Cfl 2009 - Noteworthy players

[Irving Thomas]

Hello!

I am about to watch the Cfl 2009 season, unfortunately i am based outside your continent (I am from Europe). I am not complaining about lack of tv coverage, thanks to streamers and the TSN on demand Cfl section I can watch enough Cfl action.
I am complaining about trhe lack of discussion on some of the players down in the Cfl.
I mean I read this board and all i can read is a view of a Cfl expansion south or lacking of Cfl action on Us network.
I would lik to ask you some help in getting to know better the teams, starting with the noteworthy players..
I wrote down some notes on a book, I focussed on QB positon as i think it's a very important spot in this league. Yes, I know linemen and both offensive and defensive backfield are extremely important, but my knowledge of Cfl players is not that deep.
So if anyone wants to join me in this season in talknig of the best performer, you are welcome..
I guess the starters QB should be:
British Columbia Lions Buck Pierce
Edmonton Eskimos Ricky Ray
Calgary Stampeders Henry Burris
Saskatchewan Roughriders Darian Durant (new starter)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Stefan Lefors (new starter)
Hamilton Tigercats Kevin Glenn (was he acquired thru a trade?)
Toronto Argonauts Kerry Joseph
Montreal Alouettes Antony Calvillo (was he the offensive MVP last year?)

I know my posto is full of mistakes..forgive me..and please write down who are and where the best linemen plays..along with aothers noteworthy players..

ThanksA!

[Shootmaster_44]

Hello!

I am about to watch the Cfl 2009 season, unfortunately i am based outside your continent (I am from Europe). I am not complaining about lack of tv coverage, thanks to streamers and the TSN on demand Cfl section I can watch enough Cfl action.
I am complaining about trhe lack of discussion on some of the players down in the Cfl.
I mean I read this board and all i can read is a view of a Cfl expansion south or lacking of Cfl action on Us network.
I would lik to ask you some help in getting to know better the teams, starting with the noteworthy players..
I wrote down some notes on a book, I focussed on QB positon as i think it's a very important spot in this league. Yes, I know linemen and both offensive and defensive backfield are extremely important, but my knowledge of Cfl players is not that deep.
So if anyone wants to join me in this season in talknig of the best performer, you are welcome..
I guess the starters QB should be:
British Columbia Lions Buck Pierce
Edmonton Eskimos Ricky Ray
Calgary Stampeders Henry Burris
Saskatchewan Roughriders Darian Durant (new starter)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Stefan Lefors (new starter)
Hamilton Tigercats Kevin Glenn (was he acquired thru a trade?)
Toronto Argonauts Kerry Joseph
Montreal Alouettes Antony Calvillo (was he the offensive MVP last year?)

I know my posto is full of mistakes..forgive me..and please write down who are and where the best linemen plays..along with aothers noteworthy players..

ThanksA!

Its great you've taken an interest in the CFL. The reason this board doesn't get the discussion that many other leagues do on here is simply there are dozens of different CFL boards. Since I doubt Paul wants me to advertise other boards on here PM me and I will send you the links.

As for who to keep an eye on this season, I am somewhat biased as I am a diehard Saskatchewan Roughriders fan and try and attend 4 or 5 games every year (making the two hour drive each way from Saskatoon). But here's who to watch:

BC Lions
Geroy Simon, slotback, is generally a good deep threat and is one of the better slots in the league.
Paris Jackson, wide receiver, is a preferred target of the Lions quarterbacking staff and is generally good for a TD or two each game.
Sherko Haji-Rasouli and Jason Jimenez are among the better Offensive Linemen in the league.
Aaron Hunt and Brent Johnson are among the better Defensive Linemen in the league.
Anton McKenzie, sadly left my Riders this off-season and is one of the top 3 Linebackers in the CFL.
Baron Miles, is one of the better safeties in the league and is a threat to pick off passes.
Paul McCallum, is arguably the best placekicker in the CFL. Though in Saskatchewan, he is best known for missing a 10 yard field goal in 2005 that would've sent the Riders to the Grey Cup.

Calgary Stampeders
Joffrey Reynolds, is a good running back. He is usually good for a first down and more when he carries the ball.
Ken-Yon Rambo, Nik Lewis and Jermaine Copeland are among the best trio of receivers the CFL has. They are also well known around the league for being cocky and trash talkers. Think Terrell Owens and you have an idea what these guys are like.
Sandro DeAngelis, is another good placekicker. He is also an easy target for opposing teams' fans, especially when missing an easy kick, as a taunt of "Sandra....Sandra....Sandra" is what follows.

