Cfl : Week 5
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CFL Previews - Week Five, July 15th-16th
From The Sports Network
By Ted Michaels, CFL Editor
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (4-0) AT TORONTO ARGONAUTS (1-3)
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, July 15th, 7:30 p.m. (et).
GAME NOTES: Turns out Dave Ritchie was right. Last week, as his team was preparing for it?s game against Saskatchewan, the Blue Bombers head coach said it was case of when, not if, his team went 4-0.
It wasn't easy, but the Bombers kept their unbeaten string alive, edging Saskatchewan 29-27 in front of the home crowd. The game literally came down to the last second. Trailing 27-26, Troy Westwood nailed a 55-yard field goal -- his fifth of the game -- with no time left on the clock to give Winnipeg the win.
The game started well for the Bombers with QB Khari Jones leading the offense on an 11-play, 75 yard drive that ended with a TD pass to Milt Stegall. Winnipeg led, 10-0, heading into the second quarter, then the wheels fell off. First, Jones had a pass intercepted and taken back for a Roughrider TD. Later in the quarter, Jones fumbled and the ball was returned 65 yards for a touchdown.
The smallest player on the field had the biggest impact on the game. Running back Charles Roberts, who stands at 5-foot-6, carried the ball 28 times for 186 yards and one touchdown. Jones didn't have a great night numbers-wise, completing 17 of 33 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown and his first two interceptions of the year.
Winnipeg?s defense shut down the Riders' running attack, allowing just 45 yards on the ground and 175 passing yards, and they also sacked Saskatchewan QB Kevin Glenn three times.
Argos head coach Pinball Clemons said, leading into his team?s game in Ottawa, that he feared the unknown, in this case, Kerry Joseph. His fear was that his team knew nothing about the new Toronto starter. Those fears were justified. Joseph led the Renegades to a 34-32 win over Toronto in a game that saw two quarterbacks go toe-to-toe.
Toronto?s Damon Allen set the tone early on the Argos first play of the game when he handed the ball to running back John Humphrey, who tossed it back to Allen. The flea-flicker resulted in a beautiful 95 yard pass-and-run TD to Tony Miles. Later in the first quarter, Joseph used the same play, connecting with Demitris Bendross for a 50-yard score.
Allen went on to complete a total of 24 passes on 34 attempts for 448 yards and two TD?s. Miles continues to shine for Toronto, grabbing six passes for 156 yards and one major. However, the Argos defense and penalties were their undoing. Joseph shredded the secondary, completing 20-of-30 passes for 332 yards, one TD and two interceptions.
The Argos played in Ottawa without three key members of their offence -- slotback Derrell Mitchell (calf), wide receiver Alfred Jackson (knee) and running back Michael Jenkins (ankle.) It appears all three will miss this game as well.
The numbers: in the last ten regular season games, the Blue Bombers hold a 5-4-1 record, including wins in both games last year.
Keys to the game: if a CFL rookie (Joseph) can chalk up over 300 yards in passing against the Argos defense, what will a veteran-laden Winnipeg do? The Blue Bombers lead the league in average yards rushing per game (130), the Argos defense is third-worst at stopping the run. Winnipeg?s passing attack has been a little sporadic at times, but with the injuries the Argos have, plus this being their second game in five nights and fourth in 15, it seems too much to ask. Winnipeg hasn't been blowing anybody away, and they haven't been as dominant as one would have thought. They appear to be ready to be taken, but to paraphrase Rod Stewart, Tonight?s (not) the night.
Sports Network predicted outcome: Winnipeg 24, Toronto 22.
From The Sports Network
By Ted Michaels, CFL Editor
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (4-0) AT TORONTO ARGONAUTS (1-3)
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, July 15th, 7:30 p.m. (et).
GAME NOTES: Turns out Dave Ritchie was right. Last week, as his team was preparing for it?s game against Saskatchewan, the Blue Bombers head coach said it was case of when, not if, his team went 4-0.
