I love making predictions, mainly for the “I told you so” factor, but mostly cause its all in good fun. The season starts tonight and I just wanted to put a couple random prognostications out there before things got started.
2011 Standings
East-
Montreal- 12-6
Hamilton- 12-6
Toronto- 8-10
Winnipeg- 7-11
West-
Calgary- 14-4
B.C.- 11-7
Saskatchewan- 9-8-1
Edmonton- 4-13-1
League Predictions:
Most Passing TDs: Mtl Anthony Calvillo
Most Passing Yards: Sask Darian Durant
Most Rushing Yards: Tor Cory Boyd
Most Ints: BC Ryan Phillips
Most Sacks: Tor Kevin Huntley
Most TDs: Cal Joffrey Reynolds
Alouette Predictions:
Most Rec yards: SJ Green
Most Rec TDs: Jamel Richardson
Most Rush yards: Brandon Whitaker
Most Rush TDs: Brandon Whitaker
Most Sacks: John Bowman
Most Ints: Jerald Brown
Most Tackles: Shea Emry
ROY nominee: Brandon London
Random Predictions:
-When will AC break Damon Allen’s CFL Passing yardage record? -Week 13 in Edmonton
-First player in 2011 to be fined by CFL because of Twitter: Avon Cobourne
-How many different QBs will start a game for The Blue Bombers? 3
-Which Head Coach will be fired in 2011? None
-Will Andy Fantuz play in for Saskatchewan by season’s end? Yes by week 10
Game Predictions:
-Hamilton 35, Calgary 29 Touchdown Atlantic in Moncton Sept 25th
-BC 32, Mtl 30 at the 99th Grey Cup 2011
Showing posts with label CFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CFL. Show all posts
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Ten Reasons to watch the 2011 CFL Season
The CFL season approaches and there are many things to look forward to. The League has grown coast to coast in the last five years and has started to really gain the country’s attention. Here are ten things that should spark your attention in 2011.
10-Road Warriors: The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be looking for a road win this season. In 2010 The Bombers went 4-14 and that included 0-9 away from Canada Inns Stadium. I don’t think I’ll throw in the Campbell guarantee, but Week four in Toronto could be the ice-breaker.
9-BC Bound: The West Coast province hosts the Grey Cup at season’s end and expectations are as high as they were to start 2010 with Travis Lulay. Wally Buono will give the ball to Lulay as long as he’s healthy. It’s what he does with it. The Lions 2011 season rests in his hands.
8- Four for Four: Can Marc Trestman make it four Grey Cups appearances in four seasons? If he does, the NFL has to take notice, no matter what the outcome is. It could be the end of a very short era.
7- The Return: (Including the pre-season) The Ti-Cats host the Alouettes three times before making a trip to Percival Molson Stadium. But Avon Cobourne will want to prove something to the Alouettes in their building. There will be a lot of Montreal fans that are excited for the Cobourne return on September 11th. Expect Avon to bring his best game in Montreal, just to prove a point to Jim Popp.
6-The Next Level: For the two top passers last season, Darian Durant and Kevin Glenn, its time to pick up their game. Durant needs to prove he can win the big game. As for Glenn, he needs to perform his best when facing the Alouettes and be a force that has to be contended with. They have proven it with numbers, now its time to prove it in games that will get their franchise to the next level.
5- TV Timeout: After watching HBO’s 24/7 with Pittsburgh and Washington and of course The NY Jets and Hard Knocks I’m excited for TSN’s the Extra Yard with the Toronto Argonauts. Sports live documentaries are the way to go. It’s a 4-part series that goes form now until Labour Day and is scheduled to start on Sunday July 3rd.
4-Touchdown Atlantic: It may just seem to be a meaningless mid-season regular season game in Moncton on September 25th between Calgary and Hamilton but TD Atlantic is a whole lot more. It’s an experience like no other that many CFL fans feel is a must go. It actually has a grey Cup feel and breaks the season up in two.
3-Rush to the Top: To me it’s a three horse race for the rushing crown; Fred Reid vs Joffery Reynolds vs Cory Boyd. Avon Cobourne could make a run but I’m not sure he’ll get enough carries in Hamilton, a problem he saw in Montreal. These top backs will attempt to power through many defenses and put a show on a weekly basis.
2- Record Breakers: CFL history could be made by some of the all-time greats still in the game. B.C.’s Geroy Simon needs only 1155 receiving yards to jump into #2 spot behind Milt Stegall. Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo can become Pro-Football’s all-time passing leader if he surpasses 4220 yards. If he manages to stay healthy it should be an accomplishable feat. He’d eclipse Warren Moon, Brett Favre and Damon Allen in doing so.
