CFL Game Day: Montreal at Saskatchewan (Week 17) October 20, 2012

With thank you cards mailed off to Winnipeg, the Alouettes, once again the champions of the east (thanks to the efforts of the Blue Bombers last night), can begin the process of resting up some of their key players for the Eastern Final.

Granted the next game of any real relevance for the Als won't take place until mid November, so they perhaps will wish to at least keep their players sharp with some play in parts of their upcoming games, but with the pressure off, the Als may not be as formidable force as had they been in a life and death struggle with the Argos.

That may be good news for the Riders, who still have their sights set on second place, the Stamps currently in their way will play later today, so Saskatchewan, should they collect a win over the Als at Mosaic today, can send their message to Calgary prior to kick off.

The Riders have been finding their mark in the latter stages of the season, as good a time as any to launch the climb in the CFL West, with Edmonton stumbling in BC last night, there's a chance to create some space for Saskatchewan with their Saturday afternoon game.

Someone in the West most likely seems destined to be crossing over to the East for the playoff run, a prospect that may actually be an easier path to the Grey Cup than the Western wars ahead, the only problem with that scenario is that backing into a playoff spot isn't as reassuring as moving forward, a win over Montreal today would go a long way in sending the Riders off towards the Western playoffs.

Game Time 1:30 PM, 10:30 AM, Mosaic Field, TSN

Montreal 34 at Saskatchewan 28 (32,003)

Pre Game

CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Riders look to lock up playoff berth this week vs. East-leading Alouettes
National Post-- Roughriders host the Alouettes with one eye on the playoffs
Montreal Gazette-- Als in Saskatchewan without London
Regina Leader Post-- Riders seeking another win to clinch playoff berth

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Saskatchewan Roughriders

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Review

National Post-- Alouettes offence comes out swinging in victory over Roughriders
Montreal Gazette-- Als play like winners in victory over Riders
Regina Leader Post-- Roughriders move into playoffs
Canada.com-- Ejected Als' Emry regrets putting team in bad light

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Edmonton (August 17)

The surprise of the season thus far would have to be the success of the Edmonton Eskimos, a team which had most CFL fans shaking their heads at over the summer, has quickly turned around some of the scepticism, thanks mainly to a strong defensive game and helped out by the continuing evolution of Steven Jyles game.

Jyles, who arrived in Edmonton as part of the Ricky Ray trade, hasn't quite made the home fans forget about Ray and his success with the Esks, but he's been plugging away, having good games and some bad ones, turnovers proving costly, perhaps a sign of a QB that was trying to do just a little bit too much in a bid to show his leadership.

Even those bad moments however have proven to be a team building experience, his famous fumble in the late minutes of the Bombers game a few weeks ago, became a rallying point for the Esks, something that has shown the confidence the players on the field have in Jyles.

To add to his offensive weapons, the Esks have added Cory Boyd picked up from the Argos after the Double Blue released him last week, though it will be a game time decision as to whether he takes to the field against the Als.

The Esks, currently in first place in the West (yes we know technically its a two way tie) take on the Montreal Alouettes on Friday Night Football, another measuring stick for the team following last weeks come from behind victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

That win in front of the largest crowd of the season in the CFL added to the Eskimos undefeated record this year at Commonwealth, a string they put on the line tonight.

The Als who are struggling to regain their usual form, will be looking to challenge the Eskimo defensive corps, a collection of players that have some impressive success this year so far.

Defence has been the stronger segment of the Eskimo game, scoring points against the Green and Gold defenders comes only after a lot of work and a lot of punishment. A fact borne out by the teams remarkable 99 points agains so far in 2012, far and away the best in the league for the season.

Montreal will be looking once again to Anthony Calvillo to put points on the board, something he's quite capable of doing, even in a year where he clearly hasn't been at his best. Still, when it comes to the Als and Calvillo, one should never count them out, the Als currently sporting a .500 record at 3 and 3, are always a dangerous team, one steeped in experience, which can overcome the hiccups that occur from time to time.

However, this has not been the kind of year that Als fans have become accustomed to, struggles in the first part of the season have made the Als more of a middle of the pack squad as opposed to the team that used to dominate the play.

Instead, it's the Eskimos that for now at least, appear to be the team to beat in 2012, something that we're pretty sure no one would have suggested at the Canada Day kick off.

