The American Take on Week One...BC at Montreal

      I admit to being a football nerd. I eat it, breathe it, love it. I have been following the CFL as an American growing up in Los Angeles since the 1980's, as I had learned of it from a purchase of the annual Street & Smith Pro Football magazine that has since been swallowed alive by the Sporting News. One thing that Street & Smith did was that they covered levels of football thought obscure in the State. I latched onto it, as I did the USFL and Arena Football.
     With the NFL in full blown lockout mode, I am thrilled to see that the NFL network is broadcasting games here in the USA. We were not shown any pre-season action, but once opening day hit on Thursday, it was full speed ahead, and we were treated to Montreal defending their back-to-back titles with a home opener against the BC Lions. Here are my observations of that contest.
    
#1: Travis Lulay is the BC Offense

     Lulay passed for 366 yards and 1 score, while not tossing a pick. He is a good young QB, and he took everything that the Als tossed at him, and Montreal tossed blitz after blitz at him from every angle. Lulay resisted making the bad throw, and his young group of receivers kept up with him as best as they could.

#2: Geroy Simon can still play

     Simon is the guy that is probably saving Lulay's bacon most of the time. Another great outing, as he was active early and totalled up 115 yards receiving, with a long of 36 yards. He can still show the kids a thing or two.

#3: Keeping Paul McCallum was a wise choice.

     The vet came in and knocked in 4 of 5 FG attempts on the game and averaged a booming 44.2 yards per punt. He's another player with time on the short side who keeps showing the young guys that the old guys can crank it.

#4 The Lions youth shows...often

     Three 15 yard penalties in the first half of the game helped bury the Lions 27-10 at the half, and their comeback in the second was short ended.

#5 Anthony Calvillo is still the king of the QBs

     Calvillo made it look easy in the first half of the 30-26 win over BC. He tossed three beautifully placed TD passes in the first half, two to Jamel Richardson, who is making himself into a premier receiver in the CFL. Richardson finished with a monster game, grabbing nine receptions for 162 yards and 2 scores. SJ Green was on his game as well, as he posted 6 grabs for 88 yards and the game's first TD from 51 yards out.

#6 Brandon Whitaker could be a premier back in 2011

     Avon who? Whitaker may not be the best back in the league, but he surely had a premier performace, rushing for 119 yards on 17 carries. More importantly, the fear about his pass block skills proved to be unfounded, as he blocked very nicely.

#7 Welcome to the chance of a lifetime, Jeff Hecht edition.
     When Jerald Brown fractured his ankle on a freak play early in the game, Jeff Hecht came on to take his place, and he made an impact immediately, especially on a missed FG return when young Mr. Hecht plowed under a BC lineman on a beautiful block not seen by many guys his size. Brown may be out for a while, but Hecht certainly impressed in his first game.

#8 Sacks still come easy for John Bowman

      Bowman,who collected 24 sacks in the previous two seasons, got off to another great start, collecting a sack of BC QB Travis Lulay. Maybe teams should double up their blocking schemes, or roll the QB away from Bowman...just a thought.

Coming tomorrow, the Toronto-Calgary edition...

    

Roughriders Release Chris Szarka and more Rider News

In a move that has shocked and puzzled many fans within the 306 and Canada in general the Saskatchewan Roughriders have released Chris Szarka.

Szarka a  14 year CFL veteran (all with the Roughriders)  not only was established as a fan favourite, but also as a valuable blocking back and short yardage Fullback. This has left a huge hole in the offense that will require a young, inexperienced player to step in and fill the role that Szarka had.

Looking at the roster for the Roughriders the question becomes which of the seven backs on the roster have the ability to adapt, talent to change styles, experience that will allow them to succeed in this role. There currently is one fullback on the roster Graeme Bell who was acquired from the Edmonton Eskimos on May 8th (which should have been the writing on the wall for Szarka). Another option for the Roughriders is to utilize Neal Hughes in a fullback role. Hughes who is normally a Special Teams player who receives little time on offense (in 8 years he has 148 rushing yards, 248 receiving yards, and has scored 9 touchdowns) is possible and would definitely be embraced by the Rider Faithful as he is a local boy (graduated of Thom Collegiate-my Alma Mater and a University of Saskatchewan player), and has only ever played for the Green and White.

Other news from the Roughriders is that Rob Bagg has injured his ACL and will require surgery to correct the issue. If anything, this brings back memories of a 2008 season where players were injured, and they wound up fielding a team of replacements. Rider Nation is holding it's collective breath hoping that this is not a sign of things to come.

In weird news the Rider 2nd round draft pick Offensive Lineman Matt O'Donnell has announced he will not be attending training camp as he has received a try out with the Boston Celtics after not having played basketball since High School. Many in Saskatchewan are wondering why the Riders would have drafted a player who was going to tryout instead of using the pick on a player that was assured of playing in Green and White this year. More fallout on this is expected.