1-Special players: The CFL kick-returners are a special breed and the crop hasn’t been better with the Als Tim Maypray, Calgary’s Larry Taylor, Toronto’s Chad Owens and Hamilton’s Marcus Thigpen. Each one of them except Taylor, who did not play enough in 2010, had two MFG returns last season alone. Any kick, any time, start counting the TDs.
10-Road Warriors: The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be looking for a road win this season. In 2010 The Bombers went 4-14 and that included 0-9 away from Canada Inns Stadium. I don’t think I’ll throw in the Campbell guarantee, but Week four in Toronto could be the ice-breaker.
9-BC Bound: The West Coast province hosts the Grey Cup at season’s end and expectations are as high as they were to start 2010 with Travis Lulay. Wally Buono will give the ball to Lulay as long as he’s healthy. It’s what he does with it. The Lions 2011 season rests in his hands.
8- Four for Four: Can Marc Trestman make it four Grey Cups appearances in four seasons? If he does, the NFL has to take notice, no matter what the outcome is. It could be the end of a very short era.
7- The Return: (Including the pre-season) The Ti-Cats host the Alouettes three times before making a trip to Percival Molson Stadium. But Avon Cobourne will want to prove something to the Alouettes in their building. There will be a lot of Montreal fans that are excited for the Cobourne return on September 11th. Expect Avon to bring his best game in Montreal, just to prove a point to Jim Popp.
6-The Next Level: For the two top passers last season, Darian Durant and Kevin Glenn, its time to pick up their game. Durant needs to prove he can win the big game. As for Glenn, he needs to perform his best when facing the Alouettes and be a force that has to be contended with. They have proven it with numbers, now its time to prove it in games that will get their franchise to the next level.
5- TV Timeout: After watching HBO’s 24/7 with Pittsburgh and Washington and of course The NY Jets and Hard Knocks I’m excited for TSN’s the Extra Yard with the Toronto Argonauts. Sports live documentaries are the way to go. It’s a 4-part series that goes form now until Labour Day and is scheduled to start on Sunday July 3rd.
4-Touchdown Atlantic: It may just seem to be a meaningless mid-season regular season game in Moncton on September 25th between Calgary and Hamilton but TD Atlantic is a whole lot more. It’s an experience like no other that many CFL fans feel is a must go. It actually has a grey Cup feel and breaks the season up in two.
3-Rush to the Top: To me it’s a three horse race for the rushing crown; Fred Reid vs Joffery Reynolds vs Cory Boyd. Avon Cobourne could make a run but I’m not sure he’ll get enough carries in Hamilton, a problem he saw in Montreal. These top backs will attempt to power through many defenses and put a show on a weekly basis.
2- Record Breakers: CFL history could be made by some of the all-time greats still in the game. B.C.’s Geroy Simon needs only 1155 receiving yards to jump into #2 spot behind Milt Stegall. Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo can become Pro-Football’s all-time passing leader if he surpasses 4220 yards. If he manages to stay healthy it should be an accomplishable feat. He’d eclipse Warren Moon, Brett Favre and Damon Allen in doing so.
1-Special players: The CFL kick-returners are a special breed and the crop hasn’t been better with the Als Tim Maypray, Calgary’s Larry Taylor, Toronto’s Chad Owens and Hamilton’s Marcus Thigpen. Each one of them except Taylor, who did not play enough in 2010, had two MFG returns last season alone. Any kick, any time, start counting the TDs.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
It's All In Their Heads
Big news in the CFL today as they will be moving forward with headsets in the QB's helmets. Another positive step for the CFL as they continue to grow year by year.
It took awhile for the CFL to get HD replay for the referees, however they got it and they got it right. Headsets for the QBs may be years behind the NFL, however it is now in effect.
Coaches will be able to communicate with their QBs up until 10 seconds left on the play clock and the headsets won't be turned back on until the play is whistled dead.
What does this mean for the Alouettes? More offense. This can only benefit a team that is already on the same page offensively. The Als are a team that can run a hurry up offense at ease, meaning coach Trestman will be able to communicate to Calvillo even more knowledge at times of need. The two already have a great relationship this piece of technology can't hurt the potent tandem.
The Headsets are only one-way, meaning the QBs will not be able talkback to their coaches, I'm sure the coaching staffs prefer it that way.
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Camp notes:
-Gavin Walls is out with a torn ACL in this knee, he suffered the injury on the opening day of camp.
