Solomon Elimimian

Nicole

Week 15 Picks

I have incessantly complained about the Riders’ offense for weeks on end.  So let’s look on the bright side – for at least a paragraph.

The Riders’ defense and special teams are scoring TDs in bunches.  In the Banjo Bowl, it was the defense scoring two TDs; last week, it was special teams running back two kicks for TDs.  Looking at the picture above, you can see that the Riders have 12 TDs scored by defense and special teams – only 3 off a CFL season record.  What is more intriguing, though, is the fact that those 12 TDs represent nearly half of the Riders’ total TD output.  That is the percentage – 44% – is the highest in CFL history.

Going back to the offense, Rider WR Naaman Roosevelt had some interesting comments earlier this week:

We definitely know we’ve got a talented offence and the ability to make plays and score touchdowns but for some reason, it’s just not happening. For us, it’s important for us to go out there and keep playing and keep working, staying after practice, talking to each other, communicating and trying to get stuff down. Eventually, we’ll break through.

I appreciate Roosevelt’s optimism, but I think the problem goes higher up than him.

This week we’re back to a full slate of four games.  The first one is going to get a lot of attention.

Montreal (3-9) at Winnipeg (5-7)

THANK YOU to Judy Owen of The Globe and Mail for writing a great piece about tomorrow night’s Whine-Off or Whine Bowl between He Who Shall Not Be Named and Winnipeg QB Matt Nichols.

She actually says both QBs have chips on their shoulders.  My question to that is: WHY?  They were both TERRIBLE the last time they played.  Both threw multiple interceptions.  Both were pulled – although one was for concussion protocol.  Each of them complained about it.  You get the picture.

Winnipeg is coming off a bye week.  Montreal lost last week to BC.  It’s a must-win game for Montreal if it wants to have any shot at the playoffs, and the same goes for Winnipeg, which now sits in last place in the West Division.

The pressure is on Winnipeg.  They’re playing at home, which is where they lost the Banjo Bowl in stunning fashion.  The fans aren’t afraid to boo if things aren’t going well, so the Bombers will want to get off to a fast start.  Luckily for them, they’re facing the worst team in the league.

PICK: Winnipeg by 12

Edmonton (7-5) at Ottawa (7-5)

Out of all of the offences in the league, it’s the Eskimos and the REDBLACKS that have the most ‘big play’ ability.  Last week, the REDBLACKS showed that in their win over the Riders, where a stalled offence got back into rhythm in a big way.  Each week the Eskimos have shown off their ability to score on big plays, relying on the skills of D’haquille Williams and Derel Walker at receiver.  Walker is currently out with a knee injury.

The big play ability presents a challenge for both team’s offences.  Neither is particularly strong against the pass, but Edmonton is quite susceptible to the run.  This means that the Eskimos are going to have to focus on REDBLACKS RB William Powell.  Powell lit up the Riders last week, and his work for the night included a 69 yard TD run.

Edmonton had a bye last week, and Ottawa won on the road against the Riders.  It was an important win for Ottawa not only in maintaining top spot in the East Division but in getting its offence back on track.  Edmonton needs to disrupt REDBLACKS QB Trevor Harris early and often, because when he gets in a rhythm, it’s tough to stop him.  The Riders failed to get at Harris last week.

But never, ever count out Mike Reilly.  He’s the X factor in this game and what makes it a toss up.  So…

PICK: Ottawa by 5

Saskatchewan (7-5) at Toronto (3-8)

Ooooo, that is some shade, Duron!  To be fair, though, he didn’t actually play much with Rider QBs Zach Collaros, Brandon Bridge, and David Watford this season.  He spent most of the first half of the season on defence.  And he had a pretty good year with Kevin Glenn last year.  Maybe he meant ‘Offensive Coordinator’ instead of ‘quarterback’?

This is a trap game for the Riders.  They should win this game.  By a lot.  But the Riders being the Riders, they will likely play down to the level of their opposition and make this game a lot tougher than it should be.

The Riders need to stop RB James Wilder Jr.  He’s had a fairly quiet season to this point.  I will lose it if his breakout game is against the Riders.  The Riders also need to be aware of the wily veteran, SJ Green.  He always has some circus catch when he’s playing the Riders.  Hopefully it’s in garbage time in the fourth quarter.

I have zero concerns about the Rider defence and special teams.  Zero.  My worries are about the offense.  The Riders should take advantage of this week to work on their passing game, as the Argos’ secondary is probably the least experienced group in the league.  Take it to ’em, Zach.

