weeks ago, I would have gave Ottawa more of a chance, but after two losses in a row, I'm not quite so confident in Ottawa's chances. The Stamps have a lot of injuries, but have managed to win games. This is on the road though. I'm going to do something odd and take the REDBLACKS.
REDBLACKS 24 Stampeders 20
Toronto at BC
Yet another Toronto road game. Is Trevor Harris better than Travis Lulay? I'm not sure, although I think that Lulay has a lot bigger chance for his shoulder to spontaneously explode midway through the game. Again I'm going to take the home team. In the CFL that's often a safe choice.
Lions 30 Argonauts 26
Winnipeg at Edmonton
Is Edmonton crap without Mike Reilly at quarterback? They beat Ottawa in a home and home, but I'm not sure how much that says. Winnipeg, apart from one game has been solid this year and quarterback Drew Willy is having a decent year. I'm going to deviate from home teams and pick the team that still has their opening day starter.
Bomber 19 Eskimost 15
Hamilton at Saskatchewan
The Riders keep finding ways to lose with backup quarterback Kevin Glenn. Hamilton, despite some good play is only 1 and 2 after three road games. The Cats are getting back Eric Norwood on the defensive line and perhaps even injury prone running back CJ Gable. The Riders are a team in disarray. Expect the Tiger-Cats to blitz like mad men.
Tiger-Cats 34 Roughriders 27
A couple of weeks ago, I would have gave Ottawa more of a chance, but after two losses in a row, I'm not quite so confident in Ottawa's chances. The Stamps have a lot of injuries, but have managed to win games. This is on the road though. I'm going to do something odd and take the REDBLACKS.
REDBLACKS 24 Stampeders 20
Toronto at BC
Yet another Toronto road game. Is Trevor Harris better than Travis Lulay? I'm not sure, although I think that Lulay has a lot bigger chance for his shoulder to spontaneously explode midway through the game. Again I'm going to take the home team. In the CFL that's often a safe choice.
Lions 30 Argonauts 26
Winnipeg at Edmonton
Is Edmonton crap without Mike Reilly at quarterback? They beat Ottawa in a home and home, but I'm not sure how much that says. Winnipeg, apart from one game has been solid this year and quarterback Drew Willy is having a decent year. I'm going to deviate from home teams and pick the team that still has their opening day starter.
Bomber 19 Eskimost 15
Hamilton at Saskatchewan
The Riders keep finding ways to lose with backup quarterback Kevin Glenn. Hamilton, despite some good play is only 1 and 2 after three road games. The Cats are getting back Eric Norwood on the defensive line and perhaps even injury prone running back CJ Gable. The Riders are a team in disarray. Expect the Tiger-Cats to blitz like mad men.
Tiger-Cats 34 Roughriders 27
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Ticat Defensive End Eric Norwood Tweets That He's Back At Practice
Just saw that injured Ticat defensive end Eric Norwood just tweeted "Great 1st day of practice...#BackLikeINeverLeft", which is certainly good news for Hamilton. Norwood was injured in a home knife accident which is pretty strange.
Norwood led the Cats with 13 sacks last year, even though he didn't play in every regular season game. Hopefully Norwood partnered with Justin Hickman on the other defensive end spot will lead to an even stronger pass rush with Ted Laurent and Bryan Henry in the middle this Sunday in Regina against the Green Riders.
Norwood led the Cats with 13 sacks last year, even though he didn't play in every regular season game. Hopefully Norwood partnered with Justin Hickman on the other defensive end spot will lead to an even stronger pass rush with Ted Laurent and Bryan Henry in the middle this Sunday in Regina against the Green Riders.
2014 CFL Power Rankings Week 4
1. Calgary Stampeders
The Stampeders aren't as dominant as last year's Grey Cup winning squad, but they are winning (edging Winnipeg last week), despite their offensive line getting decimated. Obviously they still have Bo Levi Mitchell, even if he isn't putting up particularly great stats. Fortunately for the Stampeders, many of the rest of the league's starting quarterbacks have been injured, so Mitchell is even better relatively.
2. Toronto Argonauts
Sure it is a bye week, but the Argonauts have played pretty well this year, considering all their games have been on the road (including their opener in Fort McMurray which was an away game for all intents and purposes). Frankly if I was the Argos brass, I would hope that Ricky Ray stays injured until Trevor Harris stops playing well. Harris is a way smaller cap hit than Ray (who since is on the six game injured list, his salary doesn't count against the cap while he's on it) to boot.