Edmonton Eskimos
Graeme Bell, he is a heartwarming story more than anything. I'm not sure whether he will be an impact player, but two springs ago, he was brutally attacked (by someone I unfortunately have met) outside a bar. He was cracked over the head with a bat and wasn't expected to ever play football again, let alone walk. He missed all of last season, but is back in playing shape. Watch for him to run the ball and cheer for him as his story is remarkable.
Jesse Lumsden, is likely the best Canadian running back in the league. He signed with Edmonton this off-season, after spending a few injury plagued seasons in Hamilton.
Kitwana Jones, he is one of the better Defensive Linemen in the league. Signed with the Esks after spending the last several years in Saskatchewan. Had a bad training camp and apparently has fallen on the depth charts, but was a several year starter with the Green and White.

Saskatchewan Roughriders
Hugh Charles, very impressive last week against the Stampeders. He is a running back in the mold of Pinball Clemons (Barry Sanders if that name works better). Will fill in very nicely until Wes Cates is back from injury.
Andy Fantuz, Weston Dressler and Jason Clermont form the only trio to even come close to the Stamps trio of receivers. All are big play threats and very good and fighting off defenders. As well, Dressler is a great kick returner.
The Riders probably have the deepest Offensive Line in the CFL, with Jeremy O'Day, currently injured Gene Makowsky, Belton Johnson and Jordan Rempel in the mix. One of the few positions, where the Riders are deep enough to have their backups play good enough to be starters in the rest of the league.
Stevie Baggs is a monster on the Defensive Line. Look for him to be a threat to lead the league in sacks this year. He has dubbed himself "Shakespeare" because he makes all the plays.
Eddie Davis one of only two players who remain from the US expansion era. He is a great Defensive Back and it seems the older he gets, the better he gets.
Luca Congi is a very good placekicker and is reliable when called upon in clutch situations.
Jamie Boreham is likely the best kickoff kicker in the CFL and the only reason the Riders carry a punter and a kicker.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (boooooo, they are the Riders arch rivals)
Derick Armstrong and Terrence Edwards are going to be expected to pick up the slack after the retirement of Milt Stegall. Both are good receivers, but not in Milt category (but then again Milt couldn't carry Narco's jockstrap).
Former Lion Kelly Bates anchors a new look Offensive Line for the Bombers, which features former Riders Glenn January and Steve Morley.
Gavin Walls is likely their best D-lineman. He is a good threat to stop the runs off tackle and can chase down a QB or two.
Barrin Simpson is a good Linebacker in the middle. A perennial East Division All-Star and is always good for a decent blitz or two.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Chris Bauman is a good receiver and will definitely benefit from having Kevin Glenn throwing to him. Outside of Glenn and himself there are few offensive threats from the Ti-Cats, until running back Kenton Keith comes back.
Dylan Barker was injured all of last year, his rookie season, but was one of the best CIS DBs his 5 years with the Saskatchewan Huskies (my alma mater).

Toronto Argonauts
Jarrett Payton, son of former NFL great Walter Payton, shows flashes of his father in his running game. He seems to be a bit injury prone, so it will be interesting to see what he can do if he stays healthy all year.
Arland Bruce III and Andre Talbot are good receivers and if Kerry can find them, will be the top two options in their offense.
Rob Murphy, arguably the dirtiest O-lineman in the CFL. Was suspended last season for nearly ripping off an Eskimo player's head. He also incited the beer can throwing incident in Saskatchewan. Maybe moving from BC to Toronto will cause him to settle down. Either way he is worth watching to see what he will try and pull this week.

Montreal Alouettes
Avon Coburn is the reason Jarrett Payton is in Toronto. He is an explosive running back that breaks tackles with ease.
Ben Cahoonis Anthony Calvillo's favorite target. Look for him to get lots of passes and lots of yards every game.
Scott Flory is one of the better O-Linemen is the league. He is also a running joke among Rider fans. He signed with them in the 2006 off-season, only to demand a trade a few weeks later. Oddly, enough he lives in Regina during the off-season.
Damon Duval is one of the most physical kickers in the league. Was ejected from a game last season for fighting with an opposing player. He is also very accurate and almost a gimme on field goals inside the 35.