Why Toronto Likes the DeAngelis News

Big news came roaring out of Hamilton today as the Ti-Cats announced the release of non-import kicker Sandro DeAngelis. That sound you hear is the entire CFL asking "what happened?"

DeAngelis is a former Grey Cup MVP, Calgary's Special Teams MOP 5 consecutive years, an astonishing 86% (42 for 49) in 2009, the year before joining the Cats, when he was also named to the Western Conference All-Star team.

So what happened?

In yellow, DeAngelis posted a career worst 76.2 field goal percentage. Many factors can effect a kicker's production: holder, injury, weather, playing surface, etc. The latter of these being most important. McMahon stadium in Calgary uses Field Turf, while Ivor Wynne in Hamilton uses a similar product to AstroTurf. Field Turf is very easy to install and plays more like regular grass. Whereas AstroTurf is harder and plays more like a floor, or artificial surface. I can only speculate but I believe this key factor contributed to DeAngelis' struggles in Hamilton.

Why does Toronto like hearing this news?

First off, they no longer have to face Sandro DeAngelis on their biggest rival's team. The problem is, DeAngelis lost his job to former Argo kicker Justin Medlock who was near perfect during his time in Toronto. (A side story, if I may. I remember going to an Argo game watching Medlock warm up on the 40 yard line. He kicked field goal after field goal, perfectly centered everytime, from both hashmarks. Just before the warm-ups finished, he would always turn and shoot for the opposite uprights, many times making those kicks as well. Quite the performance!) Looking down the Argo roster, however, we have 1 kicker/punter signed. Noel Prefontaine.

Make no mistake, Prefontaine is as good a kicker as you get in the CFL. But he has had a history of concussion injuries. Most notably 4 years ago in his first game of the season, an injury that ended his season and his career (for the time being) as an Argo. One wrong hit the wrong way again and we're in trouble.

Mr Barker, why not go after this new free agent?

DeAngelis is a proven All-Star. If something happens to Prefontaine, injury or otherwise, we have a plan B. But wait, wise blogger! DeAngelis' career is finished, he flopped in 2010! Yes, he did, on AstroTurf. The field at Rogers Center is *drumroll* FieldTurf, not unlike that which DeAngelis succeeded on in Calgary. Even if it wasn't the field that made him flop, as is the case sometimes with athletes, it could've been the change of scenery.

Assuming the #1 spot is Prefontaine's to lose, a veteran like DeAngelis would no doubt be an asset on this team. Let's not forget, there's a lot to be said for what a player contributes OFF the field as well as on. With the young team Toronto is building, and the winning resume of DeAngelis, I think it's a gamble worth taking.

Unless of course someone can get a hold of Tie Domi.

Was going to tell you about #68 Kelly Butler...But

Got interrupted at Portage and Main celebrating the return of our Winnipeg Jets!!!!

I wanted to tell you all about Kelly Butler, 6' 8", 330 lbs. from Grand Rapids, Michigan...but got interrupted by the return of our Winnipeg Jets.

Kelly Butler was chosen by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round (172nd overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons with the Lions and started all 16 games at tackle in his second season. He was released the following year and signed with the Cleveland Browns where he started the first five games at tackle.

Hull, Hawerchuk, Selanne...your Winnipeg Jets.

Kelly started every game for the Bombers last season and as he adapted to the Canadian game got more and more dominant.

However, the reason I wanted to write about Kelly was because of what he has done in this past off season; he CHOSE to live in Winnipeg throughout our winter (along with Buck Pierce, I might add)...and Kelly embraced all that our Winnipeg winter's have to offer. He was everywhere...from curling to helping out charity events to coaching high schoolers to visiting remote towns...and on twitter he always talked about how much he loved out city, how thankful he was for the opportunity...and on twitter often invited Bomber fans to join him for breakfast.

Your Winnipeg Jets!!!

So...I am thrilled that Kelly will be back playing right tackle for the Bombers; but even more so, I will cheer him on for embracing our city; someone who could have showboated after his stint in the NFL, came to Winnipeg, enjoyed all that it has to offer and is now a proud Winnipeg Blue Bomber.

Rempel Weds "Cinderella"

On behalf of the entire CFL Bloggity team, I'd like to offer my congratulations and best wishes to Toronto Argonaut long snapper, #82 Chad Rempel on his wedding this afternoon.

Earlier on twitter he tweeted "the calm before the storm ..." and "Well, come on Cinderella. We have to get you ready for the ball."

A word of advice for the new prince and princess: get the consumation done soon. The world ends in just over an hour ;)

Stamps & Seamen Swap

We haven't even played a preseason game yet and already we've seen the blockbuster of the year! This trade will be remembered for all history for its magnitude and impact.

