SIGHHHHHHH!!!!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
This Basically Sums It Up
So just to recap yesterday at Mosaic for yours truly. I get caught out in the middle of the hailstorm in doing a pre-game bit with Michael Ball on the Rider broadcast. I take one of those ice pellets right between the shoulder blades that hurt like a you know what. My shoes get soaked walking through a major puddle to get to the Edmonton sidelines, I get to the sidelines only to find out that there is some kind of technical problem and my wireless mic keeps cutting in and out meaning Rod and Carm can't come to me for updates from the Eskimo sidelines and then the Riders stink the place out with their performance. Jonathan Carriere (jc_fotos) catches this picture of me late in the football game on the Rider sidelines and it basically sums up the day. I think this could also be my player card for the upcoming season.
SIGHHHHHHH!!!!!
SIGHHHHHHH!!!!!
YUCK!!!
As I entered the hallway to go into the Rider dressing room after their 42-28 loss to the Eskimos on opening day, John Lynch uttered the following words. "Have you ever seen a worse home opener?" I don't think I have and that stretches back a while.
It was hard to find any positives from the home side on this afternoon. The defensive line was non-existent----so much to the point that I wonder if they will be the next Riders featured on a grocery item seeing they could be on the side of a milk carton with the word "MISSING" attached. Many wondered if this team could find a way to generate pressure on the quarterback and they are left wondering that this morning as Ricky Ray had all day most of the day to survey the field and complete his passes. Yes, the secondary was exposed a little by Jason Barnes and Adarius Bowman, but when the QB has all day to throw the ball, it makes life a little stressful for the secondary.
As you know I'm a big Darian Durant fan and I admit, it wasn't his day on Sunday as he threw three interceptions, but Durant was man enough to stand there and not make excuses saying he has to be better and he can't turn the ball over four times.
Speaking of quarterbacks, I will give the game ball to Edmonton offensive co-ordinator Marcus Crandell. The former Rider signal-caller did a great job in calling the plays and keeping his running backs fresh as he rotated Calvin McCarty, Daniel Porter and Jerome Messam out onto the hot Mosaic turf that in the first half was over 40 degrees celsius. You can talk about the loss of many players in the off-season, but the loss of Crandell might have been the biggest. I was happy to see Marcus get a chance to become a coach when the Riders made him an offensive assistant two years ago because I knew he could elevate to an offensive co-ordinator and succeed. He showed everyone early on that he can.
As for the Riders, it is just one week and I'm sure the team is still trying to work everything out with the new faces it has and that they will get better, but the task is daunting next week as Montreal is here. Could they be 0-2? It wouldn't surprise me, but then again this veteran team seems to bring their "A" game against the Alouettes so we'll see.
Thus ends a crazy first week in the CFL in which three of the four underdogs won with BC just a Wally Buono brain-cramp away from perhaps making it four for four. Its going to be an interesting year, so strap it in and get ready.
Here's some sound from a quiet Rider dressing room.
MarshallJuly3 by mitchellblair
DurantJuly3 by mitchellblair
ShologanJuly3 by mitchellblair
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Are You Ready For Some Football??
I thought so! Enjoy the game. Rod and Carm will have it on 620 CKRM starting with the pre-game show at 230 from the practice field with Michael Ball and his range of guests and it will be on TSN starting at 5. A daytime high of 32 and a 60 percent chance of showers or thundershowers tonight. It could be an intersting evening of football.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Ready For The Season Opener
Run-down days are usually days in which the football team is very loose and today was no exception. A light 20 minute workout followed by the team getting together on the far sideline and making coaches dance. Greg Marshall waltzed with o-lineman Alex Krausnick-Groh and even Bill McDermott got involved as the 75 year old who uses a golf cart to get around because he has two artificial hips and knees took that cart and moved into the middle of the circle doing a U-turn much to the enjoyment of everyone. While loose today, its all business tomorrow. Here's the thoughts of Chris Getzlaf, Darian Durant and Greg Marshall....
Chris Getzlaf by mitchellblair
DarianJuly2 by mitchellblair
MarshallJuly2 by mitchellblair
Chris Getzlaf by mitchellblair
DarianJuly2 by mitchellblair
MarshallJuly2 by mitchellblair
Buck Pierce Is One Tough S-O-B
If you were in Wascana Park celebrating Canada Day or doing whatever and missed this, get ready to cringe...
Ti-Cats linebacker Jamall Johnson simply destroyed the Winnipeg quarterback who got right back up and kept going. That's amazing in itself, but even moreso when you consider the concussion problems Pierce has had. I thought for sure that was the last time you would ever see him wearing a football helmet. WOWWWW!! That was some kind of pop. We might not see a harder hit all year.
Do we have our first QB controversy of the season. Kevin Glenn looked terrible and while Quinton Porter didn't light it up, you have to wonder what Marcel Bellefeuille is thinking.
Meanwhile, it was pleasing to see the Calgary Stampeders get beat by the Toronto Argonauts. I guess its that Rider fan in me that likes seeing Calgary get beat. They have some problems too as Rob Maver was one of four in field goals including missing an easy one from 20 yards as the Argos won in the last seconds on a Noel Prefontaine field goal by a score of 23-21. This means with BC and Calgary losing that the winner of Sunday's game at Mosaic has sole possession of first in the West and will be the only team in the West not to have lost.