Game Time  7 PM MT (6 PT, 9 ET) Commonwealth Stadium TSN

Montreal 38 at Edmonton 25 (32,760) 

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Acquisition of Boyd gives Edmonton options in the backfield
National Post-- Cory Boyd's Eskimos debut a 'game-time' decision
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos put perfect home record on the line against Als
Edmonton Sun-- Hard to forget for AC
Montreal Gazette-- Jyles showing hea has what it takes with Esks
Canada.com-- Injuries open opportunities

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Edmonton Eskimos

Post Game

CFL.ca--  Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Calvillo throws four TDs to lead Alouettes over Eskimos
National Post-- Alouettes dominate battle of offence in win over Eskimos
Edmonton Journal-- Calvillo directs Alouettes to convincing win over Eskimos
Edmonton Sun-- AC Current
Montreal Gazette-- Als explode against Eskimos

CFL Game Day: Saskatchewan at Edmonton (August 10)

The Riders and Eskimos bring week number seven to a conclusion, the second of the CFL's two games  in the final bye week for 2012.

Saskatchewan hoping to get back on track and find a way to finish off their games, the final quarter suddenly has become the tipping point for the Riders, where late game collapses provide the opportunity for the opposition to launch the comebacks that leave Rider fans shaking their heads.

Defensive mistakes for the most part have been the problem area in the last few weeks, something that wasn't a concern when the season began, the Riders fans no doubt are hoping that they have sorted out whatever it is that has provided such misfortune, which first led to the end of the thoughts of an undefeated season and more recently have become the thing of a trend, one that the Riders will want to end without delay.

For the Eskimos, a visit by the Riders is always good for a few extra seats sold at the box office and this year provides for a good measuring stick as to their progress in the rebuilding phase they have entered this year.

So far for the Green and Gold the season has been one of steps, a few forward, a few back, though the progress has been on a steady move upwards, dotted by more than a few moments where the old bad habits arise.

Ending the game changing turnovers is probably one of the priorities for Kavis Reed, on a few occasions this year so far the Eskimos have clutched defeat from victory, with an untimely error or turnover, making themselves at times their own worst enemies.

It will be instructive to see if the Eskimos took advantage of their bye week to try and refocus on the jobs at hand and how best to not offer up the other team the victory.

One thing however may be certain, judging by past games of late, points on the board may come infrequently, touchdown visits all but a rumour and with the kickers finding much to do.

Game Time 7:30 MT, 9:30 ET, 6:30 PT Commonwealth Stadium TSN

Saskatchewan 20 at Edmonton 28 (43,178)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Roughriders expected to divide kicking duties Friday against Eskimos
Edmonton Journal-- Roughriders look to rediscover form against Eskimos
Edmonton Sun-- One more time for Esks?
Regina Leader Post-- Riders facing tough defence
Canada.com-- J. C. Sherritt heart of Eskimos defence

Team Backgrounders

Saskatchewan Roughriders
Edmonton Eskimos 

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Eskimos top Roughriders to move into tie for division lead
National Post-- Steven Jyles leads Eskimos over the Riders
Edmonton Journal--Jyles gets redemption in Eskimos win over Saskatchewan
Edmonton Sun-- Esks win nail biter against Roughriders
Regina Leader Post-- Murray's mutterings from Friday's defeat

CFL Game Day: British Columbia at Toronto (August 6, 2012)

The long weekend comes to an end with the final of the week's two CFL matches showcasing the Lions and Argos, a chance to see if the Lions have indeed returned to their championship form after last weeks convincing victory over the Stamps.

For the home crowd, the wrap to week six will provide the Argos with another opportunity to put some distance between first place in the East and the pack, Toronto has been gaining confidence as each week moves forward in the CFL season, Ricky Ray in particular proving to be a difference maker in Double Blue as he finds his form with the Argos.

The visit by the Lions a very helpful measuring stick for head coach Scott Milanovich to see if his Argos improvement thus far is on track to battle the CFL's most rounded squad.

The Lions defensive play has been fairly strong all season so far, the offence taking a bit longer to shake off the rust of the off season, though the indications from last weekend in Calgary is that Travis Lulay may finally have sorted out the moving parts for the Lions offensive play.

With a bye week beckoning, both the Argos and Lions will be looking to head into their week off on a winning note.

