GAME 9: Hamilton at STAMPEDERS

[OzSome]

GAME TIME: Sunday, August 28th @ 5:00pm
Mc Mahon Stadium
TELEVISED: TSN, ESPN3

Grey Cup Preview?? Two of the best team in the CFL are playing against each other tomorrow at McMahon Stadium. Zach Collaros’ Hamilton Tigercats(4-4) is second in the East but don’t be fooled about their win-loss record. Their record would have been better this season if Collaros wasn’t injured in the first few games. Hamilton just embarrassed Saskatchewan 53-7 last week and Collaros threw 381 yards with 5 TD. Calgary Stampeders(6-1-1) is currently in 1st place in the West also just dominated the BC Lions last week winning 37-9. These two teams usually played close games and the Stamps won pretty much all those close games.

Mic’ed Up. I think this game is going to be interesting for the fans watching the game on TSN. TSN in conjunction with the CFL will be televising the game with both the QB and head coaches Mic’ed Up. Even though there is 30-seconds delay, we will find how the QBs react against the pressure of the defensive team. How they will react on defense trash-talking and so on. I am sure we will hear beeping sounds whenever someone is swearing. Also very interesting to hear some of the play calling by the head coaches.

OFFENSE:

QB Bo Levi Mitchell (28 completions on 38 attempts for 340 yards and 2 passing TD) seems to be having a great chemistry with SB Marquay McDaniel in the past few games. McDaniel caught 10 passes for 80 yards against BC and also had pretty much the same amount of catches in the previous 2 games before last week. Stamps offense started off really well last week scoring a touchdown in their first 4 plays. Mitchell connected to Bakari Grant at the end zone a few plays after connecting a nice pass to Anthony Parker (caught 5 passes for 97 yards) on the first play.

Mitchell took advantage of the mismatch on passing plays between RB/FB (Tory Harrison and Rob Cote) defended by the two-headed monsters LB (Eliminiam and Bighill). Mitchell connected to Harrison a few times to Tory Harrison untouched in the first half. Rob Cote scored a TD against Eliminiam also on the first half. Grant, Cote, Buckley and Messam scored a TD each.
Offensive Line did a spectacular job again protecting the Mitchell. They did not surrender a QB sack again last week.

DEFENSE:

Early in the season I wasn’t sold on Claybrook’s defensive scheme but lately the defense have been awesome shutting down opponent’s offense. Stamps defense only gave up 34 points in the last 3 games and they were dominant against the BC Lion last week shutting down Jennings 10 for 22 153 yards and gave way to Travis Lulay in the game. Lulay did not do anything when he came in the game. Junior Turner, Charleston Hughes and Quinn Smith all had 1 QB sack against BC.

LB Alex Singleton after replacing Joe Burnett played very well and collected 3 defensive tackles.

SPECIAL TEAM:

Special team coverage was awesome shutting down Chris Rainey all night. Rainey usually tortured the special team coverage every time BC Lions plays the Stamps. Hopefully the special team good plays can shut down another explosive returner in Brandon Banks.

************************************************** ********
I am so pumped for this game and hopefully Stamps offense have a great start again and Stamps D can pressure and control Zach Collaros and the offense.

GO STAMPS GO!!!

[OzSome]

I can't believe they call that a PI. Banks was the one who made contact on Campbell's hand.

[Nammer403]

Holy flags

[TheAlpineOracle]

That illegal contact successful challenge is why even hardcore CFL fans aren't giving a #### about the league anymore. Just absolute horse####.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Challenges the way are in this league need to go. The game is completely unwatchable now.

[Redrum]

Bulls*** challenge. Should have been a field goal like 20 minutes ago and we have to sit through this garbage.

[OzSome]

Defense made Hamilton worked hard for that TD. Tommie Campbell cannot do much on that play because that was a great pass from Collaros.

[OzSome]

Yes!!!! Davaris Daniels TD!!! Awesome throw by Bo Levi Mitchell on his first play of the series.

Mitchell says I can do better Zach. Answers in one play.

[puffnstuff]

If I was a coach I would tell my receivers to run into a defender every play. They might not call it every time but often enough. I hate that rule or at least they way they call it.

and TD Calgary, nice!

[transplant99]

thats a play we just havent seen nearly enough from the Stamps this season....stretch the field and it makes everything else easier moving forward.

This has all the makings of a pretty good ball game.

[OzSome]

Oh ho ho!! What a hit on Brandon Banks!!!

They got a penalty to boot.

[OzSome]

Grant would have it.

[OzSome]

Whoa!! What a hit on Collaros by Davis. Not a sack but that was awesome.

[OzSome]

Good defensive play by Hamilton. Otherwise that could have been an easy TD by McDaniel.

[Strange Brew]

I'm a semi regular CFL viewer since moving to the US a long time ago. The coaches challenge on PI is just a horrible idea and really surprised the league can't see that. Just makes no sense to stop the game for something like that. Not at all what coaches challenge should be for IMO.

