By: Justin Boone
jboone@ticats.ca
Protecting The Pocket
Late last week, B.C. came to terms on a new contract with offensive lineman Kelly Bates, another smart move, by a franchise that has made a living on wise football decisions. Unfortunately, signing your guard to a two-year deal rarely tops the morning headlines, even if he is a CFL all-star.
Throw money at your skill positions, and watch a frenzy ensue. Hand those same dollars to one of the giants on your front line and be prepared for a yawn… if you’re lucky. So why no love for the men in charge of moving your running back downfield and keeping your quarterbacks jersey clean?
Ask any offensive coordinator and they’ll tell you that every loonie put towards your O-line is money well spent, cause if your wall of blockers is made of anything less than bricks, you’re going to be hanging out on your side of the 55 for the majority of the game.
Bates is only one example of the importance that front office types put into locking up their linemen. Perhaps the best case in recent history comes from the NFL, and guard Steve Hutchinson. As a member of the Seattle Seahawks, he combined with left tackle Walter Jones to form one of the most powerful lines in the league. Behind them, tailback Shaun Alexander won the MVP award, breaking the regular season touchdown record and winning the rushing title. When Hutchinson signed with the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle’s rushing game left with him. Oddly enough, Minny’s rookie back Adrian Peterson set the single game rushing record this past season.
That noise you hear is Blue Bombers guard Matthew Sheridan celebrating. As arguably the best interior lineman remaining on the CFL’s free agent market this season, his agent will be making this very case to help Sheridan cash in wherever he ends up.
Don’t expect that destination to be Hamilton though, since the Tabbies have one of the strongest collections of talent in between the tackles. Marwan Hage was an all-star at centre last year, while Cedric Gagne-Marcoux and Peter Dyakowski played extremely well in their rookie seasons. George Hudson joined the group part way through the year, battling back from injury to step back into the lineup. You can always upgrade, but those four contributed to a league leading 6.2 yards per rushing attempt.
So congrats to Kelly Bates, for getting a contract he deserves. Now it’s time to work on the endorsement deals.
Easier Said Than Done
(Quote of the Week)
“I was going to too many funerals of people that really had been a part of my life. I stepped back and thought, ‘You have to go back to doing what you enjoy doing.’ I enjoy football.”
“I don’t have the responsibility I had in Saskatchewan. That’s the big difference. I don’t have to worry about budgets and a board of directors and things of that nature. I don’t have to worry about obscene phone calls or anything like that.’”
The always-quotable Roy Shivers discussing his new/old position as the B.C. Lions director of player personnel. It was no secret that Shivers would be rejoining the Lions, but the move became official this week. He spent seven seasons in B.C.’s front office from 1983-1990.
In Case You Blinked
(News from the Week)
Despite his lengthy injury history, free agent quarterback Dave Dickenson is looking to extend his CFL career into 2008. Reports have the Argos offering him a contract, but Winnipeg, Calgary and Montreal are apparently also interested.
