THE CANADIAN PRESS
Gotta throw a flag at social media yesterday. During the Ottawa/Saskatchewan game, there was definitely a whole lot of piling on there. About midway through the fourth quarter, Twitter changed its logo from a little blue bird to an exploding watermelon.
This week’s takeaways:
1) The sack is back in a rather large way. And I wrote that sentence before the REDBLACKS/Roughriders game had even started. Then Ottawa hung a ten-spot on Saskatchewan and I briefly contemplated adding that many exclamation points to the end of it. Or, sprucing it up with an appropriate emoji. But I couldn’t find one of Vlad the Impaler. Even if you take away Ottawa’s total of 10 (and hats off to Stampeders’ long-snapper Randy Chevrier for tweeting that the REDBLACKS were “making world hunger a thing of the past #Tackle Hunger”), this weekend saw 21 sacks in four games. Things have been trending upwards for the last three or four weeks now, after quarterback hunters got off to a very slow start this season. Now, however, backfields are full of traps and the canoes are overburdened with pelts!
2) The CFL’s best offensive line resides in Quebec. Now, with the rise of sack totals and the bonanza that was realized in Week 10, which defence would you have wagered on leading that parade? Hamilton would’ve gotten lots of action. The Montreal Alouettes held that blitz-drunken crew to one sack on Thursday night. It’s about more than just the line, it’s true, and lots of credit goes to Montreal’s backs for picking up some of those QB hunters. But you don’t have that kind of a clean game against the likes of the Ticats’ defence without absolutely splendid play from offensive linemen. And Montreal’s line almost threw a no-hitter on Thursday. As well, the Montreal offence has gone on third and one 21 times this year (successful on 16), by far and away the leaders in that type of gamble. You do not do that without knowing what you’ve got in your offensive line.
3) Eric Rogers’ bio on the Calgary Stampeders’ website is lacking. Sure, it mentions that he was originally signed and then released by Ottawa (wait, WHAT?!) and that he set a slew of college records at California Lutheran University. But there’s no mention of tall buildings, single bounds or locomotives. Also claims he was born in Glendora, Cali. and not sent here, by loving parents, from a far off planet. I’m giving the Stampeders’ media department an “incomplete” on that one. “Incomplete,” by the way, is a word that Rogers doesn’t really know.
4) You should be paying more attention to Aaron Grymes. Opposing offences are and they are trying to avoid him whenever possible. Edmonton’s stellar defensive back started the season fast and has not let up in any way shape or form. Among the league leaders in interceptions – he grabbed his third of the season against the Argos on Friday night – Grymes seems to be everywhere. Even if he isn’t the one who makes the tackle, he’s often the second guy there, usually with a look of disappointment on his face as if to say “Oh, you got this? Alright, but I was kinda looking forward to another hit.”
5) It’s okay to get a little teary-eyed at halftime. At least, that’s what I tell myself. Hamilton’s tribute to Angelo Mosca on Thursday night was just about note perfect. The sight of one of the league’s all-time toughest hombres getting choked up by the adoration had me all lumpy-like in the throatal area. I’ll bet even Joe Kapp got misty and whispered “God, I love that man.” That the game was a nasty, bruising affair was absolutely the most fitting tribute you could give Big Ange. That little melee to close the first half? The Alouettes were just lucky Mosca was still in the elevator when it happened.
QUICK SLANTS
Jeremiah Johnson’s dance after his third touchdown had me feeling like…like…. Hell, I don’t know. Look, just don’t do that anymore, Jeremiah.
Obby Khan has a shawarma stand at IGF? Near the Rum Hut? Throw a futon in one of the utility closets and that stadium is move-in ready for me.
Still got it: Kyries Hebert.
Edmonton rookie receiver Derel Walker has played three games and is already eleventh in the league in receiving yards. How is it that a guy that fast is legally allowed to have the name Walker?
Finally: Alright, show of hands. We can now officially stop saying “underperforming” Calgary Stampeders, right? The motion is carried.