[TheMagicMan]

Thanks for the updates Oz some. ..keep them coming!!

How come tsn updates are so crap?

Any sites with live/better updates?

Does tiger cats really have 340 yards in passing as per tsn?

[OzSome]

Finally ref tossed the flag on that punk Lawrence. He got away on the first one.

[zamler]

Feels like the Stamps should have a much bigger lead.

[OzSome]

Thanks for the updates Oz some. ..keep them coming!!

How come tsn updates are so crap?

Any sites with live/better updates?

Does tiger cats really have 340 yards in passing as per tsn?

I don't think that passing yards is accurate. Probably 100+ only.

Stamps 16-7 in the 2nd quarter with 76 seconds left.

Ciante Evans almost pick that pass.

[OzSome]

Langley almost block that punt.

[OzSome]

This is an awesome game so far. Both teams were exciting to watch. Love the way the offense is playing, the score could have been 28-7 right now. 3 times the Stamps was in the red zone. On defense aside from the TD series by Hamilton, they are playing well. They've been on Collaros face most of the time.

Hamilton is getting way too many penalties today but it's all deserving. Stamps is disciplined so far. One of their penalty was bogus as far as I am concern. Even Suitor and Cutthbert wasn't sure about that penalty.

Stamps D should keep up pressuring Collaros but they have to make some adjustment on playing Tolliver. Bo Levi Mitchell should try stretching the field again. It works the first time so why not try it again. They have speedster receivers like Daniels and Parker. As for special team, try not to change on their play in the 1st half. Brandon Banks is getting frustrated right now.

GO STAMPS GO!!!

[Sainters7]

I'm a semi regular CFL viewer since moving to the US a long time ago. The coaches challenge on PI is just a horrible idea and really surprised the league can't see that. Just makes no sense to stop the game for something like that. Not at all what coaches challenge should be for IMO.
It's the 90s NHL foot in the crease rule all over again. Just a momentum destroyer. It needs to be gone, post haste.

[OzSome]

Crap! Collaros threw deep to Toliver. Lucky for us the throw was a bit high. Hamilton scored 3 points on FG.

[OzSome]

Noce throw by Mitchell on Durant. 25 yards gain.

[Hockeyguy15]

That was lucky. Good hit by Marquay to break that up.

[OzSome]

Hamilton almost intercepted the ball. Luckily Hamilton guy dropped the ball. That could have been an easy INT.

Maver punt pinned down Hamilton on 3 yard line I believe.

[OzSome]

Mayo with a nice tackle on Gable.

[OzSome]

Darn it. Luke Tasker again on a first down catch.

[Hockeyguy15]

Thoughts on the mics so far?

I don't think they need them turned on every play.

[TheMagicMan]

I wanted to watch the game so much...but I'm at an indoor playground with my kid...you guys are better than tsn!!!

[jayswin]

Hahah, one of Collaros' play calls is "warp indian" That was hilarious to hear shouted out multiple times.

[keratosis]

Shaw free range ftw.

[OzSome]

Owens caught the ball but he is 3 yards short.

[OzSome]

Thoughts on the mics so far?

I don't think they need them turned on every play.

I like it. Collaros is more vocal than Mitchell. For HC mike, Dickenson is so fired up. :)

[OzSome]

That should be a facemask penalty by Hamilton on Grant.

[OzSome]

Calgary OLine Brad Erdos is injured but walking. Grozman in.

[Hockeyguy15]

Good D by Hamilton there, just gave nothing to Messam.

[Hockeyguy15]

Durant kind of hesitated there or he would have had the first down.

[OzSome]

Durant caught the ball on 37 yards but short a yard. Buckley in on short yardage play and got the first down.

[Hockeyguy15]

Great play, now punch it in.

[OzSome]

Yes McDaniel caught the ball inside the 5. 24 yards pass by Mitchell.

[Hockeyguy15]

Parker just destroyed that guy on that block.

[OzSome]

Messam is having hard time gaining yardage in this quarter. Hamilton stopped him again. No gain I think.

[OzSome]

Come on guys... punch it in.

[Hockeyguy15]

I think he got a yard for forward progress. Hopefully they can punch it in here on second down.

[Hockeyguy15]

Haha Bo "stop talking to him"

[Hockeyguy15]

Way to pound it Messam.

[OzSome]

Jerome Messam punched it in. Touchdown Stamps!!

[OzSome]

2-point convert to Bakari Grant. 24-10 Stamps

[OzSome]

Messam blowing a kiss to Simoni Lawrence. hahaha!!

[OzSome]

Brandon Smith is down. Nothing serious. Shaq Richardson is in. I wonder if Collaros will test him.

[OzSome]

Yeah good D. Hamilton 3rd down.

[OzSome]

Back to back catches by Anthony Parker. Stamps in their 20.

