Predictions are fun, and if you get them wrong who cares...
But if you get them right, then it's gloating time!
Via Twitter:
@7chose 33-29 Als
@heymynameiswill 31-28 Riders
@kristinaashqar 39-36 Als
@sluuby 42-17 Als
@shrekness 34-24 Als
Mitch Gallo, CP & TEAM 990, 30-27 Riders
Conor McKenna, TEAM 990, 29-27 Als
Nick Murdocco, The Franchise, 38-29 Als
Nick Russo, CJLO, 38-35 Als
Moe Khan, Midnight Snack, 37-24 Als
Trex Griffin, Midnight Snack, 27-21 Als
Sara, my GF, 24-13 Als
Tony Marinaro, Montreal Forum, 28-27 Als
Crazy Pierre, he's nuts, 34-31 Als
Jack Bedell, proplayers.ca, 28-24 Als
Randy Tieman, CTV, 31-26 Als
Sean Campbell, MFG, 33-31 Riders
there you go ENJOY!
Showing posts with label Grey Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grey Cup. Show all posts
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Grey Cup 98-Keys to Victory
It's been a rather tame week for the Alouettes and Roughriders heading to their Grey Cup match this evening. besides the Als claiming second class treatment but that has nothing to do with on field play.
That is where we will focus MFG's Keys to Victory for both sides
How the Alouettes will win the Grey Cup:
-Offense, They will need to convert most drives into Touchdowns. Field goals will help however, short Field goals from the redzone could come back and haunt them.
-No dropped balls from Jamel Richardson, I think everyone knows how explosive and strong #18 is, however is is prone to drop some balls on occasion, that cannot happen in this game, it will stall drives.
-get Avon Cobourne involved, Last week I thought the magic number for Avon against Toronto was 16 touches, On his 16th he scored his TD and went on to dominate the Argos Defence. Magic number today 14 touches. AC will need him in pass protection.
-Defensive stand early, an early two and in most games for the Alouettes defence amplifies their game the rest of the way, its been that way all season.
-Tackling Darian Durant, When an Alouettes defensive player as a hand on him, they cannot let him loose. He will make you pay.
-Minimum 2 turnovers, 1 may not be enough.
-Focus on the game not the crowd, the Alouettes have not been strong on the road all season long, just like last year the Rider fans travelled in droves, it will be 85% green in Edmonton.
How the Roughriders will win the Grey Cup:
-Scoring, the Als will score, so Saskatchewan will have to be able to go shot for shot with them, just like they did in the Week one thriller.
-Keep Kerry Watkins under wraps, his sideline and deep play opens up the middle of the field for Jamel Richardson, if he has 4 or less catches, The Riders will be pleased.
-Wes Cates, He is a double threat just like Cobourne, With the pressure that will be forced on Durant look for Draw and Screen dump offs. If he turns them into first downs, it'll be a long day for the Als D. He Needs a Minimum of 17 touches in the
cold.
-Hit Anthony Calvillo, it may not be a sack and it may be a penalty but its cold and AC likes his comfort, they need to make him uncomfortable, look for the rushes to come on the left side of the line.
-Patience, the Alouettes drives may be quicker and shorter, but Durant may want to take his time down the field and keep AC cold on the sidelines.
Either way it I think we are in for another treat from these two teams, I would be pretty shocked if one team blew out the other. If there is going to be a blowout, I can only see the Als putting their foot down. For the Riders their victory will have a flare for the dramatics.
Predictions, coming next!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Post Game Alservations: AL-berta Bound
Well the Alouettes are back on top of the football world after taking the last month off. Big victory 48-17 over the Argos, I'd like to say I told youso but I predicted 47-16, maybe next time.
On to the Alservations...
-3 straight 2 and outs on defence, a 53 yard bomb for a TD and an 85 yard Punt return for A TD is one hell of a way to get 58 021 fans into a game quickly.
- Avon Cobourne is a playoff performer, check the numbers: in 5 playoff games as a starting RB he has 89 touches for 609 yards and 4 TDs.
-AC looked rested after a couple of weeks off, dont't you think.
-John Bowman and Chip Cox both showed why they are the leaders on this team defensively, Cox led the team intackles with 8 and Bowman had 2 sacks.
-Both Matt Proulx and Mark Estelle were injured in this game, Looks like a knee injury for Proulx, more to come tomorrow.
-Eric Wilson said it best after the game 'If you really want to talk you better show up, Montreal is a team that can back it up and we found out today that Toronto is not'
-Cleo Lemon looked lost and thats a props to Tim Burke and his defensive game plan.
