Dave Campbell
CFL.ca
When things go bad at your job, some time away can prove to be a good tonic. If you’re a professional football team who couldn’t seem to do anything wrong for five weeks and then all of the sudden resembles the modern day version of the Keystone Cops, a break can go one of two ways.
First, you might be happy to get away and forget about a three game losing streak – the horrific tale of the tape is coming shortly; you might want to sit down.
Secondly, you might be stewing over the loss during the time-off, running the risk of driving your wife, kids and family crazy.
Quarterback Ricky Ray says the bye week came at the right time, especially when you consider the number of injuries the club is dealing with right now.
“I think it came at a good time for us, just where we’re at as a football team,” Ray said. “We had a lot of injuries heading into the bye week. Guys got another week to heal up and mentally, too.”
“Physically you’re beat up all year long, but mentally it gives you the chance to refresh your batteries and get ready for the second half of the season.”
The CFL’s second half officially begins on Labour Day as the Eskimos will play the Calgary Stampeders in their traditional Monday afternoon matchup from McMahon Stadium.
The Eskimos current three game losing streak has produced some very ugly numbers (now it’s time to sit down). The Eskimos have been outscored 91-21. After surrendering only seven quarterback sacks in the first five games, the dam has ruptured to the tune of 18 sacks allowed in three games. The Eskimos haven’t scored a touchdown in their last eleven quarters. Eskimo quarterbacks have thrown eight interceptions.
Rock bottom happened at home right before the bye week, losing 36-1 to the B.C. Lions. The single point output marked the lowest number of points scored by the Eskimos in the history of Commonwealth Stadium.
The Eskimos had to rush in three new starting receivers in Prechae Rodriguez, Dobson Collins and Ryan Grice-Mullen. All had less than a week to prepare for the game, which made it difficult for Ricky Ray to run a full offence.
“It just makes things tougher when you have to bring new guys in and try to teach them the offence and get them up to speed in a week,” explained Ray. “That’s what we we’re dealt with heading into those two games before the bye week. Trying to shuffle guys around and bring new guys in and trying to develop a rhythm in such a short period of time.”
It would benefit Ray and offensive coordinator Marcus Crandell to have a healthy line-up again. When you have players who haven’t been around long and you’re forced to play them because that’s all you have, you’re playbook is pretty thin.
It appears as though Adarius Bowman will be ready to play this week after missing four games with cracked ribs. Rookie Marcus Henry, who has already proven to be a reliable target for Ray, is due back after missing a game with a concussion. Fred Stamps practiced this week but will be held out Monday as he continues to deal with an abdominal injury.
Even though the Eskimos really need Stamps back in their line-up, head coach Kavis Reed is making the right decision by not playing his best offensive weapon until he is fully healed. With the Labour Day matchup five days later back in Edmonton and the potential of that game deciding the season series with the Stampeders, it’s best to give Stamps the extra few days rest.
All the Eskimos can do now is go to Calgary on Monday and fight like hell for a win with the horses they have and not whine about who they don’t have and play the ‘woe is me’ card.
The Eskimos need to take care of their own business, because the team across from them on Monday simply doesn’t care about their problems – that’s what Labour Day is all about.
Edmonton needs the two points any way they can get them.
NOTES: After missing the last four games with an ankle injury, defensive end Greg Peach will make his return to the line-up. … The club has lost centre Aaron Fiacconi for the rest of the season with an injured shoulder. … Left guard Patrick Kabongo will not start on Monday, Brian Ramsay will play left guard instead. … Chris Patrick will start at right tackle. … The Eskimos will be without cornerbacks Rod Williams and Jykine Bradley because of injuries. … The team signed import defensive back CJ Bailey, a late cut at training camp. He’s expected to start in the secondary. … The team released wide receiver Ryan Grice-Mullen and defensive back Wopamo Osaisai this week. … The Eskimos have won just one Labour Day matchup in the last five meetings with Calgary.
