2012 CFL Season
- Thread starter Mowich
- Start date
I was a bit surprised that it happened this late in the season, Kreskin and I do agree that the injuries to Pierce played a role in the team's dreary record. Alex Brink didn't do much better but Joey Elliot showed he might have what it takes with a few more games under his belt - that he stood up so well to the BC Lions really is a credit to the young QB.
Of course, there is a lot of behind the scenes gossip about dissension, etc. in the locker-room but without being a fly on the wall it is hard to know just what the players truly felt about their coach. It looks as though Buck Pierce may be back in uniform for next week's game so it will be interesting to see just what the Bombers can come up with under their temp head coach and Buck in the pocket.
Unless it is obvious circumstances, I feel that over the years, the firing of coaches serves no
good purpose at all, it is just a move to satisfy whiners, and the old saying that has become
so stale, you can't fire the whole team, so the coach must go, jeesh, can't these people think
any deeper than that?
good purpose at all, it is just a move to satisfy whiners, and the old saying that has become
so stale, you can't fire the whole team, so the coach must go, jeesh, can't these people think
any deeper than that?
I agree talloola............most especially this late in the year. There was much talk about all the penalties that the Bombers took in the game - 13 in all............I don't see how the coach is responsible for that but it was one of the talking points about his firing. Kind of bugged me because it is like saying the players deliberately went out and drew penalties to make the coach look bad - how sad is that? I just can't see it happening. There was also talk on TSN about Paul LaPolice not being 'mean' enough, whatever that is supposed to mean. What, he's supposed to be hated by the players to get a team going???
Now that defensive coordinator Tim Burke is taking over, it will be interesting to see just how penalty free the players can be. Too bad about Buck coming back as now Joey will be benched again - I know, I know.............Buck's the starter but sheesh the kid was doing pretty good now he has to watch from the sidelines again.
I almost included a mention of that, Kreskin............not like Buck has a great history of going the distance........one can always hope if they are a Bomber fan. ;-)
The Edmonton Eskimos were hoping to extend their winning streak against the Toronto Boatmen and their wishes came true thanks in part to the veteran skills of back-up Eskimo QB, Kerry Joseph.
While Rickie Ray continued to struggle at the helm of the Argos throwing two interceptions and getting sacked 4 times during the game, Kerry Joseph quietly went to work and got the job done. Coming in cold off the bench after an injury to starter Steven Jyles late in the 1rst, Kerry used the power of his arm and the quickness of his legs to lead his team to a 26 – 17 win over the hapless T.O. team. All but 3 of those points came after Kerry was put in. He wasn’t spectacular and threw 2 interceptions of his own but it was his ability to both run with the ball and dodge opponents that kept his team in the game. Twice on key plays, it was Joseph who got he needed yards. Way to go, Kerry. Good on ya!
Rickie Ray usually appears so relaxed you might think he was asleep standing up with his eyes open...........but not last night. Last night was the first time that I saw an anxious and unsettled Rickie Ray. He just didn’t look comfortable there on the sidelines or on the field. The two interceptions he threw were accompanied by a few other passes that so easily might have added to that total. He was just off.
Late in the 1rst quarter, Argonaut corner-back Ahmad Carroll took a 49-yard illegal pass interference call which resulted in 1rst and goal for the Eskimos who went on to score their first TD of the game. Carroll briefly redeemed himself early in the 2nd when he intercepted Joseph and gave the ball back to the Argos. However, as the game progressed he went onto accrue a total of 3 more damaging penalties.
Granted, the Eskimos also gave up a TO TD due to a forward pass interference call and took other costly penalties of their own........but, no one player was as responsible for such a large loss of yardage as was Ahmad Carroll. This guy needs to be benched – now. Apparently, he has a history of doing exactly the same thing when he was in the NFL.