Game Time 5 PM ET, 2 PT, Rogers Centre, TSN

British Columbia 18 at Toronto 9 (22,841)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Former Argos Shell and Parker both looking forward to homecoming
National Post-- Lions' Andrew Harris strives for sustained excellence
Toronto Sun-- Argos' Watkins a quick learner
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts match up well with Grey Cup champion B. C. Lions
Vancouver Province-- Jarious Jackson, late of the Lions, has a new take on former foe Ricky Ray..
Vancouver Sun-- Argos' comeback story inspires Lions Stanley Franks

Team Backgrounders

British Columbia Lions
Toronto Argonauts

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Backup QB Reilly guides Lions past Argos
National Post-- Inconsistent Argos devoured by Lions
Toronto Sun-- Lions get past Argos
Toronto Star--Toronto Argonauts fall to B. C. Lions 18-9 at Rogers Centre
Vancouver Province-- Lions roar past Argos in 18-9 win
Vancouver Sun-- Lions down Argos as Ernest Jackson steps up

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Winnipeg (August 3, 2012)

Winnipeg fans have yet to see their team lose at home, of course that's tempered by the facts that they've only played one home game thus far and that the Blue and Gold haven't won on the road, still if you're looking for positives on a rough start, undefeated at home has a nice ring to it.

Sure, the home season opener was a close call, if Steven Jyles hadn't fumbled the ball heading into the Bombers end of the field there's probably a good chance that last weeks result would be a little bit different, but, in November the only thing the fans will remember will be the Bombers victory, the Bombers no doubt hoping to add to the positive side of the ledger tonight when they take on the Alouettes.

The Bombers woes thus far have been pretty well documented, with starter Buck Pierce seemingly on the injury list in perpetuity, the offence has been handed over to Alex Brink who would seem to still be on a bit of a CFL learning curve in the role of a starter.

Tonight's game marks the third straight start for Brink, a spot which he may hold at least until September as Buck Pierce recovers from a troubled ankle, with each start he is gaining more confidence, though as the Winnipeg Free Press explains that's not something that seems to be a problem for the Oregonian, more importantly perhaps with each game he's giving his coaches and team mates more cause for confidence as well.

The Alouettes have had their struggles as well, though for the most part they have been competitive in their losses, though there are some signs that all is not well in Montreal for 2012.

The Als troubles are perhaps not quite as bad as those of their chosen air carrier for the week (a ten hour layover at Montreal Airport had the Als wondering if they would arrive in time for Friday's game), but there are a few things that have caused fans to take notice and fear that the glory days may finally have come to an end.

Beyond the obvious injured state of Anthony Calvillo, who is clearly not playing at 100 per cent, the Als have had some struggles in the early portion of the CFL season, holding a losing record for the first time since Marc Trestman came to town back in 2008.

Yet, Calvillo, Trestman and the rest of the Als still feel confident that the remainder of the season can be a positive experience for the Red, White and Bleu, finding improvement in all phases of their game with each passing week.

No panic in Montreal, as one would expect for a team that has been one of the most dominant of squads in the CFL over the last ten years. The Als will be calling on some of that confidence and past experience to keep pace with the front runners in the East through the summer and remain within striking distance as November approaches.

Game Time 7 PM CT, 8 ET, 5 PT CanadInn Stadium TSN

Montreal 36 at Winnipeg 26 (29,533)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Bombers seek their second win of the season when Alouettes visit
National Post-- Alouettes staying positive throughout early struggles
Winnipeg Free Press-- Winnipeg's Brink to make 3rd straight start as Bombers host Montreal
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers sans Turner against Als
Montreal Gazette-- Als must win despite jet lag

Team Backgrounders

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Montreal Alouettes

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Richardson's two touchdowns lead Alouettes over struggling Bombers
National Post-- Field goals make the difference in Alouettes win over Blue Bombers 
Winnipeg Sun-- Als beat Bombers 36-26
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers need help with basics
Montreal Gazette-- Als end two game losing streak

CFL Game Day: British Columbia at Calgary (July 28, 2012)

The first month of 2012 is starting to look a little bit familiar to the British Columbia Lions, a period of struggle where the wins aren't coming easily, in fact only once thus far since Canada Day.

If the pay off for these early struggles is the same as last year, then the Grey Cup champion Lions will probably take it, but still, winning a few games through the summer months is probably still high on coach Mike Benevides to do list.

Towards that goal the Lions head into Calgary tonight, taking on a beat up Calgary squad that has put its hopes into the hands of Kevin Glenn, who has taken over for the injured and now recuperating Drew Tate and will be in charge of the Stamps offence through the season now.

Glenn has been solid, though sporadic at times in his return to the marquee role for a CFL team, perhaps not unexpected for a back up now put in charge, though for the Stamps the confidence of having someone with Glenn's experience is probably a helpful thing as John Hufnagel tries to retool his team and move forward.

