Well, I thought I would take a few weeks before I posted my thoughts on the 2011 Riders. I'm glad I did because all I would have done was complained about the turnover prone quarterback, terrible coaching decisions both on offence - no imagination and defense - poor coverage and no pass rush, no field goal kicker....but that was then and this is now....
Going to the cup!!!
OK, not really but after 4 games this season it is pretty clear that the Riders need to bring everything they have game in and game out to have a chance to win. At this point, they do not have the talent nor the high level coaching ability of a Mark Trestman to carry them through on off nights.
I will say that the game against Montreal was very encouraging. The defense played hard and tight on Montreal's dynamic offence. There was consistent pressure on AC which forced numerous 2 and outs in the first half. The offence and in particular, DD, played very well. I was most impressed with his decisions regarding running the ball himself. He did this numerous times and created first downs. Doug Berry called some strong plays that allowed DD to roll out and get away from Montreal's pash rush. It is too bad that it took him 3 games to figure that out. Regardless, DD made good decisions which led to 0 turnovers. I won't ruin a good thing by mentioning the fumble by Charles in the last minute.
After AC went down, the offence seemed to get too comfortable and really didn't move the ball too much. If MacPherson or the Als got rolling, the Rides would have gone down. This is why it is so important that the Riders have the pedal to the metal 100% of the time. They cannot do that and expect to win...case in point - losing the last 2 Grey Cups because they didn't play 60 minutes.
Right now, being the only team in the league to beat the best team in the league is encouraging. And hopefully this is something they can build on.
The good news...we have a playoff spot!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Perspective
Well, another year...another loss in the Grey Cup. I can't recall ever having said that before. Usually the comment is, well..there's always next year. That is the difference now. Next year is a chance to win.
With 3 GC appearances in 4 years, the Riders are truly the team that owns the West. Right now people with say the Stamps are the best team. Maybe so but the Riders were the so called best team in the late 60s and 70s and they made it to the cup 5 times and only won once. But they were in the west final 9 times from 66 to 76. They could not get it done so were they really the best back then? Same can be said for the Stampeders.
What is important now is that the Riders are building another phase of dominance in the West. And hey, one Grey Cup win in three appearances is great! Montreal was 1 for three early this decade and lost another 3 more to go 1 for 6 before they beat us twice by a total of 4 points.
This is the beginning of a 10 year run of Rider competitiveness. Put together a couple GC wins and it becomes the first Rider dynasty in team history!
With 3 GC appearances in 4 years, the Riders are truly the team that owns the West. Right now people with say the Stamps are the best team. Maybe so but the Riders were the so called best team in the late 60s and 70s and they made it to the cup 5 times and only won once. But they were in the west final 9 times from 66 to 76. They could not get it done so were they really the best back then? Same can be said for the Stampeders.
What is important now is that the Riders are building another phase of dominance in the West. And hey, one Grey Cup win in three appearances is great! Montreal was 1 for three early this decade and lost another 3 more to go 1 for 6 before they beat us twice by a total of 4 points.
This is the beginning of a 10 year run of Rider competitiveness. Put together a couple GC wins and it becomes the first Rider dynasty in team history!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Revenge, redemption?....nah...just make it right
All week I have been hearing about the 13th man. Actually, I've heard that all year! When someone brings it up or I hear that, I go straight into my defense....Hey, they did not lose that game on that play. They lost it in the second half when they came out with no jump, Montreal made adjustments and Saskatchewan did not. I was there and you could feel the momentum shift. The penalty at the end was just so amazing, that is all people remember......not me.
I remember watching Wes Cates actually have one of his best games running the ball but then starting to get shut down in the 4th. I remember the conservative play calling by LaPolice and the inexperience of Darian throwing some risky passes (one that ended in an important pic). I also remember having the ball with a few minutes left and throwing a 40 yard pass to the far side just to get 4 yards and Bagg getting nailed and leaving the game. I remember asking myself, "Why doesn't Darian just run the ball?" When the flag flew in the air, I just new it. It was the last part of momentum that shifted completely to Montreal.
So now, the media is talking about revenge and redemption. Coach Miller, to his credit is not getting into it. Although I'm sure they are talking about it as unfinished business in the locker room. Omarr Morgan has also been playing it up saying he was the 13th man. Good on him for deflecting and not giving the media an opportunity to blow it up.