This is a game I should be able to sit back, relax, and watch without worry.  Yet the Riders always make me worry.  I’m hoping that last week’s loss was a bit of a swift kick in the arse.

PICK: Saskatchewan by 7

Hamilton (6-6) at BC (5-6)

I have mentioned this a couple of times in the past couple of weeks: the BC Lions’ defence has turned a corner.  DE Odell Willis is playing like he’s five years younger, and its front seven hasn’t missed a beat with the absence of all-star LB Solomon Elimimian.  They match up really well against Hamilton’s offence.

Hamilton continues to be a pinnacle of inconsistency.  Their turnover ratio is nearly dead last, and it’s turnovers that are keeping the Tiger-Cats from winning games.  I’m not a Tiger-Cats fan, but as someone who keep picking them, hoping they’ll get it together, it’s more than a little frustrating.

The Lions have a great home record this year, only losing to the Riders.  And that loss was only by 1 point. Plus, East Division teams that make the trek to BC don’t usually fare well.

With QB Travis Lulay out for at least four weeks after dislocating his shoulder on the second play in last game’s game, QB Jonathon Jennings gets another chance to try and reclaim the starting job he lost earlier this season.  He, too, has been very inconsistent over the past season and a half.

Obviously I want the Tiger-Cats to win, as it helps out the Riders.  But BC is on the upswing and the Tiger-Cats just seem to be treading water – especially with the number of injuries to their receivers.

PICK: BC by 4

Nicole

Week 6 Picks

I have no comment on this, except to say that I hope Milt Stegall is ready to come out of retirement.

(I do not know what #PAPERPLATES means.)

Let’s see what our Week 6 match ups are:

Saskatchewan (2-2) at Hamilton (2-2)

Welcome back to the ongoing saga of the 2018 Saskatchewan Roughriders!

What did the Riders do over the bye week?  Nothing, it seems.  Apparently nothing is wrong on offense, because Duron Carter is still starting at cornerback.  Only one offensive lineman is listed as a backup.  And yet we’re carrying eight defensive linemen and eight linebackers!

The Riders surprised the Tiger-Cats’ offense on July 5th.  I do not expect it to happen again.  And, based on the quote from Rider OL Brendon Labatte, I do not think the Rider offense is prepared.  Therefore, expect Hamilton to win this game.  By a lot.

PICK: Hamilton by 12

BC (2-2) at Ottawa (2-2)

I don’t understand why this is even a question.  The REDBLACKS are 2-2, and those two losses were to the Stampeders.  Yes, last week Trevor Harris had a terrible game, but that Calgary defense is something else.  It is just way too early in the season for this question.  Let’s see where the REDBLACKS sit after Week 9 and then we’ll talk.

That same question, though, could be asked of Jonathon Jennings of the BC Lions, who has been supplanted by Travis Lulay.

The Lions are coming off a high after their implausible comeback win against Winnipeg last week.  Their defense got going in the second half and their offense managed to put enough drives together to win.  Can they keep it going?

The big negatives for BC this week are the fact that star LB Solomon Elimimian is out because of wrist surgery – which will sideline him for up to eight weeks – and that RB Jeremiah Johnson is doubtful.  Johnson’s loss is not as critical since Chris Rainey is on the roster, but the loss of Elimimian – the leader of the BC defense – is a big blow.  Expect the REDBLACKS to attack the middle and not let up.

Ottawa has more to prove right now, especially since they were booed on their home field last week.  I think Ottawa’s defense is a bit better than Winnipeg’s, and its offense has explosive play-making ability.  While BC took an important step last week, with the injuries and Ottawa’s need to rebound, I don’t think they’ll be able to make it two in a row.

PICK: Ottawa by 4

Winnipeg (2-3) at Toronto (1-3)

I will argue that the Toronto Argonauts are better than their record shows.  They came within one point of beating Edmonton last week, and stifled Edmonton’s big play offense two weeks in a row.  They were humiliated by Calgary in Week 2, which was not all that unexpected, and also lost their opening game to the Riders.  But that was prior to losing QB Ricky Ray to a likely season-ending injury.  Since that time, the Argos have been better.

Why?  You could maybe argue that it’s because of QB James Franklin, but I’m not ready to concede that yet.

