Mark Stephen
CFL.ca
Yes, we may only be four games into a long and arduous CFL season. And, yes, there is time to recover from the many issues that may plague any team.
However, even though they currently sit at 2-1, the early-season alarm bells have started to ring in Calgary.
In those two wins, the offence has been inconsistent at best and with the wide array of veteran weapons at their disposal, so much more is expected from the Stampeders.
Quarterback Henry Burris has played like a middle-of-the-pack quarterback, having thrown four touchdown passes, but also four interceptions. Running back Joffrey Reynolds has churned up just 138 yards—far short of his traditional production.
While receiver Nik Lewis will need a few more passes thrown his way if he is to reach the 1,000-yard plateau for an eighth consecutive season.
Lewis is well aware of the razor thin margin of success the club has enjoyed this year.
“We could be 0-3, it could be a lot worse,” cautioned Lewis.
“We’ve always started slow around here and we’ll hit our stride and be alright.”
A glance at the record book backs up Lewis’ claim. Both wins were achieved when opposing kickers missed late game-winning field goal attempts, while the combined margin of victory in those two games was a mere three points.
The last time the Stampeders won consecutive squeakers by that narrow of a margin, was sixty-three years ago when they won back-to-back games over Saskatchewan during the 1948 season by a combined two points.
Lewis also points out that the Stampeders offence is not the exact group that put up a dazzling 626 points on the board last year.
“So many things have changed from the offensive line to our receivers,” noted Lewis who recently moved past Tom Forzani into second place on the Stampeders career receiving list.
“But once we get it together, we’ll be okay.”
Lewis is accurate when he points out the Stamps’ pattern of change. The team will be forced to make a move at receiver this week, as veteran Arjei Franklin suffered several broken ribs in the July 14 Winnipeg game, and has been placed on the nine-game injured list.
That development clears the way for Jabari Arthur to make his 2011 debut. Arthur has been battling a hamstring injury.
“A hamstring is a tricky one,” said Arthur, a former first round choice.
“So you have to be very careful with it. I’m just taking it day-by-day and am feeling confident about this weekend.”
This weekend will feature the arrival of the Edmonton Eskimos to McMahon Stadium. If there was ever a team filled with motivation, it is the Eskimos. Last Aug. 15 they arrived at McMahon Stadium and were absolutely demolished 56-15.
That Calgary win was the largest win over an Edmonton team in the long, storied rivalry between the teams. The 41-point margin of victory stayed in the record books until the Eskimos next visit on Sept. 5.
The Stamps proceeded to pound the Eskimos 52-5. A quick series of calculations shows the Stampeders won the two games by a combined total of 88 points.
Losing is one thing, humiliation is another. And it is safe to say the Eskimos don’t handle humiliation very well.
No one is even contemplating such a mammoth gap when the two teams meet Saturday afternoon. But the Stampeders have to put forth a more polished offensive effort.
Head coach John Hufnagel commented this week that his patience is beginning to run thin with his offence’s erratic effort.
Time for panic in Calgary? Not really. Time for concern? Absolutely.