But what really is the motivation for the game? If you're not motivated by just being in the big game....go find something else to do. But I think the Riders learned a valuable lesson last year and are still struggling with it this year......play 60 minutes, you win. Had they played strong for 60 minutes in last year's GC....game over. Now Montreal also has something to prove...prove that the 13th man penalty was irrelevant. They will not just give it up to the Riders. They are too good and for many, starting to think about their legacy as a team and individuals.
There were numerous games this year where the Riders did not play a full 60 and lost or came back to win. they learned that they are never out of a game but they cannot afford to play hard and be effective for 30 minutes or 45 minutes. On this stage, it will not get it done.
So the Riders go into this game knowing that 60 minutes of good football will result in a win. Even if they get down at times, they are not out. They also have that huge comeback win against Montreal on July 1st as a reminder of the fact that they are never out against Montreal.
But really....is it redemption?...is it revenge? Nah, it is time to make things right. Bring the cup home where it belongs!
Go Riders!
I remember watching Wes Cates actually have one of his best games running the ball but then starting to get shut down in the 4th. I remember the conservative play calling by LaPolice and the inexperience of Darian throwing some risky passes (one that ended in an important pic). I also remember having the ball with a few minutes left and throwing a 40 yard pass to the far side just to get 4 yards and Bagg getting nailed and leaving the game. I remember asking myself, "Why doesn't Darian just run the ball?" When the flag flew in the air, I just new it. It was the last part of momentum that shifted completely to Montreal.
So now, the media is talking about revenge and redemption. Coach Miller, to his credit is not getting into it. Although I'm sure they are talking about it as unfinished business in the locker room. Omarr Morgan has also been playing it up saying he was the 13th man. Good on him for deflecting and not giving the media an opportunity to blow it up.
But what really is the motivation for the game? If you're not motivated by just being in the big game....go find something else to do. But I think the Riders learned a valuable lesson last year and are still struggling with it this year......play 60 minutes, you win. Had they played strong for 60 minutes in last year's GC....game over. Now Montreal also has something to prove...prove that the 13th man penalty was irrelevant. They will not just give it up to the Riders. They are too good and for many, starting to think about their legacy as a team and individuals.
There were numerous games this year where the Riders did not play a full 60 and lost or came back to win. they learned that they are never out of a game but they cannot afford to play hard and be effective for 30 minutes or 45 minutes. On this stage, it will not get it done.
So the Riders go into this game knowing that 60 minutes of good football will result in a win. Even if they get down at times, they are not out. They also have that huge comeback win against Montreal on July 1st as a reminder of the fact that they are never out against Montreal.
But really....is it redemption?...is it revenge? Nah, it is time to make things right. Bring the cup home where it belongs!
Go Riders!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Underdogs
Well, here we are. One day from the West final. I'm going to the game and have my layers and hot pockets ready. It is going to be freezing.
Having said that, everyone is not giving the Riders a chance so the majority thinks it will be a cold day for the Riders and RiderNation. No matter what the Riders do, they are always the underdog. No one ever really gives them a chance except the players themselves and their fans (sometimes, the fans don't think they have a chance). Regardless, the pressure is on the Stamps being at home and really dominating through the regular season. That is just how I like it.
Tomorrow is going to be cold and that means run the ball. Statistically, Calgary has the superior run offense built around Reynolds and Cornish (can't forget Henry). Between those three, they ran for 2300 yards with a 6.18 yds/carry. Wes Cates and Darian Durant ran for 1650 yards with a 5.8 yds/carry. Not too far off the numbers of the Stampeders.
As well, Wes Cates has started to build momentum as of late:
vs. BC
65 yds rushing
33 yds receiving
vs Edmonton
42 rushing
45 receiving
vs BC
52 rushing
13 receiving
Wes has been picking up his game the last few weeks. He is running harder and punishing defenders. He is doing what is needed to help the team.
To me, the ability of Wes to get past the first defender will be huge. As well as Darian calling his own number. He needs to get into the game early and few runs will do that. Short quick passes will help the offense stay on the field and ensure that Henry and his posse of misfits stay cold on the bench.
With the cold and most likely slippery conditions, the playing field is level. No one really has an advantage in my opinion. The team that manages the clock and the conditions the best, will come out on top.