On the other side of that scrimmage line the Lions defence will be looking to have another solid effort, punishing the running game and causing havoc with any aerial plans the Stamps may have.

On offence the Lions will be looking to cut down on the turnovers, a challenge of the last few weeks that have done more to turn the tide of the game than anything else. The untimely mistakes have been taken advantage of the opposing squads with relish, the Stamps will be looking to add to the Lions misery as best they can.

The West has quickly become a division where the standings can change with every completion of the weekend, the Stamps and Lions but two points behind the Riders and Eskimos currently holding down the top spot in the division.

It could be a pattern that carries forward through until November,  though both teams probably are more inclined to take things one weekend at a time at the moment, so by the time game four on the weekend schedule comes to an end, one or the other is most likely hoping to have vaulted ahead of the other, with first perhaps still in their grasp.

Game Time 7 PM MT (9 ET, 6 PT) McMahon Stadium TSN


British Columbia 34 at Calgary 8 (27,968)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Lions-Stampeders game promises to go down to the wire
National Post-- Tad Kornegay adds new dimension to Stampeders
Calgary Sun-- Stampeders target talented QB Lulay
Calgary Herald-- Cornish gears up to grind out a greater ground game
Vancouver Province-- Patience key to Leos' success: Lulay
Vancouver Sun-- For Travis Lulay it's never over 'til it's over

Team Backgrounders

British Columbia Lions
Calgary Stampeders

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights


Globe and Mail-- Travis Lulay propels Lions to 34-8 romp of Stampeders
Calgary Sun-- Stampeders thrown to the Lions
Calgary Herald-- Stamps boss will work to find out what went wrong
Vancouver Province-- Lions dominate Stampeders, snap two-game skid
Vancouver Sun-- Lulay outstanding as Lions clobber Stampeders

CFL Game Day: Hamilton at Saskatchewan (July 28, 2012)

Saskatchewan is hoping for a bounce back game on Saturday, as they take to the field at Mosaic Field having surrendered their undefeated status last week in Calgary. The Riders who allowed the Stamps back into a game that they thought they had under control, learned a valuable lesson last Thursdays night, never let up, never take a win for granted.

The miscues that led to that collapse in Calgary no doubt were reviewed and re-emphasized by head coach Corey Chamblin and while losing their undefeated title for 2012 probably smarts, perhaps the greater goal of a long run into the Grey Cup in November will have been served by the loss.

Regardless, they had best shake off the last week's disappointment for they take on a Tiger Cat that it appears is starting to hit its stride.  Henry Burris had one of the best performances of the last few years against Montreal,  connecting with a wide cross section of his receivers for massive yardage.

Burris returns to Mosaic, a place he once was the marquee attraction at.  A lot of time has passed since he wore the Green and White and he's  no longer playing for the Riders rivals in Calgary, still a return to Regina for any player is always an interesting experience, never more so for the Cats who in addition to Burris bring former Rider Andy Fantuz back to familiar terrain.

It should be a very interesting experience for both on Saturday, as the large crowds of Mosaic provide a welcome to the one time Riders.

The Cats also bring some excitement with them on Special teams, a segment of the Ti Cat playbook that looks to be on track  the Cats Chris Williams rattling off yardage at a record clip. Williams as well learned a lesson last week, showboating is a costly thing to take on, especially when you are run down and hauled down before your showboating is completed, detracting from what would have been another remarkable run.

A lesson learned no doubt, after Williams felt the wrath of the Tiger Cat faithful for his miscue and we suspect he won't be doing that any more, having apologized not only to his own team and their fans, but to the Montreal Alouettes and their coach for his arrogance.

No doubt the Ti Cats will wish to return the favour of the Riders from week one, where Saskatchewan totally dominated the Cats in their home opener over the Canada Day weekend, that's a performance that we imagine is still fresh in their minds some four weeks later.

The one advantage of football is that each week offers up an opportunity to show if you have learned from your past, the result of Saturday's game will give us an idea which team has the better students.

