2014/2015 Calgary Stampeders Off-Season Thread

[Cheese]

Holy crap Caron is unlucky! Comes back from Achilles tear and now rips the other one!

[Drake]

Wayne Harris has passed away at the age of 77.

RIP Thumper

[OzSome]

DAY 7:

The Calgary Stampeders have signed international offensive lineman Andre Ramsey of Ball State. Ramsey played seven regular-season at left tackle for the BC Lions in 2014.

Stamps also released international linebacker Maleki Harris, who suffered a shoulder injury.


Looks like Stampeders been trying out a lot of international OLine in this training camp. Competitions for Edwin Harrison's backup or they are not happy with Edwin's performance so far.

[Da_Chief]

Ya I looked at last year's Grey Cup roster and we only had 2 International OL across the board; include injured, practise roster and active roster.

Now we have 5 guys in camp; Harrison, Williams, Johnson, Ramsey and Forbes.

I don't think Harrison is in tough, maybe they won't more competition behind him. Two will get cut, my guess right now is Ramsey and Forbes.

[OzSome]

On an interview after Day 10 of training camp, John Hufnagel indicated that everyone will get a chance to play the exhibition games this season. He also indicated that Receiver Jeff Fuller will not play on Friday vs BC but he did not mention on why. He also mentioned OL Brad Erdos is getting some rep as a centre and OL Karl Lavoie will also get some rep as a centre when he comes back from injury. Pierre Lavertu is the starting centre this season but so far they don't have any backup yet. Rookie Aaron Picton is also vying for a backup spot.

This is an interesting training camp for Stamps and there are a lot of competitions in different positions.

[dash_pinched]

Originally Posted by OzSome

On an interview after Day 10 of training camp, John Hufnagel indicated that everyone will get a chance to play the exhibition games this season. He also indicated that Receiver Jeff Fuller will not play on Friday vs BC but he did not mention on why. He also mentioned OL Brad Erdos is getting some rep as a centre and OL Karl Lavoie will also get some rep as a centre when he comes back from injury. Pierre Lavertu is the starting centre this season but so far they don't have any backup yet. Rookie Aaron Picton is also vying for a backup spot.

This is an interesting training camp for Stamps and there are a lot of competitions in different positions.

I read a couple of Scott Mitchell tweets indicating that Fuller was experiencing some swelling on his knee that he had surgically repaired during the off-season. I'll see if I can dig them up.

Edit: Scott Mitchell‏@SUNMitchell20h20 hours ago
WR Jeff Fuller is the only player currently ruled out for Friday against #BCLions. He's had some swelling on knee. #CFL

[dash_pinched]

A couple more tweets from Mitchell:

Scott Mitchell‏@SUNMitchellJun 9
Stamps signed WR Nathan Slaughter today. Real interesting story as he was first-ever player signed out of NFL veteran combine this year #CFL

Scott Mitchell‏@SUNMitchellJun 9
Slaughter is another burner. Want proof? How about 40 times of 4.33, 4.37 and 4.39 at the NFL veteran combine. #CFL

[OzSome]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

A couple more tweets from Mitchell:

Scott Mitchell‏@SUNMitchellJun 9
Stamps signed WR Nathan Slaughter today. Real interesting story as he was first-ever player signed out of NFL veteran combine this year #CFL

Scott Mitchell‏@SUNMitchellJun 9
Slaughter is another burner. Want proof? How about 40 times of 4.33, 4.37 and 4.39 at the NFL veteran combine. #CFL

The reason why they have to released 2 Internationals: R Maudrecius Humphries and DB Trevor Coston.

[calf]

Originally Posted by dash_pinched

A couple more tweets from Mitchell:

Scott Mitchell‏@SUNMitchellJun 9
Stamps signed WR Nathan Slaughter today. Real interesting story as he was first-ever player signed out of NFL veteran combine this year #CFL

Scott Mitchell‏@SUNMitchellJun 9
Slaughter is another burner. Want proof? How about 40 times of 4.33, 4.37 and 4.39 at the NFL veteran combine. #CFL

Love the name, I hope he's good enough to stick. I bet the Sun headline writer hope he sticks more.

[nixon45]

Originally Posted by calf

Love the name, I hope he's good enough to stick. I bet the Sun headline writer hope he sticks more.

There are a few names in camp that could write their own headlines this year if they make the team... Nathan Slaughter, Charlie Power, Tyler Crapinga.

I can see it now...

HOLY CRAP-INGA!

[Cheese]

Nathan Slaughter's Edmonton!
Charlie Powers his way through the Esks!
Tyler kicks the Crapigna out of the Eskies!

Gold.

[Roof-Daddy]

So, what's the general take on the Stamps this season from some of our knowledgeable fans here?

Better team than last season? Worse?

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

So, what's the general take on the Stamps this season from some of our knowledgeable fans here?

Better team than last season? Worse?

Biggest potential step back is on the O-line but I think they will be OK. If they remain healthy - they area the best in the league by a fair margin.
Assuming Fuller is healthy - an entire season with both him and Rodgers is going to be a pretty special thing to watch.

This is the best team in the league. Anything less than a championship is utter failure. This team should be striving to be a dynasty. Based on the talent and age of the skilled positions - there is no reason for them not to achieve that.

[Da_Chief]

I agree. Fuller's health is becoming an issue though. The receivers in the camp have been dynamic. The new rules for receivers will really benefit them.