[OzSome]

Mitchell to Daniels. 1st in 6

[OzSome]

Durant caught the ball but short. FG coming in.

[OzSome]

Paredes good!! 27-10 with 5 minutes left in the game.


Sorry 8 minutes left right now. Stupid Cutthbert says 5 minutes left.

[Hockeyguy15]

Paredes good!! 27-10 with 5 minutes left in the game.

You mean 9 mins left.

[OzSome]

Deron Mayo tipped the ball. Flag was thrown but referee retracted the penalty.

[TheMagicMan]

Has our defense been dominant with only 10 points given up to collards and company?

[OzSome]

Another good stop by D. Shaq Richardson tipped in the ball. Hamilton punting.

[OzSome]

Has our defense been dominant with only 10 points given up to collards and company?

Yes, they've been playing well. Take off Toliver's catches and the only play Collaros play was short passes to Tasker.

[OzSome]

Huge hit on Banks.. fumble but recovered by Hamilton.

[You Need a Thneed]

Hamilton has started in terrible field position all game too. I can't remember them starting beyond thier own 35.

[OzSome]

Collaros got stopped with less than a yard.

[Hockeyguy15]

That was a horrible spot.

[OzSome]

3rd down gamble and Collaros completed a pass to Owens with a good gain. Glad Dback caught him from behind.

[Hockeyguy15]

Blown coverage there it looked like.

[OzSome]

Darn it!! Lots of time by Collaros. Hit Toliver for a touchdown. They are going for 2-point convert.

[You Need a Thneed]

I don't understand going for two there.

[OzSome]

Incomplete!! 11 point lead still. 3:57 left

[OzSome]

I don't understand going for two there.

feel the same way.

[You Need a Thneed]

Just need some smart plays here.

[You Need a Thneed]

That wasn't a smart possession.

[Hockeyguy15]

Either way they need a TD and FG. Now they just need a 2 pt convert after the TD.

[OzSome]

Bad play. Either Parker screwed up or Mitchell overthrew it.

[OzSome]

Banks finally had a good game.... but Hamilton is offside so re-kick the ball.

[zamler]

That last drive had two very questionable play calls. Stamps just got another break offside on the Cats.

[RougeUnderoos]

Thoughts on the mics so far?

I don't think they need them turned on every play.

Me neither. Is this a normal thing?

I haven't watched much CFL this season, but I find it kind of annoying. With the guys in the booth talking and all the chatter in the background, it's like they are almost competing.

I love when they mic up players and then just show the palatable highlights of the interesting stuff, but I don't feel like I need to hear the nonsensical babbling of play calling. "Flutter flutter flutter dragon backside crow" every time. Kind of cool to hear it occasionally but not always.

They are surprisingly profanity-free in the wholesome CFL though. I don't think I've heard anyone say the EFF word all night!

[OzSome]

less than 3 minutes left.

[Strange Brew]

phew

[You Need a Thneed]

Penalties have killed Hamilton today too.

Not sure if the score app is correct but it shows penalty yards at 120 for Hamilton and 17 for Calgary.

[OzSome]

Not this time Banks!!

[OzSome]

Penalties have killed Hamilton today too.

Not sure if the score app is correct but it shows penalty yards at 120 for Hamilton and 17 for Calgary.

sounds about right.

[Hockeyguy15]

What are you doing Evans?

[Strange Brew]

Ends up being a 50 yard penalty and kills a ton of clock

[You Need a Thneed]

Need to keep them out here.

[OzSome]

come on INt

[Hockeyguy15]

Huge pick!!!!!!

[zamler]

Wow, INT for the TD! Ran the entire length of the field, awesome.

[You Need a Thneed]

Need to keep them out here.

That's how you keep them out.

[Hockeyguy15]

From endzone to endzone pick 6! Way to go Campbell!!

[OzSome]

Yes prayer answered. Tommie Campbell picked the pass at the end zone and went for Quick 6. Yes!!!!

[zamler]

Eff off with the challenge.

[OzSome]

Austin is fishing for PI. BS!!!!!!!

[Hockeyguy15]

This is a disgusting challenge, I hate it.

[You Need a Thneed]

Bump is within the 5 yards.

[zamler]

That is unbelievably lame.

[Looch City]

Are you ####ing serious??

[Hockeyguy15]

F off.

What a joke.

[White Out 403]

Wow the CFL sucks.

[OzSome]

Fck!!!!!!!!! I hate this freaking PI challenge.

[Strange Brew]

A joke of a rule.

[Nammer403]

What a bs call

[OzSome]

Yes Owens is out of bounds. No catch.

[Hockeyguy15]

Wow if they get this TD I'll snap.

[White Out 403]

I almost want the cats to win this now just so the CFL is forced to change this bull####

[Hockeyguy15]

Seriously this is a joke...Dickenson is right too.

