The Riders lost 23-20 to the Eskimos to finish the 2011 season with a record of 5-13. Its the worst record the team has had since 2000 when they were 5-12-1. As you know, it was the end of Ken Miller's coaching days as he is resigning his position. Jason Clermont also ended any speculation of his CFL career continuing when he put this on his Twitter account shortly after the game.
Thanks #RiderNation and the @BCLions for a @CFL career that has fulfilled my childhood dreams. Taking @RenaeClermont to #GreyCup as a fan.
Jason finishes his CFL career having caught over 500 passes. He spent three years in Regina with his biggest catch being the double overtime winner against B.C in the 2010 West semi. He was named the Most Outstanding Canadian at the Grey Cup, he was named the CFL rookie of the year and he was the league's outstanding Canadian twice. I think its safe to say there will be a bust of his sitting at the CFL Hall of Fame in the not too distant future.
Is there any use talking about the final game? The team played hard right until the end and you can question the decision to have Edmonton kickoff at the end, but it was obviously hoped Tristan Jackson could give them better field position than the 35.
The only thing I want to know from my blog readers is your thoughts on the Dallas Baker-Ryan Dinwiddie scuffle. I think Baker is to blame, but some of my Twitter followers believe Dinwiddie is at fault. Where do you stand?
More on the Riders and the season it was later this weekend.
18 comments:
What a TOTAL A-Hole Brian Hall was on the Riders Half time show with Carm.... I wanted to punch him through my radio.
I did not understand your comment last night about Miller's reluctance to play some less experienced players such as Cole Berquist. Other teams (that have playoff implications from the game outcome) may be mad at us if we play them? Should that be the Riders' primary concern?
I had high hopes for Dallas Baker until I saw that replay. He wasn't the primary receiver so he just ran out the play. Dinwiddie was right on that play and Baker should be gone and take his attitude with him.
If Adarious Bowman continues to showboat after every first down catch he'll soon replace Nik Lewis as the league's most dispised receiver.
Dallas Baker showed his laziness and his desire not to compete on that play. Good on Dinwiddie for chewing him out and bad on those who are blaming Dinwiddie.
Is Cates done? I still see him having a role--albeit a reduced one--with this team. He can still run hard.
Brian
Any thoughts on Bryan Hall and his halftime interview?
JC had a great career, but his time here was a disaster. Did he have an impact in our offence? No! He made one memorable catch and that was it. What a waste! I think he's an HOF'er, but his time here makes one debate the matter.
If the roles were reversed and Edmonton decided to play an untested 3rd string QB against someone thus costing you a chance at first or a home playoff game, you would be pissed. There is an integrity factor here and Miller being a man of integrity was going to field the best lineup possible. I'm sure if he could have played DD, he would have. Its as simple as that.
I thought Baker was actually engaged in a block anticipating Dinwiddie to run. It may not have been the best decision but I certainly don't think you can say he gave up on that play. You have to view Dinwiddie's reaction in the context of his career hanging in the balance. BUT, he had plenty of time to think about the next play. Going back to Baker was a reasonable thought but forcing that throw so blatantly has to make you question his decision making. Given more time, this could be corrected (I think) but is it worth investing more time?
Miller puts players in their best circumstance to succeed. Only 1 QB gets to take starting reps in preparation. Therefore, only 1 QB had the best opportunity to play as the starter. It was right to give Dinwiddie every opportunity to make or break himself. Berquist prepared as a backup and saw backup duty. That meant he had to be ready to step in if the game was out of control or an injury occurred and make the most of the opportunity. Splitting reps in the game and in preparation would have done a disservice to both players.
1. Thanks to Jason for representing our province and our city extremely well. I only wish that he would have come to the Riders 3 years earlier. He would have had a bigger impact. Kudos to him for being a pro and not whine and complain about the way he was used. He would make a great receivers coach.
2. Dallas Baker can take a hike! The QB is always in charge on the field. He can take his moodiness and lazy play with him. Totally unprofessional, and this is not the Rider way. Give him an apple and a road map!
3. Chris Graham must start at MLB next year.
4. Heenan wants to try the NFL? Good grief. The Riders should shop that #1 pick around and see if they could get some starters in return. I wouldn't draft Heenan if he is going the NFL way.
Whats the free agency situation like for next year? I heard you talking about using some of our receivers as trade bait, but can't some of those guys simply walk. My starters at REC next year would be Bagg and Hill outside with Dress and Fantuz inside. Getz and Wheelwright would be the 5th and 6th receivers. I think we could get good trade value for Koch, but I hear he is an FA. Can you fill me in?
Don't give Craig Dickenson too much of a passing grade...maybe B-. The coverage teams improved by not allowing a return for a TD, and no kicks were blocked this season. Opposite to that, the return game was only "ok". No returns for a TD, and they didn't always tilt the field to give the offense good field position. Too many times, returners let the ball bounce instead of catching it in the air. I will give Milo a ton of credit. Bad start, great finish. Too bad for Congi that he can't punt. We need a guy to do all 3 jobs. The Riders need to find a better kick returner, one that puts fear into the opponent. Jackson and West don't do that. Dickenson as a HC? Not sure. Has a Special Teams coach ever been promoted to HC? Can't see this as beneficial.
Hey Scruffy - I am not sure Berquist would have been a downgrade, but how would we know anyway?
Does a coach lack integrity by playing young, untested players in a meaningless game for the team? It is nice for players to have a swan song game. However, the front office and coaching staff do have a responsibility for evaluating players for next year. Sentiment and loyalty to players can lead to old, uncompetitive teams.
Some may argue that playing older, "loyal" players in a meaningless game lacks integrity.
Dinwiddie was 100 percent right to chew Baker out on that play. Baker was 100 percent wrong to react the way he did. End of story!
Rob
I only caught a quick glimpse of the play, but did Baker forget who was @ qb? It looked like he was taking his db down the field after not being open initially and locked him up to block so the qb could turn the corner and run.
Regardless of who was in the wrong, I don't think either of them should be back next year based on their play.
You asked about the Dinwiddie/ Baker fracas.
Throughout the coverage on TV, Suitor kept making comments about Ryan D's audition for back-up/future starter? etc.
In my mind, he failed big time by his petulant attitude towards Baker, and his overall attitude in the game. I realize he was under pressure to perform. But, as a person starts to get in the face of others around them because of their own insecurities, that tells me they are not ready to lead. My vote is trade Dinwittie.
TD
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