Game Time-- 6 PM ET (2 ST, 3 PT) Mosaic Field TSN


Hamilton 35 at Saskatchewan 34 (32,898)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Andy Fantuz returns to Regina to face Roughrider fans
National Post-- Ticats' Andy Fantuz ready for anything in return to Saskatchewan
Hamilton Spectator-- Tiger-Cats, 'Riders take stock tonight
Toronto Sun-- Fantuz coming 'home'
Regina Leader Post-- Playing at home draws Brendon LaBatte, Andy Fantuz

Team Backgrounders

Hamilton Tiger Cats
Saskatchewan Roughriders

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Fantuz, Burris rally Tiger-Cats past Roughriders
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats enjoy great comeback win - that ain't no lie
Toronto Sun-- Ticats storm back to sack Riders
Regina Leader-Post-- Murray's mutterings and mumblings over Saturday's defeat

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Montreal (July 27,2012)

For Ricky Ray it won't be quite the same animosity that the Hamilton/Argos game brought to the field,  as that's a whole different world of nasty, still when Toronto meets Montreal there's always a little bit of extra interest in the event.

The football version of storied rivalry of the cities takes place tonight when the Argos take on the Als at Molson Stadium. A rivalry that Argo head coach Scott Milanovich now sees from the Double Blue side of the field, returning to the city where he found success in the Als most productive of eras, Milanovich will bring his squad into Montreal to play a struggling Als squad that is showing signs of slowing down while his Argos are revving up.

Two teams perhaps heading in different directions this year, the Argos on the rise with Ricky Ray taking the helm of the offence, providing for an aerial display that hasn't been seen in Toronto for a long time.

In Montreal, with Anthony Calvillo struggling with injuries in the early season there is the sense of a team in decline, the halcyon days of the last ten years starting to fade as the cold reality that it may be time to rebuild the perennial top dogs of the CFL east.

Calvillo when healthy is as dangerous a quarterback as there is in the CFL, his longevity at the position means that he's seen every situation and generally finds the right play at the right time to make the most of it all.

However, he has clearly been hobbled in the first four weeks, leading some to wonder if perhaps it's not time to have him sit out a few games to get fully healthy for the post Labour Day stretch. It's a decision that coach Marc Trestman hasn't seemingly found cause to make yet, but if the injury situation for the Als on field leader gets worse, then the Als will truly be in dire straits.

For Toronto, the genesis of a revival has been seen over the last few weeks, Ricky Ray has grown more comfortable with the collection of receivers he has to work with and he has used the running game to gain field position at key times.

While there have been a few setbacks along the way, the Argos are most likely quite happy with the progression rate of their offence as it tries to find its way in a new environment.

The only real concern of the Argos in the early going is the rather worrisome performance of the special teams which have at times allowed the opposition to gain massive yardage as well as timely game changing points.

That seems to be a work in progress for the Argos, so for now, it will be up to the defence to stop the opposing teams from scoring, while the offence will have to put up as many points as it takes to win.

How that all works out gets another shake on Friday night.

Game Time 7:30 ET, 4:30 PT Molson Stadium TSN


Toronto 23 at Montreal 20 (22,773)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Argonauts set course for East lead
National Post-- Three things: Argonauts vs. Alouettes
Toronto Sun-- Argos' Ray, Als' Calvillo following similar scripts
Toronto Star-- Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo braces for painful night against Toronto ...
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes' Brandon Whitaker chafes for carries

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Montreal Alouettes

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Argonauts hang on to edge Alouettes
National Post-- Argos' defence holds off Alouettes for tight victory
Toronto Sun-- Better late than never for Ray
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts edge Montreal Alouettes 23-20, take over first place..
Montreal Gazette-- After 23-20 loss to Argos, Alouettes desperately need a win

CFL Game Day: Edmonton at Winnipeg (July 26 2012)

When the Winnipeg Blue Bombers looked at the schedule for 2012, they no doubt had a very different vision as to how things were going to shape up heading into the last week of July.

The Bombers had heavily weighed their schedule for road games in the first month of the season, anticipating taking delivery of their new home in time for the home opener of tonight against the Edmonton Eskimos.

As things have turned out the Stadium isn't ready, still under construction as a matter of fact and some might say the same could be said about the Blue Bombers.

This has been a horrid start for the defending Eastern Champions, a team far removed from their Grey Cup appearance of last November.

Injuries of course have played a part, the never ending cycle of woe for Buck Pierce continues on into 2012, a string of injuries that have many wondering if he hasn't lost his starters job for good. If so, not many are sold it seems on Alex Brink being the one take the torch, Brink who has been pressed into service through July has struggled to generate offence, though head coach Paul LaPolice isn't going to be the one to throw him under the bus.

Larger issues for the Bombers loom, defensively they have given up too many points, while their offence of course has struggled to generate points on their side of the board.  Special teams have at times let the Blue down as well, a collection of troubles that needs to be addressed by the coaching staff quickly, lest the season go to ruin before Labour Day.

