Mark Stephen
CFL.ca
Are the Calgary Stampeders pre-occupied with the Saskatchewan Roughriders? Or are they pre-occupied with the Calgary Stampeders? Given the Stampeders’ roller-coaster start, you have to assume that they are focused on making sure they have their proper game in order.
“We have high standards for ourselves, real high standards,” noted veteran receiver Ken Yon Rambo, “Once the horses get going they won’t stop but right now they’re bumpy.”
However, there are some signs of optimism in the fact that the Stamps’ offence showed signs of breaking out during their last game against Edmonton. Despite the loss, Calgary racked up 479 offensive yards and won the possession battle.
What’s lacking most is finish. Whether it is scoring touchdowns or field goals, the Stampeders are not capitalizing on their improving opportunities.
“We just have to get everyone going and clicking at the same time,” added Rambo,
“That goes from offensive line right through the receivers. Once we get that going-which will be ASAP-the sky is going to be the limit.”
Rambo has made his contributions to date with 19 catches for 188 yards – both good enough for second on the team.
Part of the finishing issue deals with the ups and downs of rookie place kicker Rene Paredes.
Making his home debut against the Eskimos last week, he was good on just one of his three field goal attempts. Given the narrow margin of Edmonton’s victory, it is easy to see the difference those kicks would have made to the final outcome.
The best illustration of the Stamps’ challenges and successes comes with a glance at the league statistics. Calgary is third in yards gained per game, yet sixth in points. It’s clear that they are moving the ball but not scoring enough on those opportunities.
Whatever internal issues they may have, the Saskatchewan Roughriders aren’t really worried about them.
Once the Stamps turn their attention to the Green Riders, they’ll realize they will be facing a team that has eliminated in each of the last four times they were eliminated from the post-season. Is there some revenge in mind against the Stampeders top rival?
“Nah, I’m not dwelling on the past,” said defensive lineman Charleston Hughes. “They have a new team, we have a new team so that’s the past.”
Hughes may not be glancing in the record books, but it is a safe bet some of his teammates are.
The 2010 West Final loss in Calgary stung the team and has provided fuel for the 2011 season. Compound that loss with the 2009 West Final loss in Regina and semi-final losses in 2006 and 2007, and you can see a developing trend here.
The Stampeders know and respect the Roughriders.
The Stamps will head to Regina without one of their top defensive performers. Middle linebacker Juwan Simpson will miss the game with a knee injury. Another big bruiser, Robert McCune, will take over that spot for the next couple of weeks.
The Stamps and Roughriders will be seeing plenty of each other in 2011. They will meet four times throughout the season, including two meetings in thirteen days in Regina.