It wasn't easy, but the Bombers kept their unbeaten string alive, edging Saskatchewan 29-27 in front of the home crowd. The game literally came down to the last second. Trailing 27-26, Troy Westwood nailed a 55-yard field goal -- his fifth of the game -- with no time left on the clock to give Winnipeg the win.
The game started well for the Bombers with QB Khari Jones leading the offense on an 11-play, 75 yard drive that ended with a TD pass to Milt Stegall. Winnipeg led, 10-0, heading into the second quarter, then the wheels fell off. First, Jones had a pass intercepted and taken back for a Roughrider TD. Later in the quarter, Jones fumbled and the ball was returned 65 yards for a touchdown.
The smallest player on the field had the biggest impact on the game. Running back Charles Roberts, who stands at 5-foot-6, carried the ball 28 times for 186 yards and one touchdown. Jones didn't have a great night numbers-wise, completing 17 of 33 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown and his first two interceptions of the year.
Winnipeg?s defense shut down the Riders' running attack, allowing just 45 yards on the ground and 175 passing yards, and they also sacked Saskatchewan QB Kevin Glenn three times.
Argos head coach Pinball Clemons said, leading into his team?s game in Ottawa, that he feared the unknown, in this case, Kerry Joseph. His fear was that his team knew nothing about the new Toronto starter. Those fears were justified. Joseph led the Renegades to a 34-32 win over Toronto in a game that saw two quarterbacks go toe-to-toe.
Toronto?s Damon Allen set the tone early on the Argos first play of the game when he handed the ball to running back John Humphrey, who tossed it back to Allen. The flea-flicker resulted in a beautiful 95 yard pass-and-run TD to Tony Miles. Later in the first quarter, Joseph used the same play, connecting with Demitris Bendross for a 50-yard score.
Allen went on to complete a total of 24 passes on 34 attempts for 448 yards and two TD?s. Miles continues to shine for Toronto, grabbing six passes for 156 yards and one major. However, the Argos defense and penalties were their undoing. Joseph shredded the secondary, completing 20-of-30 passes for 332 yards, one TD and two interceptions.
The Argos played in Ottawa without three key members of their offence -- slotback Derrell Mitchell (calf), wide receiver Alfred Jackson (knee) and running back Michael Jenkins (ankle.) It appears all three will miss this game as well.
The numbers: in the last ten regular season games, the Blue Bombers hold a 5-4-1 record, including wins in both games last year.
Keys to the game: if a CFL rookie (Joseph) can chalk up over 300 yards in passing against the Argos defense, what will a veteran-laden Winnipeg do? The Blue Bombers lead the league in average yards rushing per game (130), the Argos defense is third-worst at stopping the run. Winnipeg?s passing attack has been a little sporadic at times, but with the injuries the Argos have, plus this being their second game in five nights and fourth in 15, it seems too much to ask. Winnipeg hasn't been blowing anybody away, and they haven't been as dominant as one would have thought. They appear to be ready to be taken, but to paraphrase Rod Stewart, Tonight?s (not) the night.
Sports Network predicted outcome: Winnipeg 24, Toronto 22.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (0-4) AT EDMONTON ESKIMOS (2-2)
DATE & TIME: Wednesday, July 16th, 9 p.m. (et).
GAME NOTES: The Hamilton Tiger-Cats got their starting quarterback Danny McManus back last Friday at Ivor Wynne Stadium, but it didn?t make much difference, as they dropped a 17-11 decision to Calgary Stampeders.
The Hamilton defense couldn?t be faulted for the loss. They allowed just one Calgary TD, a 26 yard-run by Saladin McCullogh. However, the TD came as a result of a roughing the passer call against Hamilton defensive end Tim Cheatwood, which enabled the drive to continue. Cheatwood's propensity for dumb penalties in the last two seasons continues to be a headache for Hamilton coaches.
The problems, as have been the case all season, was the offense. McManus completed just 16-33 passes for 166 yards, 1 TD pass to Archie Amerson and one key interception, in the fourth quarter, as they were driving downfield. McManus' pass was intercepted at the Calgary 30, snuffing out any chance of a win.