Joke PI call on a joke challenger, now they are reviewing something they shouldn't be.

[OzSome]

Dickenson is fired up and he is correct. Not reviewable but it wasn't a touchdown. That's BS by ref.

[zamler]

That should have never been reviewed! This league really tries my patience. And they get it anyway.

[DiracSpike]

I love the CFL but challenging for any PI after the fact is THE stupidest idea they've had.

[OzSome]

48 seconds left Hamilton TD.

[zamler]

Stamps thought the game was over and relaxed can't do that.

[OzSome]

3 points lead by Stamps with 47 seconds left. Onside kick.

[SuperMatt18]

Just a brutal rule to be able to challenge any illegal contact.

Pass interference on the intended receiver - sure - but to be able to challenge contact anywhere on the field is ridiculous.

Take back a guys 110 yard touchdown for a stupid call.

[Hockeyguy15]

CFL really tries hard to lose fans.

You should only be allowed to challenge PI where the ball is thrown, not anywhere on the field BS. Just stupid.

[OzSome]

Yes illegal kick.

[Hockeyguy15]

Good. F you Hamilton, you didn't deserve to be this close.

[You Need a Thneed]

Can't go out of bounds there, just can't.

[White Out 403]

Messam with a bone headed decision

[Strange Brew]

Now for the CFL clock.

[zamler]

Fake the FG get the 1st down. Or not FG is good Cats need a major.

[Hockeyguy15]

Way to go Rene!

[Strange Brew]

Calgary's last 3 possessions probably used less than a minute of clock. Not good.

[OzSome]

FG Paredes is good. 6 points lead with 32 seconds left.

[GreenLantern2814]

The league needs to fix this. Now.

[You Need a Thneed]

Nick kick return to eat half the remaining time.

[zamler]

Stamps win 30-24 we allowed a boat load of passing yards but a win is a win.

[OzSome]

Yes!! Referees made the freaking interesting. Stamps won by 6.

[transplant99]

Solid win even though it was a bit closer at the end than it should have been.

That contact review challenge HAS to be amended though...truly an affront to the spirit of the rule.

Stamps looking good on both sides of the ball and the ST might be the best its been in over 10 years.

Fun team to watch at any rate.

[OzSome]

That's funny Joe Burnett pulled Richardson down to end the game.

[You Need a Thneed]

Hamilton's first guy downfield on that last play wasn't even onside.

[OzSome]

Solid win even though it was a bit closer at the end than it should have been.

That contact review challenge HAS to be amended though...truly an affront to the spirit of the rule.

Stamps looking good on both sides of the ball and the ST might be the best its been in over 10 years.

Fun team to watch at any rate.

The guy wasn't even close to the ball so yeah I agree that is BS rule. The commish mentioned on the previous changes on challenges that CFL listened to the fans that's why they made some changes. I think we should all email the league to get rid of the challenge on the contact BS.

[You Need a Thneed]

That's funny Joe Burnett pulled Richardson down to end the game.

I may or may not have been yelling at the TV for him to go down.

[jammies]

Great game except for, as mentioned many times, the challenge at the end that took away the INT TD. Even if you allow those challenges, don't take away a great play on a marginal call.

Still, Hamilton looks good again with Collaros back. Stamps offence sputters but still scores 30, they are good enough that even on an off day they put up plenty of points. And you can see the difference good special teams makes, it seems they have at last figured out how not to take clipping and no yards calls 3-4 times a game.

[dash_pinched]

CFL really tries hard to lose fans.

You should only be allowed to challenge PI where the ball is thrown, not anywhere on the field BS. Just stupid.

I've been a CFL fan for over 45 years and I'm just glad the Stamps were able to beat the Ti-Cats, the zebras, and Jake Ireland at CFL control tonight.

[Redrum]

The real score was 37-9. Refs turned a blowout into a nail-biter.

[You Need a Thneed]

The real score was 37-9. Refs turned a blowout into a nail-biter.

Challengable pass interference / illegal contact calls added two touchdowns to Hamiltons score, and took one away from Calgary.

[Dogbert]

So the CFL looked at how well the NHL did by wiping out goals because someone was offside 45 seconds prior, and decided to start wiping out touchdowns because someone got nudged 50 feet away from the play?

No wonder both these leagues are dying.

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Why is Anthony Parker still around? Honest question, can someone explain why he is taking reps away from Durant and Charbonneau? Two better athletes who can also catch?

[dash_pinched]

Why is Anthony Parker still around? Honest question, can someone explain why he is taking reps away from Durant and Charbonneau? Two better athletes who can also catch?

I actually didn't think Parker was that bad tonight - That said, I sure would like to see more of both Durant and Charbonneau (especially Durant).

[jayswin]

So the CFL looked at how well the NHL did by wiping out goals because someone was offside 45 seconds prior, and decided to start wiping out touchdowns because someone got nudged 50 feet away from the play?

