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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

John Chick's Injury Woes

Bad news for the Riders Tuesday as they learn John Chick will miss at least three weeks if not more with that shoulder injury sustained Saturday against the Eskimos. One can't start comparing Chick to Jesse Lumsden yet, but one has to sit back and wonder if we are ever to going to see the John Chick that we thought we would.
When he showed up here in 2007. he quickly turned into an impact player. He was the team's nominee for rookie of the year, he had five sacks and fans will remember he crushed Ryan Dinwiddie in the Grey Cup game causing a fumble that Scott Schultz recovered deep in Winnipeg territory.
His presence resulted in the Fred Perry trade to Edmonton and it was hoped he could get better in 2008 but he missed 10 games due to injury. After having what I thought was a so-so pre-season, Chick showed he was at the top of his game with a couple of impressive performances to start the season--a season now derailed again by injury. Here's hoping Chick can get back into the lineup quickly and that his days on the disabled list are over. He is one of many good guys on that Rider squad and his battle with diabetes and his charity work in the community is something that is well known.
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While Chick won't play Saturday in Calgary, Gene Makowsky will and that is good news. That offensive line is taking some heat, and some well deserved heat for their play in the past couple of games. Having Geno back should take some of the heat off Darian Durant and maybe help get a running game going again.
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I found the comments of Calgary Stampeders play-by-play man Mark Stephen on CKRM's Sportsline to be very interesting. Rod Pedersen informing everyone that didn't hear Mark on Monday's show that he isn't crazy about Rider visits to Calgary. Its not because the stands at McMahon are either half colored green or more, its because those wearing green ----at least some of them---come to the game with the idea in their head that they are going to get drunk and stupid. I don't care if you are wearing green, red, blue, whatever. If you are coming to the game looking to get drunk and stupid, I hope someone basically lays the smack down on you. You aren't the show---what is happening between the lines is what people have come to see. I applaud every Rider fan that shows up in Calgary to cheer up on their team and I know many of you will have a few. Just keep it in control as you are representing your team as well you know. I also realize that a few who go to the game will be acting stupid and cheering for Calgary so I'm not just painting one fanbase as the villain here.
I wonder how the Stampeders feel knowing they have no home field advantage for this game. I also wonder what McMahon would look like on Grey Cup Sunday if the Riders were to get there. When you take all the Saskatchewan citizens living in Alberta now and the many making the road trip, it would be quite the scene. Perhaps more impressive than Skydome in 2007.
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Is it just the cynic in me or do you also feel as if the Brett Favre story isn't over yet. Yes, he has now said he isn't going to play for the Vikings, but the way this scenario has played itself out, I still can't see Brett giving it up. I hope I'm wrong.
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The exhibition starts today and its already cost me $100 bucks (two day-trippers and two day passes)before I leave the driveway. Now I know how Dad felt!!! How much are the Saratoga chips this year???

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Watching the game on Saturday and hearing the sideline report that Chick was out just made me scream. This guy forced his way into the starting lineup with his play in 2007 and ever since then he has taken a downward turn because of injury. When he is on top of his game, he can be one of the league's best. You might be right though, we may never see his potential.

As for Mr. Stephen, he can just keep crying. He is trying to plant the seed for some to stay home. Calgary fans get just as drunk at games involving the Riders as our fans get. I've seen it. I don't condone excessive drinking in the stands, but it goes two ways bud.

Darrell

Anonymous said...

Bottom line John Chick is getting to be like a Jesse Lumsden. Lots of potential, but you can't make the squad from the tub. He'll be gone due to his lack of health as soon as they find his replacement. If you are not on the field you are not helping.

I honestly think Adam Rita is coasting on fumes in Toronto. They are getting progressively worse. Greg Mohns is the worst personell man in the CFL. His contact base is pretty much just getting guys who busted out of the NFL draft. That is not condusive to long term success, and that was evident by their tenure in B.C.

Obama

Anonymous said...

It may have cost you $100 before you even get there, but you also know that buying those daytrippers is saving you a lot of money---money that will be used on whac-a-mole, elephant ears, beer, etc. etc. etc.

peter dalla riva