There are days when the CFL seems to be the successful conclusion to the theory of the six degrees of separation, where each and every CFL player is at one time or another attached to another along the CFL tracking chart.
This weekend's final match up of week seven is a good case study in point, as the Bombers and Lions rosters seem to provide more than a few intersection points.
You have Buck Pierce, the one time rising star of the Lions who of course famously left the west coast for the prairies after the Lions became concerned about the frequency of his injury time (a theme that at times has resurrected itself in Winnipeg, but seemingly with a more patient Bomber management on board for it).
And thanks to the Saturday Globe and Mail , there's this reminder for Blue Bomber fans that perhaps the CFL's most legendary receiving corps could have been theirs but ten years ago. Yes Big Blue, had the stars aligned properly a decade ago, you could have had Milt Stegall, Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce III running pass routes and we imagine collecting Grey Cups to rival the dynasties of the Als and the Esks, alas, as any Bomber fan can tell you destiny took a side trip.
Ten years later two thirds of that star lineup will be wearing the Lions colours as Mr. Pierce returns to BC to lead his Bombers up against a hungry Lions squad seeking to continue on from last week's winning ways.
The 2011 season has been a surprising one for the Bombers who currently sit high atop the CFL east thanks to a remarkable start to the year and some fearsome defending, with a defensive squad that is gaining note and reputation as the toughest in the CFL in a long long time.
The Lions on the other hand have struggled remarkably through the first six weeks, registering their only victory of the season last week against the equally inept Saskatchewan Roughriders, so for the Lions, Saturday night is the true test as to where they are at the moment and if there is improvement enough to make a challenge in the West for the remainder of 2011.
There's no shortage of sub plots to the week seven finale, some redemption hoped for from the home side, a little dose of I told you so hoped to be administered perhaps from the visiting quarterback and a whole whack of trash talking as the preamble.
For two teams at opposite ends of the win loss columns this year, Saturday night could provide for some fascinating themes throughout the game.
Game time 7 PM PT (9 PM CT, 10 ET)
Pre Game
Vancouver Province-- Lions needed change from Buck
Vancouver Sun-- Bruce braced for Lions debut against Bombers
Winnipeg Free Press-- A Buck for your thoughts, Wally
Winnipeg Sun-- LaPolice stresses consistency
National Post-- Packers inspire Blue Bombers' resurgent defence
Canada.com-- Lions will have a new look for Blue Bombers
Quick Snaps British Columbia Lions
Quick Snaps Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Post Game
Winnipeg 30 at British Columbia 17
Attendance-- 24,131
Vancouver Province-- Nice start ends in misery for B. C. Lions
Vancouver Sun-- Blue Bombers pulverize Lions
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers beat Lions and go 6-1 on the season
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers show that Swaggerville strut
Globe and Mail-- Blue Bombers shell listless Lions
National Post-- Bombers post first 6-1 start since 1984
Three downs, a bigger ball, wider field and a lot more entertainment! The world of Canadian Football.
Showing posts with label CFL Regular Season Week 7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CFL Regular Season Week 7. Show all posts
Saturday, August 13, 2011
CFL Gameday: Toronto at Hamilton (Saturday, August 13, 2011)
The coach reportedly had some unkind words for his players at the half in their last effort, calling into question their character and effort, perhaps the two greatest sins that a professional football player can be accused of in pursuit of their profession.
For the Toronto Argonauts, words probably do hurt, but so it seems is the way they are conducting themselves in this 2011 CFL campaign, an error prone, enthusiasm deprived squad that is watching their season pass them by from the basement suite of the CFL east.
The Argos seek to try and turn around some of that negative vibe this weekend and if they can't get pumped up for their competition, then yes Mr. Barker, your team is lacking character and lapsing in effort.
The Argos head down the road to Hamilton, a rivalry game that in most seasons would be the feature attraction of the Labour Day weekend. But in a CFL that sometimes can mess up a good thing, the famed summer ending showdown will come a few weeks early this year, as the CFL has readjusted its Labour Day scheduling for this year only we're told (and if they have any idea of how to market their league it had best be for one year only).
The TiCats have had moderate success thus far, some impressive victories racked up during the first six weeks, tempered by a few non performances where the dark days of seasons past seem to haunt their efforts.
Still, there's nothing like a visit from Toronto to get the folks in Hamilton ready for some football, and Saturday evening's kick off to a CFL week seven ending double header should provide some fascinating side stories to the traditional smash mouth of an Argos-Cats matchup.