No wonder both these leagues are dying.

CFL's dying a slow death, and will fall off a cliff at some point as there's no young fans attracted to the sport, but I'll need citation on the NHL.

[JiriHrdina]

Someone in the league has to have an eye on how all of this stuff is making the game virtually unwatchable.
The refs, coaches, and officials are really putting the entire league at risk with this crap.

[dirk diggler]

it is getting to the point that if a defender touches you even slightly, hit the deck. the mental wizards at CFL command will give you a first down... really hope one of these calls doesnt play a big part in the grey cup

[dash_pinched]

it is getting to the point that if a defender touches you even slightly, hit the deck. the mental wizards at CFL command will give you a first down... really hope one of these calls doesnt play a big part in the grey cup

I don't think Coates (#81) on Hamilton even made one catch in the game or even had a ball thrown his direction. Yet he gets bumped into on the pick by Campbell, falls down to the ground, and a 115 yard pick six gets taken off the board. To steal a line from Charles Barkley, "That's turrible".

[OzSome]

Why is Anthony Parker still around? Honest question, can someone explain why he is taking reps away from Durant and Charbonneau? Two better athletes who can also catch?

I actually thought Anthony Parker been good in the past few games including tonight. Yes, he blown his route a couple of times but he was actually good today.

[Erick Estrada]

How brutal is it when a big pick six in the end zone has 27k fans on their feet and it's taken away because if an illegal contact Hail Mary challenge flag where the contact was maybe 5.2 yards? It's automatic now whenever there's a big turnover by a defense that the head coach calls upstairs to see if there's anything close to illegal contact. This is a essentially the CFL's version of the NHL's dubious skate in the crease rule. I'm fairly confident this is really going to haunt the league in the Grey Cup and blow up in their face on their biggest stage.

[Strange Brew]

Couldn't agree more with the BS on the PI challenges. But Stamps did themselves no favors with their last 3 possessions. That's what gave Hamilton the chance to get back into it.

[Mr.Coffee]

Hadn't been to a CFL game in years but went with my dad tonight. We had fun but holy #### the penalties make the game SO much slower and more boring than it used to be. That first quarter which took 45 minutes of Hamilton and Calgary taking penalties was horrendous to watch. To the point I was hoping Hamilton would just score already so we could all move on.

I want to support the CFL but they make it tough, the penalties need to be adjusted. As mentioned at the end... the big play. Just brutal.

[OzSome]

Stampeders dominated in all 3 facets of the game again tonight. Close score was very misleading as the Stamps offense would have scored at least 4-5 TD instead of just field goals. It seems like every time the Stamps offense are in, they are capable scoring at least a field goal or a TD.

OFFENSE:

What can you say about the Offensive Line. They are the unsung hero again giving Mitchell so much time to throw and giving Messam tons of spaces. They did not give up a QB sack again tonight. Not positive on how many consecutive games now but I think 3 consecutive games now or maybe a little bit more.
Bo Levi Mitchell by far is the best QB in the CFL right now. The guy is a winner. I just love how he threw that bomb to Daavaris Daniels' 1st TD in his CFL career. He doesn't get as much respect from the media as Collaros, Jennings or even Trevor Harris but he gets the job done every game.
Davaris Daniels had a good game tonight in both offense and special team. He blocked a punt on his special team duty in the 1st quarter then scored his CFL touchdown after Hamilton just scored their own.

DEFENSE:

Overall defense played well. They got burned in a few long bombs but overall they pretty much shut down Collaros' option in throwing long throws. Collaros was pressured pretty much all night. Aside from some of the defensive lapse, they did pretty well.

SPECIAL TEAM:

ST Coverage team was pretty good again shutting down Brandon Banks. You can tell the frustration on Banks all night and especially after he finally had a good run but was nullified because of the offside penalty. Roy Finch on the other hand had some good returns.
Both Rob Maver and Rene Paredes did their job and beyond.

**************************************************
Challenges and Penalties:
Stamps are more discipline in this game only taking a few penalties while Hamilton took the brunt of all the penalties but they are all deserving.

Challenges almost cost the Stamps a win. Both Hamilton's challenges were ridiculously went on their favour. I could not understand how can they overturned that pass interference when it clearly shows that Brandon Banks push Tommie Campbell when he tried to stop. Banks was not even the intended receiver on that play. The second challenge is the most ridiculous call. Coates was not even the intended receiver on that play and he was so far away from the ball. The challenge should only be if a defensive player made an illegal contact on the intended receiver. The league should make changes on the challenges because it is getting stupid that head coaches are just fishing for a call being overturned.

Anyways, it was an awesome win again by the Stamps.

[Mr.Coffee]

the other thing and I think it was mentioned by jayswin a week or two ago was the crowd. It started out a decent size but by the end had fizzled considerably.

