By Greg Frers,
CFL.ca
Hamilton (0-3) @ Montreal (2-0)
It doesn’t get any easier for the Ticats this week as they fly to Montreal to take on the only undefeated team in the CFL, the Alouettes. With high expectations based on aggressive off-season acquisitions, the losses experienced by Hamilton are creating a negative atmosphere that will be extremely difficult for the Cats to claw out of. Hamilton is playing not to fail, rather than expecting success. Quarterback Jason Maas is still struggling to acquire a level of confidence needed to make offensive coordinator Joe Paopao’s offence work. The return of kick returner Corey Holmes could create a spark this week, especially after a very poor outing for Holmes the last time these two teams met. Montreal is coming off its bye week so they will be rested, however, it is not uncommon for a team to be flat after time off. Although receiver Terrence Edwards will not play, Calvillo and the Als will present the Ticats with a real offensive challenge. If Hamilton can keep from shooting themselves in the foot with dumb penalties and costly turnovers, they may have a shot at getting their first win. Oh ya, make some field goals.
BC (2-1) @ Edmonton (1-2)
Big news this week as Danny Maciocia swallowed his pride and re-signed three-time defensive player of the year Joe Montford. The biggest concern for the Eskimos over the first three weeks of the season has been their inability to get pressure on the quarterback and their inability to stop the run. The return of Montford will not only spark some pressure on the opposition’s QB, but inject some much needed leadership in their front seven. Edmonton is conceding on average 136 yards rushing per game – more than the Toronto Argonauts – wow. Edmonton has a lot to prove on defence this week and look for the Eskimos to come out of the gate with a vengeance. Last week, fans were able to see the value that QB Dave Dickenson presents for the B.C. Lions. Although, Dave will need to be monitored, the swelling on his knee looks to be manageable and look for back-up Buck Pierce to retain his No. 2 role as Jarious Jackson has been largely ineffective thus far with his playing time.
Winnipeg (2-1) @ Toronto (1-2)
The Bombers answered the bell and their critics last week as they embarrassed the defending Grey Cup champs 46-10. It looks like quarterback Kevin Glenn has finally gained confidence in head coach Doug Berry’s offence. It was nice to see the improvement of their offensive line as they did not commit one penalty nor concede one sack. It was also nice to see Chris Brazzell step up and establish himself as another offensive weapon other than Milt Stegall and Charles Roberts. Stegall and company will need to play a full 60 minutes if they plan on pulling this game out against the Boatmen. Kent Austin is getting sick and tired of answering challenges by the media on why he is not calling running back Ricky Williams number more. Can I say that I am sick and tired of all the hype around Williams as well? With a beat up offensive line and the way that the Bomber defence is shutting down the rushing attack, I wouldn’t anticipate Williams stealing any headlines this week. The offensive weapons that will hurt Winnipeg the most will be Miles, Bruce and Baker.
Calgary (2-1) @ Saskatchewan (1-1)
The Stampeders have a ton of talent and yet it looks like they will need the entire season to mature into a contender. Having talent is great but being a consistent performer is what it will take to push this team to the next level. This game will rest on the shoulders of quarterback Henry Burris and often his shoulders have not been able to handle the weight. With gusty winds at Mosaic Field and a Roughrider front that is tough against the run, Hank will be forced to put together 10-play drives for points – not good for a guy who has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. Burris has been on the cusp of being an elite quarterback in the CFL for some time and now is his time to step up. The mood in Regina has been strong after beating the B.C. Lions and then heading into their bye week. The Rider defence is looking real strong and Regina is a tough place to grab victories. I believe that quarterback Kerry Joseph is a much better quarterback and poses more of a threat to defences when he is mobile. The difference in Joseph from Week 1 to Week 2 was that he moved the pocket and he was able to rush for key first downs. Dominquez and Armstead will need to be very active against a confusing zone blitz defensive package and Dominique Dorsey will need to win the battle of field position if the Green and White want to continue to show they are for real in 2006.
Greg Frers played 10 seasons in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and B.C. Lions and has been a panelist on the CFL on CBC since 2003.
(The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of the Canadian Football League)