To quote John Hufnagel, "Men, we have them right where we want them!"
Having said that, everyone is not giving the Riders a chance so the majority thinks it will be a cold day for the Riders and RiderNation. No matter what the Riders do, they are always the underdog. No one ever really gives them a chance except the players themselves and their fans (sometimes, the fans don't think they have a chance). Regardless, the pressure is on the Stamps being at home and really dominating through the regular season. That is just how I like it.
Tomorrow is going to be cold and that means run the ball. Statistically, Calgary has the superior run offense built around Reynolds and Cornish (can't forget Henry). Between those three, they ran for 2300 yards with a 6.18 yds/carry. Wes Cates and Darian Durant ran for 1650 yards with a 5.8 yds/carry. Not too far off the numbers of the Stampeders.
As well, Wes Cates has started to build momentum as of late:
vs. BC
65 yds rushing
33 yds receiving
vs Edmonton
42 rushing
45 receiving
vs BC
52 rushing
13 receiving
Wes has been picking up his game the last few weeks. He is running harder and punishing defenders. He is doing what is needed to help the team.
To me, the ability of Wes to get past the first defender will be huge. As well as Darian calling his own number. He needs to get into the game early and few runs will do that. Short quick passes will help the offense stay on the field and ensure that Henry and his posse of misfits stay cold on the bench.
With the cold and most likely slippery conditions, the playing field is level. No one really has an advantage in my opinion. The team that manages the clock and the conditions the best, will come out on top.
To quote John Hufnagel, "Men, we have them right where we want them!"
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The hottest team....really?
I've been reading blogs and articles (http://www.tsn.ca/) about the upcoming game. The majority seem to believe that BC is the hottest team going into the playoffs. I thought it made sense to put this into perspective.
Lets start by saying they are 6 of 9 over the last two months or so. No doubt that on paper that is a hot team. But, lets dig a little bit deeper:
Sept 11 - win over Toronto
Not sure if this needs any analysis? Toronto is a terrible team. Lemon is just that, a lemon.
Sept 18 - loss to Hamilton
A tight game but Hamilton was a team with something to play for - home playoff spot and at the time, within striking distance of Montreal.
Sept 25 - win over Calgary
Calgary's worst game of the year..their complete dominance of teams started to fall apart here.
October 2 - win over Winnipeg
Ok, Winnipeg, they are like the Riders from the early 80s in the sense that they cannot win a game if there life depended on it.
October 11 - loss to Winnipeg
Oh wait, maybe they can win a game. Lets face it losing to the Bombers is just sad (i.e. the Banjo bowl)
October 16 - loss to Edmonton
Finally playing a team with something to play for. When BC needed to win, they couldn't.
October 22 - win over Calgary (a favorite of mine)
Calgary already had first place locked up at this point. So there was nothing to play for; however, this game also showed how Calgary was starting to lose some steam. Burris could not get it done at the end and forced a pass into double coverage for a pic to end the game. Calgary was still in it despite BC throwing everything they had at the Stumps.
October 31 - win over Saskatchewan
Brutal game by the Riders. 4th loss in a row. At this point BC needed the win for survival. The Riders needed a win to survive their fans. But another uninspired game by the Riders full of mistakes. Winnipeg would have won this game too.
November 6 - win over Hamilton
Hamilton did show up somewhat but again, had nothing to play for other than entering the playoffs with a win. If I were Coach Buono, I would be concerned about 450 yards passing and only 23 points.
November 14 - ???
Yeah, the Riders have all the pressure being at home and finishing 2nd. But the Riders played a solid game last week with the exception of the run defence and some serious concerns about field goal kicking. DD looked focused and was on target. BC better hope the team from October 31 shows up...
So when you look at the last two months, is BC really that hot? Or did they benefit from others having played well enough all year to lock down a playoff spot? I'd argue that they benefited from others having nothing to play for as their season or playoff spot was determined.
BC is not hot, they are fortunate and need to be ready for a cold day in Rider Nation!
Lets start by saying they are 6 of 9 over the last two months or so. No doubt that on paper that is a hot team. But, lets dig a little bit deeper:
Sept 11 - win over Toronto
Not sure if this needs any analysis? Toronto is a terrible team. Lemon is just that, a lemon.
