CFL week two report

by David Standish
July 3, 2002 - Canadian Football League (CFL)

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Wednesday - Toronto vs Montreal - 7:00 ET - TSN

Argos Notes: Neither Stanley Jackson or Michael Bishop particularly impressed as quarterback so it should be a game time decision for Coach Etcheverry. Toronto's 39 started solidly enough with a 14-3 advantage but eventually the coming-into-form Winnipeg offense took over and scored 36 points to make this appear to be a wrought. Nobody came out and took over for Michael Jenkins at the running back position last Friday. Sam Zanders was the only non-QB runner, and he picked up only 33 yards on 13 attempts. The Argonaut defense did force three Winnipeg turnovers but two of their own surrendered plus five sacks sealed the deal for the Bombers.

Als Notes: Alouettes defensive tackle Steve Charbonneau asked the organization for his release to get a chance to play with another CFL team. Despite the rain showers the Als came out strong in their home opener and led by the "best running back in the CFL" Lawrence Phillips with his three touchdowns, put away the Lions 27-20. Anthony Calvillo did not appear to have any rust, as he completed 75 percent of his passes in the contest. Five different receivers pitched in including Ben Cahoon, who took over from Jock Climie as the Alouettes big play man with nine catches for 136 yards.

What the odds say: Montreal 28 Toronto 22
What we say: Montreal 31 Toronto 19

Thursday - Ottawa vs Edmonton - 9:00 ET, 7:00 MT - TSN

Renegades Notes: These clubs completed their second trade in three weeks as the Eskimos sent linebacker Ralph Staten, a 6'3", 205 pounder, to the Renegades for future considerations. The opening deal came shortly before the season began as Darren Davis was acquired by Ottawa for their first pick in 2003, likely to be the number 1 overall selection. Davis contributed 125 yards from scrimmage in Ottawa's opener including the go-ahead 11 yard touchdown reception from Dan Crowley in the fourth quarter.

Eskimos Notes: The Eskimos made some additional changes this past week. Head Coach Tom Higgins announced that non-import linebacker Philippe Girard and Rob Harrod non-import wide receiver had been released. It's not often that three players will go over 100 yards in offensive contributions in one evening, but Ronald Williams (127 rushing, 53 receiving), Gerald Vaughn (116 yards receiving) and Chris "Razzle Dazzle" Brazzell (101 receiving) accomplished the feat.

What the odds say: Edmonton 32 Ottawa 19
What we say: Edmonton 31 Ottawa 16

Friday - Winnipeg vs Hamilton - 7:30 CT, 8:30 ET - TSN

Bombers Notes: Khari Jones led his team on five touchdown drives and 465 yards in net offense signaling to the rest of the league that the Pegers are repeating their good habits of 2001. Arland Bruce and Milt Stegall each brought in two of those touchdown tosses. 1998 rookie of the year CB Mustafah Muhammad returned to the lineup this week for the Bombers trying to rekindle old triumphs. Marvin Coleman caught both Winnipeg interceptions ion the contest. At the end of the game backup QB Pat Barnes saw action, completing two of three passes.

Tiger-Cats Notes: For those worried the Cats offense wouldn't respond with all the changes, they've proved doubters wrong as Troy Davis rushed for 105 yards and their four major receivers, Flutie, Grigg, Akins and newcomer Tony Miles made significant contributions. Darren Flutie caught five passes, moving him within six receptions of Saskatchewan's Don Narcisse for second on the all-time list with 919. Calgary's Allen Pitts is the league's all-time leader with 966.

What the odds say: Winnipeg 30 Hamilton 24
What we say: Winnipeg 32 Hamilton 24

Friday - Calgary vs Saskatchewan - 7:30 MT, 9:30 ET - No TV

Stampeders Notes: Injuries are the story for the club this week. OG Fred Childress went down in the third quarter with a knee problem but is expected back in the lineup in Regina. WR Don Blair's situation is not as clear and it will not be known until game time of his availability. Despite the yards and points the Stamps D surrendered at home, the optimistic point of view is that they gave up only a field goal in the second half to the Eskimos. An interesting note from 2001, the Stampeders were 4-0 against the Riders, but 4-10-0-1 against the rest of the league. DE Ray Jacobs jumped to Regina from Calgary this past off-season as a free agent, following Eddie Davis and Shonte Peoples who did the deed twelve months earlier.

Roughriders Notes: On the other side of the 2001 coin, while the Riders were 0-4 against the champs, they were a respectable 6-8 (43%) against everyone else. QB newcomer Nealon Greene made his presence felt immediately for green and white supporters as he threw for 239 yards and ran for 116 more. The Riders also won their season opener last year before falling to 3-6 at the half way point.

What the odds say: Calgary 26 Saskatchewan 24
What we say: Calgary 30 Saskatchewan 28

Canadian Football League Stories from July 3, 2002

• CFL week two report - OSC Original by David Standish
• Lions sign Thompson - B.C. Lions
• Wide Mouth Mason to Perform Free Concert for Roughrider Fans - Saskatchewan Roughriders
• Esks' Mobley and Payton named CFL Stars of Week #1 - Edmonton Elks
• Eskimos vs. Renegades Home Opener - Edmonton Elks

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