Hamilton had only 15 first downs in the game, and kept the ball for only 23:44, neither numbers good enough to win. Top receiver for the Cats, again, was Amerson, with seven catches for 95 yards. The running game, which has been awful, improved a bit, in the loss. Troy Davis carried 11 times for 68 yards. If there was a bright light in another dismal result, it was the kicking of Jason Currie. The 22 year-old, from Burlington, a Hamilton suburb, made his first start in the CFL, replacing Paul Osbaldiston, who was out with a quad injury. Currie made 1-of-2 field goals, hitting a 28 yarder, and missing a 47 yarder, but to be fair, that kick was attempted into the teeth of a strong wind. Currie also punted 8 times for a 42-yard average.
The last time Edmonton played a game, was on July 5, when they beat Hamilton at Ivor Wynne, 37-20. The Eskimos were full credit for the win, which was their fourth game in 15 days. Four starters were injured for that game, yet, the replacements did what they had to, stepped up and made plays.
Quarterback Bart Hendricks got the start over Ricky Ray, who was suffering from a bruised left shoulder. Hendricks completed just three passes for 42 yards, then, with Edmonton leading 10-3 in the second, gave way to Ray, who ended up completing 10-16 for 140 yards and 2 TD?s. The TD passes went to rookie Kory Bailey, who was replacing the injured Jason Tucker, and back-up Brock Ralph. Rookie Mike Pringle had his best game as an Eskimo, with 125 yards rushing on 20 carries and one touchdown. The century-mark game, means he now has 66 games of over 100 yards rushing, which ties him with the legendary George Reed. And, another rookie made a huge play. Defensive back Robert Grant intercepted a Hamilton pass and took it back 71 yards for a late- game TD.
The Edmonton defense also stuffed the Hamilton running game, allowing just 65 yards on the ground, and a total offensive output of 149 yards. And, a major reason for the success was defensive pressure. They sacked Hamilton quarterbacks five times.
Keys to the game: Edmonton got a much-needed rest after the Hamilton game, with a full six days off. Three of the starters that didn?t play in Hamilton, LB Glenn Young (bruised kidney), SB Rick Walters (knee/hamstring) and DT Albert Reese (knee strain) look like they will be back for this one. Hamilton?s injury woes continue. Safety Kyle Walters (concussion) won?t make the trip, and linebacker Chris Shelling is also staying home, after he hurt his elbow. Taking Shelling?s place is rookie Chris Bayne. The Fresno State grad came to training camp hoping to make the team as a halfback, and wasn?t successful. Still out is middle linebacker Scott Coe (hamstring). His spot was filled last week by sophomore Marcus Spencer, another DB who was asked to play linebacker. Spencer was badly out of position on the McCullogh TD, and to ask another DB to step in and play linebacker is perhaps asking too much. The Hamilton offense, which is dead last in 19 of 25 offensive categories, including first downs, yards rushing per game, yards passing per game and average yards offense per game, meets an Edmonton defense that is best in the league at stopping the run. If the Tiger-Cats can?t get the running game going, get some first downs and keep the Edmonton offense off the field, it?ll be a long night. Then again, with Edmonton getting healthy and Hamilton starting to get hit harder with injuries, it may be a long night anyway. The Tiger-Cats play again in four days, when they visit Saskatchewan. The question now is...how badly beaten will they be, physically and mentally when they head to Regina?
Sports Network predicted outcome: Edmonton 35 Hamilton 10.
_____________________________________
Their record STRAIGHT UP:
Last week: 2-2, Season record: 14-4.
DATE & TIME: Wednesday, July 16th, 9 p.m. (et).
GAME NOTES: The Hamilton Tiger-Cats got their starting quarterback Danny McManus back last Friday at Ivor Wynne Stadium, but it didn?t make much difference, as they dropped a 17-11 decision to Calgary Stampeders.