Though Cory Boyd made some good plays for the Eskimos, the Argo defence seemed to have his number for much of the night easily reading when the call went his way limiting gains and in a couple of cases causing loss of yardage. The Argos on the other hand don’t seem to miss him as Chad Kackert ably proved when he outshone his former teammate, rushing for 58 yards on eight carries and catching five passes for another 31. He had one miss on the night when he caused a mix-up in the back-field that took the Argos to 3 and 1 with less than a minute left in the 3rd. The Argos decided to go for it, Ray handed off to Chad who then danced his way through all the Eskimo defenders to take the ball into the end zone for the second TO TD of the game bringing the team within two points of a tie. Way to redeem yourself, Chad!
This was the 5th consecutive win for the Eskimos over Toronto.
On another note, it was good to hear Wally Buono add to the debate about the firing of Paul LaPolice.
While Rickie Ray continued to struggle at the helm of the Argos throwing two interceptions and getting sacked 4 times during the game, Kerry Joseph quietly went to work and got the job done. Coming in cold off the bench after an injury to starter Steven Jyles late in the 1rst, Kerry used the power of his arm and the quickness of his legs to lead his team to a 26 – 17 win over the hapless T.O. team. All but 3 of those points came after Kerry was put in. He wasn’t spectacular and threw 2 interceptions of his own but it was his ability to both run with the ball and dodge opponents that kept his team in the game. Twice on key plays, it was Joseph who got he needed yards. Way to go, Kerry. Good on ya!
Rickie Ray usually appears so relaxed you might think he was asleep standing up with his eyes open...........but not last night. Last night was the first time that I saw an anxious and unsettled Rickie Ray. He just didn’t look comfortable there on the sidelines or on the field. The two interceptions he threw were accompanied by a few other passes that so easily might have added to that total. He was just off.
Late in the 1rst quarter, Argonaut corner-back Ahmad Carroll took a 49-yard illegal pass interference call which resulted in 1rst and goal for the Eskimos who went on to score their first TD of the game. Carroll briefly redeemed himself early in the 2nd when he intercepted Joseph and gave the ball back to the Argos. However, as the game progressed he went onto accrue a total of 3 more damaging penalties.
Granted, the Eskimos also gave up a TO TD due to a forward pass interference call and took other costly penalties of their own........but, no one player was as responsible for such a large loss of yardage as was Ahmad Carroll. This guy needs to be benched – now. Apparently, he has a history of doing exactly the same thing when he was in the NFL.
Though Cory Boyd made some good plays for the Eskimos, the Argo defence seemed to have his number for much of the night easily reading when the call went his way limiting gains and in a couple of cases causing loss of yardage. The Argos on the other hand don’t seem to miss him as Chad Kackert ably proved when he outshone his former teammate, rushing for 58 yards on eight carries and catching five passes for another 31. He had one miss on the night when he caused a mix-up in the back-field that took the Argos to 3 and 1 with less than a minute left in the 3rd. The Argos decided to go for it, Ray handed off to Chad who then danced his way through all the Eskimo defenders to take the ball into the end zone for the second TO TD of the game bringing the team within two points of a tie. Way to redeem yourself, Chad!
This was the 5th consecutive win for the Eskimos over Toronto.
On another note, it was good to hear Wally Buono add to the debate about the firing of Paul LaPolice.
Reason to like the CFL ;-)
For sure there are some awesome examples of feminine pulchritude prancing on the sidelines, MD.........but I get more of a kick out of watching all those sexy butts on the playing field. LOL!
BC @ Montreal - Friday
By Jeff Krever
Scotiabank Labour Day weekend kicks off in style on Friday night, as the Lions visit the Alouettes at Percival Molson Stadium.
The Als moved past the rival Ticats last week on a last-play field goal from Shawn Whyte for a season-high third straight win, and now with the league's number one team heading to their backyard, they'll look to extend the streak to four.
In a matchup that should prove to be quite a chess match, Calvillo will go up against a red-hot Lions defence in hopes of becoming the first quarterback to really solve that unit this season.
If anyone's capable of such a feat, it would be Calvillo, who proved age is no obstacle last weekend after throwing for 329 yards and a touchdown on the same day he celebrated his 40th birthday.
