Well that was one impressive display by the Alouettes today at the Big O in the East Final. The Als defense set the tone very early in 1st quarter with a forced fumble and an interception that led to Touchdowns. Calvillo played like only AC could with 5 touchdown passes, a pair each for Jamel Richardson and Brian Bratton. In some ways the 56-18 score was flattering.
In the West I will say I was wrong about Darian Durant, He looked good. He played just as I thought Henry Burris was going to play. There will be some disapointed Stampeder fans in Calgary, But the Grey Cup is in good hands cause Rider Nation travels very well.
So with all that Saskatchewan and Montreal will meet in Calgary next Sunday. Stay with MFG all week as I will be in Calgary for Grey Cup Festivities.
Before my departure, tons to talk about on The Rouge Radio Show which will air Tuesday night at 8pm and The Als This Week once again on Wednesday at 8pm always on The TEAM 990. www.team990.com
Showing posts with label playoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label playoffs. Show all posts
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Grey Cup Repeat...
Always fun to put some predictions prior to kick-off. Just like last week I'll add in TEAM 990's Mitch Gallo's Picks as well.
I like both the East and West finalists from last year meeting again in the Grey Cup.
In the East its too hard not to take the Als, even though the Lions have played the Als very tough this year. Casey Printers definately could be the X Factor, but I believe he'll struggle with communication offence in the noise of the Big O. And Anthony Calvillo will play like AC and the Alouettes will take it 35-25.
Mitch Gallo take: "give me the Als Final Score 30-27. BC can't stop the Al's aerial attck and the special teams will dominate. Printers will play strong but not as strong as AC."
In the West: I look straight at the quarterbacks, Henry Burris vs Darian Durant. Experience vs inexperience. The weapons that Calgary possess are going to be huge factors. Even though the Stamps are on the road, I like what Burris can bring today, it'll be close 25-22 Stamps.
Mitch Gallo's take: "Give me the Stampeders, To Much desire on Calgary's team, they don't want to disappoint their home town fans and not be in the Grey Cup in Calgary. Burris will pick apart the Riders defense and play very similar to how he did on the road in the Grey Cup last year. final 24-17 Calgary."
Well that sucks Mitch and I agree, It'll be a repeat of the Grey Cup last year, expect this year Calgary gets the hometown fans. We'll find out soon enough!
I like both the East and West finalists from last year meeting again in the Grey Cup.
In the East its too hard not to take the Als, even though the Lions have played the Als very tough this year. Casey Printers definately could be the X Factor, but I believe he'll struggle with communication offence in the noise of the Big O. And Anthony Calvillo will play like AC and the Alouettes will take it 35-25.
Mitch Gallo take: "give me the Als Final Score 30-27. BC can't stop the Al's aerial attck and the special teams will dominate. Printers will play strong but not as strong as AC."
In the West: I look straight at the quarterbacks, Henry Burris vs Darian Durant. Experience vs inexperience. The weapons that Calgary possess are going to be huge factors. Even though the Stamps are on the road, I like what Burris can bring today, it'll be close 25-22 Stamps.
Mitch Gallo's take: "Give me the Stampeders, To Much desire on Calgary's team, they don't want to disappoint their home town fans and not be in the Grey Cup in Calgary. Burris will pick apart the Riders defense and play very similar to how he did on the road in the Grey Cup last year. final 24-17 Calgary."
Well that sucks Mitch and I agree, It'll be a repeat of the Grey Cup last year, expect this year Calgary gets the hometown fans. We'll find out soon enough!
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.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Meet the B.C. Lions
So in the East Final it'll be the Western-most team in the CFL versus the Eastern-most team. The B.C. Lions are coming to Montreal to face the Alouettes this Sunday at the Big O at 1pm (et). The Alouettes only lost three games this year and one was to the B.C. Lions on September 4th 19-12. Yes, I know you remember that game. That was the game the CFL admitted they muffed the call after Avon Cobourne trotted into the end zone, a re-do took place and then Cobourne was stuffed by JoJuan Armour to seal the game for the Lions. The past is the past, so we'll let it be.
It'll be the third time these two teams face each other, but the first since September 13th so it's been 9 weeks. Time for a refresher course on who's who in the Orange and Black.
