Something To "Mitch" About

The word of the week in Rider Nation was horrible and yes, it was horrible on Friday night at Commonwealth. I didn't really have to tell you that did I? I didn't think the Riders would beat the Eskimos at Commonwealth, but I thought they would at least put up some kind of effort and not give us a repeat of the Hamilton game. Actually, making that statement is a little unfair to the defence because they did what they could to keep the team in the game. Down 14-0 at the half considering how one-sided it had been still gave the green and white a chance at victory. Sadly, Darian Durant was not coming out for the second half.

Tino Sunseri isn't ready yet and we don't really know what Seth Doege can or can't do. Is Henry Burris the answer? The thought is creeping in again after what was witnessed. Here is the question I ask you. What would you give up for Smilin Hank? Be the GM. What would you offer the REDBLACKS in a trade for Henry Burris. The REDBLACKS need guys who can catch the ball and they need Canadians. Thus, I will say Ryan Smith, Dan Clark and a 3rd. I would NOT give Ottawa anything higher than a 3rd round draft pick either. I am still of the belief the Riders should take Rams receiver Addison Richards with their first round pick, but that's just me. The kid has CFL written all over him. More on the Rams later.

While many are talking about Burris again, where did the Troy Smith talk start? Troy Smith? Really?! WOW!!!!!

Just some other thoughts about Friday's game

--I liked the 3rd down gamble early in the game by Coach Chamblin. The game was scoreless, there was a long ways to go and Chamblin wanted to send a message that they meant business. I have no problem with that decision and applaud it.

--I know you can't rest of all of your guys, but it was a little tough seeing Taj Smith get blown up on what was just about the final play of the game. Smith is likely out of the Calgary game now.

--John White was a little too cocky during this game. Remember John, you have two more games to go against this team both at Mosaic. Don't start being all Calgary-like now!

--Was I the only yelling "THROW IT" at my TV?

--Was I the only one loving it seeing Jordan Eberle representing the Riders wearing a hat and a Dressler autographed jersey?

--Its been 28 years since the Riders were shut out. 1986!! Do you know how many bad teams this organization has fielded between 1986 to today and this Rider team is not a bad football team! Guys like Kevin Mason, Jeff Bentrim, Heath Rylance, Jimmy Kemp, Michael Bishop and Warren Jones all managed to find a way to get at least one point on the board and those guys were playing with some putrid Saskatchewan teams.

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From one level of frustration to another and that was the Rams game against the Huskies on Saturday. All credit to the Huskies for the victory, but the Rams can sit back and say they are a couple of plays from being a 1-3 football team to being a 3-1 football team. They were oh so close to taking Alberta to overtime and they should have beaten the U of S had it not been for a huge drop by Jared Janotta in the endzone that turned into an INT. I think Janotta would even say he should have had it. Canada West is so close this year, that you can't afford losses like what the Rams have had in Edmonton and against the Huskies. Only time will tell where this team ends up, but I'm guessing there won't be a home playoff game now.

The Blue Jays season is over. What do you do now? I am guessing Adam Lind and Colby Rasmus won't be back, but I think the team has a good shot at retaining the services of Melky Cabrera. This team needs pitching from top to bottom. I would wager to say right now Marcus Stroman would be your opening day starter right now with Dickey, Buehrle and Hutchison following. If they can land a solid free agent starter, that would be great and some relievers are needed as well. It didn't sound Sunday as if GM Alex Anthopoulos thinks Casey Janssen will be back meaning a closer will need to be found. Boston will rebound, the Orioles aren't going anywhere, Tampa is always tough and the Yankees are the Yankees. The AL East will once again be a battle next year. Anthopoulos needs to find some bodies that can get this team to the next level.

With the playoffs now here, I will have to go with a Detroit-Dodgers final simply because they have the best pitching. Yes, Verlander was not Verlander down the stretch, but he still can win the big game and with Price and Scherzer there, you will have to be on your "A" game to beat them. As for the Dodgers, they throw Kershaw, Greinke and Beckett at you with Haren as the number 4 guy. I don't think there is a more complete team in the majors than L-A. We'll find out soon.

Week 4 of the NFL season brought tremendous theatre once again.

---The Bucs over the Steelers??? Who saw that one coming and how many had Pittsburgh in their survivor pool? Yes, I'm raising my hand and glad you have four weeks in which you can buy back in.

---The Teddy Bridgewater era has arrived in Minneapolis. The kid looked great against the Falcons.

---The Falcons are a team I just don't understand

---How much did Steve Smith Senior enjoy the Ravens win over Carolina and when did he start calling himself Steve Smith Senior.

---When do we start talking about the San Diego Chargers or do they have to beat divisional rivals KC and Denver first.

---The Seahawks didn't play this weekend, but ESPN had a graphic saying Russell Wilson is 7-0 against Brees, Manning, Brady and Rodgers.

---Speaking of Aaron Rodgers, when he says RELAX, he means RELAX. There is nothing wrong with the Green Bay offence folks.

---The best QB in the league right now might be Phillip Rivers

---JJ Watt is the best defensive player in the NFL



As hockey season prepares to start, I heard a good question on NHL Radio Friday afternoon. The question being------"Is Tyler Bozak an 80 point man playing with Phil Kessel?". One wants to say yes, but is 80 points too high for the Regina native?

Former Pat Jordan Weal is making it hard for the L-A Kings to send him back to the American Hockey League. So much so, there is talk Weal could prompt a trade involving someone like a Mike Richards or a Tyler Toffoli. The Oilers could certainly use someone of Richards' ilk, but what would you give them back. I would think the Stanley Cup champs would like another defenceman who chew up some minutes and the Oilers definitely don't have that in their stable. If Weal doesn't make the Kings, would a team ask for him in a trade or is L-A ready to do that. Weal is that close to being an NHL'er I think....its just a matter of getting the opportunity.

I had literally no interest in the Ryder Cup. None whatsoever.

The Family Guy/Simpsons episode didn't live up to expectations, but there were some moments.