Greg Wilson has been really impressive, scored a TD in the scrimmage game the other day.
Bucknor the guy from Mo Price trade is another MASSIVE target. He's looked good.


The Canadian depth is fine as well with Parker, SCC and the newcomer Durant. All should rotate with no issue. In most plays they will likely be last or 2nd last option with the other talent that will on the field.

My only concern is the D. Ya they are experienced but they're also old. Smith, Raymond, Hughes, Simpson, Bennett, Mace, Bolden, Taylor, Bell, Shell are all close to or over the 30 mark. It is a physical game and body can slow down without you realizing. That's a lot of starters or first rotation guys that are old.

Good thing is there a lot of backups who are younger and ready to take over. Love, Simmons, Evans, Turner, J Williams etc etc. I just hope if the coaching staff sees a player slowing down they make a move instead of letting the vet work out the father time issues.

[OzSome]

Last season was their best season in a lot of years. Not a perfect season but it was good. Are they going to be better this season? We have to remember they have that great season missing the best running back for half a season, an inconsistent season for one of the top kicker Rene Paredes and they've been missing a lot of players due to injuries on both sides. A healthy Jon Cornish, a bounce-back season for Paredes and healthy lineup I think this team will be much better than last season. We lost some good leadership with Nik Lewis and his blocking and timely catch skills. We also lost the quickness of Maurice Price and of course the consistent play by our centre Brett Jones and DE Shawn Lemon but I think we have some good replacements. The intriguing part of this team is probably the OLine. Lavertu will start as C but I am not sure if Erdos, Lavoie or Picton can handle the backup position. I guess time will tell. Bryant's lost might be tough but the guy who's replacing him Edwin Harrison was an All-Star two seasons ago. They are few international OL who are capable of giving him a run for the starting position too. Receiver is one of the toughest position to crack this season. They have so many speedy and big target this season Fuller, Rogers, West, Cunningham and McDaniel are the vets for international receivers but they have a lot of good competitions : Buckner, Greg Wilson(can also do return), Joseph, C. Mitchell, Jorden and Slaughter. National receivers looks good too with Parker, Campeau, Arthur as the vet with rookie Lamar Durant looking in. Good competitions all around defense as well. I love the additions of LB Jesper Simmons, DB Burnett and even DT Eric Taylor.
I am looking forward to this season already.

[tvp2003]

For all the talk about the weapons on offence, I thought the real strength of the team last year was its defence. The vast majority of that defence returns (i.e. save for Lemon), albeit one year older. That alone probably puts this team as one of the best in the league.

What will really be interesting this season is how the offence develops, and if BLM builds off of a strong but not necessarily spectacular first season as starting QB. The weapons at RB and receiver are there -- I think the O-Line depth is there as well but we won't know for certain until the regular season begins.

If we want to talk about "dynasty" I think it'll depend on whether the offence can truly become dominant -- the defence will be strong but will only carry you so far before age starts to catch up with them. Really, it comes down to getting back to the Grey Cup and from there anything can happen.

[MissTeeks]

It would be swell if this rain stopped for game time.

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Hopefully there are more than a few football starved people who will be showing up rain or shine

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Actually turned into quite a nice evening for football!

Buckley looked far better than I thought he would. He looked quite poised and in control.

The fact that coaches cannot ask for a measurement anymore might be the best rule change in the history of sports. I don't even think there was a single measurement!

[OzSome]

First pre-season over with Stamps winning 20-6. Really tough to gauge this game but there are a few newcomers that impresses me.

QB: I think the 3 QBs fighting for the 3rd string QB position #0 Andrew Buckley, #15 Dominique Davies and #20 Bryant Moniz showed enough positive stuff tonight. Davies probably have a slight edge tonight because of the TD pass.

OLINE: I can't really pinpoint who played the best amongst the OLine because I thought the whole group played well enough. The backup C spot is still up for grab.

RB: I was about to give the backup spot to #49.Tony Harrison over #24. Keith Toston then Toston started running well. I think Jock Sanders will have to impress Huff and the coaching staff as a good returner in order to dress for the game. He looks like he is tough to make the backup RB this season because both Harrison and Toston might unseat him. I have to give Harrison a slight edge after tonight.

RECEIVERS: Whoever is going to decide the final cuts will have a tough task for this position. We all know McDaniel, Rogers, Fuller, West are probably in. The fight for position between their backup might come down to who can play another positions ie: good special team. I thought #84 Greg Wilson played really well tonight and so far is getting my vote. The guy looks like a veteran receiver out there and he's got the speed also. He can return punts also. Others that impresses me are #47 Nathan Slaughter, #82 Cory Mitchell, #89 Dan Buckner and #83 Lamar Durant.

DLINE: Impressive showing tonight. I was impressed with #98 Brandon Boudreaux, #95 Freddie Bishop and even Evans.

LB: I think the whole group played well but I just love #42 Deron Mayo.

DB: I can't really pinpoint the best player on secondary position tonight. They are all pretty equal.

Special Team:
Return team: Blocking was good. I thought Slaughter did well and looks promising.

Cover Team: Just love this group so far.

Kicking and Punting: I love Crapigna but I think he will have to impress the coaching staff a lot more in order to take the position off Paredes(FG) or Maver(Punting). I have to think Stamps will hide him on practice roster or else someone will steal him from the Stamps. The missed FG tonight was not really his fault. He made the over 40 yards FG only to be nullified by penalty. He attempted a 50+ FG and missed.

I guess we will see some tough cuts after the next pre-season game vs Saskatchewan next week.