Ok, so maybe not. But make no mistake, the 6 player swap between Calgary and Toronto helps everyone involved. In my mind, that classifies as a winning deal. Toronto sent WR Reggie McNeal and DL Adrian Davis to Calgary in exchange for former Argo WR PK Sam and 2005 first overall pick, DL Miguel Robede. The teams also swapped negotiation rights.

The beauty of analyzing this trade is that McNeal and Sam played on the same team, at the same time. Heck, they even ran routes together. Both players were fill-ins for the Argos when the injury bug hit a few seasons back. Who prevailed? McNeal held his own but it was Sam who shone. When now retired Andre Talbot, then Kerry Joseph's go-to guy broke his arm, Sam became the guy for Toronto. When they faced 2nd and long (and trust me, they faced it a lot!) the ball was usually going to Sam, not McNeal. Having said that, with Toronto's dwindling list of reliable receivers, McNeal has been one of the most steady. However, when I need a guy to make a catch, I don't want my consistent number grabber, I want the big play man. And that's PK Sam.
For Calgary though, let's not forget McNeal's natural position is QB. Coach John Hufnagel admitted this aspect of McNeal's game will be evaluated before his position with the team is determined. A QB with legs? The CFL was made for this kid!

As for the DL swap, the Argos are giving away a guy who was somewhat buried in their system behind Belli, Flemons, Huntley and Foley. He's a decent guy but he has minimal reps and, in turn, low numbers. They're getting back a former 1st overall pick. With Belli gone, Robede should slide in nicely. He's still young but he has some experience and will know doubt learn from the veteran defence in Toronto.

Even Jim Barker admitted this trade benefits everyone involved, both teams and players. To properly analyze it, it may come down to who the negotiation list players are, and if they sign. Sadly, we will probably never find this out.

A WR for a WR, a DL for a DL, and an import and non-import for the same. In my mind, Toronto improved with this trade and, like I said about draft day, addressed some key issues. Did they win? Because this trade benefits everyone, there are no losers.

Now, if one of these teams wins it all in November, I may be forced to change my mind.

Ballin Balls!

By Mike Wilson

Every year at Commonwealth Stadium, the Eskimos throw out little stuffed footballs after every touchdown. I think this years are by far, the best yet. Take a look: 

BLUE BOMBER SEASON TICKETS RECEIVED - CHECK

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED - CHECK

NEW BOMBER STADIUM ON SCHEDULE - CHECK

THE CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE - SIMPLY THE BEST!!

Time to beat the Riders!

The path to beating the Riders in the playoffs is simple according to Stampeders bench boss John Hufnagel. "Score one more point than they do and if five of our guys are in the endzone with a loose ball against one of their guys, come up with the damn ball."

For many Stamps fans, the postseason in assured and the only question is where the boys in Red will be playing the West Final.

While many Lions and Esks fans might try and argue the point, the Stamps and Riders have emerged as the two best teams in the West Division with the last four Grey Cups featuring these two franchises.

On a side note, the Riders went on to lose the last two championship games and one of those losses was recently ranked the worst playoff choke of all time by TSN. Just saying....

The Stamps are returning most of their starters this year with some notables missing. Gone are Ben Archibald, Dwight Anderson and Brandon Browner. All three All-Stars who will be hard to replace. Archibald, reigning Lineman of the Year, will be trying to protect whichever injury-prone QB is leading the Lions to a .500 season. Anderson went to the Als which is the easiest way to book a November flight to Vancouver and Browner will be waiting for the lockout to end in Seattle.

I would suggest that the biggest loss for the Stamps this year will be Tom Johnson. While stats may not support the case, when I sat down with Rob Lazeo he said that without question, Johnson was the best the Stamps had to offer on the D line.

The loss of Johnson will mean big minutes and big expectations on Corey Mace. The second year Stamp will be counted on to produce in a full time role as never before.

On the offensive side of the ball, Hufnagel is counting on one of the tandem of Bender and Deane to step into what will be a relatively young O-line with Dimitri Tsoumpas holding the greyest beard with just 3 years exp.

Otherwise, the leagues best offense will return relatively unchanged; unless new draft pick Anthony Parker can break into the lineup out of camp. As a non-import possession receiver, Parker may turn out to be the best pick in the draft in a league where Canadian status can sometimes overshadow talent at certain positions. Should Parker live up to potential, that opens a position elsewhere to be filled by a non-import.

Of course the Stamps will again measure success only by one standard. Get to and win the Grey Cup. One Team, One Goal and I will tell you all about it this year on the CFL Bloggity.

And don't forget to check out www.gostampsgo.com and subscribe to GoStampsGo Radio on itunes and follow me on twitter @podcasterRyan

Best CFL marketing of all time

OUR BALLS ARE BIGGER !!!

Here We Go BOMBERS, Here We Go!!!