The Hamilton defense couldn?t be faulted for the loss. They allowed just one Calgary TD, a 26 yard-run by Saladin McCullogh. However, the TD came as a result of a roughing the passer call against Hamilton defensive end Tim Cheatwood, which enabled the drive to continue. Cheatwood's propensity for dumb penalties in the last two seasons continues to be a headache for Hamilton coaches.
The problems, as have been the case all season, was the offense. McManus completed just 16-33 passes for 166 yards, 1 TD pass to Archie Amerson and one key interception, in the fourth quarter, as they were driving downfield. McManus' pass was intercepted at the Calgary 30, snuffing out any chance of a win.
Hamilton had only 15 first downs in the game, and kept the ball for only 23:44, neither numbers good enough to win. Top receiver for the Cats, again, was Amerson, with seven catches for 95 yards. The running game, which has been awful, improved a bit, in the loss. Troy Davis carried 11 times for 68 yards. If there was a bright light in another dismal result, it was the kicking of Jason Currie. The 22 year-old, from Burlington, a Hamilton suburb, made his first start in the CFL, replacing Paul Osbaldiston, who was out with a quad injury. Currie made 1-of-2 field goals, hitting a 28 yarder, and missing a 47 yarder, but to be fair, that kick was attempted into the teeth of a strong wind. Currie also punted 8 times for a 42-yard average.
The last time Edmonton played a game, was on July 5, when they beat Hamilton at Ivor Wynne, 37-20. The Eskimos were full credit for the win, which was their fourth game in 15 days. Four starters were injured for that game, yet, the replacements did what they had to, stepped up and made plays.
Quarterback Bart Hendricks got the start over Ricky Ray, who was suffering from a bruised left shoulder. Hendricks completed just three passes for 42 yards, then, with Edmonton leading 10-3 in the second, gave way to Ray, who ended up completing 10-16 for 140 yards and 2 TD?s. The TD passes went to rookie Kory Bailey, who was replacing the injured Jason Tucker, and back-up Brock Ralph. Rookie Mike Pringle had his best game as an Eskimo, with 125 yards rushing on 20 carries and one touchdown. The century-mark game, means he now has 66 games of over 100 yards rushing, which ties him with the legendary George Reed. And, another rookie made a huge play. Defensive back Robert Grant intercepted a Hamilton pass and took it back 71 yards for a late- game TD.
The Edmonton defense also stuffed the Hamilton running game, allowing just 65 yards on the ground, and a total offensive output of 149 yards. And, a major reason for the success was defensive pressure. They sacked Hamilton quarterbacks five times.
Keys to the game: Edmonton got a much-needed rest after the Hamilton game, with a full six days off. Three of the starters that didn?t play in Hamilton, LB Glenn Young (bruised kidney), SB Rick Walters (knee/hamstring) and DT Albert Reese (knee strain) look like they will be back for this one. Hamilton?s injury woes continue. Safety Kyle Walters (concussion) won?t make the trip, and linebacker Chris Shelling is also staying home, after he hurt his elbow. Taking Shelling?s place is rookie Chris Bayne. The Fresno State grad came to training camp hoping to make the team as a halfback, and wasn?t successful. Still out is middle linebacker Scott Coe (hamstring). His spot was filled last week by sophomore Marcus Spencer, another DB who was asked to play linebacker. Spencer was badly out of position on the McCullogh TD, and to ask another DB to step in and play linebacker is perhaps asking too much. The Hamilton offense, which is dead last in 19 of 25 offensive categories, including first downs, yards rushing per game, yards passing per game and average yards offense per game, meets an Edmonton defense that is best in the league at stopping the run. If the Tiger-Cats can?t get the running game going, get some first downs and keep the Edmonton offense off the field, it?ll be a long night. Then again, with Edmonton getting healthy and Hamilton starting to get hit harder with injuries, it may be a long night anyway. The Tiger-Cats play again in four days, when they visit Saskatchewan. The question now is...how badly beaten will they be, physically and mentally when they head to Regina?
Sports Network predicted outcome: Edmonton 35 Hamilton 10.