So that is my list of who to watch. Since the CFL schedule is heavily intra-divisional, I see the Western teams much more often than I see the Eastern teams. However, feel free to join the Rider Nation, who are by far the best fans in the CFL and Canada's team. Yes it sounds like the trumpeting of a diehard, but it is true. The Rider Nation always has a large contingent in other team's stadiums, in fact most Riders games in Calgary are closer to Rider home games with the crowd being decidedly Green. Lastly, 75% of all CFL merchandise sales is Saskatchewan Roughriders gear.

I hope to track down tickets for next Friday's Lions/Riders game in Regina. If I can't the next game I will get to is July 18th between the Als and Riders. But feel free to ask any questions you want regarding the CFL and our great players.

[Shootmaster_44]

Saskatchewan Roughriders Darian Durant (new starter)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Stefan Lefors (new starter)
Hamilton Tigercats Kevin Glenn (was he acquired thru a trade?)
Toronto Argonauts Kerry Joseph
Montreal Alouettes Antony Calvillo (was he the offensive MVP last year?)


I should also answer your questions regarding the QBs. Darian Durant is not a new starter of the Riders per se. He was the starter beginning in Week 2 last year and I believe was hurt at the end of August. After that, the reigns were handed to Marcus Crandell and then to Michael Bishop.

As for the Bombers, it is interesting that two years after making the Grey Cup, they dump both QBs from that team. Kevin Glenn was released in March and Ryan Dinwiddie in May. That leaves Stefan Lefors as the starter, which is troublesome for them, as he was at best the 3rd stringer in Edmonton.

As mentioned above Kevin Glenn was released by the Bombers and signed with the Ti-Cats. With the lack of talent in the Steel City, I can't see them doing well. But signing Glenn is an improvement after Casey Printers bombed out after his NFL sojourn.

Anthony Cavillo, was the Most Outstanding Player last season. Generally, this award is giving to an Offensive player, but it is not the Offensive MVP. It is the MVP of the league. His rise is amazing though, I remember watching him play a game in Hamilton in 1996 or so. He played so poorly that when he was pulled from the game, he sat in the dugout balling his eyes out. I remember the announcers saying that if that's how he reacts to being pulled from a game, he will not last long in the league. Funny how things change.

[Irving Thomas]

Thank you for the answer..
Some of the names I've already heard, as I watched some games (thru streaming) last year. Still got some questions..
-Is there any rule in Cfl about the number of imports players you may sign? Following italian and european soccer (and basketball) I get used to rule avoiding a large number of import players getting signed, is there anything like that in Cfl?
-Lots of names, especially for the RB position.. who was the leading rusher last year?
-I came across an Eskimos game on the net, what about the Eskimos Safety Shabazz..isn't he an all star?

By the way, lots of 100% italian names over there like Sandro DeAngelis or Luca Congi.

So far I don't have a favourite team..

I'll check the board later, right now I am off to lunch..

[Shootmaster_44]

Thank you for the answer..
Some of the names I've already heard, as I watched some games (thru streaming) last year. Still got some questions..
-Is there any rule in Cfl about the number of imports players you may sign? Following italian and european soccer (and basketball) I get used to rule avoiding a large number of import players getting signed, is there anything like that in Cfl?
-Lots of names, especially for the RB position.. who was the leading rusher last year?
-I came across an Eskimos game on the net, what about the Eskimos Safety Shabazz..isn't he an all star?

By the way, lots of 100% italian names over there like Sandro DeAngelis or Luca Congi.

So far I don't have a favourite team..

I'll check the board later, right now I am off to lunch..

There is an import ratio in the CFL. There are 42 players who are active in any game. Three of those players are designated Quarterbacks and can be either import or non-imports. Of the other 39, no more than 19 can be imports. However, unlike soccer (as far as I understand anyway) nationality plays only a small role in determining who is an import and who isn't. What determines this is where a player played high school football.

Ergo, you have the instance of a few Canadian born players not qualifying as non-imports as they moved to the US at a young age. Conversely, you have Luc Mullinder from the Riders who was born in New Zealand, but is a non-import because he played high school football in Canada.

The leading rusher last year was Joffrey Reynolds from the Stamps. He rushed for 1310 yards last year. Second place was Wes Cates from my Riders and a distant third was Avon Coburn of the Alouettes.

Siddeeq Shabazz has not been an all-star. He actually is a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this year. He isn't bad but isn't great. Incidentally, he was born in Germany, so might be fellow countryman depending where in Europe you are.