-I'll be making the 2-hour trek to Sherbrooke tomorrow morning for camp, I'll be tweeting updates at www.twitter.com/seanrcampbell
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Football will be Played
Just yesterday, I wrote here on Missed Field Goal that one of the biggest questions for the Als would be all the off-field questions. Well one has been answered.
The CFL and CFLPA have reached tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The deal has yet to be ratified, but as a CFL veteran put it 'Football will be played this summer'.
This is great news for the CFL and the CFLPA, it just did not make any sense to delay or postpone the 2010 season. Professional football leagues, other than the NFL, are tough to sustain but the CFL has been kicking for a while now and a stoppage would hurt it's future. It's great to see that the owners and players realize how much they need each other to survive.
In the New CBA there will be drug testing. Something that both the players and owners wanted to implement this year. Just adds more credibility to the league. More details will come once the deal will be finalized.
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On an Als note, single game tickets go on sale tomorrow at noon, check out www.montrealalouettes.com for details.
The CFL and CFLPA have reached tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The deal has yet to be ratified, but as a CFL veteran put it 'Football will be played this summer'.
This is great news for the CFL and the CFLPA, it just did not make any sense to delay or postpone the 2010 season. Professional football leagues, other than the NFL, are tough to sustain but the CFL has been kicking for a while now and a stoppage would hurt it's future. It's great to see that the owners and players realize how much they need each other to survive.
In the New CBA there will be drug testing. Something that both the players and owners wanted to implement this year. Just adds more credibility to the league. More details will come once the deal will be finalized.
-----------
On an Als note, single game tickets go on sale tomorrow at noon, check out www.montrealalouettes.com for details.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
3 Outta 5 Ain't Bad
The Alouettes were up for 5 of the 6 Gibson Finest player awards tonight at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary. The Als were able to muster up a pair of repeat winners and one first timer.
Anthony Calvillo was named Most Outstanding player of this past CFL season, Scott Flory, my co-host on The Rouge Radio Show, picked up his second Lineman of the year award and Kick Returner Larry Taylor was awarded special team player of the year.
Ben Cahoon was beat out on Top Canadian by Ricky Foley and Anwar Stewart was edged by Saskatchewan Defensive Lineman John chick for top defensive player of the year.
Calvillo received 44 of 55 votes over Calgary running back Joffrey Reynolds
Flory totaled 37 of 55 to overtake Calgary Tackle Ben Archibald
And Larry Taylor acquired 36 of the 55 to beat out B.C.’s Special teamer Jason Arakgi.
In a tight race Ricky Foley edged Ben Cahoon 31-24 and Anwar Stewart lost 34-21.
The only award without an Alouette involved was the Leagues Most outstanding rookie. B.C. Lions running back Martell Mallet took that honour over Winnipeg DB Johnathan Hefney.
Other Awards handed out on the night:
Marwan Hage picked up the Tom Pate Memorial Award for his work within the Hamilton community.
The Commissioner’s Award went to Wally Buono who became the CFL all-time leader in coaching wins this season.
In the upset of the night, Bomber Doug Brown beat out Weston Dressler in the Reebok Best Move Award. It’s an upset because Brown beat out a Roughrider in a Fan vote.
Anthony Calvillo was named Most Outstanding player of this past CFL season, Scott Flory, my co-host on The Rouge Radio Show, picked up his second Lineman of the year award and Kick Returner Larry Taylor was awarded special team player of the year.
Ben Cahoon was beat out on Top Canadian by Ricky Foley and Anwar Stewart was edged by Saskatchewan Defensive Lineman John chick for top defensive player of the year.
Calvillo received 44 of 55 votes over Calgary running back Joffrey Reynolds
Flory totaled 37 of 55 to overtake Calgary Tackle Ben Archibald
And Larry Taylor acquired 36 of the 55 to beat out B.C.’s Special teamer Jason Arakgi.
In a tight race Ricky Foley edged Ben Cahoon 31-24 and Anwar Stewart lost 34-21.
The only award without an Alouette involved was the Leagues Most outstanding rookie. B.C. Lions running back Martell Mallet took that honour over Winnipeg DB Johnathan Hefney.
Other Awards handed out on the night:
Marwan Hage picked up the Tom Pate Memorial Award for his work within the Hamilton community.
The Commissioner’s Award went to Wally Buono who became the CFL all-time leader in coaching wins this season.
In the upset of the night, Bomber Doug Brown beat out Weston Dressler in the Reebok Best Move Award. It’s an upset because Brown beat out a Roughrider in a Fan vote.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Expectations in the East Final
Sunday's East Final will be in the hands of two knowledgeable football minds. The two Head Coaches in this game Marc Trestman and Wally Buono could make the biggest impact on the end result. Sure Casey Printers is back under the helm for the B.C. Lions and Anthony Calvillo is coming off another MOP candidate season, but Trestman and Buono are definately the masterminds of their chess pieces.