Like Calvillo, the Lions 'D' will also be facing its toughest test of the season, after showing few cracks in the armor heading into Week 10.
Led by defensive coordinator Rich Stubler, the Lions have given up just one touchdown over their previous four games, while leading the league in 17 of 25 defensive categories.
I've been looking forward to this match-up for awhile, Kreskin. Your prediction for a BC victory may well come true, but I have learned that discounting the effectiveness of the old vet, Calvillo, is at best a risky business. :smile:
Game times: 4:30 PM PST/7:30 PM EST
What a game..........really, really great game, probably the best I've watched this season. Man, I love the CFL.
Montreal 30 - BC 25
Just wanted to post the score in case anyone was interested, before I added my comments.
It was a contest between the two best teams in the CFL and the two top QBs in the CFL and both teams came to play.
For me, the best series of the game was Montreal's opening in the first. 4 plays, 4 passes - 4 completions, 75 yards, TD. It was a coach's dream.
Not to take anything away from Travis, he set a record for having his 20th consecutive game with a passing TD - Rock on Travis.
One of the things I liked most about the game is that it involved the offence and the defence of both teams almost equally on the night. Lately we have seen many defensive games and though they are entertaining, when the offence is as big a part, the game goes to an entirely different level of entertainment. This game was all about great entertainment. I wouldn't be surprised to see it the Game of the Week..............and there are still three more games to come.
Lately it seems that Calvillo can't take to the field without setting another league record and he did so again tonight when he was flushed from the pocket and on the run threw a 52-yard missile to Brian Bratton to go over 300 yards for his 8th straight game and setting a new CFL record.
Tim Brown's returns put the Lions in great field position on almost every return on the night. Brandon Whittaker when he wasn't rushing for 1rst downs, or taking the ball in for a TD, was also found catching passes for great gains.
Paris Jackson had a highlight reel catch of the night on his back. Rock on Paris.
Geroy Simon sustained an injury and didn't return to play the second half though he was in street duds on the sidelines. He contributed some great catches in the first half.
Arland Bruce stepped up in Geroy's absence, getting needed yards and a beaut of the TD for the Lions.
The score was 30 to 25 for Montreal with 52 seconds left on the clock as the Lions lined up first and goal. Lulay's first pass was defended going incomplete. On 2nd and 10, Lulay was sacked for a loss of 2 yards. As the clock ticked down past 28 seconds Travis faded back and threw a perfect pass to the end zone only to see it perfectly defended by the Al's Parker.........and that's all she wrote...............the score remained 30 to 25.
Congratulations to both teams for a really great game.
Montreal 30 - BC 25
Just wanted to post the score in case anyone was interested, before I added my comments.
It was a contest between the two best teams in the CFL and the two top QBs in the CFL and both teams came to play.
For me, the best series of the game was Montreal's opening in the first. 4 plays, 4 passes - 4 completions, 75 yards, TD. It was a coach's dream.
Not to take anything away from Travis, he set a record for having his 20th consecutive game with a passing TD - Rock on Travis.
One of the things I liked most about the game is that it involved the offence and the defence of both teams almost equally on the night. Lately we have seen many defensive games and though they are entertaining, when the offence is as big a part, the game goes to an entirely different level of entertainment. This game was all about great entertainment. I wouldn't be surprised to see it the Game of the Week..............and there are still three more games to come.
Lately it seems that Calvillo can't take to the field without setting another league record and he did so again tonight when he was flushed from the pocket and on the run threw a 52-yard missile to Brian Bratton to go over 300 yards for his 8th straight game and setting a new CFL record.
Tim Brown's returns put the Lions in great field position on almost every return on the night. Brandon Whittaker when he wasn't rushing for 1rst downs, or taking the ball in for a TD, was also found catching passes for great gains.
Paris Jackson had a highlight reel catch of the night on his back. Rock on Paris.
Geroy Simon sustained an injury and didn't return to play the second half though he was in street duds on the sidelines. He contributed some great catches in the first half.