In Numerical Order,
#1 Casey Printers: he did not play the Montreal Alouettes this season as it was Jarius Jackson getting both starts at the beginning of September. But he will cause problems for the Als with his feet. If the Alouettes are not careful the game will turn out just like last year's Grey Cup with Henry Burris Running rampant and free on the Als defense. Printers arm helps him create big plays as he has the strength to hit part of the field that not many CFL Qbs can. As for Anwar Stewart, Keron Williams and John Bowman, they cannot let Printers get free or he will be able to make time for his receivers. Printers will be priority number one for the Als game planning.
#11 JoJuan Armour: The Mouth of the B.C. defense. Sure he had 62 tackles this year and 4 sacks (3 of those sacks vs Mtl). His main goal will be to get Avon Cobourne off his game. Armour and Cobourne do not like each other and both players are not shy of letting their feelings known. If Armour can make a big play on Cobourne early it could affect his game moving forward, definitely a mtach -up to watch on Sunday.
#35 Martell Mallett: The West Division's nominee for rookie of the year, he picked up 1240 yards on the ground for the Lions for fourth spot in the League. He's dynamic and shifty. Combined with Printers ability to move he'll be a handful for the Als front 7. He protects the ball very well with only 2 fumbles on the season.
#45 Jason Arakgi: This Montrealer is Larry Taylor's opposition for Special Team Player in the League. However he is not a returner, his 35 special team tackles was second best in the league. He'll be looking to make an impact in his Homecoming.
#81 Geroy Simon: In the top ten in every major receiving category this year including receptions, yards and tds. He's an experienced game-breaker that can turn a secondary inside out. It'll be interesting to see who the Alouettes will match-up against him. My money's on rookie Jerald Brown. Who ever it is he'll be getting help over top but Simon's route running and hands could easily beat good tight coverage.
#95 Ricky Foley: The Non-Import is up for Canadian player of the year as he lead the CFL in sacks with 12 to go aloong with his 51 tackles. So he's a lineman that is very effective on the pass and the run. If he can get to Calvillo once or twice in the game he'll make sure AC remembers it. He's quick off the line and very aggressive in his one on one battles.
Head Coach Wally Buono: Well there's not much that can be said about the CFL's all-time winningest coach. I guess you can add 3-time coach of the year and 4-time Grey Cup Champion. The offensive minded Buono knows what it takes to win, even if the Lions did not have a winning record this season, he knows how to motivate and game plan against powerhouse teams like the Alouettes.
So there's a few key Lions to look for this Sunday when the Alouettes host them at the Big O. Any one of them could be a game breaker. The Lions are in a no-lose situation, there's no pressure they needed help to get in the playoffs. However after watching them beat Hamilton on the road none of these players care about that whatsoever, they're coming to Montreal to win.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Divisional Semi-Finals Predictions
Sorry for the lack of posts this week, been travelling with the Montreal Juniors up north on their road trip to Rouyn-Noranda and Val D'Or. I should be back in front of my couch in time for the Eastern Divisional Semi-Final Kick-off. It's going to be a great weekend for Canadian football. So we'll have some fun a post some bold predictions, from myself and my colleague at the TEAM 990 Mitch Gallo on this weekends action.
B.C. At Hamilton: All the pressure is on the Ti-Cats. The B.C. Lions have nothing to lose and that is a scary thought. The Ti-Cats however have been playing some great ball of late and Kevin Glenn looks like like a top 4 QB in the CFL. I like the hamilton in this, mainly because they play a strong game at home and B.C.'s run defense is very porous of late, Hamilton takes it 28-20 over B.C.
Mitch Gallo's view, He's got B.C. 40-26. 40 points are some bold numbers for a QB like Printers who's still trying to find his game.
Edmonton at Calgary: I'm going to be looking at both QBs in this one. Ricky Ray and Henry Burris are #2 and #3 in the league right behind Anthony Calvillo in their ability to dominate the game. So I can see this game going either way. But I like Calgary because they are at home. Both defenses have gone through extreme make-overs over the season and are starting to hit their stride. Calgary in a high scoring affair 42-38.
Mitch Gallo's View, he'll jump on the Stamp's Bandwagon too 30-20 over Edmonton.
So I saw take the home teams, Not so sure I'll go that way next week...
B.C. At Hamilton: All the pressure is on the Ti-Cats. The B.C. Lions have nothing to lose and that is a scary thought. The Ti-Cats however have been playing some great ball of late and Kevin Glenn looks like like a top 4 QB in the CFL. I like the hamilton in this, mainly because they play a strong game at home and B.C.'s run defense is very porous of late, Hamilton takes it 28-20 over B.C.