B.C. Lions chess pieces aren't as nice as Montreals however do not underestimate Wally Buono because he knows how to win. As stated on an earlier MFG post, Buono is a 4-time Grey Cup champion and a 3-time CFL coach of the year. Looking at Marc Trestman's CFL career it's a little less distiguished and alot shorter. Trestman was a finalist for Coach of the year last year and watched the Coach Hufnagel grab the grey Cup from him in his first year as a CFL bench boss.
However, you can put all the awards, stats, records and game planning to the side. For both coaches one of their biggest tasks will be to set the mentality of the dressing room heading into kickoff tomorrow at 1pm at the Big O. The B.C. Lions finished the regular season at 8-10, including losing their last three games before defeating the Hamilton Ti-Cats in the Crossover East Semi-final only because the Blue Bombers lost their final regular season game at home. No one likes saying backing into the playoffs, but that is pretty close to a definition. Whereas the Alouettes clinched their playoff spot after week 13.
Expectations can drive a team and can also hamper a team. The East final has two teams on the opposite side of the spectrum when it comes to expectations. This is why it is so important for both coaches to make sure their teams can mentally handle their expectations or lack there of in this years CFL Playoffs. Wally Buono has been head coaching in the CFL since 1990 and Trestman is finishing his second year as a head coach ever let alone in the CFL. So in regards to handling the dressing room you cannot throw away the fact that Buono out experiences Trestman in that regard.
However, players and coaches on the Montreal Alouettes are not looking past the B.C.Lions or Wally Buono. Marc Trestman knows what has to occur prior to even considering to book a flight to Calgary next week.
The first quarter will be the biggest indicator for both coaches to see how the opposition is handling their respective expection level of the East Final. See if one team gets up big early and you'll have your answer. If it's still close, then you know both coaches got the job done.
B.C. Lions chess pieces aren't as nice as Montreals however do not underestimate Wally Buono because he knows how to win. As stated on an earlier MFG post, Buono is a 4-time Grey Cup champion and a 3-time CFL coach of the year. Looking at Marc Trestman's CFL career it's a little less distiguished and alot shorter. Trestman was a finalist for Coach of the year last year and watched the Coach Hufnagel grab the grey Cup from him in his first year as a CFL bench boss.
However, you can put all the awards, stats, records and game planning to the side. For both coaches one of their biggest tasks will be to set the mentality of the dressing room heading into kickoff tomorrow at 1pm at the Big O. The B.C. Lions finished the regular season at 8-10, including losing their last three games before defeating the Hamilton Ti-Cats in the Crossover East Semi-final only because the Blue Bombers lost their final regular season game at home. No one likes saying backing into the playoffs, but that is pretty close to a definition. Whereas the Alouettes clinched their playoff spot after week 13.
Expectations can drive a team and can also hamper a team. The East final has two teams on the opposite side of the spectrum when it comes to expectations. This is why it is so important for both coaches to make sure their teams can mentally handle their expectations or lack there of in this years CFL Playoffs. Wally Buono has been head coaching in the CFL since 1990 and Trestman is finishing his second year as a head coach ever let alone in the CFL. So in regards to handling the dressing room you cannot throw away the fact that Buono out experiences Trestman in that regard.
However, players and coaches on the Montreal Alouettes are not looking past the B.C.Lions or Wally Buono. Marc Trestman knows what has to occur prior to even considering to book a flight to Calgary next week.
The first quarter will be the biggest indicator for both coaches to see how the opposition is handling their respective expection level of the East Final. See if one team gets up big early and you'll have your answer. If it's still close, then you know both coaches got the job done.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Another Double Dip: Free Stuff and CFL/Als Talk
The Rouge Radio Show will air tonight at 8pm (eastern) followed by The Als This Week at 9pm
A great line-up, Jim Beauchamp can't make it into studio this week, so our good friend from Reebok Dale Williams will join Scott Flory and Myself in Studio. There's still a possibility we may be joined by a newly named Eastern CFL All-Star as well.
In our Amateur Segment we'll talk to Head coach of The Chateauguay Junior Raiders Bruce Bennett who just won the Manson Cup this past weekend.
We'll discuss the Alouettes dominance on the eastern All-Star team and find out if Scott thinks someone is missing on the list.
And with Dale in Studio, we'll be giving aways tons of FREE Reebok gear throughout the show, Don't miss it!