Arland Bruce stepped up in Geroy's absence, getting needed yards and a beaut of the TD for the Lions.
The score was 30 to 25 for Montreal with 52 seconds left on the clock as the Lions lined up first and goal. Lulay's first pass was defended going incomplete. On 2nd and 10, Lulay was sacked for a loss of 2 yards. As the clock ticked down past 28 seconds Travis faded back and threw a perfect pass to the end zone only to see it perfectly defended by the Al's Parker.........and that's all she wrote...............the score remained 30 to 25.
Congratulations to both teams for a really great game.
you're really slipping, I would worry if I were you--------- I depended on your most recent prediction,
and now you have come up wrong, I don't know if I can handle the dissapointment, i'm starting therapy
tomorrow, I hope you are happy now -------
lol
Winnipeg @ Saskatchewan - Sunday
By Jeff Krever
One of the league's most fierce rivalries continues on Sunday, as the Bombers travel to Riderville sporting a bit of a different look.
Tim Burke will don the headset for the first time as head coach in Winnipeg after third-year coach Paul LaPolice was fired last week, and he won't have to wait long to face his first big test against a hungry Riders squad.
Joey Elliott will get his third straight start for the Blue and Gold, and in his short stint as the team's starting quarterback he's already turned some heads with his clear football instincts and ability to make plays downfield.
The 26-year-old had a slow start against BC, but wound up scoring the first touchdown against a savvy Lions defence since July 20.
He'll team with Chad Simpson and Chris Matthews to try to get the ball rolling in a hostile environment this weekend. Lining up under centre for the opposing team will be Darian Durant, who's looking to get back on track this weekend after cooling down in recent weeks.
If Durant can be more consistent with his arm and continue to make plays with his legs, the Riders will be a hard team to stop.
CFL Field Pass - Game of the Week - WINNIPEG @ SASKATCHEWAN
Both teams are going to have to put on quite a show to outdo the excitement of the Montreal vs BC game, but the Labor Day Classic in Mosaic has oft lived up to it and I am sincerely hoping that today will be no different.
Sure hope the Riders can give their fans a win at home.
GO, RIDERS, GO!
By Jeff Krever
One of the league's most fierce rivalries continues on Sunday, as the Bombers travel to Riderville sporting a bit of a different look.
Tim Burke will don the headset for the first time as head coach in Winnipeg after third-year coach Paul LaPolice was fired last week, and he won't have to wait long to face his first big test against a hungry Riders squad.
Joey Elliott will get his third straight start for the Blue and Gold, and in his short stint as the team's starting quarterback he's already turned some heads with his clear football instincts and ability to make plays downfield.
The 26-year-old had a slow start against BC, but wound up scoring the first touchdown against a savvy Lions defence since July 20.
He'll team with Chad Simpson and Chris Matthews to try to get the ball rolling in a hostile environment this weekend. Lining up under centre for the opposing team will be Darian Durant, who's looking to get back on track this weekend after cooling down in recent weeks.
If Durant can be more consistent with his arm and continue to make plays with his legs, the Riders will be a hard team to stop.
CFL Field Pass - Game of the Week - WINNIPEG @ SASKATCHEWAN
Both teams are going to have to put on quite a show to outdo the excitement of the Montreal vs BC game, but the Labor Day Classic in Mosaic has oft lived up to it and I am sincerely hoping that today will be no different.
Sure hope the Riders can give their fans a win at home.
GO, RIDERS, GO!
52 - 0
Saskatchewan over Winnipeg!
Rock on Riders.
:wav:
Saskatchewan over Winnipeg!
Rock on Riders.
:wav:
Surely the Angels were onside with fans in Mosaic Stadium this afternoon putting wings on the shoulders of the Rider team. It was Riders every way, all day, in almost every play for the whole entire game. The Bombers probably knew they were done as the second quarter closed with the Riders leading 28 to zip.