_____________________________________
Their record STRAIGHT UP:
Last week: 2-2, Season record: 14-4.
this week's plays:
i seem to be doin well with teasers:
1) Edmonton Eskimos - 8? and the OVER 44 ( 1/2 unit)
i seem to be doin well with teasers:
1) Edmonton Eskimos - 8? and the OVER 44 ( 1/2 unit)
CFL Preview - Calgary (2-2) at Montreal (3-1)
From The Sports Network
By Ted Michaels, CFL Editor
DATE & TIME: Saturday, July 19, 7 p.m. (et).
GAME NOTES: Calgary Stampeders head coach Jim Barker told everyone last week, not to worry about the absence of Lawrence Phillips from the Stamps line-up. Phillips broke his hand July 1, and is still several weeks away from coming back. The head coach said Saladin McCullogh, who he coached with the LA Extreme in the XFL, would take care of business, and he did.
McCullogh carried 19 times for 105 yards and one touchdown, helping Calgary beat Hamilton 17-11 at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton last week. The 5-foot-9, 205 pounder, also caught four passes for 101 yards. Quarterback Marcus Crandell, who has been feeling some heat lately both from management and from the fans, redeemed himself a bit, completing 17 passes in 30 attempts, for 278 yards. His prime target was Darnell McDonald, who was back in uniform after missing some time with an injury. McDonald had seven catches for 104 yards, several of them key catches to keep drives alive. Those drive savers enabled Calgary to keep the ball of over 36 minutes in the game, racking up 22 first downs, and 386 total offensive yards.
Barker will face his former team at the newly re-furbished Molson Stadium on the campus of McGill University. Barker was the offensive coordinator last season, when Montreal won the Grey Cup. The defending champs lost their first game of the year last Saturday, a thrilling 28-27 defeat at the hands of the BC Lions. Montreal had a 27-25 lead with two seconds left in the game, when BC?s Curtis Head tried to hit a 57 yard field goal. The attempt fell short, but, Montreal was called for contacting the kicker, the ball moved up ten yards, and Head nailed the 47 yarder to win the game.
However, don?t blame the penalty for the loss, but instead, look at the Montreal offense, or, in one case, lack thereof. Unbelievably, the Alouettes had just one yard net rushing in the game. And, missed opportunities in the first quarter especially, kept Montreal from adding more points to their total, which would have prevented Head?s last-second heroics.
Defensively, while everybody is raving about BC quarterback Dave Dickenson?s coolness under fire, the fact remains, BC had the ball at their own 11 yard-line with 34 seconds left, and the Alouette defense allowed Dickenson to complete three passes in four plays, moving the ball to the BC 50, setting up the first field goal attempt.
Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo was good on 27-of-45 attempts, for 383 yards and two TD passes, both to Jermaine Copeland, covering 22 and 39 yards. Copeland ended the night with six catches for 134 yards.
Montreal head coach Don Matthews has already a few changes for this game. Jay Graham, who was held to 11 yards on 10 carries against BC, was released. Matthews said, while Graham did what was expected, he felt a different athlete at tailback was needed. So, getting the start against the Stampeders is Ohio-based Mount Union grad Daniel Pugh. He posed incredible numbers in college, carrying the ball 799 tikes for 4,514 yards and 81 touchdowns.
Other moves include moving Thyron Anderson, who caught six passes for 166 last week, moving to slot, replacing Chris Coleman, and, in a bit of a surprise, D.J. Johnson coming on the active roster, replacing Donta Greene, who had more than 200 return yards against the Lions. Taking Greene?s spot at returning kicks is last year?s Eastern Division nominee as rookie of the year, Keith Stokes. The Als feel that Stokes can also back-up Pugh at tailback, in addition to backing up at receiver.
The numbers: These two teams met in the first game of this season, with Montreal winning 23-20. In the last ten regular season games, Montreal has won six. The Als have won the last three meetings at Molson, and four of the last five games the two have played in Montreal.
