Bob Irving
CFL.ca
What has happened to Fred Reid? Where is the man who is renowned league-wide for his ability to break off for big runs?
Anyone?
After Reid put forth his third consecutive poor game running the ball in Winnipeg’s 27-7 loss to the Riders on Labour Day weekend, fans are left scratching their heads at what could possibly be wrong with their tailback.
Reid was held to a paltry 35 yards on 14 carries on Sunday, and has rushed for just 115 yards on 46 carries in the last three games. Suffice to say, those are not the kind of numbers expected from the same man who led the CFL in rushing in 2010.
During the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Reid racked up totals of 1,371 and 1,396 yards respectively, and was named an All-Star in both years as well.
However this season, Reid’s 585 rushing yards is third in the CFL behind Montreal’s Brandon Whitaker and Hamilton’s Avon Cobourne. And of most concern is that Reid’s average has fallen to 3.9 yards per carry. His career average coming into this season was 6.3.
So, what’s the problem?
Well, take it from those of us who watch Reid practice and play on a daily basis, and from Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice, that it has nothing to do with the 29-year old Reid having “lost a step.”
Reid is as quick and elusive as ever.
LaPolice says the running game is a collective effort, and the Bombers lack of running success is a product of the failure of that collective effort.
“The offensive line is not opening the holes for Reid like they did in the past. We had two potential big runs in the Saskatchewan game Sunday when Fred popped through the line of scrimmage and the backside tackle wasn’t in the right spot,” said LaPolice.
“If he gets the block on the Mac-linebacker it turns into a 25-yard run. To say Fred, who was a dominating player last year, has lost it is silly. We have to work our tails off to put him in good situations and the players around him have to execute,” he added.
LaPolice added that because Winnipeg’s passing game hasn’t been as proficient as it could be, teams are loading up the box and making Reid their top defensive priority. LaPolice also conceded the club’s running scheme will need some adjusting and he vowed to examine all possibilities prior to Sunday’s Banjo Bowl rematch with the Riders.
As league statistician Steve Daniel has pointed out, rushing is down close to 10 per cent overall in the CFL this year. It should also be noted that Reid is on pace to run for 1,170 yards, which wouldn’t be far off his 2010 total.
But the Bomber offence, which is near the bottom of the CFL in many offensive statistical categories, will have to find a way to get more production – and specifically more BIG PLAYS out of Reid if the Bombers hope to repeat their 7-2 showing in the second half of the 18-game CFL schedule.