Everything that could go the Rider's way today, did so and more than a few times. I lost track of how many T.O.s were forced by the Riders, but it was the first that will stick in fan's minds. The first and possibly the prettiest. At 12:56 in the 2nd Q, as Renaud connected with the ball on his punt from around the 30, Tyrone Brackenridge stepped up to knock it down, recovering the ball just up-field, he ran it into the end zone for a Rider's TD. Later in the game he was the beneficiary of a Joey Elliot pass returning it to the Bomber 30 resulting in a Sandro DeAngelis FG.
Every single member of the Rider team showed up to play the game today much to the joy of Rider fans in sold-out (33,427) Mosaic stadium. The offense barely flinched when Darian was taken out of the game after a hard hit that had seen him once again running the ball. He had done so on a few occasions in the game securing valuable yards and 2 first downs. Drew Willy stepped in as the score sat at 31 to 0. He helped add the remaining 21 points that saw the Bombers being handed their first shut-out in 45 years and the Riders their 8th straight Labor Classic win over them.
Special teams more than lived up to their moniker today as they forced two punt return T.O.s by the Bombers, the first resulting in a SK TD. Chris Milo earned the cheers of fans by pinning the Bombers deep in their zone on several punts - one kick went out precisely at the Bomber yard line - he couldn't have improved the kick had he tried. Special team tackles especially by (Craig?) Butler prevented any really good returns on punts.
Taking a cue from STs, the defence held strong on a couple of 3+ to force two T.O.s on downs of their own and when they weren't getting the ball back they were making sure that neither Joey Elliot nor Alex Brink who eventually came in to replace him, had an easy time of it. They harried, harassed, blocked and sacked the Bomber QBs. They defended passes ensuring the Bombers went to 3 +. They limited gains by reading plays and getting early to the receivers. In short they were best defensive unit I've seen Sask mount this season.
The panel was saying at half-time that the game is won on the line of scrimmage and today the Riders owned the line of scrimmage, from startling whistle to final flag - they were magnificent.
The fans needed this win just as much as the Rider team and management and I want to thank the Universe for delivering it.
Double-header in the CFL Labor Day Classics today. The Hamilton Ti-Cats will host the T.O. Argos in what will be the last LD Classic in Ivor Wynne stadium. The second game features the Eskimos vs the Calgary Stampeders in another great league rivalry.
Toronto @ Hamilton - Monday
By Jeff Krever
The Labour Day Classic makes its final appearance at Ivor Wynne Stadium as the Ticats and Argos battle and it's possibly the most anticipated edition in recent memory.
Both teams remain well in the running for top spot in the East Division, and as they meet for the second of four times this season, the intensity can only continue to rise.
Add in a hostile Ivor Wynne crowd and a couple of elite, future Hall of Fame quarterbacks, and you have the recipe for a true early September classic.
Ricky Ray leads the Argos into Steeltown alongside one of the league's top defences looking to bounce back against a Ticats team that took the first meeting between the two clubs.
Henry Burris, meanwhile, leads an offence that isn't shy when it comes to making big plays and scoring lots of points, as the Ticats come into Monday's affair as the highest-scoring team in the CFL.
Expect an emotional game as two teams that don't like each other battle for the most important two points this season.
Game times: 10:00 AM PST/ 1:00 PM EST
Edmonton @ Calgary - Monday
By Jeff Krever
The Labour Day Classic looks a little different without the usual suspects at quarterback in Alberta, but it hasn't made the rivalry any less intense.
The Stamps and Esks are right in the middle of a dog pile in the West Division, with all four teams battling for position heading into Labour Day weekend. They say this is the time when the games become a little more important – what perfect timing for the first meeting in the Battle of Alberta of 2012.
Calgary is coming off an impressive road win over the Riders, getting a dominant performance from running back Jon Cornish right when they needed it most, through 85 km/h winds.
He had 24 carries for 159 yards to help the Stamps grind down the Riders after jumping out to an early 14-point lead on the shoulders of Kevin Glenn.
Edmonton's recent win was equally impressive, as the Esks traveled East to take on the Argos and former pivot Ricky Ray, in a battle of two elite defences.