Sept 18 - loss to Hamilton
A tight game but Hamilton was a team with something to play for - home playoff spot and at the time, within striking distance of Montreal.
Sept 25 - win over Calgary
Calgary's worst game of the year..their complete dominance of teams started to fall apart here.
October 2 - win over Winnipeg
Ok, Winnipeg, they are like the Riders from the early 80s in the sense that they cannot win a game if there life depended on it.
October 11 - loss to Winnipeg
Oh wait, maybe they can win a game. Lets face it losing to the Bombers is just sad (i.e. the Banjo bowl)
October 16 - loss to Edmonton
Finally playing a team with something to play for. When BC needed to win, they couldn't.
October 22 - win over Calgary (a favorite of mine)
Calgary already had first place locked up at this point. So there was nothing to play for; however, this game also showed how Calgary was starting to lose some steam. Burris could not get it done at the end and forced a pass into double coverage for a pic to end the game. Calgary was still in it despite BC throwing everything they had at the Stumps.
October 31 - win over Saskatchewan
Brutal game by the Riders. 4th loss in a row. At this point BC needed the win for survival. The Riders needed a win to survive their fans. But another uninspired game by the Riders full of mistakes. Winnipeg would have won this game too.
November 6 - win over Hamilton
Hamilton did show up somewhat but again, had nothing to play for other than entering the playoffs with a win. If I were Coach Buono, I would be concerned about 450 yards passing and only 23 points.
November 14 - ???
Yeah, the Riders have all the pressure being at home and finishing 2nd. But the Riders played a solid game last week with the exception of the run defence and some serious concerns about field goal kicking. DD looked focused and was on target. BC better hope the team from October 31 shows up...
So when you look at the last two months, is BC really that hot? Or did they benefit from others having played well enough all year to lock down a playoff spot? I'd argue that they benefited from others having nothing to play for as their season or playoff spot was determined.
BC is not hot, they are fortunate and need to be ready for a cold day in Rider Nation!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Playoffs
I took a break from posting last week as I figured the Riders would have their share of detractors and negative energy. I admit, I would have been one of them.
It was quite evident that the energy and focus had been lost. In particular, the offense. Darian Durant was struggling with his reads, his accuracy, and overall confidence. The entire offence fed off that and the results, although hard to swallow, not surprising.
While watching yesterday's game it was clear that the offense felt confident....Darian felt confident. His decisions were solid, he showed mobility, and most off all he was accurate. I only noticed one pass that was a bit under thrown (a deep ball to Dressler in the first half). Coach Miller preached ball control and DD did just that. To me, that was the difference in the game. This is the confidence needed heading into the playoffs.
The defence, although not strong against the run, did stop Edmonton when needed and forced two turnovers and a safety. Again, the philosophy of bend but not break here. The D does need to shut down versus bending a bit more often as it is live or die going forward. A huge scare in the game was when Barin Simpson went down with what looked like a bad ankle injury. He walked off gingerly but did not return. If he is unable to go Sunday, that is a huge loss as he is our main run stopper. I'm a big fan of Mike McCollough and he can definitely step in but I'd prefer them both on the field. Ian Hamilton from the leaderpost reported that Barin should be OK for the game this Sunday: http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/football/roughriders-football/Simpson+says+good+after+injury+scare/3790075/story.html
Of major concern is still special teams. Not in the coverage aspect as they did a good job against a strong return man in Armstead. I'm talking about field goal kicking. We have a huge gap here and are at risk for anything outside 25 yards. If we are facing third down from outside the 25, we need to either punt to pin them deep or go for it as we will leave ourselves susceptible to a big return. We missed two field goals yesterday that could have been factors down the stretch if we did not start punching it in for TDs.
When it is all said and done, I'd much rather play BC than Edmonton in the playoffs. Travis Lulay is still a rookie who makes mistakes. He threw for over 400 yards yesterday and they still only scored 23 points. We also have something to prove since they beat us last time.
One game at a time but we have to bring the A game each time going forward. If not, the Riders will be getting out the golf clubs....
Go Riders!
It was quite evident that the energy and focus had been lost. In particular, the offense. Darian Durant was struggling with his reads, his accuracy, and overall confidence. The entire offence fed off that and the results, although hard to swallow, not surprising.
