I understand why “real” journalists shy away from predictions. There are so many variables that go into the success’ and/or failure’s of any football program. Between roster turnover, players coming into their prime or suddenly falling off a cliff you really just never know what to expect.
Thankfully I am not a real journalist.
I love making predictions, I revel in forecasting what is to come. If I’m right I look like a hero and if I’m wrong, well let’s be honest no one expected me to be right in the first place. Also there is no more efficient way of angering as many different fan bases in one column as a prediction piece. So without further adieu … on to my stupid predictions!
Who does Cauz think will win the Grey Cup? Click here and find out.
WEST DIVISION
1) BC Lions
I wish I could do a hero pick here, but really the Lions are the team to beat in the West, if not in the entire league. After comfortably winning the best regular season record the Lions were upset by Calgary.
Yes the Lions no longer have Geroy Simon, Arland Bruce and Byron Parker on the roster but this is a team looking to get younger at critical positions. I would say the loss of Khalif Mitchell is critical but really no one has any idea just what kind of impact Mitchell will have. However the loss of Mitchell should be more than offset by the linebacking corps of Solomon Elimimian, Adam Bighill and Anton McKenzie should mean the Lions will once again lead the league in most notable defensive statistics as they did in 2012.
2) Calgary Stampeders
We all know that this team is all about the health and progress of Drew Tate. I honestly mean no disrespect to Kevin Glenn who was fantastic in 2012 but the present and future of the Stampeders is all about Tate. Let’s face it, no matter who starts at quarterback, Calgary will be able to put up points as they were tied for the league lead with 51 touchdowns led by Nik Lewis and Jon Cornish.
No team has a higher ceiling than the Stampeders.
3) Saskatchewan Roughriders
Let’s be honest if you’re team doesn’t make it to the Grey Cup, aren’t you at least a little bit rooting for the Roughriders to make it considering they’re hosting the game? Darian Durant looking for redemption at the highest level in his home town is the sort of compelling story anyone in my business lives for.
Much like most people I’m curious to see if John Chick is the same player he was in 2009 and whether or not Ricky Foley has enough left in the tank for one more productive season.
In the end the season, much like the last five years will not be defined by an overlooked defence that knows what they’re doing but rather by a quarterback looking to be seen as the best in the league.
4) Edmonton Eskimos
Questions at quarterback and offensive line could plague Edmonton all season long. Now that said, I think we are all curious to see what Mike Reilly can do as the #1 quarterback for the team. I make fun of Edmonton but let’s be honest they’ll still find a way to make the playoffs.
EAST DIVISION
1) Toronto Argonauts
Is this a bit of a homer pick? You better believe it is! Considering Calgary and Montreal had better regular season records I understand why people consider this far too high a selection for the Argonauts. I just expect the offence to be better than what we saw in 2012, I expect Ricky Ray to be health plus I expect a big year out of the always unpredictable Khalif Mitchell.
Yes the team suffered some major losses in the names of Armond Armstead, Ricky Foley, Ejiro Kuale plus the release of Kevin Huntley but I have faith in both the coaching staff and an under rated linebacking trio of Marcus Ball, Robert McCune and Brandon Isaac to pick up the slack. Even if Toronto does not finish in first you can at least expect the majority of their games to be high scoring affairs.
2) Montreal Alouettes
What an odd year this feels for Montreal. On one side you have the model of consistency in Anthony Calvillo entering his 20th season and than on the opposite end you have Dan Hawkins replacing Marc Trestman.
No matter the coaching turnover this is a team that will be lead with an All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet of skill with Jamel Richardson, S.J. Green and my new favourite wide out Brandon London. Throw in a healthy Brandon Whitaker and I have no doubt Montreal will be favoured in the majority of games they play this season.
There is still plenty of leadership on the defensive end and the addition of Ejiro Kuale should be huge for an Alouettes defensive squad looking to cut down on the number of big plays against them.
3) Hamilton Tiger Cats
Hamilton’s defence had some challenges last season but Henry Burris had crazy numbers all season long.
Now that said; I love watching Jamall Johnson and Markeith Knowlton’s play at linebacker and, as I have written many times before, I’m giddy about the potential of what an 18 game season from Chevon Walker would look like. Enjoy this offence Guelph.
4) Winnipeg Blue Bombers
I’m sorry Winnipeg but beyond some of your skill position players, it is hard to put them any higher than this. Your starting quarterback can be injury prone. That said, another year with Chris Matthews and Terrence Edwards in the Bombers receiving corps gives some hope. At the very least the good people of Winnipeg will have a fancy new stadium to watch their team in.
Grey Cup Result:
BC Lions defeating the Toronto Argonauts 27-23.