Add into the mix the debut of a new defensive co-ordinator, as Orlondo Steinauer seeks to do what the recently departed Chip Garber couldn't, motivate a lacklustre Toronto Defensive squad on to a more physical and successful effort through all four quarters of football.
It's not the Labour Day classic, but with the Argos desperate to get back into the win column and the Cats looking to emphasize that this season won't be like some of the past, it could be a pretty interesting sixty minutes of football.
Game Time 7:00 PM ET (4 PM PT)
Pre Game
Toronto Star-- Labour Day classic comes early this year
Toronto Sun-- Williams can't wait to get hands on Boyd
Hamilton Spectator-- It's not Labour Day - but it should be a classic
Globe and Mail-- Steinauer to make debut as Argos defensive co-ordinator versus Ticats
National Post-- Tiger-Cats looking to maximize 'ugency'
Canada.com-- Ticats determined to scuttle Boatmen
Quick Snaps Hamilton Tiger Cats
Quick Snaps Toronto Argonauts
Post Game
Toronto 32 at Hamilton 37
Attendance--24,347
Toronto Sun-- The Usual suspect for Argos
Toronto Star-- New defence fails the test as Argos sunk by Ticats 37-32
Globe and Mail-- Tiger-Cats slip past Argos
National Post-- Tiger-Cats outlast Argos in wild shootout
Hamilton Spectator-- Cats prevail to win a nailbiter
Canada.com-- Ticats win Battle of Ontario classic
For the Toronto Argonauts, words probably do hurt, but so it seems is the way they are conducting themselves in this 2011 CFL campaign, an error prone, enthusiasm deprived squad that is watching their season pass them by from the basement suite of the CFL east.
The Argos seek to try and turn around some of that negative vibe this weekend and if they can't get pumped up for their competition, then yes Mr. Barker, your team is lacking character and lapsing in effort.
The Argos head down the road to Hamilton, a rivalry game that in most seasons would be the feature attraction of the Labour Day weekend. But in a CFL that sometimes can mess up a good thing, the famed summer ending showdown will come a few weeks early this year, as the CFL has readjusted its Labour Day scheduling for this year only we're told (and if they have any idea of how to market their league it had best be for one year only).
The TiCats have had moderate success thus far, some impressive victories racked up during the first six weeks, tempered by a few non performances where the dark days of seasons past seem to haunt their efforts.
Still, there's nothing like a visit from Toronto to get the folks in Hamilton ready for some football, and Saturday evening's kick off to a CFL week seven ending double header should provide some fascinating side stories to the traditional smash mouth of an Argos-Cats matchup.
Add into the mix the debut of a new defensive co-ordinator, as Orlondo Steinauer seeks to do what the recently departed Chip Garber couldn't, motivate a lacklustre Toronto Defensive squad on to a more physical and successful effort through all four quarters of football.
It's not the Labour Day classic, but with the Argos desperate to get back into the win column and the Cats looking to emphasize that this season won't be like some of the past, it could be a pretty interesting sixty minutes of football.
Game Time 7:00 PM ET (4 PM PT)
Pre Game
Toronto Star-- Labour Day classic comes early this year
Toronto Sun-- Williams can't wait to get hands on Boyd
Hamilton Spectator-- It's not Labour Day - but it should be a classic
Globe and Mail-- Steinauer to make debut as Argos defensive co-ordinator versus Ticats
National Post-- Tiger-Cats looking to maximize 'ugency'
Canada.com-- Ticats determined to scuttle Boatmen
Quick Snaps Hamilton Tiger Cats
Quick Snaps Toronto Argonauts
Post Game
Toronto 32 at Hamilton 37
Attendance--24,347
Toronto Sun-- The Usual suspect for Argos
Toronto Star-- New defence fails the test as Argos sunk by Ticats 37-32
Globe and Mail-- Tiger-Cats slip past Argos
National Post-- Tiger-Cats outlast Argos in wild shootout
Hamilton Spectator-- Cats prevail to win a nailbiter
Canada.com-- Ticats win Battle of Ontario classic
Friday, August 12, 2011
CFL Gameday: Calgary at Saskatchewan (Friday, August 12, 2011)
It's been a long hot summer in the Riders camp (and that's not even stepping out into the sun), the defending Western representative in last years Grey Cup suddenly finding itself mentioned in the same breath as the lowly Toronto Argonauts and British Columbia Lions as opposed to it's Grey Cup opponent of last year the Montreal Alouettes.
Saskatchewan has struggled through July and now into August and Friday night offers little in the way of a gimme, as the Calgary Stampeders who have shown signs of getting back into their groove over the last few weeks arrive in town.
With the Eskimos struggling two weeks in a row now, the Stamps are quite aware that a share of first place in the West is theirs if they can take a win out of Mosaic Field tonight.