We paid $35 / seat for some of the worst seats imaginable. I felt like they should have been paying me to sit there. An exaggeration but honestly I felt like for the value it should have been more like $10/seat and then you can hose me for food and drink, but at least the building will be full and won't be a ghost town.

When Flames ownership took over- it was obvious, and it's too bad. Everything, and I mean everything, is about the almighty dollar to that group.

[Slava]

Someone in the league has to have an eye on how all of this stuff is making the game virtually unwatchable.
The refs, coaches, and officials are really putting the entire league at risk with this crap.

Instant replay is just killing sports in general. This use is maybe the worst offender, but it's just hard to watch in most applications. The NFL can't decide whether plays are catches and it gets bogged down in semantics. The NHL is calling offsides by a fraction of an inch. Its just too much.

[JiriHrdina]

Instant replay is just killing sports in general. This use is maybe the worst offender, but it's just hard to watch in most applications. The NFL can't decide whether plays are catches and it gets bogged down in semantics. The NHL is calling offsides by a fraction of an inch. Its just too much.

Yeah I agree.
I think baseball has got it closest to right - in terms of how/when to use it - and improved things after some initial stumbles.
Football is the worst by far though IMHO.

[Slava]

Yeah I agree.
I think baseball has got it closest to right - in terms of how/when to use it - and improved things after some initial stumbles.
Football is the worst by far though IMHO.

I guess but really I just want to enjoy the game for what it is, including bad calls. I never thought I'd say that before the days of replays, but it's true. The refs make mistakes and I am fine with that.

[Erick Estrada]

I don't mind replays in football when it's in regards to knee being down or not in the case of a fumble, a properly completed pass, or if a player's foot was out of bounds. But now they are using replay on judgement calls like pass interference, roughing the passer, illegal contact, etc and it's got to the point where nearly every play in football you have to wait a few moments to see if there's a flag or the play was good. I know every time I watch my team make a big play I'm looking at the field for flags or at the replay to see if there's anything on the play that can be challenged. I think the intent was good but they have gone too far and the game simply isn't as fun to watch with this level of micromanagement.

[corporatejay]

Yeah I agree.
I think baseball has got it closest to right - in terms of how/when to use it - and improved things after some initial stumbles.
Football is the worst by far though IMHO.

They did. Then there's that stupid double play thing now.

[Magnum PEI]

I only saw the second half, but I liked the mics. The play calling was indecipherable but everything else was interesting. And BLM cussed, when usually he says heck and darn.

the other thing and I think it was mentioned by jayswin a week or two ago was the crowd. It started out a decent size but by the end had fizzled considerably.

We paid $35 / seat for some of the worst seats imaginable. I felt like they should have been paying me to sit there. An exaggeration but honestly I felt like for the value it should have been more like $10/seat and then you can hose me for food and drink, but at least the building will be full and won't be a ghost town.

When Flames ownership took over- it was obvious, and it's too bad. Everything, and I mean everything, is about the almighty dollar to that group.

I agree the higher seats should be in the $20 range at most, but I find seasons in the black sections to be a really good value. I almost feel guilty because I have such a good time for how little I pay.

[Erick Estrada]

the other thing and I think it was mentioned by jayswin a week or two ago was the crowd. It started out a decent size but by the end had fizzled considerably.

We paid $35 / seat for some of the worst seats imaginable. I felt like they should have been paying me to sit there. An exaggeration but honestly I felt like for the value it should have been more like $10/seat and then you can hose me for food and drink, but at least the building will be full and won't be a ghost town.

When Flames ownership took over- it was obvious, and it's too bad. Everything, and I mean everything, is about the almighty dollar to that group.

There seems to be a small group of people that seem to think the Flames ownership is the devil or something because they know how to operate a business and not bleed red. All the team has done since the Flames took over is put on the best product in the CFL and it's been done under stable ownership where there's never a question if the bills are going to be paid or meddling in football decisions. I'm sorry but Stamps fans should be thankful their team is owned by

I mean honestly does anyone really miss the Gutsche, Ryckman, or Feterik years? Just goes to show you can never make everyone happy.

[Da_Chief]

Yeah I agree.
I think baseball has got it closest to right - in terms of how/when to use it - and improved things after some initial stumbles.
Football is the worst by far though IMHO.

Baseball might be the worst offender right now. Anything remotely close, the managers are first reviewing it amongst themselves holding up the game. Then telling the umps to look at it. Essentially 2 reviews are being done.

CFL, coaches are throwing challenge flags at everything. Give them 1 challenge, if they lose it they''re out of them.

In Cricket, in the longest format; test matches, each team gets 2 challenges per 80 overs. They have to use them properly, if they don't they're out of them and cannot review a wrongful decision the rest of the day.

If you want to use technology then get rid of umpires. Otherwise, I agree with Slava, let the games happen, have a 3rd eye in the sky and if an umpire blatantly messes up, tell them to fix it right away.