3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Sure they got blown out in one game and they lost by a point to Calgary last week, but the Bombers aren't a terrible team with Drew Willy as their quarterback.
4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Sure they lost to Montreal, but it was on the road and the Cats have started their season on the road. They won't always be on the road and with injured players on the mend, the Cats are still a formidable team.
5. BC Lions
So apparently Travis Lulay's career isn't over. Yet. While he's still healthy, the Lions are a decent team (although I'm not sure beating the Riders is particularly impressive). I'm just now sure when Lulay's shoulder will suddenly explode.
6. Montreal Alouettes
Rakeem Cato has surprised as the succesful third string quarterback for the Alouettes. Montreal the past few years has had a decent defense, but even without Crompton and LeFevour and Duron Carter, the Montreal offense is OK. Truth be told, Cato may be an upgrade on Crompton. Geezer receivers Fred Stamps and Nik Lewis have turned out to be playing well so far, although they may run out of steam by the end of the season.
7. Edmonton Eskimos
They don't have Mike Reilly at quarterback for a while, but Matt Nichols has been decent backing up. Their last two wins have been against the REDBLACKS, which isn't saying a lot.
8. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Ottawa just lost a home and home to Edmonton after winning the first two games. Looks like they are regressing to last year's team. Still they are 500 right now, which is more than you can say for the next team. Should Ottawa stick with Henry Burris or try to move on from the 40 year old?
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders keep finding ways to lose. Even with a credible backup in Kevin Glenn, they are still losing. I'm not really sure what to say.
The Stampeders aren't as dominant as last year's Grey Cup winning squad, but they are winning (edging Winnipeg last week), despite their offensive line getting decimated. Obviously they still have Bo Levi Mitchell, even if he isn't putting up particularly great stats. Fortunately for the Stampeders, many of the rest of the league's starting quarterbacks have been injured, so Mitchell is even better relatively.
2. Toronto Argonauts
Sure it is a bye week, but the Argonauts have played pretty well this year, considering all their games have been on the road (including their opener in Fort McMurray which was an away game for all intents and purposes). Frankly if I was the Argos brass, I would hope that Ricky Ray stays injured until Trevor Harris stops playing well. Harris is a way smaller cap hit than Ray (who since is on the six game injured list, his salary doesn't count against the cap while he's on it) to boot.
3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Sure they got blown out in one game and they lost by a point to Calgary last week, but the Bombers aren't a terrible team with Drew Willy as their quarterback.
4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Sure they lost to Montreal, but it was on the road and the Cats have started their season on the road. They won't always be on the road and with injured players on the mend, the Cats are still a formidable team.
5. BC Lions
So apparently Travis Lulay's career isn't over. Yet. While he's still healthy, the Lions are a decent team (although I'm not sure beating the Riders is particularly impressive). I'm just now sure when Lulay's shoulder will suddenly explode.
6. Montreal Alouettes
Rakeem Cato has surprised as the succesful third string quarterback for the Alouettes. Montreal the past few years has had a decent defense, but even without Crompton and LeFevour and Duron Carter, the Montreal offense is OK. Truth be told, Cato may be an upgrade on Crompton. Geezer receivers Fred Stamps and Nik Lewis have turned out to be playing well so far, although they may run out of steam by the end of the season.
7. Edmonton Eskimos
They don't have Mike Reilly at quarterback for a while, but Matt Nichols has been decent backing up. Their last two wins have been against the REDBLACKS, which isn't saying a lot.
8. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Ottawa just lost a home and home to Edmonton after winning the first two games. Looks like they are regressing to last year's team. Still they are 500 right now, which is more than you can say for the next team. Should Ottawa stick with Henry Burris or try to move on from the 40 year old?
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders keep finding ways to lose. Even with a credible backup in Kevin Glenn, they are still losing. I'm not really sure what to say.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Montreal Alouettes Depth Chart, Thursday July 16th, 2015
Still no Luke Tasker, CJ Gable or Eric Norwood back this week. No Courtney Stephen or Johnny Sears Jr. either.