-Kerry Watkins brings a different dynamic to this Als line-up, he's a guy that opens lanes up for himself and his teammates.
-I don't think Hamilton would have faired any better.
-Toronto's Defence got AC to the turf three times in the Als first two drives, which is what they wanted to do, however they trailed 10-0.
-Cory Boyd may have played his last game in the CFL' not because he was hurt, but because he is NFL good.
-At least Duval didn't miss a FG, he only had it blocked...
-And good for Tim Maypray, alot of eyes were focused in on him... except Toronto's Punt cover team...
-Despite all speculation to the contrary, Paul Lambert is going to The Grey Cup to cheer on his teammates.
the Alouettes leave on Tuesday for Edmonton, still not sure if MFG is hitting Alberta this year, nonetheless we will have it covered for you.
On to the Alservations...
-3 straight 2 and outs on defence, a 53 yard bomb for a TD and an 85 yard Punt return for A TD is one hell of a way to get 58 021 fans into a game quickly.
- Avon Cobourne is a playoff performer, check the numbers: in 5 playoff games as a starting RB he has 89 touches for 609 yards and 4 TDs.
-AC looked rested after a couple of weeks off, dont't you think.
-John Bowman and Chip Cox both showed why they are the leaders on this team defensively, Cox led the team intackles with 8 and Bowman had 2 sacks.
-Both Matt Proulx and Mark Estelle were injured in this game, Looks like a knee injury for Proulx, more to come tomorrow.
-Eric Wilson said it best after the game 'If you really want to talk you better show up, Montreal is a team that can back it up and we found out today that Toronto is not'
-Cleo Lemon looked lost and thats a props to Tim Burke and his defensive game plan.
-Kerry Watkins brings a different dynamic to this Als line-up, he's a guy that opens lanes up for himself and his teammates.
-I don't think Hamilton would have faired any better.
-Toronto's Defence got AC to the turf three times in the Als first two drives, which is what they wanted to do, however they trailed 10-0.
-Cory Boyd may have played his last game in the CFL' not because he was hurt, but because he is NFL good.
-At least Duval didn't miss a FG, he only had it blocked...
-And good for Tim Maypray, alot of eyes were focused in on him... except Toronto's Punt cover team...
-Despite all speculation to the contrary, Paul Lambert is going to The Grey Cup to cheer on his teammates.
the Alouettes leave on Tuesday for Edmonton, still not sure if MFG is hitting Alberta this year, nonetheless we will have it covered for you.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Defense Wins Championships
Looking back at the Alouettes improbable Grey Cup victory, there's alot of moments that changed the fortune of the Als.
Was it the 13th man on the field?
Was it Etienne Boulay's fumble recovery?
Was it Jamel Richardson's 3rd down conversion?
Was it Avon Cobourne's Touchdown?
Was it Jerald Brown's interception?
Was it the Riders declining the penalty and accepting the Rouge?
The list goes on and on.
But there are two moments that I really think were the difference in this game for the Alouettes. It was actually two series, two 2 and out series that is.
The Alouettes have been on the losing side of the Grey Cup 5 times this decade and looking back at all of the defensive squads in those games its not comparable to this year's group. Tops in 21 of 25 defensive categories all season, the Als D paced this team to the 15 and 3 record in the regular season.
Even looking back to last years squad, the changes made thier impact yesterday in the Grey Cup. Seven Tackles and an interception for Jerald Brown, 5 tackles and a sack for Chip Cox who is playing Linebacker this year, 4 tackles and an interception for Billy Parker. Then throw in Shea Emry and Ramon Guzman you have 4 more tackles.
Two Series in this game allowed the Alouettes the chance to provide just enough points for the dramatic comeback. The Als defense did what they promised at halftime they went out on the field and made the Riders kick the ball away. The Alouettes came right down the field and scored and it seemed that they got their Swagger back. The second big 2 and out was right after the Als failed their 2 point conversion. Forcing the Riders to kick it again and giving Anthony Calvillo just less than a minute to get the team into Duval's FG Range.
To me these were the moments that played a vital role in the Als victory. The Als offense provided the points however the defense provided the opportunities.
Which ever way you look at it, what ever play you want to circle as the turning point, the ups and downs and lefts and rights of this football game has turned it into an instant classic.
Was it the 13th man on the field?
Was it Etienne Boulay's fumble recovery?
Was it Jamel Richardson's 3rd down conversion?
