BATTLE OF ALBERTA - Part 3

[OzSome]

Do the Stamps have a LOT to work on and improve?

You don't stop working in things in this league. There are always lots of work to improve. The Stamps are not perfect just yet. They still have problems with special teams in punting return and blocking especially. I am not convince Markus Howell is the answer. He is either to scared to get hit or he is just not fast or slick enough to elude the coverage team. Or maybe the blocking schemes needs more work. Howell's replacement Nate Curry failed in my opinion. Yes, he only returned a few punts but the guy is so slow in so many things. Now I know why he was released earlier before this season.

Defense is the other place that we need to work on. It is more like a consistency whether it is coaching or the personnel. I think we have the right personnel in this team. It really shows that when we consistently applied pressure, Stamps can make any QB rattled. When the system is working in the first half, you should never change it until the other team figured out your system and start beating it. Labour Day Classics is a good example. They were good enough in the first period with some pressures, but second half comes defense changed it to 3-man rush.

Are they likely to win it all this year?

Absolutely!! With the parity in Western Division. Anyone of these 4 Western can win the Grey Cup. The Riders might be the leading team in the West or the CFL, Edm and Calgary are tied for 2nd and BC Lions with a definite crossover can win. I can see whoever goes crossover to the East going to Grey Cup this season.

Are they headed in the right direction?

For sure. Calgary just won three in a row on the road and been playing well lately except the Labour Day Classics. They just need to be consistent. Coach Hufnagel I think is a very smart and discipline coach. We all know what Cortez can do in the past and I am sure he will help the offense in the right direction.

I really think that we still haven't seen the REAL Stampeder yet this season. Some of the veterans that are struggling will start picking up their game. Copeland for one are one of those struggling veterans but he played well especially in the second half of last night's game. It might be a good start. Even though Rambo is leading the league in receiving yards, I still think he can do more. Nik Lewis and Ryan Thelwell are one of the forgotten ones so far this season but will be one of the key players for Burris late this season. Our young offensive linemen are improving game in and game out so as the young defensive lines. With MLB Saleem Rashad coming back soon we will see a better Jojuan Armour in his natural position. I cannot wait for the next game.

[Bench Warmer]

On paper, IMO, the Stamps have the most talent in the league - particularly on offense. Many here may not agree (and that's fine) but again, IMO, they're biggest problem is they need more character team-first guys in the dressing room. Hufnagel will change that but it may take a couple personnel moves over the next couple years to get there.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Bench Warmer

On paper, IMO, the Stamps have the most talent in the league - particularly on offense. Many here may not agree (and that's fine) but again, IMO, they're biggest problem is they need more character team-first guys in the dressing room. Hufnagel will change that but it may take a couple personnel moves over the next couple years to get there.

Like whom?
Discount the line and the bit players on offense, there are about 5 left. You can't be talking about Burris, Reynolds or Lewis.
Rambo?
Copeland?