The offensive line has changed up a bit with import Figueroa in at right tackle, with import Olson as the other tackle. Dyakowski and Bomben are the guards with Filer as the centre, all Canadians. So three Canadians on the oline.
Collaros is obviously the quarterback with Matthews as the backup. Imports Tolliver and Underwood are the starting receivers. Imports Sinkfield and Grant are the slotbacks with non-import Fantuz as the other slot. Non-import Prime is the fullback. I'm assuming that Fantuz is the only true Canadian starter besides the offensive linemen, so that's four Canadian starters on offense.
Medlock is the kicker and the bearded one, O'Neill is the punter. Banks is the kickoff and punt returner.
Defensive ends are imports Tracy and Hickman, with import Henry as a tackle and non-import Laurent as the other defensive tackle.
Linebackers are all imports, are Lawrence, Reed and Harris.
The corners are Gainey and non-import Daly, which strikes me as a little weird. Imports Stewart and Davis are the defensive half-backs, with Butler as the non-import safety. So that's three Canadian defensive starters.
The offensive line has changed up a bit with import Figueroa in at right tackle, with import Olson as the other tackle. Dyakowski and Bomben are the guards with Filer as the centre, all Canadians. So three Canadians on the oline.
Collaros is obviously the quarterback with Matthews as the backup. Imports Tolliver and Underwood are the starting receivers. Imports Sinkfield and Grant are the slotbacks with non-import Fantuz as the other slot. Non-import Prime is the fullback. I'm assuming that Fantuz is the only true Canadian starter besides the offensive linemen, so that's four Canadian starters on offense.
Medlock is the kicker and the bearded one, O'Neill is the punter. Banks is the kickoff and punt returner.
Defensive ends are imports Tracy and Hickman, with import Henry as a tackle and non-import Laurent as the other defensive tackle.
Linebackers are all imports, are Lawrence, Reed and Harris.
The corners are Gainey and non-import Daly, which strikes me as a little weird. Imports Stewart and Davis are the defensive half-backs, with Butler as the non-import safety. So that's three Canadian defensive starters.
2015 CFL Week 4 Picks
Hamilton at Montreal
The Tiger-Cats have a week of rest, and hopefully some players back from injury. The Cats looked great last game away in Winnipeg with all three phases of the game working, offense, defence and special teams. Expect the Ticat defence to blitz and then blitz some more on Cato.
Tiger-Cats 29 Alouettes 26
Edmonton at Ottawa
Obviously the Eskimos crushed Ottawa last week with Matt Nichols as quarterback. Is Ottawa reverting to last year's team? I don't think so. Their receivers are certainly better. Plus they are at home this week and have had a look at Nichols. Expect more Ottawa pressure.
REDBLACKS 24 Eskimos 20
BC at Saskatchewan
The Riders haven't been terrible under Kevin Glenn but have found ways to lose. BC has been OK, losing to Ottawa in their opener and then beating the Riders at home last week. I think that the Riders will be better at home.
Roughriders 23 Lions 21
Winnipeg at Calgary
Winnipeg has been decent two out of three games and actually has Willy at quarterback. Calgary also has been good two of their three games. Most important here is that Calgary is at home, plus Cornish looked good last week.
Stampeders 29 Blue Bombers 23
The Tiger-Cats have a week of rest, and hopefully some players back from injury. The Cats looked great last game away in Winnipeg with all three phases of the game working, offense, defence and special teams. Expect the Ticat defence to blitz and then blitz some more on Cato.
Tiger-Cats 29 Alouettes 26
Edmonton at Ottawa
Obviously the Eskimos crushed Ottawa last week with Matt Nichols as quarterback. Is Ottawa reverting to last year's team? I don't think so. Their receivers are certainly better. Plus they are at home this week and have had a look at Nichols. Expect more Ottawa pressure.
REDBLACKS 24 Eskimos 20
BC at Saskatchewan
The Riders haven't been terrible under Kevin Glenn but have found ways to lose. BC has been OK, losing to Ottawa in their opener and then beating the Riders at home last week. I think that the Riders will be better at home.
Roughriders 23 Lions 21
Winnipeg at Calgary
Winnipeg has been decent two out of three games and actually has Willy at quarterback. Calgary also has been good two of their three games. Most important here is that Calgary is at home, plus Cornish looked good last week.
Stampeders 29 Blue Bombers 23
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