[OzSome]

Last game the Riders won a squeaker even though Stampeders made so many mistakes (dumb penalties, drop balls and bad coaching decision). Riders QB Crandell was not really a factor at all. He was just an average QB but his team won. Wes Cates ran all over the Stampeders defense and he also recovered a controversial fumble by Dominguez for a TD before the end of the 1st half.

Would the Riders repeat? They lost R Dominguez and R Berman to injuries and the team is so banged up we don't even know if there is anyone left to play. Injuries or not, the Riders always find ways to win. Would our beloved Stamps take advantage of it? In the last 2 games, the opposing QB finished the game scott-free, no QB sacks because there was no pressure from the defense. I really think Labinjo should stay on the DLine as he is always determine to get to the QB and stop the run. He seems lost playing as MLB. Eddie Freeman hasn't been dominant lately while Hodges missed the game last week. On LB, Armour should be very mad and might play really hard this game. Chris Jones should use Gootegoerd and spell relief to any of the LB. On DBs, they have to be more aggressive and punish receivers, or try to push the ball from the Receiver's hand. It worked against the Lions. Oh yeah no foolish penalties.

Offense: One thing I have noticed the last few games was the dissapearance of Reynolds. It was not because Reynolds was playing poorly, it was because the Stamps seems to abandon the run in the first half. Hence, more pressures on Burris because every defensive guy knows he will throw the ball. Reynolds is one of the best or maybe the best RB in the CFL, so I hope the Stamps use him wisely. It looks like we are going back from last call play again when Reynolds only run for 5-6 times. With Reynolds clicking, Burris can distribute the ball properly. He can throw short passes, long passes, run the ball himself so it is very important that Reynolds gets involve in the game right from the start. With so many good receivers for the Stamps, Burris can use every single one of them without worrying about the mistakes. Nik Lewis been playing well lately with his catches and yards after catches. He's also been great with blocking. Rambo is the go-to-guy but he's been struggling with the ball lately. Rambo was non-existant last game vs the Riders. The other games, he's the leading receivers but he tends to fumble the ball a few times. Brett Ralph is the other option. He seems to know where to go as he's always open. Whenever Burris needed a good gain, he seems to find Ralphie. Whatever happenned to Copeland, a few drop passes last game and most of the games, he wasn't even a factor. Burris doesn't go to him that much anymore. The forgotten Ryan Thelwell. This guy is supposed to be an awesome Canadian receiver but we rarely seen Burris throwing his end. Asides from last game, he's been catching the ball really well on an important time. We should have a better effort from the OLine this game.

Special Team: I've been saying it every game now. Marcus Howell has been brutal and dissapointment. He is very predictable with a few options. (1) let the ball sail all the way to the end zone. Only way Stamps can get a good field position (start on 35 yards). (2) Catch the ball and run for 2, 3 or less than 10 yards. Not good enough because Burris and the gang will have to start deep. Aside from last game with Lewis awesome block, Howell has been predictable. Heck, you don't even have to worry about going to the washroom and miss anything whenever the opponent punt the ball. Don't the Stamps have any other option? Burke Dales needs to make quick decisions in punting the ball to avoid getting delay of the game penalties.

Overall, if Stamps can avoid all the dumb penalties and be discipline they can win the game. If they repeat their performance last game; then we will see another frustrating game.

Things to do: run more, more pressure from DLIne and LB, stop Wes Cates. Catch the ball properly and no more dumb penalties.