They should be trying to shorten games not extend them. But knowing these leagues, soon the challenges will be sponsored.

"Hamilton challenges the last play, the challenge is brought to by Canadian Tire."

[Mr.Coffee]

There seems to be a small group of people that seem to think the Flames ownership is the devil or something because they know how to operate a business and not bleed red. All the team has done since the Flames took over is put on the best product in the CFL and it's been done under stable ownership where there's never a question if the bills are going to be paid or meddling in football decisions. I'm sorry but Stamps fans should be thankful their team is owned by

I mean honestly does anyone really miss the Gutsche, Ryckman, or Feterik years? Just goes to show you can never make everyone happy.

I wasn't overly clear. It's okay for the ownership group to make money. I'm not particularly fussed about that. It's how they go about it. If I were them though I might make a wider spread on prices and lower the lower end seats to try and fill the building. If you look at the stands the place is generally empty in the upper reaches, lots of empty seats even in the central main parts of the stadium. I have to think that more butts in the seats means more food and drink revenue and more money than charging higher ticket prices anyway. Totally guessing though.

For example, it cost $35 for the crappiest seats on earth. A bottle of water is $4.50, a beer is like $6, a hot dog from spolumbos is $9 minimum. I think you make up more than the $15 per person in food easily and fill the place, get a better atmosphere, and support for the team. Honestly the seats we had you couldn't even see the other side of the field, we had to watch on the jumbotron. Why should someone pay to watch the tv at the field when you can do so at home?

Lastly, flames ownership has earned themselves the reputation. I'm also not on an island in thinking this. They maximize every possible revenue point and I'm not sure it's even productive for themselves and it's definitely noticeable- and worth commenting on.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

They need to penalize teams that are wrong when they challenge. Something like your next offensive possession, you start at 1 and 20 or you start out at your own 10 yard line. In hockey, it would be a 2 min minor for delay of game and if you were wrong again in the same game, it becomes a double minor. That way coaches would only use it if they were positive instead of throwing up a hail mary.

[GioforPM]

Baseball might be the worst offender right now. Anything remotely close, the managers are first reviewing it amongst themselves holding up the game. Then telling the umps to look at it. Essentially 2 reviews are being done.
"

It didn't slow things too much but volleyball was pretty bad in the Olympics - they'd use it as an extra timeout just to break the momentum, if they were relatively close to the end of a set.

[GirlySports]

Baseball might be the worst offender right now. Anything remotely close, the managers are first reviewing it amongst themselves holding up the game. Then telling the umps to look at it. Essentially 2 reviews are being done.

CFL, coaches are throwing challenge flags at everything. Give them 1 challenge, if they lose it they''re out of them.

In Cricket, in the longest format; test matches, each team gets 2 challenges per 80 overs. They have to use them properly, if they don't they're out of them and cannot review a wrongful decision the rest of the day.

If you want to use technology then get rid of umpires. Otherwise, I agree with Slava, let the games happen, have a 3rd eye in the sky and if an umpire blatantly messes up, tell them to fix it right away.

They should be trying to shorten games not extend them. But knowing these leagues, soon the challenges will be sponsored.

"Hamilton challenges the last play, the challenge is brought to by Canadian Tire."


Tennis is the absolute worst. 3 incorrect challenges per set is a lot (although it only takes a few seconds)

Baseball is not bad. Only 1 incorrect challenge allowed in the first 6 innings although the process takes too long. I think you have to challenger within 30 seconds. (and I miss manager/umpire arguments)

NFL they still don't know what a catch is so replay is pointless.

[DiracSpike]

The simple solution to this is not allowing challenges on penalties. It's ridiculous, there's a reason the NFL doesn't allow it. This current practice of fishing for penalties on game deciding plays is KILLING the product, and it's been a problem for a couple seasons now. This needs to stop immediately, and if people at the CFL can't figure it out they need to be fired. The competition committee needs to get on this

[Resolute 14]

Tennis is the absolute worst. 3 incorrect challenges per set is a lot (although it only takes a few seconds)

Baseball is not bad. Only 1 incorrect challenge allowed in the first 6 innings although the process takes too long. I think you have to challenger within 30 seconds. (and I miss manager/umpire arguments)

NFL they still don't know what a catch is so replay is pointless.

Tennis is actually the best. You have about 5 seconds to challenge or the umpire will tell you to GTFO. The challenge itself takes about 5 more seconds.

Both MLB and the NHL could fix their review idiocy immediately by adopting the same rule: You have 5-10 seconds at most to inform a referee/linesman/umpire that you wish to challenge after a goal is scored (hockey) or a play completes (baseball). Because that eliminates the ability to delay the game while waiting for a replay, it would bring the rules to their intended purpose: to prevent egregious mistakes.

The CFL is even easier, at least in the context of illegal contact: If it happens away from the play, you can't challenge it. If you try anyway, you get a delay of game penalty.