Feel free to ask any other questions you may have regarding the CFL. As an aside, watch this commercial/in-stadium video the CFL put together. This illustrates how big the CFL is in Canada. It always gives me goose-bumps to watch this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS1jCfg7Qxc

[Irving Thomas]

Actually I am italian and Frankfurt is in Germany. Europe has a set of law and an european parlament (it's located in Belgium), so it means despite being from different nation you have the same rights inside the European Union, and we also have the same currency since 2002.
Just out of curiosity, where'd go mister Michael Bishop (ex-Riders QB)? Did he retire?
The season start is just a few days away..how do you see a pre-season chart?
Judging from last year, I guess the "pole position" (or seeded number 1) should always be the Stampeders with lions, Riders and Alouettes following, then Eskimos, Bombers, Argonauts and Tcats?
P.s.
I already watched the "this is our league" ad...

[Askafriend]

You can sign as many imports as you like but you can only dress and play a certain amount. It's sort of unfair but it protects salaries for Canadians<lots of players go try NFL or AFL before and after.We encourage the Canadian rules and I've got a question the NFL is having a junior tournament with international teams who's winning?Please keep me updated!

[Irving Thomas]

I have checked the schedule, and in week number one the Tcats (by the way, Hamilton is known as steel city? Why?) should play in Toronto one week after they matched up in a pre season game? How weird is that?
Montreal and Calgary plys a rematch of 2008 Grey Cup (is that the game of the week?).
Winnipeg is testing its own QB Lefors versus Eskimos with renewed Head coach.
On friday Lions are testing the Roughriders.
I expect all these games to be very close except the Toronto-Hamilton game..but I've read those two teamd are from southern Ontario, in Europe we call it "a derby" when two teamd from the same region (or town) matche up. We use to say those games are unpredictable..
What do you think of each game?

[Shootmaster_44]

I know all about the EU as I have a Political Studies degree. I've been trying to shake my family try to see if I can qualify for an EU Passport, I would like to work in Europe possibly.

As for Michael Bishop, he is playing for the Corpus Christi Hammerheads of the United Indoor Football.

Not sure what you mean by a Preseason chart, but CFL.ca has all the results from the games and whatnot.

As far as predictions go I'd say, the West will shake-up like this:
1. Stamps
2. Lions
3. Riders
4. Esks (crossover)

The East will look like this:
1. Als
2. Argos
3. Bombers
4. Ti-Cats

That's not overly strange that the Ti-Cats and Argos would open the season against each other. The preseason games in the East do not draw well attendance-wise. So pitting the Ti-Cats and Argos against each other is a good way to ensure a better attendance at the game.

As for the Stamps/Als I wouldn't say its the game of the week. Probably the best game will be the Lions and Riders. In recent years, the two teams have become bitter rivals and I expect it will be another heated game.

In the CFL, the "derbies" are the Labour Day clashes: Stamps/Esks, Riders/Bombers and Ti-Cats/Argos. The Als and Lions don't really have any sort of rivalry and are only paired together due to the fact all teams need equal schedules. The teams may get geared up when they play each other outside of Labour Day and the weekend after, but the fans are most interested in the Labour Day games. You will not see a more party atmosphere at a CFL game than Labour Day weekend.

As for the games this week. I'd expect to see the Eskimos dominate over the Bombers, the Als and Stamps will be close, Argos will stay in close with the Ti-Cats and the Riders will beat the Lions.

[Shootmaster_44]

You can sign as many imports as you like but you can only dress and play a certain amount. It's sort of unfair but it protects salaries for Canadians<lots of players go try NFL or AFL before and after.We encourage the Canadian rules and I've got a question the NFL is having a junior tournament with international teams who's winning?Please keep me updated!

According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_IFAF_Junior_World_Cup) Canada thumped New Zealand 55-0, Mexico beat Sweden 41-0, the US killed France 78-0 and Japan squeeked by Germany 10-7. On July 1, Canada plays Japan and Mexico plays the US in the Semi-Finals. I fully expect Canada to play the US in the Final. In the tournament that this replaced Canada was usually the champions.