Of course in the CFL, you're only a few wins away from getting back into the thick of things, just ask the Grey Cup Champion Lions who started last year off with a terrible record, small comfort for LaPolice who has to try to turn it all around quickly, lest the Bomber faithful start to turn in their tickets to friends or charity.

The Eskimos arrive in River City feeling rejuvenated about their chances this season, a few ugly games at the start of the season have given way to some solid performances, the latest a hard earned victory over the Lions last week in Vancouver.

The Eskimos have taken advantage of their opportunities in the last few weeks, turnovers in their favour are usually turned into points and while Steven Jyles may not have won over all of the Eskimo followers, he's had enough success to quiet down the rumbles of discontent of early July.

The key to the Eskimos appears to be their head coach Kavis Reed, as level headed a CFL coach as we've seen in a long time, clearly not one to panic if things go wrong, he's being rewarded by his players with some strong play when they are going right.

They head into Winnipeg a confident bunch, perhaps bad news for the Bombers..

Game Time 7:30 CT, 8:30 ET, 5:30 PT CanadInn Stadium TSN

Edmonton 22 at Winnipeg 23 (29,553)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Injury woes continue to mount for Blue Bombers
Winnipeg Free Press-- No time for 'true, but useless' comparisons
Winnipeg Sun-- Jobs on line if Bombers lose to Esks
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos QB tries to smooth things over with opposing defender...
Edmonton Sun-- No love for Eskimos at CanadInns

Team Backgrounders

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Edmonton Eskimos

Post Game


CFL.ca -- Pressure Perfect: Bombers shut down Esks for first win
CFL.ca-- Video Review

Globe and Mail-- Bombers get first win of the season, down Eskimos in home opener
National Post-- Eskimos' Steven Jyles hands Blue Bombers their first win of the season
Winnipeg Free Press-- Blue bring home the bacon
Winnipeg Sun-- Blue Bombers blitz
Edmonton Journal-- Blue Bombers rally from 13 point deficit to beat Eskimos
Edmonton Sun-- Jyles shoulders blame for Eskimos late loss

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Hamilton (July 21, 2012)

The wrap up to week four provides for perhaps the closest of the match ups this week, as the Montreal Alouettes travel to Hamilton to take on the Tiger Cats.

The home side coming off the always character building experience of a game against the Argonauts (and for good measure a winning one) finally seems to be showing some of the promise that was anticipated in the off and pre season.

The offence was clicking with more regularity last week, the defence as it normally is when playing at home  (week one not with standing) was on mission, the Cats no doubt hoping that all carries forward to this weeks visit of the Als.

Montreal has apparently removed any concept of a lame duck coach this week with word that a lengthy extension of Marc Trestman's contract as head coach is in place (though he perhaps has an escape clause should a greener pasture beckon).  In the mean time the Als continue to just keep trucking along, Anthony Calvillo getting into a groove that as the Stampeders found out last week sometimes is best viewed in the last two minutes of a game.

There were troubling signs for Trestman in last weeks game, the Stampeders were clearly the better squad for the majority of 55 of the 60 minutes, but with the benefit of a few gifts from the Stamps, Anthony Calvillo once again had opportunity to show why he's perhaps one of the best at the two minute drill in the league.

Coming off a last minute victory as the Als have also builds confidence, so today's game should make for an entertaining affair, with two teams that may believe they have put some of their early season struggle behind them finally.

With two of the league's most storied QB's of the current era at the helm, offence should be a key feature of the evening's offerings, if there is to be an edge the Cats may have it from home field advantage and the usually reliable Ti Cat defence when playing at home.

In a week of surprising events, you never know what may happen but in preview at least, the Cats and Als are fairly equal and it should offer up a back and forth match that could very well take us to another two minute drill experience, the winner depending on who has the last touch of the ball.

Game Time 7 PM ET (4 PT) Ivor Wynne Stadium (TSN)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Ticat's Williams off to blazing start in second season
National Post-- Ticats' Chris Williams full of extra gears
Montreal Gazette-- Nine finger Anderson returns
Hamilton Spectator-- Hands on approach by Cortez can leave a mark sometime
Toronto Sun-- Chemistry lesson for Ticats

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Hamilton Tiger Cats

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Henry Burris leads Tiger-Cats past Alouettes
National Post-- Henry Burris, Ticats' offence teach Alouettes tough lesson
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes are worse than you think
Hamilton Spectator-- Williams electrifies again, even with a silly gaffe
Toronto Sun-- Ticats' Williams hot-dogs in Hamilton win

CFL Game Day: Edmonton at British Columbia (July 20, 2012)

Which Eskimos have made the trek across the Rockies in this week four, the Eskimos of last week's convincing 42-10 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, or the team from the week before that couldn't manage anything more than a single?

