Thoughts on the Labour Day Classics
There's nothing quite like spending Labour Day enjoying the real turning point of the CFL season. I got to enjoy the two big rivalries on Monday, Edmonton/Calgary, and Toronto/Hamilton. (I also enjoyed Michael Bishop's debut for Saskatchewan on Sunday, where they got a convincing win over Winnipeg in the so-called "Banjo Bowl")
Anyway, there's not too much to say about the western game except I wasn't sure why the Esks were sporting green helmets, and that the Calgary offence seemed to disappear after half-time....to say nothing of the defensive secondary.
The Argos/Cats tilt lived up to its usual level of intensity. While I'm happy with the result, I'm not thrilled about a few things.
1) Poor capitalization on turnovers. The Argos left a lot of points un-taken and we wound up setting for FG instead of TD.
2) Dropped passes. It looked once again like Nigel Williams tribute night out there. I love Bethel Johnson's speed, but even he knew he blew some really catchable balls
3) Stupid Penalties. Can someone please explain how Adriano Belli managed to cost the D 25 yards of field position and NOT get benched for his efforts?? There's intensity of play, and then there's stupid. You do the math.
4) Blown Field Goal. Pretty sure the Special Teams coach will be drilling the boys after that botched attempt in the 2nd quarter.
On the positive side, there were some nice things to be seen, like Bryan Crawford getting that late TD, Mike O'Shea picking up the blocked kick and turning himself into a running back, Kerry Joseph's running, and a team back at .500.
I do feel bad for Winnipeg and Hamilton, now stuck at 2-7 records because the East should be more competitive. I wonder when the plug will be pulled on Doug Berry and Charlie Taaffe? Those two 3rd and short decisions Taaffe made will likeluy come back to haunt him. The Argo "D" couldn't have come up with a stop at a better time for the second one.
Let the run to the playoffs begin!!!
2 comments:
1) That's just poor coaching on their part.
2) While special teams are drilling the kick bit, perhaps the receivers should practice catching a ball?
3) Belli is a big stupid oaf that has spent the last two years costing the Argos more than he was ever worth. They need to trade his ass ASAP and make sure the door hits him on the way out.
4) See 2). Though I do feel bad for Pickett. The look on his face said it all. Maybe if they had a phenomenal kicker that had excellent team spirit and was a huge motivator for the rest of the team, shit like this wouldn't happen.
Oh wait, they DID have someone like that...and traded him.
Mr. Stubler: time to brush off the resume.
Post a Comment