[Strange Brew]

Yeah the replay in tennis is perfect. Happens very quickly, result seems indisputable with little judgment and the process actually creates a small amount of drama since the technology is cool.

Replay for penalties, particularly of the judgment variety makes no sense.

How about in the NHL allow coaches to look for a penalty anytime before a goal up to the previous whistle. Oh looks like some interference or a hook there. Wave off the goal.

Its ridiculous.

[Strange Brew]

There seems to be a small group of people that seem to think the Flames ownership is the devil or something because they know how to operate a business and not bleed red. All the team has done since the Flames took over is put on the best product in the CFL and it's been done under stable ownership where there's never a question if the bills are going to be paid or meddling in football decisions. I'm sorry but Stamps fans should be thankful their team is owned by

I mean honestly does anyone really miss the Gutsche, Ryckman, or Feterik years? Just goes to show you can never make everyone happy.

I am with you here. Wasn't Feterik the guy that made them play his son at QB?

Ryckman was an absolute crook. Just a bad guy. But I will say that he was the owner in the most exciting time I have ever experienced as a Stamps fan when they brought in Flutie. That was incredibly exciting football and it was a treat to be able to watch him play live.

The Flames run it like competent business people. That works for me.

[JiriHrdina]

Feterik and the rest of that group (Fred Fetari) turned this organization into a joke, and treated some long-standing members of the organization like dirt.
EE is right. Anyone slamming the current owners doesn't remember that parade of clowns that we've seen come through in the past.

[dash_pinched]

F Troop was the worst and Kevin 'Skip' Feterik was a bad QB - We called him 'Skip' because that's what the majority of his passes ended up doing - skipping off the turf to Stamps receivers.

[John Doe]

A question for anyone at the game. How did McGratton do against the cow?

[M*A*S*H 4077]

A question for anyone at the game. How did McGratton do against the cow?

Crushed the cow. McGrattan got a head start but I was surprised at how fast he was

[GirlySports]

Tennis is actually the best. You have about 5 seconds to challenge or the umpire will tell you to GTFO. The challenge itself takes about 5 more seconds.

The CFL is even easier, at least in the context of illegal contact: If it happens away from the play, you can't challenge it. If you try anyway, you get a delay of game penalty.



I just meant the worst at allowing too many challenges. And if you're named Nadal you can take more than 5 seconds and walk around the mark like you're lining up a putt.

In the CFL if you allow illegal contact challenges you have to allow it away from the play because it happened before the ball was thrown. The illegal contact could have forced the QB to throw left instead of right.

[cam_wmh]

Crushed the cow. McGrattan got a head start but I was surprised at how fast he was

I was late to getting to the game, and missed the first quarter.
Is there video of this?

[midniteowl]

I was late to getting to the game, and missed the first quarter.
Is there video of this?
lP3Ng4VHT_s

[keratosis]

CFL's dying a slow death, and will fall off a cliff at some point as there's no young fans attracted to the sport, but I'll need citation on the NHL.
They said that in the 80's and the 90's too. But could be right this time

[JiriHrdina]

Geez surprised at his wheels there!

[Mr.Coffee]

Feterik and the rest of that group (Fred Fetari) turned this organization into a joke, and treated some long-standing members of the organization like dirt.
EE is right. Anyone slamming the current owners doesn't remember that parade of clowns that we've seen come through in the past.

I think at the end of the day we're talking about two slightly different things, or focusing on different things.

My point was that Flames ownership is essentially greedy, which is sort of a stupid thing to say about any business because the notion is inherent. Yet, there's something about the way Flames ownership runs an organization to which borderlines on contempt for fans. It speaks nothing to how they manage the product of such business, however.

I guess when it comes down to it, I just think these organizations could do more for the fans. They seem to be excellent community ambassadors, which is great. But the rewards or loyalty to long-term fans, the price increases annually- the cost of everything maximized 24/7- even in down market conditions in the city- the asking for fans and taxpayers to front the majority of a cost of a building to which they almost exclusively benefit... it all just rubs me the wrong way. Lastly, I have a lot of experience dealing with one of these companies these people run, and virtually every experience has been very, very negative. So likely I am biased which may be unfair. But if the Flames sports organizations are run with the same fingerprints, holy ####, business is ####ing cut-throat. I don't really see why it always needs to be.

You can have prices that seem over-the-top and focus exclusively on the business- sport be damned- yet still be / have much better management of the product, team and organization.

Flame away! I know I'm in the minority here, and I don't really care.

[jayswin]

^^^^^^^

The Flames actually impressed me in 2015. They went for the throat on recouping playoff revenue after years of not being there. They had a rejuvenated, playoff mad and starved city just bursting at the seems to be at a playoff game and yet somehow priced out the entire city to the tune of hundreds of empty seats against Anaheim.

I ain't even mad, that's a pretty incredible feat.