Winnipeg has been up and down through the first five weeks.  They lost QB Matt Nichols for the first three weeks, but still managed to beat Montreal 56-10.  The Blue Bombers narrowly lost to Edmonton the first week out – when there wasn’t any film on QB Chris Streveler – lost to Hamilton, tore BC apart in Week 4, and then lost to BC in Week 5 in a fairly humiliating loss.  They will be looking to get ahead early and not let up.

I think this game will be closer than people think, but Winnipeg should pull out the win at home.

PICK: Winnipeg by 4

Montreal (1-3) at Calgary (4-0)

If I was a betting person – and I am – I would bet that Stampeders QB Bo Levi Mitchell will not play on Friday.  His team is 4-0, they’re playing at home, and the Stamps’ defense nearly pitched a shutout last week.

Montreal is coming off a bye week where they released their left offensive left tackle, and that was about it.  QB Drew Willy will start again since QB Jeff Matthews is going to be out for four to six weeks.  But it won’t matter, because this Calgary defense is smothering.

The Stampeders should win this one fairly easily.  So why should you tune in and watch?  To see if Mike Sherman has trouble with his headset again.

PICK: Calgary by 9

Nicole

Jekyll and Hyde

The Canadian Press

You knew that Ed Hervey wasn’t going to be out of football for long.

Unceremoniously fired by the Edmonton Eskimos a mere two months before the beginning of the 2017 season, Hervey found a new home with the BC Lions after the Lions finished with a disappointing 7-11 record and in last place in the West Division.  Hervey was hired as the Lions’ GM when Head Coach Wally Buono stepped down after holding both jobs during the 2017 season.  While Buono announced that the 2018 CFL season would be his last as head coach, he still retains his VP of Football Operations title.  So the Head Coach reports to the GM, who reports to the VP of Football Operations, who is also the Head Coach.  This could be fun.

This not the first time this circular management has occurred in the CFL.  In 2011, Ken Miller was VP of Football Operations for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and was then reinstated as Head Coach following the firing of Greg “You haven’t heard the last of me!” Marshall.  Brendan Taman was the GM caught in the crossfire that season, and yet he outlasted both Miller and Marshall.

Hervey quickly made his mark on the Lions in free agency by focusing on the guys in the trenches.  His biggest signing was likely DE Odell Willis, who joins the Lions after a number of seasons with the Eskimos.  DT Euclid Cummings joins Willis on a revamped defensive line.  The Lions’ offensive line was a problem throughout 2017, so the signings of Chris Greaves, Joel Figeuora, and Jeremy Lewis were no doubt meant to bolster a weak part of the Lions’ roster.  The latter two linemen were with the Tiger-Cats and Alouettes, respectively, so how helpful they will be remains to be seen.

The Lions also added a number of free agents to their defensive backfield, with Otha Foster III and Gary Peters joining a group that was fairly green last year.  MLB Solomon Elimimian remains the heart of the Lions’ defence, although he’s lost his linebacker brother, Adam Bighill, to the NFL and then the Blue Bombers.

The Lions won’t be short of offensive weapons, with star receivers Emmanuel Arceneaux and Bryan Burnham and star running backs Jeremiah Johnson and Chris Rainey.  The question for the Lions is if QB Jonathon Jennings gain regain his 2016 form.

In 2016, Jennings was anointed the Lions’ starting quarterback, and he played like a seasoned pro.  He threw for over 5000 yards, threw 27 TDs compared to 15 interceptions, and he had a rushing average of 5.3 yards per carry.  He led the Lions to a 12-6 record and a come from behind victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West Semi-Final before being outclassed by the Calgary Stampeders in the West Final.

The 2017 version of Jonathon Jennings was a shadow of the 2016 version.

The 2017 CFL season saw Jennings throw for only 16 TDs while throwing 19 interceptions.  He missed three games with a shoulder injury early on in the season, which seemed to literally throw him off for the rest of the year.  His confidence seemed to disappear, and if not for a season-ending knee injury to backup Travis Lulay, you can’t help but wonder if Jennings might’ve been the backup by the end of the 2017.

This year, Jennings has Jarious Jackson to guide him.  The former Roughriders QB coach is now the Lions’ Offensive Coordinator.  Jackson has sort of come full circle, as he spent nearly all of his time in the CFL as a player with the Lions.

The Lions will be out to show that last year was an aberration, particularly Jennings.  And Buono will want to end his career on a high note.  The Lions could be fun to watch if Buono decides to go through with his pre-season plan to be “a little more reckless“.  Between Jennings’ desire to get back to his 2016 form and Buono’s last kick at the can, the Lions have a lot to prove.  This season, look for the Lions to play spoiler and be right in the mix in an ultra-competitive West Division.