[Irving Thomas]

Montreal Alouettes-Calgary Stampeders
Alouettes: QB Anthony Calvillo
RB Avon Coburn
WR Ben Cahoon
Stampeders: QB Henry Burris
RB Joffery Reynolds
WR Kenyon Rambo
WR Jermaine Copeland
WR Nick Lewis

Toronto Argonauts-Hamilton Tiger Cats
Argonauts: QB Kerry Joseph
RB Jarret Payton (questionable for injury)
WR Arland Bruce III
WR Andre Talbot
Tiger Cats: QB Kevin Glenn
WR Chris Baumann
LB Agustin Barrenchea
Winnipeg Blue Bombers-Edmonton Eskimos
Blue Bombers: QB Stefan Lefors (questionable)
WR Derick Armstrong
WR Terrnce Edward
OL Kelly Bates-Glenn January-Steve Morley
Eskimos: QB Ricky Ray
RB Graeme Bell (Likely come back of the year)
RB Jesse Lumsden

According to shootmaster the game of the week:

British Columbia Lions-Sasktachewan Rough Riders
Lions: QB Buck Pierce
WR Geroy Simon
WR Paris Jackson
OL Haji-Rasouli
DL Aaron Hunt
LB Anton McKenzie
FS Baron Miles
Rough Riders: QB Darian Durant
RB Hugh Charles
WR Andy Fantuz
WR Weston Dressler
WR Jason Clermont
OL O`day-Johnson-Rempel
DL Stevie Baggs
DB Eddie Davis
I took the time to put back in a head to head offset the first week of Cfl. I realize I am missing some names on the defence. I mean the best DB and the guys sho are on tops of the sacks and tackles charts.
I'go fishing some more news, especially abouth the Tcats and put them here.. so it's going to be kind of my notebook, where I go to get some reminds of the players.

[Irving Thomas]

Watching the kick off game, Argos look like can control it. 30-10 so far.. good performance for Toronto RB Jamal Robertson from Ohio Northern.. Payton not so steady.
Quinton Porter (Boston College) for Tcats getting the start at QB.. and Cualley (Uconn) at RB.

[Irving Thomas]

Final score in Hamilton was 30-17.. bad second half of the game (incidentally the one I watched). Something good for Hamiltom from WR Rodriguez (Auburni) the onw I think was Rookie of the year last year.

[Irving Thomas]

Elsewhere.. The Als won 40-27 over the defending Grey Cup champions Calgary Stampeders. I didn't watch the game, but it looks like it was much more fun than the Hamilton game.
By the way, horrible performance by the Kicking teams for Tcats with Setta never able to punt teh ball in the right way. we'll see if the Argonauts and Tcats are going to win some more games this season.

[preeths]

The Stamps came from 20 down to tie it at 27-all, but it was all Montreal after that.

[Irving Thomas]

Deangelis made 27-27 at 4:06 till the end of third, after a spectacular pick up of Stampeders safety Collins of a Calvillo pass..I am watching the second half right now..third quarter played under the pouring rain.
I think in the 4th quarter the Als defense performed pretty well with an interception in the end zone and a fumble forced by DL Williams and took to the end zone by Chip Cox. Meanwhile Stamps special teams were really impressive with a kick off TD return (it was in the second quarter) and a spectacular blocked punt..Congratulations on the Als and Stamps, it was a noteworthy game...muche better than the Tcats-Argos showdown..

[Irving Thomas]

Edmonton Wins over Winnipeg 19-17 as Winnipeg Kicker Serna missed a 47 yard field goal as time expired. The kick would have sent the team to over time as the score was 19-16 for Edmonton (Serna scored what I think is called a "rouge" when a field goal failed attempt is not returned out of the end zone). The officials called a penalty before the kick attempt on Winnipeg and they kicked 5 yards longer.
Defensive struggle for the two in the first half (2-2 the score) with the Bombers struggling on offense. In the first quarter a serious inhury for Eskimos RB Lumsden who was hit on his lest shoulder by Bombers Shabbazz..
Winnnipeg offens scored only one TD (RB Reid) as the first was scored by Special Teams.
Ricky Ray had a good game, while Lefors didn't. anyweay Lefors split time with Randle as he looked injuryed. Liked that DB from Edmonton, Lloyd.. good tackler.

[Irving Thomas]

The Rough Riders won in a thriller versus the BC Lions. The score was 28-24 with the Lions yanking QB Pierce from the game to put in Backup QB Jackson to throw an Hail Mary pass on the last game. The game was ruled by the Riders defense, the Riders D put a lot of pressure on Pierce who had to scrmable for throwing the ball and often got sacked generating a couple of fumbles. The Lions Special Teams were awful, with the Kick returning never able to deliver, while the Punter once made the football slip through his fingers to give Rough Riders a TD. Once the Lions blocked a punt, a player scoop the ball then fumbled to give it back to the Punter one again!!
Darian Durant was often victimized with some interception, mostly because he often gambled on his passes (my opinion). Anyway the end of the game was fun, not the first half when the Lions just couldn't play the game.

