Something To Mitch About

I wasn't surprised to see the Saskatchewan Roughriders lose to the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday---especially after the game's first drive. When Anthony Calvillo is on top of his game, there is no one better. Calvillo was on top of his game right off the bat as he quickly put an end to the 176 minute streak the Rider defence had in not allowing the opposition into the endzone as he marched the Als down on their first possession for a TD. Just for good measure, he did it again the next time they touched the ball.

With Drew Willy guiding the Rider offence instead of Darian Durant, everything would have had to go right for the Riders win after that. It didn't and they didn't. However, give the Riders credit because they could have folded their tent, but they battled right to the end and they had their chances.

Here are just some thoughts from yours truly as to what transpired

--The Rider defence still concerns me a little. Tackling was better, but teams are still getting a good chunk of yardage on the ground. Brandon Whitaker had many big plays, and with Jon Cornish and the Stampeders coming in next Sunday, that is a problem that needs to be corrected immediately.

--Drew Willy played well, but it is clear that if this team is to have success it will do on the shoulders of Darian Durant. In fact, I think the Riders win had Durant played---a healthy Durant that is. Willy has a future in this league, but he needs time to learn the game some more and grow. Yes, people will ask how is he supposed to get that time if he doesn't play. The only way he should play consistently is if the Riders decide to shut Durant down for the season and with the team still in the battle for a home playoff game and a playoff spot, that simply won't happen.

--What was with the undisciplined penalties? That was very unRiderlike and is something that I'm sure Coach Chamblin will address when the team starts preparing for Calgary. Those 15 yard calls were killers.

--GM Brendan Taman should be commended for bringing Kory Sheets to the CFL. The only thing is will Sheets decide to try his luck south of the border again. He is the most explosive back I have seen in Rider colours and that includes Kenton Keith.

--I didn't like the Chris McKenzie hit on Brian Bratton. I thought it was low. A lot of you didn't agree with me on Twitter. I also didn't like Dwight Anderson's low hit from behind on Weston Dressler in the 4th quarter. Funny how people didn't react to that tweet. Hit the guy head on and don't go low.

--Who is in charge of the music at Molson Stadium? Other than "Crazy Train" that was just bad. Then again, the Riders constantly play "Last Saskatchewan Pirate" at their games so perhaps I shouldn't complain because its not much better here. Worst song ev-er!

--How in the world could refs spot the ball for a first down in the 4th quarter on Montreal's 3rd and 1 sneak when it was clearly evident Adrian McPherson didn't get to where he had to be. I know the first down line is not "the line", but McPherson wasn't even close. That being said, I don't blame Corey Chamblin for not challenging because you rarely win those when the ballcarrier is plunging into the line. It would have been a waste of time.

--Did Glen Suitor notice the Montreal holder was yelling "Cheeseburger" or did someone from TSN alert him to it. Regardless, that was a good nugget of information and funny too.

--Kudos to John Lu and his bowtie.

--Mick Williams is getting better and better with each game and Jay Alford is showing he can be a dominant force in the middle as well.

--Is there any thought of replacing Shomari Williams with Sam Hurl?

--Is there any thought of seeing more of Craig Butler?

Other thoughts

--Who was worse this weekend--Edmonton or Winnipeg?

--Long time voice of the Bombers Bob Irving was not happy with some members of the team yukking it up when they were getting their ass handed to them. Irving went so far to tweet that those players are morons! OUCH!

--Have the Bombers quit? On the surface it would seem so and if that's the case, the housecleaning is one that won't have this team competitive next year either because many new bodies will be inhabiting the new stadium----if its ready.

--Edmontonians aren't forgetting about that Ricky Ray trade. Eric Tillman will likely hear about that for many, many years to come.

--There were some huge offensive performances in the NFL. CFL like numbers in fact. Eli Manning throws for over 500 yards meaning he has something else on his brother. I don't think Peyton has ever thrown for that many yards. Hopefully he doesn't tonight in the Monday nighter either because if ESPN gives Peyton the verbal bj that NBC gave him last Sunday night, it will be ridiculous.

--Seeing the Cowboys get stomped on.....BEAUTIFUL! Seeing the Cowboys get stomped on in Seattle. OUTSTANDING!!! That was a beatdown.

--The Cardinals beat the Patriots?

--The NFL needs its referees back

--The NHL needs its game back. The players and owners are simply wasting their time trying to look good with various PR stunts. Both are causing irreparable damage to the game. I still believe the owners are the ones that at fault here as they continue to throw big money around and did so right until the lockout hit. Yes, the players are making too much, but if the owners are giving it to them

--Will Canadian networks hop on the American Hockey League until the lockout is over? I would have to think so.

--I had a very interesting chat with a representative of a Division 1 NCAA school who thought I was still with the SJHL. After getting off the phone with him, I'm glad I'm not. I couldn't argue with what he was saying and that's sad on a lot of levels.

--I had a chance to experience "Movies Under the Stars" Saturday night in Victoria Park with the family. It was a great way to spend a Saturday night and its a great setting. As long as the bugs stay away I'm cool. I think we will be back there next summer.

--Do you get as many 1-800, 1-877, 1-866 or whatever calls as what Casa De Blair is getting. Its beyond ridiculous. I thought there was a do not call list that I subscribed to. Is that still in existence. I think not!

--A political party phoned me this week looking to see if I had some spare change. Lets just say I hope the woman who made the call passed along my message.

--Congrats to CTV Regina's Julie Stewart-Binks on her half hour documentary surrounding Ryan Murray and the NHL draft. It sounds as if Julie put a lot of work in and to condense everything she did into a slick 30 minute package must have been an ordeal. It looked good though!

--As optimistic as Blue Jays fans are, there has to be some wondering what is happening when Baltimore can come out of nowhere to contend while Toronto spins its wheels. I think its safe to say this season has been a tremendous disappointment and while injuries did not help, the Jays should have been a contender right now and not a team playing out the string.

----

This is one of the baggage carousels at Edmonton International Airport. The other two feature the Oil Kings and the Eskimos. I can't believe that we didn't think of this in Regina first. The Riders, the Cougars and the Pats would be a great idea.

Money may not buy happiness, but it certainly improves the quality of your misery.

Have a good Monday!