[CaptainCrunch]

Part two http://forums.cflhorsemen.ca/post113238.html#p113238

Welcome to Part 2 of my Grey Cup preview where I look at the Stampeders Defense versus Ottawa’s offense.


Calgary Stampeders Defense versus Ottawa’s Offense

Ottawa’s Offensive Unit

Here’s where things might get a little interesting, and the reason why I say this is we don’t really know how good Ottawa’s offense is, however we do know, especially after last week that Calgary’s defense is lights out good.

Ottawa’s offense scored a 6th best 486 points in the regular season and then followed that up by putting 35 points up on the Edmonton Eskimos in the Eastern Finals. Stats wise Ottawa rushed for 1691 yards on 331 carries for a league worst 4.8 ypc ad 13 touchdowns. Passing wise Ottawa lead the league with 6191 yards and completed 69% of their passes. From a turnover perspective the REDBLACKS threw 15 interceptions and had 43 turnovers overall versus 46 TDs. Their offensive line also had a lot of trouble in terms of QB protection as they allowed 50 sacks.

Its pretty clear that the OTTAWA REDBLACKS tend to live and die by their passing game as their rushing effectiveness is fairly low. Henry Burris came off of the bench and put up a 98% QB Efficiency but he threw 9 touchdowns versus 12 interceptions. Ottawa did feature 34 1000 yard plus receivers this year in Ellingson, Jackson, Sinopoli and Williams, however Chris Williams is on the 6 game injured reserve and will not play. In terms of running backs, starting tailback Mossi Madu is doubtful for this game so the running game will fall to Travon Van and Canadian Kienan Lafrance who scorched the Eskimos for 157 yards.

Simply put, Jamie Elizondo the REDBLACKS OC is a gambler, he likes the big play and the deep ball and because of that Ottawa is a very dangerous quick strike team. However in order for the REDBLACKS to stay in the ballpark with the Stampeders they’re going to have to find a way to eat the clock and maintain drives and be patient against a very good secondary. At the same time Ottawa is going to have to find a way to protect their QB and limit the amount of mistakes that could wind up haunting them, Ottawa turned the ball over 4 times against the Eskimos last week and while weather was certainly a factor, it will kill them against the Stampeders.

Calgary’s Defensive Unit

Usually it’s arrogant presumption to say that you have the best defense in the league, but statistically Calgary can actually boast that throughout the regular season and after the first game of the playoffs that they do have the best defense in the league.
The Stampeders lead the way in most categories, allowing the fewest yards against, the fewest points against, and allowing the fewest rushing touchdowns against. In terms of passing touchdowns they did finish third in the CFL with 24 touchdowns against the pass. On average the Stampeders allowed 5.7 yards per play which is a testament to outstanding positioning and tackling. Turnovers were a big factor in the Stampeders success as they intercepted the ball 11 times which isn’t spectacular but they also generated 46 overall turnovers versus giving up 26 turnovers.

Its tough to sit here and talk strategy with the Stamps because like their offense they’ve shown remarkable versatility. During the regular season the stampeders played a lot of man up zone, however against the Lions they went to a man to man underneath coverage with a strong cover two. It’s logical to assume that the Stamps will play a man to man defense against a deep ball team like the REDBLACKS. With the strength of the REDBLACKS offense at the slot position, its logical to assume that Bell, Smith and Walls will see a lot of work underneath. The Stamps will also be wise to try to pressure Hank who’s evolved away from being a every down scrambler to more of a pocket passer, however if you can force him to throw on the move you can certainly impact his accuracy and read ability.

At the start of the year rookie DC Devone Claybrooks caught blitz fever and the Stamps struggled with their coverage because of that, but he’s evolved into a more patient DC who doesn’t blitz as heavily and puts players in a position on the field where they can use their athletic abilities. Because of that the Stampeders defense is very aggressive on a individual level and rally to the ball better than anyone else in the league.

Key Personal – REDBLACKS

Hank Burris – It gets boring in a way that every time Henry’s name comes up the question is Hank or Frank. This year we’ve seen both with probably his best game of the year coming when he needed it most against the Eskimos. Playing Hank is an exercise in frustration because of the strength of his arm and the ability to hit the unstoppable out routes. Playing Frank is an exercise in frustration for his own team because his throws look wobbly and rushed and his accuracy drops.

Brad Sinopoli – A great Canadian receiver that slips under the radar and makes clutch catches. I think we can throw out the whole former Stampeder motivation and go with the whole it’s the Grey Cup motivation. Brad is often the forgotten man when it comes to secondarys and is usually the 2nd or 3rd look for a QB. But he’s great at finding seams and sitting in them. I would say football IQ wise he’s an elite player.

Trevor Harris – You have to wonder what happens if Henry struggles out of the gate. Harris gives a whole different Ricky Ray type of aura to the Ottawa offense.

Key Personal – Calgary

The forenamed inside of the secondary ,Bell, Walls and Smith. - The REDBLACKS exploit the seams extremely well and the Stamps secondary will be challenged on Sunday. If they’re successful Ottawa doesn’t have much else in the quiver.

Alex Singleton – An awesome rookie year that allowed him to take over the starting MAC role. Its going to be up to him to gap nullify and take away Ottawa’s run game.

Charleston Hughes – How can I not make him a key player against a line that’s given up 50 sacks.


Advantage – Calgary

Ottawa’s offense has a gaudy receiver core but after that this team is fairly one dimensional. Their running back production is a bit questionable, even with LaFrance in who scorched a shaky Eskimos defense. Ottawa turns over the ball a lot on offense which means that Calgary’s offense will get the ball in good field position if this happens.

Tommorrow – Special Teams and Intangibles.