[Shootmaster_44]

The Rough Riders won in a thriller versus the BC Lions. The score was 28-24 with the Lions yanking QB Pierce from the game to put in Backup QB Jackson to throw an Hail Mary pass on the last game. The game was ruled by the Riders defense, the Riders D put a lot of pressure on Pierce who had to scrmable for throwing the ball and often got sacked generating a couple of fumbles. The Lions Special Teams were awful, with the Kick returning never able to deliver, while the Punter once made the football slip through his fingers to give Rough Riders a TD. Once the Lions blocked a punt, a player scoop the ball then fumbled to give it back to the Punter one again!!
Darian Durant was often victimized with some interception, mostly because he often gambled on his passes (my opinion). Anyway the end of the game was fun, not the first half when the Lions just couldn't play the game.

I'm not convinced Darian Durant is the answer in Riderville. He doesn't seem to have the experience necessary to make the plays. I've heard he may actually be released from the Riders in the next week.

As for putting in Jarious Jackson, I don't think that has anything to do with Buck Pierce's performance in the game. Jackson simply has a strong arm and is good at Hail Mary's. I seem to recall when he was at Notre Dame he threw a couple Hail Mary's that beat a few teams.

As a Rider fan, I found the first half more fun than the second half. The Riders did all they could to hand BC the win. It took a couple of dumb decisions by Wally Buono for the Riders to hang on. I still wonder what he was thinking challenging the fumble in the 2nd Half. I mean the player tripped over his own two feet and there was not a Rider within 20 yards of him.

[Irving Thomas]

Yep. I realized Jackson was in because of his stronger arm.
Don't know if coach Ken Miller is going to trade Durant, anyway it is a surprise to me that one week he is the starting QB and the following days someone wants to trade him..can't he just be benched and given a chance to his backup?

[Shootmaster_44]

Yep. I realized Jackson was in because of his stronger arm.
Don't know if coach Ken Miller is going to trade Durant, anyway it is a surprise to me that one week he is the starting QB and the following days someone wants to trade him..can't he just be benched and given a chance to his backup?

From what I hear I don't think they will trade him, they will release him instead. The Riders have almost always thrived on having a revolving door of QBs. I don't think this year will be any different. Plus last season, there were quotes in the papers from the coaching staff saying Durant would make a very good stop-gap until the "next" guy comes in. Perhaps Cole Bergquvist is the "next" guy, if not there's always Dalton Bell and the QBs on the Negotiation List.

[Irving Thomas]

Anyway you are talking about releasing your starter QB, not the third string QB..By the Way, where is playing this Cole Bergquvist? Is he on Riders training camp?

[Shootmaster_44]

Anyway you are talking about releasing your starter QB, not the third string QB..By the Way, where is playing this Cole Bergquvist? Is he on Riders training camp?

Yes Darian Durant appearently may be released. Cole Bergquvist did not attend Riders training camp. I'm not entirely sure why, but he is now practicing with the team. Apparently, Rider management is high on this guy and I hope if Durant, Jyles or Dalton Bell are released that he is quite good.

[Irving Thomas]

I've just wacthed the Als chewing the Eskimos..what a game, Eskimos suffered the absence of Lumsden or was it the presence of Whitlock? Don't know, anyway poor effort from the runners, both at running an receving for the Eskimos. Calvillo did what he wanted, despite the Edmonton offence could handle him in the first half..but Eskimos had no hope of pulling the victory out of Montreal. After a terrible start good effort of the kicking teams of Montreal. The Alouettes defensive line was good too, getting to Ricky Ray often. the score was 50-16 for the Alouettes,,what to add?

[Irving Thomas]

Wow..some games in these early weeks are such a mess.. I finished watching the B.C. at Edmonton game (retro uniform game) and Edmonton was really bad!!

[Tortilla Pirate]

Yes Darian Durant appearently may be released. Cole Bergquvist did not attend Riders training camp. I'm not entirely sure why, but he is now practicing with the team. Apparently, Rider management is high on this guy and I hope if Durant, Jyles or Dalton Bell are released that he is quite good.


You shouldnt be so focused on this guy Bergqvist. You should focus on the guy you just signed. I doubt you understand fully the guy you have on your hands and his potential. Graham Harrell. Id be happy to pass along his resumé.

Go Red Raiders, Go Tech, Go Rough Riders!!!

[Irving Thomas]

Who is Graham Harrell? I just watched the Riders-Als game and the Riders couldn't move the ball throughout the game. Riders were in the game thanks to theyr great defense, but also Montreal impressed on both sides of the ball and really truncated the greens. Right now Als are hot!! The only undefeated team in Cfl..