And the chances of doing just that are pretty good, as Calgary have been road warriors so far this year (more wins away from McMahon than while at it) and have started to get some spark into their offence, bad news for a Saskatchewan defensive corps that has struggled at times to contain their opponents.
Offensively, the Riders seem to be a tad lost, Darian Durant struggling to move his team down the field, his receivers seemingly pre-occupied at times, to the point that catching the ball has proven to be troublesome.
The Rider Nation, proud and vociferous must be starting to get a little bit frustrated with the home side, should the Riders lay another egg on Mosaic Field tonight, they most likely will hear first hand and close up some of that frustration.
Game Time 7:00 PM ST (6:00 PT, 9:00 ET)
Pre Game
Regina Leader Post-- Darian Durant and Greg Marshall must apply their stamp to the Riders
Globe and Mail-- Riders could face boos - from the home fans
Calgary Sun-- Chasing Kwong
Calgary Herald-- Stamps face 'trap game' with share of first on line
Canada.com-- Riders look to regain Mosaic Stadium magic
Quick Snaps Saskatchewan Roughriders
Quick Snaps Calgary Stampeders
Calgary 45 at Saskatchewan 35
Attendance-- 30,048
Post Game
Globe and Mail-- Stamps roll over Roughriders
National Post-- Stampeders win wild west shootout
Calgary Sun-- Stamps offence dominant
Calgary Herald-- Stamps manhandle Riders 45-35
Saskatchewan has struggled through July and now into August and Friday night offers little in the way of a gimme, as the Calgary Stampeders who have shown signs of getting back into their groove over the last few weeks arrive in town.
With the Eskimos struggling two weeks in a row now, the Stamps are quite aware that a share of first place in the West is theirs if they can take a win out of Mosaic Field tonight.
And the chances of doing just that are pretty good, as Calgary have been road warriors so far this year (more wins away from McMahon than while at it) and have started to get some spark into their offence, bad news for a Saskatchewan defensive corps that has struggled at times to contain their opponents.
Offensively, the Riders seem to be a tad lost, Darian Durant struggling to move his team down the field, his receivers seemingly pre-occupied at times, to the point that catching the ball has proven to be troublesome.
The Rider Nation, proud and vociferous must be starting to get a little bit frustrated with the home side, should the Riders lay another egg on Mosaic Field tonight, they most likely will hear first hand and close up some of that frustration.
Game Time 7:00 PM ST (6:00 PT, 9:00 ET)
Pre Game
Regina Leader Post-- Darian Durant and Greg Marshall must apply their stamp to the Riders
Globe and Mail-- Riders could face boos - from the home fans
Calgary Sun-- Chasing Kwong
Calgary Herald-- Stamps face 'trap game' with share of first on line
Canada.com-- Riders look to regain Mosaic Stadium magic
Quick Snaps Saskatchewan Roughriders
Quick Snaps Calgary Stampeders
Calgary 45 at Saskatchewan 35
Attendance-- 30,048
Post Game
Globe and Mail-- Stamps roll over Roughriders
National Post-- Stampeders win wild west shootout
Calgary Sun-- Stamps offence dominant
Calgary Herald-- Stamps manhandle Riders 45-35
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
CFL Gameday: Edmonton at Montreal (Thursday, August 11, 2011)
The debut game for week seven offers up the promise of some spectacular offence, as the Grey Cup champion Alouettes host the rising power of the west the Edmonton Eskimos at Molson Stadium.
The Eskimos who have found much of the early going of the 2011 season to their liking, suffered only their first loss of the season last week when they ran into perhaps the CFL's toughest defence in Winnipeg.
Their road trip continues on into Quebec this week, where the Alouettes who are back on a winning track after last weeks victory over Toronto will seek to continue on with their winning ways, a game which gives us two high power offences, that have shown no hesitation in the first six weeks to light up the scoreboard.
Edmonton enters the game with injury woes however, Fred Stamps who was on a pace to become a household name in Alberta is on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, leaving the Eskimo offensive coordinators to find some new targets for Ricky Ray who is having a rather impressive 2011 so far.
Likewise, Anthony Calvillo continues to add to his record collection seemingly on a weekly basis now, though the Eskimos no doubt will offer up the toughest challenge thus far for the CFL all star QB.
Of the four games this weekend, the opening act of week seven could be the must see event of the weekend.
You can check out the previews and reviews of Thursday's match below, as well as other items of note from the CFL.ca and other sources.