Nicole

2016 CFL Season Preview: Part 3 of 4 – West Division

west_preview

It still irritates me that the Blue Bombers are in the West Division.

But that really has nothing to do with the topic at hand.

We’re here to discuss what should be a great race in the CFL’s West Division this year.  The Division’s bottom three teams last year, i.e. Winnipeg, B.C. and Saskatchewan, have all made moves that *should* make them more competitive, setting the stage for what could be an excellent playoff spot battle after Labour Day.

Continue reading

Nicole

Rider Report – Week 3: Riders in BC

kevin

THE RECORDS

Saskatchewan: 0-2 – Last in the West Division

BC: 0-1 – Tied for 2nd in the West Division

THE WEEK BEFORE

The Riders lost 42-40 to the Argos in double OT.  The REDBLACKS came back to drop the Lions 27-16.

THE STATS

*Note that the Lions have played one less game than the Riders.

The Riders lead all team offensive categories in the CFL, averaging 542 yards per game, with a net average of 538 yards per game.  This average is nearly 200 yards more than the next team.  The Riders are passing and rushing for an average of 381 and 161 yards per game, respectively. The Lions’ offence is 6th overall in the league, with only 254 passing yards and 59 rushing yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Riders are 5th in yards allowed per game (6th passing/6th rushing), while the Lions are 7th (5th passing/9th rushing).

THE STORY LINES

Both teams look for their first wins of the year after disappointing starts to the year.  The Lions got off to a good start in their opening game, but faltered in the 4th quarter, allowing the REDBLACKS to score two late TDs to win.  The Riders are 0-2 for the first time since 2011 (also known as the FAILED GREG MARSHALL EXPERIMENT), but have only lost both games by a combined total of 6 points.  However, the Riders have dug themselves a bit of a hole to begin the season, losing two games at home.  A win on the road would go a long way to helping them dig themselves out.

geooooooooooorge

A few notable players and coaches switched sides over the offseason.  Former Rider offensive coordinator George Cortez now has the same role with the Lions.  Rider PK Paul McCallum was released by the Lions just prior to training camp after playing for the team for nine years.  This will be McCallum’s first game back at BC Place since being released, and he comes in with a 100% field goal percentage.  Not too shabby.

THE MATCH-UPS

Quarterbacks: Kevin Glenn has put up spectacular numbers through the first two weeks of the season.  He’s 3rd in passing in the CFL, but he’s also played one less half than the two QBs in front of him and only trails the leading passer by 38 yards.  Travis Lulay played his first full game in nearly two years last week.  He looked a little rusty, and he seemed to be forcing the long throws.  This week will be a test as that shoulder gets two straight weeks of work.  Edge: Riders

Offensive lines: The Riders’ offensive line has been surprisingly strong thus far, allowing only 1 sack thus far, and letting KG do all of that passing.  The Lions’ offensive line, though, is full of Lions’ rookies; only one player on the Lions’ offensive line remains from last year’s group.  Edge: Riders

Receivers: Both teams heavily rely on their receivers for offence.  This is a big turnaround for the Riders, who have been known as a rush-first offence for the last couple of years.  BC’s receivers are more prototypical receivers – tall, strong and speedy – while Saskatchewan’s receivers are a lot smaller and rely a lot more on finesse and speed rather than height and power.  Nevertheless, the Riders have been lighting up opposing defences.  The jury is still out on the Lions’ receivers under the new offence run by George Cortez.  Edge: Riders

Defensive lines: The Riders’ defensive line has struggled to get pressure thus far this season, but the Lions haven’t had a lot of success either.  Edge: No one

Linebackers: The Lions have reigning MOP Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill in the middle.  The Riders are starting Jeff Knox Jr. and Jake Doughty, both of whom are only in their third and second CFL starts, respectively.  Edge: Lions by a lot

Secondaries: The Riders have a veteran secondary, but that secondary is having trouble adjusting to the new illegal contact rules.  Instead of playing a man-to-man defence, the Riders now play a type of zone defence that has more holes in it than Justin Trudeau’s election platform.  (Yeah, I was reaching there).  The Lions’ secondary is officially full of newbies as stalwart Ryan Phillips went down to injury last week.  Edge: Riders, but barely because they’re playing like rookies

Special Teams: As noted above, Paul McCallum returns to BC for the first time as a Rider since 2005.  Ray Early leads all punters in punting averages and has been a welcome addition to the Riders’ special teams.  The Riders’ special teams coverage has been solid.  The Lions are starting a rookie kicker who converted all of his field goals and converts last week; his punting, though, was a bit suspect.  The Lions also allowed a TD on a return, but lucky for them, it was negated by a penalty.  Edge: Riders

INTANGIBLES

For whatever reason, I think the Riders will want this game more.  But, the Riders also need to stop taking so many penalties  Edge: No one

Nicole

Week 3 Preview

If you are a Western Canadian, there is no doubt that you have made fun of Eastern Canada at some point.