[Shootmaster_44]

You shouldnt be so focused on this guy Bergqvist. You should focus on the guy you just signed. I doubt you understand fully the guy you have on your hands and his potential. Graham Harrell. Id be happy to pass along his resumé.

Go Red Raiders, Go Tech, Go Rough Riders!!!

When I wrote that Bergquist was the only one signed. Graham Harrell sounds like he'll be a good QB, but the problem is that good NCAA QBs sometimes can't adapt to playing in the CFL. Two examples off the top of my head were Timmy Chang and Steve Sarkisian. Both had great NCAA careers, came to Canada and stunk. So I hope Harrell is the answer but we'll see.

As for Saturday's game, aside from the sunburn from sitting in the stands, there wasn't much to take away from it. The Riders were just outplayed. It seemed like the Als have a run and pass option on every play, so if Anthony Calvillo doesn't see a receiver Coburn is there to run with it. As a result, the Riders secondary was giving the receivers 5 yards on every play to defend against the possibility of a big run. Dumb idea as it allows AC to throw short passes for quick first downs.

[Irving Thomas]

I guess in order to be successful in Cfl a QB should have some specific skills as the game requests them. I think AC has the arm to be successful in this league (not too strong but accurate in the underneath) while I guess AC added some running skill this year. I heard he declared to feel much more in shape this year comparing to the past.

[Tortilla Pirate]

When I wrote that Bergquist was the only one signed. Graham Harrell sounds like he'll be a good QB, but the problem is that good NCAA QBs sometimes can't adapt to playing in the CFL. Two examples off the top of my head were Timmy Chang and Steve Sarkisian. Both had great NCAA careers, came to Canada and stunk. So I hope Harrell is the answer but we'll see.

Duly noted. HOWEVER. Graham Harrell unlike Tommy Chang has an actual resume against quality competition. The Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors play in the Western Athletic Conference (New Mex St, San Jose St, Louisiana Tech) which usually doesnt play up to the level of the likes of the SEC or BigXII conferences (Florida, Oklahoma, Texas)

Who is Graham Harrell, yoiu ask? SOMEONE had to throw all those TD passes to Micheal Crabtree . (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JMUs5_abxo) 41 to him alone. 134 total. 15,300 yds. Impressive come from behind Bowl victories against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2008 Gator Bowl and THE BIGGEST come from behind bowl victory against Minnesota in the 2007 Insight Bowl (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyT3UXLdO4E). They came from being behind 38-7 with 7:47 left in the 3rd Qtr.

Harrell has an impressive record against TOP level competition. Best of luck to the Riders, and Graham Harrell from the newest Rider fan in Texas.

One more VID...from our friend at the university of Texas...The Dark Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQOQBX39A0I)

[Irving Thomas]

I see Harrel was tempted to undergo some years of elegibility for the NFL draft but opted to stay in school. What is weird is that (according to his wikipedia page) he already signed a two year contract for the Riders yesterday (20th of July 2009). So he never trained with the Riders neither played a single down of canadian football. We'll see. I think Durant wasn't the only guy to blame for the mess with the Alouettes, anyway it seems to me that Durant chances to stick with the greens are shaky..

[Tortilla Pirate]

So he never trained with the Riders neither played a single down of canadian football. We'll see.

Im not saying his resumé will definitely translate into success in the NFL or CFL. Im just saying that the frustration that Harrell and all of his supporters (myself included) feel is that all he wanted was a chance to show he can play. I think that his body of work (3yr starter in college) speaks to the fact that he has the intangible, and mental, aspects to play this game, the Canadian brand of it included.

[Irving Thomas]

Best of luck to Harrell!

[Tortilla Pirate]

Best of luck to the Riders (http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/offers+Roughriders+quarterback+Graham+Harrell+oppo rtunity/1813860/story.html) <<< see story with video


Wreck 'em Tech!!!

[Shootmaster_44]

As I figured would happen, Graham Harrell was placed on the Riders' 9-Game Injured List today. Now this doesn't mean he is actually injured, due to the weird roster rules in the CFL, the 9-Game Injured List becomes a sort of protected list. What this means as far as Harrell goes is that he gets his full salary, remains Riders property and can practice with the team. In the off-chance he is needed (i.e. two QBs are hurt), they can activate him before October 1, but his entire salary is charged against the SMS.