Was it Avon Cobourne's Touchdown?
Was it Jerald Brown's interception?
Was it the Riders declining the penalty and accepting the Rouge?
The list goes on and on.
But there are two moments that I really think were the difference in this game for the Alouettes. It was actually two series, two 2 and out series that is.
The Alouettes have been on the losing side of the Grey Cup 5 times this decade and looking back at all of the defensive squads in those games its not comparable to this year's group. Tops in 21 of 25 defensive categories all season, the Als D paced this team to the 15 and 3 record in the regular season.
Even looking back to last years squad, the changes made thier impact yesterday in the Grey Cup. Seven Tackles and an interception for Jerald Brown, 5 tackles and a sack for Chip Cox who is playing Linebacker this year, 4 tackles and an interception for Billy Parker. Then throw in Shea Emry and Ramon Guzman you have 4 more tackles.
Two Series in this game allowed the Alouettes the chance to provide just enough points for the dramatic comeback. The Als defense did what they promised at halftime they went out on the field and made the Riders kick the ball away. The Alouettes came right down the field and scored and it seemed that they got their Swagger back. The second big 2 and out was right after the Als failed their 2 point conversion. Forcing the Riders to kick it again and giving Anthony Calvillo just less than a minute to get the team into Duval's FG Range.
To me these were the moments that played a vital role in the Als victory. The Als offense provided the points however the defense provided the opportunities.
Which ever way you look at it, what ever play you want to circle as the turning point, the ups and downs and lefts and rights of this football game has turned it into an instant classic.
Als 2009 Grey Cup Champions
More post game wrap-up will be coming in tomorrow.
The Als trailed 17-3 at half and came back for the 28-27 victory. The dramatics of the end of the game are so inexplainable you just have to sit back and shake your head in wonderment.
Had a chance to speak with a slew of players in the dressing room. The main concept of the talks were about never giving up and believing in their teammates.
At Halftime, Avon Cobourne and Shea Emry got loud, and in the end the defense promised to get Saskatchewan to go 2 and out and then the offense promised they score after the punt. That's how the Als got the ball rolling.
The Als fly out tomorrow morning from Calgary and will be landing at PET at Approximately 5pm.
The 2009 Grey Cup Champions will hold a parade starting at 11:40am on Wednesday. The parade will start at the corner of Crescent and Ste-Catherine, moving down the city's main thoroughfare until it reaches the brand new Place des Festivals on rue Jeanne-Mance. To conclude the event, the Alouettes' cheerleaders will perform a routine followed by a player presentation with the Grey Cup on an outdoor stage.
My Rouge Radio Show co-host Scott Flory told me he wants all the Als fans to grow their beards for the Parade. OK maybe stubble.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
At the Half
The Alouettes are trailing 17-3 to the Riders. The Als Defense has kept the team within two scores. Two big fumbles have been the difference with the first by Anthony Calvillo, which led to the The Riders only TD (Durant to Fantuz) and the second was by Kerry Carter which killed a positive offensive drive by the Als.
Adjustments?
Well the Als need to re-asert themselves on the Riders, they were the best team in the CFL for a reason. When it comes down to pure talent the Als have more.
The first drive of the second half will be huge. The Riders will have the ball, if they score then it'll be a three score game.
For Calvillo, look to Kerry Watkins, 1 catch 2 yards, not enough. Look down field, Only one attempt to go deep and it was a broken play. Or just keep throwing the ball to Cahoon, he's ready to play.
For Special Teams, don't lose focus or should I say re-focus, both All-stars Duval and Taylor look out of sorts in the first half.
On Defence, down by 14 points and with only 3 on the board, they need to take an activate role in producing points. Start ball searching and scratching, the offense needs one big turnover to turn the green tide.
As for the 41 point prediction before the game, if there is a team that can score 38 points in one half then I would guess it's the Als.
Defensively, The Als
Adjustments?
Well the Als need to re-asert themselves on the Riders, they were the best team in the CFL for a reason. When it comes down to pure talent the Als have more.
The first drive of the second half will be huge. The Riders will have the ball, if they score then it'll be a three score game.
For Calvillo, look to Kerry Watkins, 1 catch 2 yards, not enough. Look down field, Only one attempt to go deep and it was a broken play. Or just keep throwing the ball to Cahoon, he's ready to play.
For Special Teams, don't lose focus or should I say re-focus, both All-stars Duval and Taylor look out of sorts in the first half.