Keys to the game: Jim Barker would never admit it publicly, but, I know that it would so sweet for his team to win in front of a sold-out Montreal crowd. When the Stamps lost in week one, they had the ball inside the Montreal five-yard line, trailing by three, in overtime. Three attempts to run the ball in for the winning score were unsuccessful. Yes, Calgary had success against Hamilton, but, Montreal isn?t Hamilton. If the Stampeders can?t get the running attack started, and it forces them into second and long, then, advantage Montreal. This is a quarterback?s league. Right now, no one on Calgary?s roster is as good as Calvillo. You don?t really believe the defending champs will lose two home games in a row, do you? Neither do I.
Sports Network predicted outcome: Montreal 27, Calgary 18.
From The Sports Network
By Ted Michaels, CFL Editor
DATE & TIME: Saturday, July 19, 7 p.m. (et).
GAME NOTES: Calgary Stampeders head coach Jim Barker told everyone last week, not to worry about the absence of Lawrence Phillips from the Stamps line-up. Phillips broke his hand July 1, and is still several weeks away from coming back. The head coach said Saladin McCullogh, who he coached with the LA Extreme in the XFL, would take care of business, and he did.
McCullogh carried 19 times for 105 yards and one touchdown, helping Calgary beat Hamilton 17-11 at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton last week. The 5-foot-9, 205 pounder, also caught four passes for 101 yards. Quarterback Marcus Crandell, who has been feeling some heat lately both from management and from the fans, redeemed himself a bit, completing 17 passes in 30 attempts, for 278 yards. His prime target was Darnell McDonald, who was back in uniform after missing some time with an injury. McDonald had seven catches for 104 yards, several of them key catches to keep drives alive. Those drive savers enabled Calgary to keep the ball of over 36 minutes in the game, racking up 22 first downs, and 386 total offensive yards.
Barker will face his former team at the newly re-furbished Molson Stadium on the campus of McGill University. Barker was the offensive coordinator last season, when Montreal won the Grey Cup. The defending champs lost their first game of the year last Saturday, a thrilling 28-27 defeat at the hands of the BC Lions. Montreal had a 27-25 lead with two seconds left in the game, when BC?s Curtis Head tried to hit a 57 yard field goal. The attempt fell short, but, Montreal was called for contacting the kicker, the ball moved up ten yards, and Head nailed the 47 yarder to win the game.
However, don?t blame the penalty for the loss, but instead, look at the Montreal offense, or, in one case, lack thereof. Unbelievably, the Alouettes had just one yard net rushing in the game. And, missed opportunities in the first quarter especially, kept Montreal from adding more points to their total, which would have prevented Head?s last-second heroics.
Defensively, while everybody is raving about BC quarterback Dave Dickenson?s coolness under fire, the fact remains, BC had the ball at their own 11 yard-line with 34 seconds left, and the Alouette defense allowed Dickenson to complete three passes in four plays, moving the ball to the BC 50, setting up the first field goal attempt.
Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo was good on 27-of-45 attempts, for 383 yards and two TD passes, both to Jermaine Copeland, covering 22 and 39 yards. Copeland ended the night with six catches for 134 yards.
Montreal head coach Don Matthews has already a few changes for this game. Jay Graham, who was held to 11 yards on 10 carries against BC, was released. Matthews said, while Graham did what was expected, he felt a different athlete at tailback was needed. So, getting the start against the Stampeders is Ohio-based Mount Union grad Daniel Pugh. He posed incredible numbers in college, carrying the ball 799 tikes for 4,514 yards and 81 touchdowns.
Other moves include moving Thyron Anderson, who caught six passes for 166 last week, moving to slot, replacing Chris Coleman, and, in a bit of a surprise, D.J. Johnson coming on the active roster, replacing Donta Greene, who had more than 200 return yards against the Lions. Taking Greene?s spot at returning kicks is last year?s Eastern Division nominee as rookie of the year, Keith Stokes. The Als feel that Stokes can also back-up Pugh at tailback, in addition to backing up at receiver.