The reason he was likely put there is that the Riders either couldn't sign him to the Developmental Squad, as he wouldn't accept $500 per week or they tried to put him there and at least one of the other 7 teams tried to poach him. The Developmental Squad is open season for players year after year, as any team can sign any player on it providing they place him on their active roster. The team that originally had the player has a short period of time to active said player to negate the signing.

So I really doubt that we'll see Graham Harrell this season, which is what I figured. However, I do expect that since Cole Bergquist is an unknown quantity that he may dress for a game this season and get some spot work. This way the Riders can figure out whether to keep him or not for the 2010 season.

The Riders do tend to have several QBs come through every season. Off the top of my head last season saw Michael Bishop, Dalton Bell, Steven Jyles, Ben Mauk, Drew Tate, Teale Orban, Darian Durant and Marcus Crandell. So having Bergquist and Harrell here is nothing new for the Roughriders.

[Irving Thomas]

Which of those 4 active QB are going to be dressed for the next riders game?

[Shootmaster_44]

Which of those 4 active QB are going to be dressed for the next riders game?

Its pretty much a safe bet that Darian Durant will start with Steven Jyles being the number 2 and Dalton Bell being number 3. With the season still early, I don't see Ken Miller making a change in the pecking order. I doubt we'll see anyone new in the rotation until at least September as both Bergquist and Harrell have never played Canadian football before and need to make the transition to the bigger field.

However, there's an old saying in Saskatchewan to explain the hype over Bergquist, Harrell and anyone else heading into Regina, the fans are always looking at the new guy to lead the team to the Grey Cup. Every player who comes into Regina is always treated with a lot of fanfare. I always find it amusing that no matter where the player is from or how well he did with his last team, he is always regarded as the player who will bring the team the Grey Cup. As for those QBs who did bring the Riders the Grey Cup, they are always trashed when compared to the new guy.

Have I succeeded in converting you to the Green and White Irving?

[Irving Thomas]

Watched the Als-Eskimos games..nice game, I saw the Richie Hall team reacting and keeping without a TD the Als for three quarters. That was a good one!

[Irving Thomas]

Big game by Michigan State De Andre Cobb to lift the Tcats to a good win over really sad BC Lions. Also noted that QB Quionton Porter (Boston College) has been selected as regular starter over veteran Kevin Glenn (Illinois State). I've also seen the debut of WR Arland Bruce III (Minnesota) in blue and gold, he got plenty of time to get used to Tcats game!

[Irving Thomas]

Nice game the Riders-stamps .. I guess shootmaster liked the end of the game!!

[Shootmaster_44]

I liked the final outcome if that's what you meant. Alas, I had to work tonight and my work has neither an active internet connection (that allows me to access the streaming video/audio) nor an audio system capable of picking up AM and allowing me to listen to Rod and Carm on CKRM. So all I know since I haven't seen highlights yet, is that in the first half Durant went in for a couple series, then Jyles came in did a decent job and then Durant was back in for the second half.

[Irving Thomas]

I don't think Durant was struggling, TV commentators told that miller wanted to use a stronger arm (Jyles) while playing versus the Wind (in the wind?).
I think the keys are the two field goals attemps missed by DeAngelis with the wind at his back. One was wide left and the other hit the right upright. I guess very good job by the two offensive lines so that's why the runners did well too (Cates for Riders, Reynolds for the Stamps). Good game for Getzlaf, the canadian receiver of the Riders who used the day off for Fantuz to score a couple of very nice TDs.

[Irving Thomas]

Talking of QB, the Blue Bombers benched LeFors to use Bishop..

[Irving Thomas]

Watched a few games more.. Hamilton found the way to go and are to me the surprise, they won in a thriller versus Edmonton. Liked the Bruce trade and Cobb is doing well.
Toronto faced the rage of the als and got a 0 at the points scored.. too bad

[Irving Thomas]

Just a quick question on CFL football..the football is differente from the ball used in NFL and Ncaa?

[Shootmaster_44]

Just a quick question on CFL football..the football is differente from the ball used in NFL and Ncaa?

Sort of. The CFL football is blown up bigger than a NFL/NCAA ball. So QBs who are stars in the US do have a bit of a time adjusting to it. Plus, the CFL ball also has white stripes around the entire ball. As a result, some QBs find the balls slipperier than US footballs.

On a side note, it's amusing to read this thread and see how wrong I really was about Darian Durant and the Riders' fortunes.

[Irving Thomas]

Win some, loose some..
I was amazed by some performances this year..thigpen, Boyd.. even Pierce as a blue bomber (now he's injured).