On Defence, down by 14 points and with only 3 on the board, they need to take an activate role in producing points. Start ball searching and scratching, the offense needs one big turnover to turn the green tide.
As for the 41 point prediction before the game, if there is a team that can score 38 points in one half then I would guess it's the Als.
Defensively, The Als
Grey Cup: Keys to the game
A couple of hours prior to Kick-off here in Calgary here are some keys to the game and my view of the field from the press box, pretty sweet.
For the Riders:
-Make contact with Calvillo. It is quite obvious but they need to get to Anthony Calvillo. It's important for the Riders D-line to make him feel uncomfortable.
-Establish long drives. For two reasons, keep the Als offense off the field and to create confidence with Darian Durant.
-Keep Wes Cates involved. Via the run or the pass, he should get more than 10 touches on the day.
For the Als:
-Score early. So they can block out Rider fans. They will be loud and all over the Als offense an early. An early score will cut into the Riders confidence as well.
-Win the Turnover Battle. Another obvious one, however it will be key for the Als Defense to play a big role in a potential Alouette victory.
-Score in redzone. The Als biggest achilles heel this year. putting up field goals instead Touchdowns. Finish off their drives with a bang
Saturday, November 28, 2009
What a Win Could Mean
If the Alouettes win the Grey Cup on Sunday, what could this mean? Does this mean Anthony Calvillo, Ben Cahoon and Brian Chiu will all retire?
"What better way to go out then on top as a champion."- Chiu told me at practice. Retirement is a huge step in a professional football career, just ask Brett Favre. Or you can ask John Elway about going out on top. Either way it's a tough decision.
Then I asked Brian about how winning could motivate a player to stay for another year or two. You're playing well, you're playing at championship level, the championship feeling is still with you makes that difficult choice even harder.
"The temptation is there to go back and maybe take another run at this thing, you had so much fun winning one, might as well go back for the two-peat."- Brian responded.
The fact of he matter is, the Als loss last year in the Grey Cup could have been a factor for some of these players to return for another shot. If the Als win then that could be the motivating factor for the players to return again for another run.
"What better way to go out then on top as a champion."- Chiu told me at practice. Retirement is a huge step in a professional football career, just ask Brett Favre. Or you can ask John Elway about going out on top. Either way it's a tough decision.
Then I asked Brian about how winning could motivate a player to stay for another year or two. You're playing well, you're playing at championship level, the championship feeling is still with you makes that difficult choice even harder.
"The temptation is there to go back and maybe take another run at this thing, you had so much fun winning one, might as well go back for the two-peat."- Brian responded.
The fact of he matter is, the Als loss last year in the Grey Cup could have been a factor for some of these players to return for another shot. If the Als win then that could be the motivating factor for the players to return again for another run.
Friday, November 27, 2009
65-yard game winning FG possible- Duval
Had a nice chat with Damon Duval today about the wind at MaMahon Stadium, the elements of Canadian weather in late November and how much leg he has if called upon.
Damon said "Games on the line and we have to go for it, 65 yards or less we have a shot". That means the Als could be on their own 53 yard line and line-up for a field goal. I've seen Duval kick in practice, he's not lying.
He also noted that his longest ever in practice was 72 yards at Loyola Campus last year and his longest in a game was back in high school when he kicked a 54-yarder. In the CFL it's tough for a coach to attempt a over 55 yards unless theres no time remaining in the game, because of the high percentage of returns on long Missed Field Goals.
However, the Als know they have a confident Kicker waiting for his turn, if the score does such dictate.
Damon said "Games on the line and we have to go for it, 65 yards or less we have a shot". That means the Als could be on their own 53 yard line and line-up for a field goal. I've seen Duval kick in practice, he's not lying.
He also noted that his longest ever in practice was 72 yards at Loyola Campus last year and his longest in a game was back in high school when he kicked a 54-yarder. In the CFL it's tough for a coach to attempt a over 55 yards unless theres no time remaining in the game, because of the high percentage of returns on long Missed Field Goals.
However, the Als know they have a confident Kicker waiting for his turn, if the score does such dictate.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Media Lunch
Media free for all at the Alouettes Lunch today.
Spoke with Darrell Campbell, Etienne Boulay, Davis Sanchez, Kerry Carter. Most of the guys seemed very happy that they were back on the field practicing instead of a walkthrough. Boulay even told me that he's ready to go today, no need to wait until sunday.
Anthony Calvillo's lunch gets pushed aside so he can answer more of the same questions.
