By: Justin Boone
jboone@ticats.ca
CFL Unsolved Mysteries
Can the rookie coaches continue to be successful over the long-term?
Four first-year CFL coaches, and four wins in Week One. Mark Trestman (Als), John Hufnagel (Stamps), Ken Miller (Riders), and Rich Stubler (Argos) all celebrated after their debuts. Trestman relied on veteran quarterback Anthony Calvillo, Hufnagel watched as Henry Burris led a powerful Calgary offence, Miller had a solid all-around effort from his club, and Stubler’s defence bailed him out from a sloppy game. But while they may be the toast of their towns today, who knows what next week will hold, let alone a full 18-game schedule.
Will QB Buck Pierce be able to stay healthy enough to get through the majority of a CFL season and into the playoffs?
After last week, you might think this is an open and shut case, because Pierce wasn’t even able to make it through the first game. However, he is expected to play in Week Two and you can rest assured that B.C.’s offensive line won’t allow four sacks per game all season long. Pierce, who has spent more time in the trainer’s room than his bedroom over his four CFL seasons, needs to prove to Lions fans that he can play through pain and avoid the crushing hits that have knocked him out of action in the past.
How many former NFLers can the Argos cram onto their roster?
The Boatmen might as well have a ship ready at the border ready to set sail with NFL castoffs. That’s not to say that all eight teams don’t welcome ex-players from their American counterpart, but Toronto seems to have an affinity for them. From recent additions like WR Bethel Johnson, DB Willie Middlebrooks, RB Jamal Robertson, or WR Johnnie Morant, to veterans like QB Michael Bishop and second-time Argo K/P Mike Vanderjagt, and even injured WR David Boston, the double blue have made a living off finding former NFLers. We all remember Andre “Bad Moon” Rison. Sadly for Toronto, not all their NFL experiments end up working out for the best.
When will the Ticats get back to their winning ways?
If you took in the Ticats game last week, you were likely as surprised as I was to see the team come out so flat. There were moments where it looked like they may start cooking with fire, but they were few and far between. The sense of bewilderment that was shared amongst most of the members of TigerTown carried over the weekend, as the vibe of many of the people I spoke to and received e-mails from was as if doomsday had hit Ivor Wynne Stadium. Just as you can’t crown one of those rookie coaches the coach of the year after a single game, you can’t judge a Tiger-Cat by one contest either. Expect a much better performance from the Tabbies in Toronto, Thursday night.
Ins and Outs
(Storylines from around the CFL)
In the Saddle – Ten days after signing WR Ken-Yon Rambo to a new contract, Calgary reaped the benefits as he torched B.C.’s secondary for 136 yards and a touchdown. The Stampders offence was in full force as RB Joffrey Reynolds poured in 125 yards of his own on the ground. Perhaps the most impressive feat was that it came against a veteran Lions defence, who coming into the game many thought would knock Henry Burris off his high horse.
Out of the Blue – Just prior to the start of training camp, the Argos brought back K/P Mike Vanderjagt and parted ways with one of the league’s best in K/P Noel Prefontaine. the move may work out in the long run, but I wonder how Toronto feels after game one, when Vanderjagt missed his first three field goal attempts, ending the game 2/5, while Prefontaine went 4/5 with a 54-yarder. The saving grace for the Boatmen is that they emerged with a victory, while their former kicker watched his team fall to the defending champs.
In the Pipeline – Speaking of the men who hoisted the Grey Cup a year ago, it’s a case of the rich getting richer as 2008 first round draft pick DL Keith Shologan signed with the Roughriders this week. The Central Florida product went fourth overall, but tried his hand with the San Diego Chargers before being released two weeks ago. He was in practice yesterday after agreeing to a three-year deal, plus an option.
Out of the Gate Running – On a weekend that saw 2007 Most Outstanding Player Kerry Joseph go 9 of 17 for 73 yards and no scores, his replacement in Saskatchewan, Marcus Crandell, played slightly better. The 34-year-old threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns including a big strike to rookie receiver Adarius Bowman for 73 yards. It’s only week one, but that was a heck of way to answer the bell.
Easier Said Than Done
(Quote of the Week)
“He’s a second-string (QB). I don’t think he’s a starter.”
Edmonton DE Fred Perry speaking about his former teammate QB Marcus Crandell, who has taken the reigns of the offence over in Saskatchewan. Heading into the match-up with his old club, Perry wasn’t shy about his feelings towards Crandell as the Riders new starter. Unfortunately for Perry, Crandell wasn’t shy about throwing the ball all over the Esks’defence.
Follow The Leader
(Leaders from CFL and the Ticats)
CFL Rushing – CGY Joffrey Reynolds– 23 carries, 125 yards
Ticats Rushing – HAM Tre Smith – 2 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD
CFL Passing – WPG Kevin Glenn – 32/48, 321 yards
Ticats Passing – HAM Casey Printers – 15/21, 203 yards
CFL Receiving – CGY Ken-Yon Rambo – 8 receptions, 136 yards, 1 TD
Ticats Receiving – HAM Scott Mitchell – 5 receptions, 72 yards
CFL Tackling – HAM Markeith Knowlton – 14 Tackles
Ticats Tackling – HAM Markeith Knowlton – 14 Tackles
CFL Interceptions – SSK James Johnson – 2 INTs
Ticats Interceptions – N/A
CFL Sacks – 14 Players Tied –1 Sack
Ticats Sacks – HAM Nautyn McKay-Loescher, HAM Darrell Adams – 1 Sack
Let me know your thoughts on the week by sending your e-mails, comments, or questions to jboone@ticats.ca