The numbers: These two teams met in the first game of this season, with Montreal winning 23-20. In the last ten regular season games, Montreal has won six. The Als have won the last three meetings at Molson, and four of the last five games the two have played in Montreal.
Keys to the game: Jim Barker would never admit it publicly, but, I know that it would so sweet for his team to win in front of a sold-out Montreal crowd. When the Stamps lost in week one, they had the ball inside the Montreal five-yard line, trailing by three, in overtime. Three attempts to run the ball in for the winning score were unsuccessful. Yes, Calgary had success against Hamilton, but, Montreal isn?t Hamilton. If the Stampeders can?t get the running attack started, and it forces them into second and long, then, advantage Montreal. This is a quarterback?s league. Right now, no one on Calgary?s roster is as good as Calvillo. You don?t really believe the defending champs will lose two home games in a row, do you? Neither do I.
Sports Network predicted outcome: Montreal 27, Calgary 18.
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CFL Preview - Hamilton (0-5) at Saskatchewan (2-2)
From The Sports Network
By Ted Michaels, CFL Editor
DATE & TIME: Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. (et).
GAME NOTES: In my conversations with management and players from other teams, when the topic of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats comes up, there is a common theme from everybody: too old, too slow, too predictable.
Exhibit A: Last Wednesday night at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. The Tiger-Cats were hammered 52-15 by Edmonton, and, the first two plays of the game set the tone for the hapless Tiger-Cats. On the opening kickoff, they were called for an illegal block. Next, running back Troy Davis fumbled the ball, Edmonton recovered, and two plays later, led Hamilton 7-0.
From that point on, it went downhill. The Eskimos led 16-7 after the first, 30-8 at the half, and 45-8 after three quarters. Even in a loss, a team tries to find a positive, but, in this case, the numbers don?t lie. Hamilton had 273 yards in total offense compared to 512 for Edmonton. The Cats had just 14 first down, Edmonton 31. Time of possession: Hamilton 22:25, Edmonton 37:35. Hamilton even led in the penalty parade, with 14 calls for 92 yards.
Hamilton?s offense again was ineffective. Danny McManus completed just 6-of- 20 passes for 83 yards. Pete Gonzalez fared a little better, hitting on 6-of-15 for 135 yards and one TD.
The Roughriders head into this game more than a little angry. They lost a heart-breaking 29-27 decision in Winnipeg on July 9. The game came down to the last play, when Troy Westwood hit a 55-yard field goal to give Winnipeg the win.
Kevin Glenn made his first start of the year, replacing injured QB Nealon Greene. And, the Winnipeg defense made sure they left their mark early, sacking Glenn 3 times. On the night, he was good on just 11-of-28 passes for 175 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. The vaunted Saskatchewan running game couldn?t get going either, compiling just 45 yards against the touch Bomber run defense.
There is some good news for the Riders in this game. Greene, who was nursing a sore right arm, should get the start. Corey Holmes, a tailback/slotback, who was named the CFL?s top special teams players last year, is expected to return. Holmes has been sidelined by turf toe, since the opening quarter of their first game of the year, in Toronto. And, all-Canadian cornerback Omar Morgan should be back, after missing three games with a sore knee.
The numbers: In the last ten regular season games, Hamilton holds an 8-2 record, and, out of the last five games at Taylor Field, Hamilton has won three.
Keys to the game: Let?s see. Saskatchewan has had ten days rest and preparation, Hamilton is playing their second game in four days. Saskatchewan is getting it?s injured players back, Hamilton?s injury woes continue. Saskatchewan has a mobile quarterback and the second-best running attack in the league, Hamilton?s quarterback isn?t mobile, and they have the worst running attack in the league. Need I say more? The only interesting aspect of this game, is how many changes will be made to the Hamilton roster after this game. I?m betting none, but that?s a story for another day.
Sports Network predicted outcome: Saskatchewan 40, Hamilton 12.
From The Sports Network
By Ted Michaels, CFL Editor
DATE & TIME: Sunday, July 20, 6 p.m. (et).
