Jack B. Bedell
CFL.ca
Okay, I’ll admit it. I enjoy every bit of the CFL season. But nothing compares to the energy and intensity of the playoffs for me.
As big a leap as the intensity meter makes from pre-season to regular season, it goes up to quantum proportions once the playoffs arrive. Some teams respond well to the pressure, some don’t. So it’s always interesting to watch the games play out.
Last weekend, I was sure home field and weather would both play huge roles in the outcomes of the games. Sure enough, there were rabid fans and biting winds in Winnipeg and Regina. In both cases, though, the visiting teams came away with wins.
In Winnipeg, 40 of the 50 points scored were with the wind. Add to that amazing stat the fact that seven of the points coming against the wind came from a Jason Armstead punt return TD, and it’s clear to see how big of an effect weather had on the tilt.
Edmonton’s ability to generate pressure on Kevin Glenn and force turnovers on defence really swung the game, and kept the Bombers’ offence out of sync all day, and the Winnipeg crowd out of the game for the most part.
Ricky Ray utilized his backs on swing passes out of the backfield, and the Bombers simply had no answer for the strategy. Throughout the game, Ray was able to deal with the elements and move the ball to put points on the board. Kevin Glenn could not reciprocate.
In Regina, turnovers doomed the home team. Michael Bishop’s three interceptions and fumble tilted the field B.C.’s way. And even with the Riders’ D limiting the damage on the scoreboard, it was simply too big an advantage to give the Lions; home field advantage notwithstanding.
The most impressive aspect of the Lions’ victory for me had to be how effectively B.C. shut down Wes Cates. Once the Riders were forced to be one-dimensional, the onus shifted to Bishop, and he just wasn’t up to the task of carrying his team.
Two great games, two road-dog wins. I couldn’t be more excited to see how it all translates into momentum for this weekend’s divisional finals.
RWB’S SEMI-FINAL HEROES
1) Ricky Ray—303 yards passing into a nasty win, the definition of composure
2) Fred Perry—five tackles and a pick six, a monster day
3) Kelly Campbell—111 yards on five catches, just too quick for the Bombers to cover
4) Brandon Guillory—five tackles and two sacks, the kid’s a beast
5) Stefan Logan—153 yards on 18 carries, the Riders didn’t have time to blink when he had the ball
6) Aaron Hunt—six tackles and a sack, camped out in the Riders’ backfield
7) Ryan Phillips—picked off Michael Bishop twice, so sticky he could have had more
RWB’s S SEMI-FINAL GOATS
1) Michael Bishop—14 of 27 for 172 yards, three picks and a fumble, so brutal it cost him a job
2) Riders’ Running Game—on a day when leaning on Wes Cates early would’ve settled Saskatchewan down, Ground Green had nothing.
3) Whoever Had the Long Hook on Bishop—pull him after one quarter and the game gets closer instantly
4) Kevin Glenn—15 of 34 for 233 yards just won’t get it when you’re dueling Ray
5) Bombers’ Linebackers—After the tenth pass completion to a back on a flare pattern, you’d think someone could’ve gotten a body out there
6) Alexis Serna—any miss erodes a team’s confidence, especially in the playoffs
7) Edmonton’s Punt Coverage—Jason Armstead was close to breaking one all day, and then he did
HOW THE FINALS WILL GO DOWN
East
It seems very strange to be breaking down a post-season game between the Edmonton Eskimos and the Montreal Alouettes that’s not a Grey Cup match, but that’s exactly what we’re staring down this weekend. Each team pulled off a home blowout against the other this season. Neither of those games is an accurate barometer for this week’s tilt, though. Look for the Als to move the ball well on Edmonton’s D, especially on gashing runs by Avon Cobourne. And the Als’ front seven will get more pressure on Ricky Ray than Winnipeg got, enough to make the difference in fact.
West
B.C. pulled off a gutsy, impressive win in a hostile environment last week going into Mosaic Stadium and coming out with the victory. For their efforts, they’ll get a trip to McMahon Stadium to face the Stamps. Calgary should be rested and ready to shake off the ghosts of playoffs past. The Stamps’ improved defence should keep Buck Pierce and company off balance enough to give Henry Burris his best chance at leading his team to the championship since he’s worn red.
FINAL PREDICTIONS DOOMED TO GO WRONG
Logic’s gotten me nowhere this season, so I’m going with my gut again in the finals. The belly says it’s a Calgary/Montreal Grey Cup.
UP NEXT
I’ll be writing next week’s column from the air en route to Montreal for the Grey Cup. Check back to get my take on how the East and West finals shake out, and to see how my trip up north’s going.
I’ll also be filing a daily column for CFL.ca once I get to Montreal, so be sure to check it out.
Until then, take care. See you at the Big O!
Jack B. Bedell is a Professor of English at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana and has followed the CFL for nearly three decades.