If you haven’t, you’re clearly lying.

We all make fun of Toronto and its self-importance. When we think of Ottawa, we think of politicians and wasting money – not all that unlike how the city has managed to lose its football franchise twice at the expense of its fan base.

And everyone, including those who live there, wonders why anyone would voluntarily choose to live ‎in Hamilton.

We Westerners have thumbed our noses at Eastern Canada since time immemorial; it’s part of our birthright. And we have made fun of their feeble football teams for years.

It wasn’t that long ago that the Arblows and Kitty Cats were propped up by the league (although it was mostly the Western teams and David Braley propping them up because they were the ones that had money). And who knows when Ottawa will need saving again.

The Eastern football teams have generally sucked for the last decade, except for the Alouettes and a blip now and then by the Arblows. ‎The Kitty Cats were a complete joke, and the Bumblers were only there because neither division really wanted them. Plus, they fit in with the East’s losing ways.

east dudes

These days, though – and I admit that it is very early days yet – the East is becoming a more stable, exciting division with young QBs (minus Henry Booris), new stadiums and growing fan bases.

The proof? Last week, Eastern teams went 4-0 over their Western counterparts; ‎overall, the East is 5-1 against the West. If this continues, the balance of power in the CFL may shift East, and I have to admit that such a shift would likely benefit the league as a whole.

Regardless, it’s nice to have some parity in the CFL again.

‎Here’s a reminder of this week’s games:

week 3

And here are my thoughts on this week’s games:

  • OTTAWA @ EDMONTON: Normally, I would pick the Schmoes no matter what. But the RODBLACKS are 2-0, and the Schmoes haven’t won a game yet. The Schmoes will be without QB Broke Pierce Jr, (Mike Reilly)‎ for at least 10 weeks, if not the season, and they’d previously lost their starting running back. The Schmoes’ defence was also shredded by the Arblows in Week 1. But there is one important factor that should be taken into account: the Schmoes had a bye last week and have had ample time to prepare. Matty Ice (the Schmoes’ backup QB, Matt Nichols – nickname not mine) will have the reins and he should be all practiced up. Prediction: Edmonton by 5
  • MONTREAL @ WINNIPEG: Is The Rookie (Rakeem Cato) a one-game wonder? Is Free (Drew) Willy truly healthy enough to play? Like most games, this one comes down to the QBs. The Bumblers’ defence has had a rough start to the year, while Montreal’s stifled the Stumps in surprising fashion last week. Then again, Montreal looked très terrible in its opening game, and the Bumblers looked rather promising. Therefore, I declare that this game is a toss up. While my head is telling me that Montreal will win, my gut says that the Bumblers will finally win one at home this year. Prediction: Winnipeg by 3
  • SK @ BC: This is another tough game to pick. Both teams are winless. Both teams have strong receiving cores. Both teams have solid QBs. The main matchups, though, are on defence. Can the Riders’ secondary shut down Emmanuel Arcenaux et al? Can the Lions’ linebackers render Jerome Messam ineffective and stop the Riders’ passing game? All eyes will be on The Lion King (a Rod Black-ism), Solomon Elimimian, as he comes off an MOP season. This game might come down to which team is more desperate for a win, and right now I’d say it’s the Riders. Prediction: Riders by 4
  • TORONTO @ CALGARY: You’ve gotta think the Stumps are one ticked off team that will be more than ready to play on Monday after getting outplayed, outmanned and outgunned by the Als last week. The Arblows, on the other hand, have managed to win both of their games so far this season – and both were road games. The Arblows’ totally awesome and unnecessary road trip (sponsored by the ogres at ROGERS) continues this week, and you have to think that a third week on the road might make the team start to show a bit of wear and tear. Then again, the team might be motived by that whole ‘us against the world’ thing. Still, I think the Stumps will feel that they have something to prove after last week’s debacle. Prediction: Calgary by 7