GAME NOTES: In my conversations with management and players from other teams, when the topic of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats comes up, there is a common theme from everybody: too old, too slow, too predictable.
Exhibit A: Last Wednesday night at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. The Tiger-Cats were hammered 52-15 by Edmonton, and, the first two plays of the game set the tone for the hapless Tiger-Cats. On the opening kickoff, they were called for an illegal block. Next, running back Troy Davis fumbled the ball, Edmonton recovered, and two plays later, led Hamilton 7-0.
From that point on, it went downhill. The Eskimos led 16-7 after the first, 30-8 at the half, and 45-8 after three quarters. Even in a loss, a team tries to find a positive, but, in this case, the numbers don?t lie. Hamilton had 273 yards in total offense compared to 512 for Edmonton. The Cats had just 14 first down, Edmonton 31. Time of possession: Hamilton 22:25, Edmonton 37:35. Hamilton even led in the penalty parade, with 14 calls for 92 yards.
Hamilton?s offense again was ineffective. Danny McManus completed just 6-of- 20 passes for 83 yards. Pete Gonzalez fared a little better, hitting on 6-of-15 for 135 yards and one TD.
The Roughriders head into this game more than a little angry. They lost a heart-breaking 29-27 decision in Winnipeg on July 9. The game came down to the last play, when Troy Westwood hit a 55-yard field goal to give Winnipeg the win.
Kevin Glenn made his first start of the year, replacing injured QB Nealon Greene. And, the Winnipeg defense made sure they left their mark early, sacking Glenn 3 times. On the night, he was good on just 11-of-28 passes for 175 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. The vaunted Saskatchewan running game couldn?t get going either, compiling just 45 yards against the touch Bomber run defense.
There is some good news for the Riders in this game. Greene, who was nursing a sore right arm, should get the start. Corey Holmes, a tailback/slotback, who was named the CFL?s top special teams players last year, is expected to return. Holmes has been sidelined by turf toe, since the opening quarter of their first game of the year, in Toronto. And, all-Canadian cornerback Omar Morgan should be back, after missing three games with a sore knee.
The numbers: In the last ten regular season games, Hamilton holds an 8-2 record, and, out of the last five games at Taylor Field, Hamilton has won three.
Keys to the game: Let?s see. Saskatchewan has had ten days rest and preparation, Hamilton is playing their second game in four days. Saskatchewan is getting it?s injured players back, Hamilton?s injury woes continue. Saskatchewan has a mobile quarterback and the second-best running attack in the league, Hamilton?s quarterback isn?t mobile, and they have the worst running attack in the league. Need I say more? The only interesting aspect of this game, is how many changes will be made to the Hamilton roster after this game. I?m betting none, but that?s a story for another day.
Sports Network predicted outcome: Saskatchewan 40, Hamilton 12.
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CFL 2003: YTD 4 - 2 = +1.50 units
something smells fishy with that sask line.....seems a bit too high for my blood.....we'll try two plays:
1) sask / hamilton Over +51.5 -110 ( 1 unit)
teaser time!!!!
2) Hamilton +22.0 and the OVER 44.5 ( 1/2 unit)
good luck to all today.
something smells fishy with that sask line.....seems a bit too high for my blood.....we'll try two plays:
1) sask / hamilton Over +51.5 -110 ( 1 unit)
teaser time!!!!
2) Hamilton +22.0 and the OVER 44.5 ( 1/2 unit)
good luck to all today.
ouch, got screwed by half a point on the total after sask stopped running up the score......
too bad hamilton didn't have it in them to score a meaningless touchdown.....
who's with me on the ML against hamilton the rest of the season....????
-400, anyone...???
CFL 2003: YTD 4 - 4 = - 0.20 units
too bad hamilton didn't have it in them to score a meaningless touchdown.....
who's with me on the ML against hamilton the rest of the season....????
-400, anyone...???CFL 2003: YTD 4 - 4 = - 0.20 units