At 9pm, Mitch Gallo and Myself will continue to talk CFL and Alouettes, we'll be joined by Montreal Gazette's own Herb Zurkowsky to talk about the CFL playoffs and the Alouettes Bye-week and then we'll talk with Darren Gill, CFL player agent on the issues between the CFL and the CFLPA conserning the Canadian content rule and the CBA.
Catch it all on 990 on your AM dial in the Montreal Metropolitan Area or at www.team990.com via the web.
A great line-up, Jim Beauchamp can't make it into studio this week, so our good friend from Reebok Dale Williams will join Scott Flory and Myself in Studio. There's still a possibility we may be joined by a newly named Eastern CFL All-Star as well.
In our Amateur Segment we'll talk to Head coach of The Chateauguay Junior Raiders Bruce Bennett who just won the Manson Cup this past weekend.
We'll discuss the Alouettes dominance on the eastern All-Star team and find out if Scott thinks someone is missing on the list.
And with Dale in Studio, we'll be giving aways tons of FREE Reebok gear throughout the show, Don't miss it!
At 9pm, Mitch Gallo and Myself will continue to talk CFL and Alouettes, we'll be joined by Montreal Gazette's own Herb Zurkowsky to talk about the CFL playoffs and the Alouettes Bye-week and then we'll talk with Darren Gill, CFL player agent on the issues between the CFL and the CFLPA conserning the Canadian content rule and the CBA.
Catch it all on 990 on your AM dial in the Montreal Metropolitan Area or at www.team990.com via the web.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Outstanding! Alouette Team Awards Announced
The Montreal Alouettes have announced their Team Awards and Nominees for the East side for the Year-end award ceremony Thursday November the 26th. No real big Surprises.
Expect at least 4 of these 6 Alouettes to be in Calgary for the Awards ceremony if the Alouettes win or lose on Nov 22nd in the East Final
Most Outstanding Player: Anthony Calvillo
Most Outstanding Canadian: Ben Cahoon
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Scott Flory
Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman: Anwar Stewart
Most Outstanding Rookie: Jerald Brown
Most Outstanding Spoecial Teams Player: Larry Taylor
Expect Callvillo, Cahoon, Flory and Taylor to win their awards. For Brown and Stewart it'll be a tougher road however don't be surpised if the Als go 6 for 6.
Expect at least 4 of these 6 Alouettes to be in Calgary for the Awards ceremony if the Alouettes win or lose on Nov 22nd in the East Final
Most Outstanding Player: Anthony Calvillo
Most Outstanding Canadian: Ben Cahoon
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Scott Flory
Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman: Anwar Stewart
Most Outstanding Rookie: Jerald Brown
Most Outstanding Spoecial Teams Player: Larry Taylor
Expect Callvillo, Cahoon, Flory and Taylor to win their awards. For Brown and Stewart it'll be a tougher road however don't be surpised if the Als go 6 for 6.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Playoffs? I'm Talking about Playoffs
It's time to breakdown playoff scenarios in the CFL. Kudos to the CFL schedule maker this year as week 19 should be a dandy with 3 of the 4 match-ups having playoff implications.
So with a quick look, three teams have made the playoffs, one team as been eliminated. Leaving four teams for three playoff spots. And since the cross-over is in play a tie-game may make the difference the best way to break this down is to tell you how the four teams that haven't clinched, could miss out on the playoffs.
Hamilton (8-9) misses the Playoffs if they lose to Winnipeg AND Edmonton and BC Tie.
Winnipeg (7-10) misses the Playoffs if they lose or tie to Hamilton
Edmonton (8-9) misses the Playoffs if they lose to BC AND Winnipeg wins
BC (8-9) misses the Playoffs if they lose to Edmonton AND Winnipeg wins
Good thing the game between Winnipeg and Hamilton is on Sunday after all of Friday and Saturday's action.
Now the interesting thing in all of this is if Edmonton and BC tie, they both make the Playoffs. With Edmonton making the jump to the East in the cross-over to face either Hamilton or Winnipeg on the road.
In the West Division title chase both Saskatchewan and Calgary have clinched a home playoff date. However they face off in Riderville Saturday night with a first round bye on the line. If Saskatchewan wins then Calgary will host the winner of Edmonton and BC in the Division Semi-final on November 15th. If Calgary wins or ties (don't rule it out) Saskatchewan they will have home field for their entire palyoff run.
Montreal, they know their date that's November 22nd at the Big O versus either or the remaining playoff hopefuls (Winnipeg, Hamilton, Edmonton or BC)
Toronto, we'll they can go catch the Leafs at the ACC on Saturday night against the Red Wings.
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