Grey Cup in the House
Not many Left overs, I only had half a plate! They took everything away once I started interviewing.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Week 19 Predictions
Since it's a few hours before week 19 Kickoff, Might as well throw some fearless Predictions out on MFG. It's the biggest week of 2009 for 6 of the leagues 8 teams, who's going to step up and who's going to fall down.
Edmonton in B.C. Friday 10:30pm: I like B.C. for two main reasons 1- Edmonton has trouble facing anyone but Toronto the last two months and 2- the Eskimos are battling the flu bug. The losing team can still jump over to the East in the cross-over but I don't think either Wally Buono or Richie Hall will be relying on a Winnipeg loss. Casey Printers may or may not be the answer but he'll give the Lions enough offense to pull out the win. BC 28, Edm 18.
Montreal in Toronto Saturday 1pm: Montreal is going with the B-Team, I agree with it, except for resting Avon Cobourne. I believe Brandon Whittaker will be very effective, so there won't be a lag on the field. But for Cobourne its a long time to rest. McPherson will be hounded by the Argos D but that'll lead to many big run plays. Toronto is still an awful team offensively and the Alouettes won't rest as many on defense as they will on offense. Mtl 25, Tor 20.
Calgary in Saskatchewan Saturday 7pm: A couple of weeks ago these two teams tied in an impressive 44 all draw. Calgary will be very happy with a similar result. Both teams would love the extra time off to rest some bumps and bruises. I'm going to give the edge to Calgary, why? Joffrey Reynolds has been hitting his stride the last three weeks, with two games over 100yards, and the week he didn't hit the century mark he scored two TDs. With the Grey Cup in Calgary it's added motivation for the Stamps not to travel in the playoffs. Cal 38, Sask 35.
Hamilton in Winnipeg Sunday 1pm: If Edmonton and BC tie, then Hamilton knows that they will play again next weekend. However, that shouldn't change any motivation the Ti-Cats would have to win the game and earn a home playoff date against a cross-over team. The Ti-Cats are coming off a win while the Bombers are coming off a tough loss in Montreal. Momentum helps in football. Kevin Glenn looks like a new man since he's been named starter. Ham 27, Win 23.
So I like B.C., Montreal, Calgary and Hamilton. But it is the CFL right so we'll probably see 2 ties and a Toronto win and maybe unfairly the Ti-Cats on the outside looking in with a loss. But that's why we'll all be watching week 19. Enjoy the games.
Edmonton in B.C. Friday 10:30pm: I like B.C. for two main reasons 1- Edmonton has trouble facing anyone but Toronto the last two months and 2- the Eskimos are battling the flu bug. The losing team can still jump over to the East in the cross-over but I don't think either Wally Buono or Richie Hall will be relying on a Winnipeg loss. Casey Printers may or may not be the answer but he'll give the Lions enough offense to pull out the win. BC 28, Edm 18.
Montreal in Toronto Saturday 1pm: Montreal is going with the B-Team, I agree with it, except for resting Avon Cobourne. I believe Brandon Whittaker will be very effective, so there won't be a lag on the field. But for Cobourne its a long time to rest. McPherson will be hounded by the Argos D but that'll lead to many big run plays. Toronto is still an awful team offensively and the Alouettes won't rest as many on defense as they will on offense. Mtl 25, Tor 20.
Calgary in Saskatchewan Saturday 7pm: A couple of weeks ago these two teams tied in an impressive 44 all draw. Calgary will be very happy with a similar result. Both teams would love the extra time off to rest some bumps and bruises. I'm going to give the edge to Calgary, why? Joffrey Reynolds has been hitting his stride the last three weeks, with two games over 100yards, and the week he didn't hit the century mark he scored two TDs. With the Grey Cup in Calgary it's added motivation for the Stamps not to travel in the playoffs. Cal 38, Sask 35.
Hamilton in Winnipeg Sunday 1pm: If Edmonton and BC tie, then Hamilton knows that they will play again next weekend. However, that shouldn't change any motivation the Ti-Cats would have to win the game and earn a home playoff date against a cross-over team. The Ti-Cats are coming off a win while the Bombers are coming off a tough loss in Montreal. Momentum helps in football. Kevin Glenn looks like a new man since he's been named starter. Ham 27, Win 23.
So I like B.C., Montreal, Calgary and Hamilton. But it is the CFL right so we'll probably see 2 ties and a Toronto win and maybe unfairly the Ti-Cats on the outside looking in with a loss. But that's why we'll all be watching week 19. Enjoy the games.
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