That is the question Edmonton fans will be wondering about as they settle in for TSN's Friday Night Football match up with the BC Lions.

The Eskimos quelled some of the growing unease in the Alberta capital with their timely victory over Winnipeg, the only point of concern perhaps that the victory was against a battered and clearly confused Bomber squad.

A more realistic test perhaps arrives tonight when the Eskimos play the Lions, BC still smarting from their three point loss to Saskatchewan last week, a loss that toppled them from the ranks of the undefeated.

Special teams proved to be their undoing last weekend and with a week to contemplate what could have been, Lions kick Paul McCallum has vowed to get his kicking game back on track.

The Eskimos will take on a defensive squad that enjoys making things uncomfortable for visiting quarterbacks, giving Kavis Reed something to work on as he tries to find the right game plan to take advantage of Stephen Jyles skill set.

Edmonton is still very much a work in progress, trying to come to terms with the off season changes and the impact that they have had on their execution and expectations.

One bright spot for coach Reed however is his defensive side, which has been tough and focused in the first three weeks of the season. A trait we imagine will continue as the Eskimos seek to make life difficult for Travis Lulay's offensive unit.

The Lions started the season off much like they finished 2011, last week's loss a helpful wake up call that in the CFL your fortunes can turn around quickly, not that they need any reminders on that fact, but a close loss such as last weeks can do wonders to help a team refocus on the little things that can be the difference between victory and defeat.

With Saskatchewan losing last night in Calgary, the West has tightened up significantly in the last 24 hours, a victory by either the Lions or the Eskimos will provide further congestion in the West standings and signal that no one team is destined to run away with the division just yet.


Game Time 7 PM PT (8 MT, 10 ET) BC Place (TSN)


Edmonton 27 at British Columbia 14 (28,335)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Lions kicker McCallum takes blame for misses, looks to rebound ...
National Post-- Lions bracing for Eskimos' tough defence
Edmonton Sun-- Eskimos 0-fer in revamped BC Place
Edmonton Journal-- Frustrated Stamps is still Esks' leading receiver
Vancouver Sun-- Players to watch, three themes to the game
Vancouver Province-- B. C. Lions' Paris Jackson ready to resume regular service

Team Backgrounders

Edmonton Eskimos
British Columbia Lions

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
CFL.ca-- Game Recap

Globe and Mail-- Eskimos gain share of first place in West with win over Lions
National Post-- Lions' costly mistake hands Eskimos key victory
Edmonton Sun-- Eskimos beat Lions at BC Place
Edmonton Journal-- Do-it-all Burnett leads Eskimos to big win over Lions
Vancouver Sun-- Big Play costly as Lions bow to Eskimos
Vancouver Province-- Eskimos win 27-14 as B. C. Lions offence goes missing

CFL Game Day: Saskatchewan at Calgary (July 19, 2012)

The undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders, perhaps still getting used to that title after last year's meltdown take their record across the line into Alberta tonight, looking to remain atop the pack of the CFL at the expense of the Calgary Stampeders.

The Riders, who have turned around last years misery rather nicely in the first three weeks will once again look to quarterback Darian Durant to keep the momentum moving, Durant has helped to banish those bad memories of 2011 with some impressive leadership on the field, leading drives, taking long runs across the prairie and most importantly putting points on the board when the opportunity arrives.

A combination that has provided for six points thus far in the standings and for the most part accounted for the Riders 83 total points on the scoreboard over those three games.

Combined with a defensive squad playing with renewed confidence and head coach Corey Chamblin is looking to be the toast of Saskatchewan if this keeps up through to November.

The only cloud on the horizon in Saskatchewan these days is the placement of Wide Receiver Rob Bagg on the injury list for nine games, which is sizable hole for a lengthy period of time, but one which coach Chamblin seems to be using as a teachable moment for his squad.

The Stamps on the other hand have struggled through the first three weeks, losing 2 of their three games and now looking to move forward through the year without starting quarterback Drew Tate. It was announced over the weekend that Tate, who was injured in the Montreal game will miss the majority of the season owing to the need for shoulder surgery,

And while they perhaps are a bit ahead of other teams in the backup department with Kevin Glenn, he is going to have to knuckle down and provide the kind of leadership that doesn't leave them on the wrong end of a scoreboard when they held the lead heading into the final moments.

