Mark Stephen
CFL.ca
When a player performs admirably in his CFL debut, it’s hard for his performance to go unnoticed by the other seven teams.
Unfortunately for Calgary quarterback Drew Tate, that’s exactly what has been happening.
Teams are now building a ‘book’ on Tate, and while he is by no means new to the league, he is certainly seen his playing time ramped up over the last few weeks.
Seeing as how Tate has led the Stamps to two-straight victories, there’s a good chance his prospective opponents have been scrutinizing every inch of tape available.
One team that may have a fairly complete book on Tate are the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Their coaching staff has been getting a firsthand report on Tate from his former college teammate, and Winnipeg’s Most Outstanding Player nominee, Jovon Johnson.
“I’ve given guys some insight about him,” said Johnson shortly after the team arrived in Calgary.
“Hopefully we can try to take advantage of those things. But he’s going to make some plays, that is just the type of quarterback he is. He believes in his arm but hopefully we can make turnovers when we’re in position to make them.”
While Tate may take some time to renew a college acquaintance, he is just as impressed with the other members of the ball-hawking Winnipeg secondary.
“Speed, speed. They do a really good job very similar to Montreal,” commented Tate on the Winnipeg secondary. “Both teams take the field knowing they will be in the playoffs, but their post-season paths are very different.
Winnipeg merely has to win to ensure themselves a berth in the East Division Final on Nov. 20. However, that’s a task easier said than done, as the Bombers have failed to register a win in Calgary since 2002.
Calgary, meanwhile, will need a win of their own to make sure they still have a shot at a home playoff game once the BC Lions take to the field later tonight.
Because Calgary is not guaranteed a home playoff date, this game with Winnipeg could be the Stampeders final appearance at McMahon Stadium in 2011.
There is also a feeling this could be the final home appearances for two of the greatest stars in team history. Quarterback Henry Burris will be in uniform, but will be on the sidelines as a backup to Tate.
At least he will be in uniform. Joffrey Reynolds, Calgary’s all-time rushing leader, will be in civvies on the sidelines with his teammates.
What the future holds for these two stars is a question to be resolved in the off-season. But it is far from a guarantee that both will be back.
Nostalgia aside, the Stampeders are trying to win, not only to secure the best possible playoff position, but to ride into the playoffs on a three-game win streak.
“It’s an exciting finish,” noted Coach John Hufnagel. ”And after the game, if we do win, we’ll wake up the next morning and see where we stand. We know we’re playing a great football team in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Both teams have a lot at stake.”
