WEEK 14: Riders at STAMPEDERS
The last two games for the Stamps was so frustrating for both the Stampeders and the fans. The frustrating comes because of the mistakes they made on the field, untimely bad penalties giving the other team another chance to score and the bad turnovers. Those two things are the reason why the Stamps struggled the last 2 games. This team need to do something about it.
OFFENSE:
Two games Henry Burris got yanked in favour of Drew Tate. He is definitely struggling a bit but I still need think he will rebound from those bad games. Our offense is probably the best group in the league especially the receiving group and I think Burris can pick any of Ken-Yon Rambo, Romby Bryant, Johnny Forzani, Nik Lewis, Jabari Arthur and even Anthony Parker or even Arjei Franklin when he's healthy. Then Jon Cornish and Reynolds can be a threat too on short passes. Unfortunately, our OLine struggles a bit (can't really blame the whole group as they changed their starting 5 almost every game due to injuries or other reason). Another reason for Burris struggle to pick his man is the play of the other team defense. Calgary have the 2nd best passing yardage total in the CFL and 4 receivers are over 500 yards in receiving yardage (Rambo, Lewis, Forzani & Bryant).
Jon Cornish and LaMarcus Coker showed they can run the ball and get more yardage. I think Reynolds can too but unfortunately Reynolds might sit out this game again for the 2nd game in a row. Coker ran for 75 yards for touchdown in Moncton while Cornish had a great run on the first drive of the game. Burris on the other hand is tied with Darian Durant for the league lead in QB rushing with 339 yards. The excuse on staying away from the run is they get behind on the score, so they tend to pass more.
DEFENSE:
Riders rank 2nd from the bottom in the CFL rushing yardage, but they are usually behind the game early so this stat is misleading. The Stamps have done consistently good job defending against the run all year except the last few games they struggled stopping the runner (both in rushing or short passes). Charleston Hughes is only 2 sacks shy of matching his career high but he's been quiet of late with only 1 sack in the last 4 games. This is the time Hughes and company gets more QB sacks on Durant as he likes to throw the ball against the Stamps. MLB Juwan Simpson injury-plagued season hasn't been that visible in the last few games.
Stamps have one of the best pass-defense units in the league but usually Riders receivers like Getzlaf, Dressler and Fantusz gives them a hard time. Most of their game against the Riders, the DBs gets called for pass interference penalty because of how aggressive they play against the Riders' receivers. Are those penalties deserving? Maybe or maybe not.
Look for Brandon Smith matching Weston Dressler strides for strides today.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Larry Taylor is back from the injury. His last game replacement Landan Talley struggled in both special team and in receiving. Talley fumbled the ball in the first half that gave Hamilton the momentum. On offense, he either drop the ball on an easy catch or he missed his routes. Landan Talley will not dress today. Coker will line up with Taylor occasionally on the return. I cannot wait to see Taylor going all the way one day and I am hoping today is the day. Taylor have an explosive speed but someone need to give him a good block. Punter Burke Dales has been consistent in this season. Out of that blocked punt against BC (can't blame it on Dales), he's been great positioning his punt. Now, here's the question. Hufnagel haven't mentioned who will play as kicker just yet indicating Rene Paredes will still be our kicker, but he missed a field goal against the TiCats last week which Thigpen brought back for a touchdown. Will Hufnagel keep Paredes in this game or insert a healthy Rob Maver back in the lineup?
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Biggest area of concerns for Calgary especially is their fragile state emotionally after a horrible losses. Let's see if this game will be different and I sure hope so.
Stamps bad penalty parades has to stop. Most of those penalties are unnecessary and it usually give the other team another chance to score. They also need to protect the football. 12 turnovers in the past 4 games after giving up just 13 turnover in the first 8 games. Stamps also need to force turnovers and they need to get good field positions.
Stampeders have beaten Saskatchewan twice this season and both games were played in Regina.
GO STAMPS GO!!!!
Game time: 2:00pm at McMahon Stadium. Looks a bit chilly game with rain.
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