Coach John Hufnagel must be a little concerned about where his QB situation is at in the short term after watching his team self destruct last week in Montreal, where the Als stormed back as Anthony Calvillo led the perfect last minute offence to not only control the clock, but put points on the board.

That was something that the Stamps couldn't seem to accomplish, nor on the defensive side were they able to prevent. Turnovers and miscues gave the Als the opportunity to reclaim what seemed lost, something that the Stamps must be aware of should they want to find progress in the 2012 season.

The Riders game tonight provides their toughest test yet in the early season, it showcases a determined and confident team coming into the home of one which is perhaps struggling to reinvent itself on the fly after but three weeks.  The kind of scenario that surely gives an edge to the visitors from the east, but should make for a most entertaining contest.

Game Time 7 PM MT 9 ET, 6 PT McMahon Stadium (TSN) 


Saskatchewan 38 at Calgary 41 (32,228)


Pre Game


CFL Video Preview


Globe and Mail-- Kevin Glenn ready to lead Stampeders against unbeaten Roughriders
National Post-- Explaining the Roughriders' dramatic turnaround
Calgary Sun-- Tidy up time for Stamps
Calgary Herald-- Stamps eager for  West Division litmus test
Regina Leader Post-- What's right with the Riders?

Team Backgrounders


Saskatchewan Roughriders
Calgary Stampeders

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Stampeders erase 17 point deficit to beat Roughriders in OT
National Post-- Stampeders storm back to top Riders in wild west shootout
Calgary Sun-- Wow! Stamps rally for late win
Calgary Herald-- Never say die Stamps beat Riders 41-38 in OT
Regina Leader Post-- Anatomy of a collapse

CFL Game Day: Winnipeg at Toronto (July 18 2012)

Winnipeg's season of woe continues on into week number four as the Blue Bombers, yet to record a win will travel to Toronto to take on the Toronto Argonauts, the Bombers most likely to be without the services of Buck Pierce who was injured last week, his back up Alex Brink also was knocked out of that game, but it seems that he's destined to be the starter tonight.

Winnipeg's troubles are starting to resonate across the city, with much discussion on the post game call in shows and other sports venues in the city as to what changes need to take place to salvage the season, this after but three weeks.

To give you an idea as to how the locals are feeling these days, radio station CJOB recently held an on air contest where the winner could pick up tickets to see Journey or seats to the Bombers home opener, it would seem that the fires still burn for Journey, maybe not so much for the Blue this season.

Such is the fate of a team that suffers losses out of the gate.

Then again, they do still have a sizable fan base fully engaged (slightly enraged at the moment) with the team, the Argos are still trying to rebuild their fan base and they will take another step towards that goal with their home date tonight.

Ricky Ray who has been passed the torch of Argo quarterbacks, is beginning to come into his own in Double Blue, his statistics have been rather impressive his receiving corps becoming more familiar and comfortable with his leadership skills on the field.

In fact, the Argos have been rather successful both on offence and defence, despite their record, it's been the special teams where they've been getting killed at untimely moments. For a review check out the Gibson's Player of the Week awards for week three and watch the Ti Cats Chris Williams run, run and run some more, obliterating the Argos special teams schemes with each gallop.

Should the Argos wish to make some noise in the run up to the 100th Grey Cup in their stadium, they will want to solve their Special Teams problems quickly, it's one thing to ask Ricky Ray to lead comebacks, it's another thing to hand over the points to the opposition without much of a contest.

Game Time 7:30 PM (4:30 PT) Rogers Centre (TSN)


Winnipeg 22 at Toronto 25 (22,485)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Argos wary of struggling Blue Bombers
National Post-- Frustrated Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce lands back on injury list
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Five key questions
Toronto Sun-- Argos game vs. Bombers is 'huge'
Winnipeg Free Press- New top banana auditions tonight
Winnipeg Sun-- Poor O line play pulling bombers down

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Winnipeg Blue Bombers


Post Game

CFL.ca -- Game Recap
CFL.ca -- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Ray's three TD passes rally Argos past injury plagued Blue Bomber
National Post-- Argos' late rally seals win over Blue Bombers
Toronto Star-- Argos beat Blue Bombers 25-22 in come from behind nail-biter
Toronto Sun-- Argos barely get by Bombers
Winnipeg Free Press-- Everything goes wrong as Bombers fall to Argos
Winnipeg Sun-- LaPolice says Brink starts at QB next week for Bombers