Kerry Joseph subbed in for an injured Steven Jyles in the first quarter, eventually guiding the offence to a pair of touchdowns and the win.
It was the defence that impressed the most though, picking off Ray twice and holding the Boatmen scoreless in the first and fourth quarters. JC Sherritt continued his rampage, leading the way with a season-high 12 tackles and one interception.
With seasoned veteran quarterbacks and thriving defences, expect this Labour Day classic to be heated and closely-contested.
Game Times: 1:30 PM PST/ 4:30 PM EST
Toronto @ Hamilton - Monday
By Jeff Krever
The Labour Day Classic makes its final appearance at Ivor Wynne Stadium as the Ticats and Argos battle and it's possibly the most anticipated edition in recent memory.
Both teams remain well in the running for top spot in the East Division, and as they meet for the second of four times this season, the intensity can only continue to rise.
Add in a hostile Ivor Wynne crowd and a couple of elite, future Hall of Fame quarterbacks, and you have the recipe for a true early September classic.
Ricky Ray leads the Argos into Steeltown alongside one of the league's top defences looking to bounce back against a Ticats team that took the first meeting between the two clubs.
Henry Burris, meanwhile, leads an offence that isn't shy when it comes to making big plays and scoring lots of points, as the Ticats come into Monday's affair as the highest-scoring team in the CFL.
Expect an emotional game as two teams that don't like each other battle for the most important two points this season.
Game times: 10:00 AM PST/ 1:00 PM EST
Edmonton @ Calgary - Monday
By Jeff Krever
The Labour Day Classic looks a little different without the usual suspects at quarterback in Alberta, but it hasn't made the rivalry any less intense.
The Stamps and Esks are right in the middle of a dog pile in the West Division, with all four teams battling for position heading into Labour Day weekend. They say this is the time when the games become a little more important – what perfect timing for the first meeting in the Battle of Alberta of 2012.
Calgary is coming off an impressive road win over the Riders, getting a dominant performance from running back Jon Cornish right when they needed it most, through 85 km/h winds.
He had 24 carries for 159 yards to help the Stamps grind down the Riders after jumping out to an early 14-point lead on the shoulders of Kevin Glenn.
Edmonton's recent win was equally impressive, as the Esks traveled East to take on the Argos and former pivot Ricky Ray, in a battle of two elite defences.
Kerry Joseph subbed in for an injured Steven Jyles in the first quarter, eventually guiding the offence to a pair of touchdowns and the win.
It was the defence that impressed the most though, picking off Ray twice and holding the Boatmen scoreless in the first and fourth quarters. JC Sherritt continued his rampage, leading the way with a season-high 12 tackles and one interception.
With seasoned veteran quarterbacks and thriving defences, expect this Labour Day classic to be heated and closely-contested.
Game Times: 1:30 PM PST/ 4:30 PM EST
yup, definitely a eagerness builder for the fans, they can perk up again and have hope, but what on
earth happened to toronto.
Well they won their game against the Ti-Cats 33 to 30. Not exactly a barn-burner of a game but it had it's moments.
Chris Williams had 72-yard punt return for a TD, his 6th of the year and a CFL record - Chris is so exciting to watch, you never know when he will break out for a great return. Too bad it was in a losing effort for the team.
Ahmad Carroll, after having a bad game last week, intercepted a Burris pass and returned it for a T.O. TD.
And in the second game of the LD Classic weekend, the Stamps pulled out a narrow victory over the Edmonton Eskimos with a 31 to 30 win.
:lol: Now wouldn't that be something! But no, I don't think that is in the cards, Kreskin, though if I were Paul I might be feeling a bit of redemption after this stunning loss by the team. I do feel for Winnipeg fans, their team has had little good news since the beginning of the season. Forced to go on the road for 4-game stretch because their stadium wasn't ready, the team then had a series of injuries to key players not the least of which was the loss of Buck Pierce. Will be interesting to see what happens in next week's Banjo Bowl - the other big contest between the Riders and Bombers.