104th Grey Cup: CALGARY STAMPEDERS vs Ottawa REDBLACKS

[darockwilder]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I wonder, given the game was in Toronto, if Burris was referencing the Maple Leafs rather than the Bombers with those comments? Might have been a subtle shot at Toronto's apathy.

Subtlety and Burris don't go together

[White Out 403]

I just don't see why Burris would attack the Bombers out of no where. Makes no sense.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

I think the TiCats is definitely possible.

He played for them, lost a GC with them and I'm sure they heckled him when he played there with Ottawa.

[cross16]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

TBH with how the Stamps defense was getting skinned in this game, I would have played three down football when we were down by the goal line and try to win the game right there.

Claybrooks called a pretty poor game defensively and looked completely lost in the first half when the REDBLACKS screen us to death.

Agreed and I honestly expected them to do just that and was a bit surprised they didn't. Way I look at it, is if you are 2nd and goal from the 2 why play for OT when you have that good a chance to win it? Are you going to get a better one in OT? It's a tough call because I get if you don't make it you are going to be ripped for it but IMO it was call worth making.

also makes it easier, for me at least, to run Messam when you are going to go for it on 3rd down.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Resurrection

I just don't see why Burris would attack the Bombers out of no where. Makes no sense.

Yeah, I think he was inferring Hamilton.

[DiracSpike]

If we had to lose to anyone though, I'm glad it was Ottawa, should really help solidify that franchise. With Ottawa established that brings the CFL up to 7 healthy and vibrant teams in my books, with BC being marginal and Toronto being Toronto.

This Grey Cup really solidified in my mind that solidarity between fanbases is a must. The real enemy is the false perception that the CFL is vastly inferior and not big league. Also, after three in 10 season can we please not see another Grey Cup in Toronto for a while? They keep trying to shoehorn in GC's to Vancouver and Toronto where no one cares and it's not working. If they need a big city why not Montreal where the game actually sells out? It's been 8 years since they last hosted. I can't even tell you the last time Hamilton hosted. It's been 7 for Calgary and 6 for Edmonton, Saskatchewan will want another one with their new stadium. Should be a good event in Ottawa next year but please, for the love of God, lets have Hamilton Edmonton Calgary Sask Montreal and WPG before Vancouver and Toronto again please.

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by DiracSpike

If we had to lose to anyone though, I'm glad it was Ottawa, should really help solidify that franchise. With Ottawa established that brings the CFL up to 7 healthy and vibrant teams in my books, with BC being marginal and Toronto being Toronto.

This Grey Cup really solidified in my mind that solidarity between fanbases is a must. The real enemy is the false perception that the CFL is vastly inferior and not big league. Also, after three in 10 season can we please not see another Grey Cup in Toronto for a while? They keep trying to shoehorn in GC's to Vancouver and Toronto where no one cares and it's not working. If they need a big city why not Montreal where the game actually sells out? It's been 8 years since they last hosted. I can't even tell you the last time Hamilton hosted. It's been 7 for Calgary and 6 for Edmonton, Saskatchewan will want another one with their new stadium. Should be a good event in Ottawa next year but please, for the love of God, lets have Hamilton Edmonton Calgary Sask Montreal and WPG before Vancouver and Toronto again please.

Basically this.

[Weitz]

I think they need to re-visit the challenges in the off season. That was awful to watch IMO.

[Sainters7]

Agreed. Even though one benefited us, I still absolutely hate that rule. It's the skate in the crease rule all over again. Just kills the momentum and excitement, and grinds the flow of the game down to a halt. It's brutal and needs to go, now.

And agreed at least it was Ottawa we lost to, as that should really help solidify that fanbase, especially in a badly needed market out East. Stephen Brunt on 960 recently said the RedBlacks may actually be more popular than the Sens in Ottawa right now (the RB's early success coupled with a fun new stadium in central Ottawa, compared to the Sens rink way out in the middle of nowhere is probably a big factor). So the Grey Cup win can only make that bond stronger with the locals there.

[dash_pinched]

Ottawa hosts the 2017 Grey Cup and I would bet the mortgage on either Hamilton or Regina hosting the 2018 Grey Cup.

[White Out 403]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

Ottawa hosts the 2017 Grey Cup and I would bet the mortgage on either Hamilton or Regina hosting the 2018 Grey Cup.

Hard to see them doing Toronto/Ottawa/Hamilton

Gotta be Regina

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Weitz

I think they need to re-visit the challenges in the off season. That was awful to watch IMO.

I question whether they need refs at this point? Everything is either reviewed because it's a scoring play or reviewed because it's a challenge anyway. The CFL could be the first league to do away with in field officials and have it all done remotely!