While watching yesterday's game it was clear that the offense felt confident....Darian felt confident. His decisions were solid, he showed mobility, and most off all he was accurate. I only noticed one pass that was a bit under thrown (a deep ball to Dressler in the first half). Coach Miller preached ball control and DD did just that. To me, that was the difference in the game. This is the confidence needed heading into the playoffs.
The defence, although not strong against the run, did stop Edmonton when needed and forced two turnovers and a safety. Again, the philosophy of bend but not break here. The D does need to shut down versus bending a bit more often as it is live or die going forward. A huge scare in the game was when Barin Simpson went down with what looked like a bad ankle injury. He walked off gingerly but did not return. If he is unable to go Sunday, that is a huge loss as he is our main run stopper. I'm a big fan of Mike McCollough and he can definitely step in but I'd prefer them both on the field. Ian Hamilton from the leaderpost reported that Barin should be OK for the game this Sunday: http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/football/roughriders-football/Simpson+says+good+after+injury+scare/3790075/story.html
Of major concern is still special teams. Not in the coverage aspect as they did a good job against a strong return man in Armstead. I'm talking about field goal kicking. We have a huge gap here and are at risk for anything outside 25 yards. If we are facing third down from outside the 25, we need to either punt to pin them deep or go for it as we will leave ourselves susceptible to a big return. We missed two field goals yesterday that could have been factors down the stretch if we did not start punching it in for TDs.
When it is all said and done, I'd much rather play BC than Edmonton in the playoffs. Travis Lulay is still a rookie who makes mistakes. He threw for over 400 yards yesterday and they still only scored 23 points. We also have something to prove since they beat us last time.
One game at a time but we have to bring the A game each time going forward. If not, the Riders will be getting out the golf clubs....
Go Riders!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Time to panic?
Wow, another week...another loss. Things just seem to looking bleaker and bleaker. What really is the issue?
Well, it is not the coaching staff or the play calling. The coaches have coached the same philosophy and practised the same plays all season long.
Is it the injuries? Yesterday we were without Congi, Bagg, Dressler, Hawkins, and Freeman. No, we've had injuries all year and have still won.
Having said that, is it time to panic?
No, not yet but this week is critical. We play BC and Edmonton over the last two weeks and need to show them that they will not come into Mosaic and win the West Semi Final. In order to do that, the players need to believe. Over the last three games, we have seen only 2 quarters of inspired football. 2 out of 12 is not going to cut it.
Psychologically, the players are not into it. Are they thinking about the playoffs? Are they disappointed that the plays are not executing thus not working?
In watching the last few games, the level of "compete" and the emotion is just not there. DD just seems to take every 2 and out or ball thrown in the dirt in stride. Fantuz, upon making a catch after 5 or 6 quarters without, looked relieved and almost surprised he caught one. These guys need to expect excellence and not show complacency. That is what is holding this team back right now.
The team has won with the same schemes and the same players but they cannot win without belief and passion. In 2007, Kent Austin used the word BELIEVE and it is inscribed on the Grey Cup rings. Until this team realizes that they can win and actually want to win, we'll be one and out in the playoffs.
Well, it is not the coaching staff or the play calling. The coaches have coached the same philosophy and practised the same plays all season long.
Is it the injuries? Yesterday we were without Congi, Bagg, Dressler, Hawkins, and Freeman. No, we've had injuries all year and have still won.
Having said that, is it time to panic?
No, not yet but this week is critical. We play BC and Edmonton over the last two weeks and need to show them that they will not come into Mosaic and win the West Semi Final. In order to do that, the players need to believe. Over the last three games, we have seen only 2 quarters of inspired football. 2 out of 12 is not going to cut it.
Psychologically, the players are not into it. Are they thinking about the playoffs? Are they disappointed that the plays are not executing thus not working?
In watching the last few games, the level of "compete" and the emotion is just not there. DD just seems to take every 2 and out or ball thrown in the dirt in stride. Fantuz, upon making a catch after 5 or 6 quarters without, looked relieved and almost surprised he caught one. These guys need to expect excellence and not show complacency. That is what is holding this team back right now.
The team has won with the same schemes and the same players but they cannot win without belief and passion. In 2007, Kent Austin used the word BELIEVE and it is inscribed on the Grey Cup rings. Until this team realizes that they can win and actually want to win, we'll be one and out in the playoffs.
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