Game Time 7:30 ET (5:30 MT, 4:30 PT)
Pre Game
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos 'concerned' about Alouettes' explosive running back Whitaker
Edmonton Sun-- Homecoming for Esks' Duval
Globe and Mail-- For Eskimos, road trip doesn't get any easier
Canada.com-- Montreal Alouettes' Dahrran Diedrick thankful for opportunity, but could be doing more
Quick Snaps Montreal Alouettes
Quick Snaps Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton 4 at Montreal 27
Attendance-- 24,448
Edmonton Jounal-- Alouettes pound Eskimos 27-4
Edmonton Sun-- Als steamroll Eskimos
Canada.com-- Als defence finally displays dominance
Globe and Mail-- Alouettes romp past Eskimos
National Post-- Milestone night for Alouettes' Calvillo in romp over Eskimos
The Eskimos who have found much of the early going of the 2011 season to their liking, suffered only their first loss of the season last week when they ran into perhaps the CFL's toughest defence in Winnipeg.
Their road trip continues on into Quebec this week, where the Alouettes who are back on a winning track after last weeks victory over Toronto will seek to continue on with their winning ways, a game which gives us two high power offences, that have shown no hesitation in the first six weeks to light up the scoreboard.
Edmonton enters the game with injury woes however, Fred Stamps who was on a pace to become a household name in Alberta is on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, leaving the Eskimo offensive coordinators to find some new targets for Ricky Ray who is having a rather impressive 2011 so far.
Likewise, Anthony Calvillo continues to add to his record collection seemingly on a weekly basis now, though the Eskimos no doubt will offer up the toughest challenge thus far for the CFL all star QB.
Of the four games this weekend, the opening act of week seven could be the must see event of the weekend.
You can check out the previews and reviews of Thursday's match below, as well as other items of note from the CFL.ca and other sources.
Game Time 7:30 ET (5:30 MT, 4:30 PT)
Pre Game
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos 'concerned' about Alouettes' explosive running back Whitaker
Edmonton Sun-- Homecoming for Esks' Duval
Globe and Mail-- For Eskimos, road trip doesn't get any easier
Canada.com-- Montreal Alouettes' Dahrran Diedrick thankful for opportunity, but could be doing more
Quick Snaps Montreal Alouettes
Quick Snaps Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton 4 at Montreal 27
Attendance-- 24,448
Edmonton Jounal-- Alouettes pound Eskimos 27-4
Edmonton Sun-- Als steamroll Eskimos
Canada.com-- Als defence finally displays dominance
Globe and Mail-- Alouettes romp past Eskimos
National Post-- Milestone night for Alouettes' Calvillo in romp over Eskimos
CFL Regular Season: Week 7
The CFL has passed the one third mark of the regular season, six weeks that provided for a few surprises for followers of the CFL, the quick rise to the top of Edmonton and Winnipeg among the positives, the steep free fall of BC, Saskatchewan and Toronto the negatives.
As they review their performance after six weeks, a few teams have already made some changes, while others ponder what it is going to take to push their squads back into relevance for 2011.
Week seven offers up some tantalizing match ups for the CFL fan, with three days of action destined to continue to shake up the standings and offer yet more separation between those on the rise and those on the decline.
Links to previews and other information on all four games can be found below.
Thursday, August 11-- Edmonton 4 at Montreal 27 (A-- 24,448)
Friday, August 12-- Calgary 45 at Saskatchewa n 35 (A-- 30,048)
Saturday, August 13-- Toronto 32 at Hamilton 37 (A--24,347)
Saturday, August 13-- Winnipeg 30 at British Columbia 17 (A-- 24,131)
Twelve Men Prognostications: Predicted Winners
Edmonton
Calgary
Hamilton
Winnipeg
Weekly Record -- 3 - 4
Overall Record -- 14 - 28
As they review their performance after six weeks, a few teams have already made some changes, while others ponder what it is going to take to push their squads back into relevance for 2011.
Week seven offers up some tantalizing match ups for the CFL fan, with three days of action destined to continue to shake up the standings and offer yet more separation between those on the rise and those on the decline.
Links to previews and other information on all four games can be found below.
Thursday, August 11-- Edmonton 4 at Montreal 27 (A-- 24,448)
Friday, August 12-- Calgary 45 at Saskatchewa n 35 (A-- 30,048)
Saturday, August 13-- Toronto 32 at Hamilton 37 (A--24,347)
Saturday, August 13-- Winnipeg 30 at British Columbia 17 (A-- 24,131)
Twelve Men Prognostications: Predicted Winners
Edmonton
Calgary
Hamilton
Winnipeg
Weekly Record -- 3 - 4
Overall Record -- 14 - 28
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