[Party Elephant]

Hamilton last hosted in 1996, the infamous snow bowl game between Toronto and Edmonton. That one struggled to sell tickets which is why they haven't had a sniff since. But I think with the changes over the last 20 years and especially their new stadium and dedicated fanbase they're overdue to host one. We should see that sometime in the next few years.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

Ottawa hosts the 2017 Grey Cup and I would bet the mortgage on either Hamilton or Regina hosting the 2018 Grey Cup.

2018 is too early for Regina IMO. 2020 would be more ideal. I only say that as I'll be shocked if Hamilton doesn't get in 2019 (150th anniversary of football in Hamilton). As for 2018 I'd like it to be in Edmonton. Haven't hosted since 2010 and underwent renovations a few years back.

[browna]

Cities and teams have to want them and bid for the GC and, pay for them and hope they make a return. The economics clearly aren't there anymore.

Has to be Regina the year after next with a new stadium. The next time it's at BMO, either all grass or all turf. Multiple surfaces, one sideline for two teams?

The fact that BLM is questioning the play calling isn't great optics. I know that was what they did in short yardage all year but the momentum was fully on the Stamps side. Messam had just ran for 6 yards and the Stamps were marching, and he almost carried four defenders into the end zone. At very least you put him in the backfield as a diversion.

[TheMagicMan]

1) It's the RedBlack's kicker's fault by missing the PAT. If he made it, it would have been 34-30, with Stamps facing 2nd and 2 yards. Certainly, the play call(s) would be different as Dickenson wouldn't have a safety blanket (ie. FG Attempt in his back pocket), as he would be forced to go for the win. Would they have succeeded with that mind set...highly likely!!!

2) With 2nd and goal on the 2 yard line to win the Grey Cup, Dave, you gotta go for it! This is served on a silver platter for you. If they asked you to take this option before the game, vs. going into OT, I'm 100% certain you would take the former. This decision of going for it, would have cemented you, enshrined you forever, as the coach that had guts to go for the Grey Cup win. No one would have faulted you if it did not work, as you went for the victory. Your players, the city, the fans, we would have forgave you for that if it failed. Alternatively, as how it played out, some of us will have a very hard time to let this go.

Imagine if this was reversed, and the RedBlacks were faced with 3rd down and 2 yards. As Stamps fans, would we want them to kick a FG or go for the win. Of course we want the former, as it gives us another life in OT. Sure we can stop them for the win, but I rather take my chances in OT versus our own 2 yard line, as offensive will always have the advantage.

Fundamentally, the decision was wrong based on percentages. By kicking a FG (could have been blocked) and by going to OT (50/50 chance), the Stamps were exposed to two ways of losing. By going for 2nd and 2 and 3rd and 2....if they get stopped, so be it. Only exposed to one way of losing. Go big or go home!!!

Campbell and most coaches and fans would have gone for it Dave! Now, you are now known as conservative Dave. Your fault!

3) To bring the rookie in at that time of game, on such a huge stage, was not only unfair to him, but also to the team. It's 2nd and 2 yards....it's not 1 yard, but 2, which doesn't sound like alot, but it's huge at that point in time. You gotta think, it he doesn't make it, then you are going for a FG? Then that's the incorrect thought pattern and you gotta go with your veterans to take it home. You either win with them or you lose with them, make them accountable, not a Rookie!! Either Bo Levi does his intermediary passing or give it to Mess once, or twice. Messam is from that general area, he's got something to prove and with his relationship with Hicks and Hick's mother being so close and powerful, that he would have given 200%, to get the ball in, if not on one try, then for two! The decision was a simple one and you messed up.

4) It's Parades fault. You gotta make all your PAT, especially in the Grey Cup!!! Sure the yardage is longer than a few years ago, but c'mon man!!! This offseason, you need to kick 50 PAT a day in row. If you miss one, you have to reset and start over. That performance in the Grey Cup was unacceptable. You did not do your job, so it's your fault!!


5) My conspiracy theory....Buckley and Messam are both Canadians...it was very likely whoever scored the TD to win the game would have won Canadian of the Game....Dickenson is more like Buckley than Messam..you get the gist. Draw your own conclusions.

6) I previously like Hank. But with his whining and sniveling, and acts as such a poor loser, with so much hate for everyone, you can go home now. I hope no team signs you as you are so negative. Could have gone out as a gracious winner, but had to take the low road. Hope you live in Ottawa..as Calgary doesn't want you here.