Mitch Gallo's view, He's got B.C. 40-26. 40 points are some bold numbers for a QB like Printers who's still trying to find his game.
Edmonton at Calgary: I'm going to be looking at both QBs in this one. Ricky Ray and Henry Burris are #2 and #3 in the league right behind Anthony Calvillo in their ability to dominate the game. So I can see this game going either way. But I like Calgary because they are at home. Both defenses have gone through extreme make-overs over the season and are starting to hit their stride. Calgary in a high scoring affair 42-38.
Mitch Gallo's View, he'll jump on the Stamp's Bandwagon too 30-20 over Edmonton.
So I saw take the home teams, Not so sure I'll go that way next week...
Sunday, November 8, 2009
More Than Just Broken Records
The Alouettes were dominant in their 42-17 meaningless tilt against the Argos yesterday. The game was out of hand early enough that 3rd string quarterback Chris Leak got more than 2 series under his belt.
Both Leak and Adrian McPherson played well in place of Anthony Calvillo as they found 10 different receivers on the day, including one to Ben Cahoon to keep his reception streak alive at 127 games. The Als Defense intercepted Argo QB Stephen Reaves 4 times and sacked him 3 times. All in all a relatively routine game for the Als against the Argos.
With the victory the Alouettes set a franchise single season record with 15 wins on the season. Another record in the game went to Damon Duval who had 21 points on the day which allowed him to surpass former Argo's Lance Chomcy single season point record back in 1991. Duval's new record is 242 and is an All-time CFL season high.
However the Als will have to wait for some tests to be conducted on LB Diamond Ferri's right ankle. Ferri who has been battling the flu recently just returned to the line-up the last two weeks. He's a big part of that linebacking core that includes Shea Emry and Chip Cox. The Als have exactly two weeks to get him healthy or find an adequate replacement.
The Als now know they will face the winner between Hamilton and B.C. on November 22nd at the BIG O, The Als want you to know there's only 13000 tickets left you can buy them on www.ticketmaster.ca
News and Notes:
-The best news out of this weekends action for the Alouettes is the fact the Rough Riders clinched first spot in the West. With the Grey Cup in Calgary this year, it takes any possibility that Calgary could be at home for the entire playoff run. The West Division will be won through Riderville this year.
-Congrats to Marcel Bellefeuille and the Ti-Cats who will be hosting their first playoff game since 2001
-The B.C. Lions may have to look to Zac Champion behind centre in Hamilton next Sunday after Both Casey Printers (thumb) and Buck Pierce (shoulder) were injured against Edmonton.
Both Leak and Adrian McPherson played well in place of Anthony Calvillo as they found 10 different receivers on the day, including one to Ben Cahoon to keep his reception streak alive at 127 games. The Als Defense intercepted Argo QB Stephen Reaves 4 times and sacked him 3 times. All in all a relatively routine game for the Als against the Argos.
With the victory the Alouettes set a franchise single season record with 15 wins on the season. Another record in the game went to Damon Duval who had 21 points on the day which allowed him to surpass former Argo's Lance Chomcy single season point record back in 1991. Duval's new record is 242 and is an All-time CFL season high.
However the Als will have to wait for some tests to be conducted on LB Diamond Ferri's right ankle. Ferri who has been battling the flu recently just returned to the line-up the last two weeks. He's a big part of that linebacking core that includes Shea Emry and Chip Cox. The Als have exactly two weeks to get him healthy or find an adequate replacement.
The Als now know they will face the winner between Hamilton and B.C. on November 22nd at the BIG O, The Als want you to know there's only 13000 tickets left you can buy them on www.ticketmaster.ca
News and Notes:
-The best news out of this weekends action for the Alouettes is the fact the Rough Riders clinched first spot in the West. With the Grey Cup in Calgary this year, it takes any possibility that Calgary could be at home for the entire playoff run. The West Division will be won through Riderville this year.
-Congrats to Marcel Bellefeuille and the Ti-Cats who will be hosting their first playoff game since 2001
-The B.C. Lions may have to look to Zac Champion behind centre in Hamilton next Sunday after Both Casey Printers (thumb) and Buck Pierce (shoulder) were injured against Edmonton.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)