7) In the end, it came down to a single play or two, and you made the wrong call. 99.9% of all coaches, people, fans, kids, dogs, cats would have given it to Messam. Why you did what you did as the 0.01%, we will never know. Was it being a rookie coach, pressure? At least you admitted fault, which is part of the learning experience. However, that costed you glory, your team history as being one of the greatest teams of all time, Grey Cup rings and $16K each, and the city, a Championship. For that, it is unacceptable.

You will wake up daily, and that's the first thing you will always think about. It will always haunt you, until you win your first cup. At that time, and I know you will win, it'll be for all of us, but mostly, I want you to win one for yourself, as I know you can. It'll start the healing process.

I believe. Good luck!

Signed,
It should have been Battle of Alberta, but it's the snow's fault!!!!

[corporatejay]

Originally Posted by browna

Cities and teams have to want them and bid for the GC and, pay for them and hope they make a return. The economics clearly aren't there anymore.

Has to be Regina the year after next with a new stadium. The next time it's at BMO, either all grass or all turf. Multiple surfaces, one sideline for two teams?

The fact that BLM is questioning the play calling isn't great optics. I know that was what they did in short yardage all year but the momentum was fully on the Stamps side. Messam had just ran for 6 yards and the Stamps were marching, and he almost carried four defenders into the end zone. At very least you put him in the backfield as a diversion.

Bo Levi Mitchell ‏@BoLeviMitchell 23h23 hours ago
Nobody threw anybody under the bus. Read the full quote, not a headline. Our job is to execute the play call. I didn't execute in OT.

[dash_pinched]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

For a team with a .722 regular season win percentage since Huff came to Calgary, they are now only 9-7 in the playoffs, and 2-2 in Grey Cups.

Not good enough. Too much choking.

2010 - 13-5 Stamps lose West Final at home to the 10-8 Riders
2012 - 12-6 Stamps lose Grey Cup to 9-9 Argos
2013 - 14-4 Stamps lose West Final at home to the 11-7 Riders
2016 - 15-2-1 Stamps lose Grey Cup to the 8-9-1 Redblacks


Such a waste.

Just two Grey Cups so far in the Huff era is an utter disappointment in my eyes.

This most recent loss in the Grey Cup game certainly stings, but to have participated in four Grey Cups in 9 years is a very enviable record. The underdog Stamps won the Grey Cup in Huff's first year in 2008 against a very good Montreal Alouettes team at the Big O in Montreal in front of close to 65,000 fans, the vast majority rooting for the Als.

Also, that 9-9 Argos team that the Stamps lost to in 2012 was playing some great football coming into that game, Ricky Ray was on fire and I had a sinking feeling that Kevin Glenn was going to produce a typical Kevin Glenn performance in a big game (i.e. play terrible).

Yes, the losses in 2010 and 2013 to the Riders were indeed tough to swallow, but that's the tough part of football, when it's a one game showdown, anything can happen and the Stamps unfortunately were their own worst enemy with turnovers being the main culprit.

It's going to take some time to get over this 2016 Grey Cup loss, but I have faith in Huff and DD, the Stamps have the best QB in the league who is just entering his prime and I'm confident DD and Devone will learn from mistakes that were made in this game.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by browna

The next time it's at BMO, either all grass or all turf. Multiple surfaces, one sideline for two teams?

No. No. and No.

This is a soccer stadium.

Unless they have a way to go full grass for the CFL field and have it survive when it is covered up for soccer games on the one endzone, you don't butcher it for football.

You have one sport where the surface is mainly traction for players to run on, and another where it is that and one you are having a ball rolling across during precise passing plays that depend on a consistent surface.

To commandeer the stadium for CFL hurts soccer more than keeping it mixed hurts the CFL.

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

This most recent loss in the Grey Cup game certainly stings, but to have participated in four Grey Cups in 9 years is a very enviable record. The underdog Stamps won the Grey Cup in Huff's first year in 2008 against a very good Montreal Alouettes team at the Big O in Montreal in front of close to 65,000 fans, the vast majority rooting for the Als.

Also, that 9-9 Argos team that the Stamps lost to in 2012 was playing some great football coming into that game, Ricky Ray was on fire and I had a sinking feeling that Kevin Glenn was going to produce a typical Kevin Glenn performance in a big game (i.e. play terrible).

Yes, the losses in 2010 and 2013 to the Riders were indeed tough to swallow, but that's the tough part of football, when it's a one game showdown, anything can happen and the Stamps unfortunately were their own worst enemy with turnovers being the main culprit.


It's going to take some time to get over this 2016 Grey Cup loss, but I have faith in Huff and DD, the Stamps have the best QB in the league who is just entering his prime and I'm confident DD and Devone will learn from mistakes that were made in this game.

very well said, this is still the flagship franchise in the league with solid management and good players. frustrating but good times ahead