-----
I'm a little pissed off at one Ronny McDonald. My 7 year old had to go see big Ron at Wascana on Canada Day so we sat in line for over a half an hour. The red-haired freak is being quite chatty with everyone and then it gets to the kid in front of us and Ronnie is out of there. He's going to hand out some books and then he is done. Look Ron...here's the deal. You see the lineup and you sit there until its done or one of your lackeys goes to a spot in the line and tells everyone that this is the cut-off point. He left a lot of kids disappointed and a lot of parents who spent that time with their kid in line a little choked. Yeah, I did manage to get a picture of the two of them, but Annika was looking forward to having the chat with RMcD the way other kids were. Not happy. Hey, if it would have been the King (Burger King), we wouldn't even have been in the line because frankly, the King creeps me out.
-----
The plum free agent in the class of 2011 hasn't signed yet and there is word Brad Richards could go to Calgary as they are seriously wooing him, but word on the street is he will end up a New York Ranger at about 8 million a year. Hey if he can get it, good. I just hope the owners remember this and other deals when the next CBA is being discussed.
-----
I didn't expect the Oilers to be a free agent player, but they inked three of them in Darcy Hordichuk, Ben Eager and Eric Belanger. All three guys will give the team some 3rd and 4th line grit that they haven't had. They also signed d-man Cam Barker who is a long ways from being washed up. Dare I say they might compete for a playoff spot. I don't think they are done either as I expect either Andrew Cogliano or Ales Hemsky to be traded.
------
Regina drivers are bad, but after events like Rider games, Pat games, fireworks, their ineptitude is fully on display. When will people realize lines move faster if everyone co-operates and lets people in. There are way too many d-bags (those aged 22 and under that think they are something that they are not) that are behind the wheel who really need a slap. I thought I was going to see two incidents erupt while on the way home.
-----
How many people in Canada do you think care about the NBA lockout?
-----
Locker Talk co-host Pete Paczko has informed me that this week's taping could be a rather volatile one seeing High Impact Wrestler Rex Roberts will be in to talk about the July 8th card. Rex and I aren't the best of buds, although I've never really met the man.
-----
It is pointless making your bed when you are just going to sleep in it again the next night.
-----
What better way to finish a Canada Day post than with this.....
Ti-Cats linebacker Jamall Johnson simply destroyed the Winnipeg quarterback who got right back up and kept going. That's amazing in itself, but even moreso when you consider the concussion problems Pierce has had. I thought for sure that was the last time you would ever see him wearing a football helmet. WOWWWW!! That was some kind of pop. We might not see a harder hit all year.
Do we have our first QB controversy of the season. Kevin Glenn looked terrible and while Quinton Porter didn't light it up, you have to wonder what Marcel Bellefeuille is thinking.
Meanwhile, it was pleasing to see the Calgary Stampeders get beat by the Toronto Argonauts. I guess its that Rider fan in me that likes seeing Calgary get beat. They have some problems too as Rob Maver was one of four in field goals including missing an easy one from 20 yards as the Argos won in the last seconds on a Noel Prefontaine field goal by a score of 23-21. This means with BC and Calgary losing that the winner of Sunday's game at Mosaic has sole possession of first in the West and will be the only team in the West not to have lost.
-----
I'm a little pissed off at one Ronny McDonald. My 7 year old had to go see big Ron at Wascana on Canada Day so we sat in line for over a half an hour. The red-haired freak is being quite chatty with everyone and then it gets to the kid in front of us and Ronnie is out of there. He's going to hand out some books and then he is done. Look Ron...here's the deal. You see the lineup and you sit there until its done or one of your lackeys goes to a spot in the line and tells everyone that this is the cut-off point. He left a lot of kids disappointed and a lot of parents who spent that time with their kid in line a little choked. Yeah, I did manage to get a picture of the two of them, but Annika was looking forward to having the chat with RMcD the way other kids were. Not happy. Hey, if it would have been the King (Burger King), we wouldn't even have been in the line because frankly, the King creeps me out.
-----
The plum free agent in the class of 2011 hasn't signed yet and there is word Brad Richards could go to Calgary as they are seriously wooing him, but word on the street is he will end up a New York Ranger at about 8 million a year. Hey if he can get it, good. I just hope the owners remember this and other deals when the next CBA is being discussed.
-----
I didn't expect the Oilers to be a free agent player, but they inked three of them in Darcy Hordichuk, Ben Eager and Eric Belanger. All three guys will give the team some 3rd and 4th line grit that they haven't had. They also signed d-man Cam Barker who is a long ways from being washed up. Dare I say they might compete for a playoff spot. I don't think they are done either as I expect either Andrew Cogliano or Ales Hemsky to be traded.
------
Regina drivers are bad, but after events like Rider games, Pat games, fireworks, their ineptitude is fully on display. When will people realize lines move faster if everyone co-operates and lets people in. There are way too many d-bags (those aged 22 and under that think they are something that they are not) that are behind the wheel who really need a slap. I thought I was going to see two incidents erupt while on the way home.
-----
How many people in Canada do you think care about the NBA lockout?
-----
Locker Talk co-host Pete Paczko has informed me that this week's taping could be a rather volatile one seeing High Impact Wrestler Rex Roberts will be in to talk about the July 8th card. Rex and I aren't the best of buds, although I've never really met the man.
-----
It is pointless making your bed when you are just going to sleep in it again the next night.
-----
What better way to finish a Canada Day post than with this.....
Friday, July 1, 2011
Harding Stays With Wild
Josh Harding isn't going anywhere. The what would have been a free agent goaltender signed a 1.2 million dollar, one year deal late Wednesday to remain a member of the team that drafted him in 2002---the Minnesota Wild.
Canada Day Thoughts
A Happy Canada Day to everyone reading this. The year 2011 is half over and before you know it, 2012 will be here. Done your Christmas shopping yet??
The CFL season opened last night with Montreal hanging on to beat BC 30-26 in a game of two halves as Montreal dominated in the first half with the Lions controlling the 2nd half. Wally Buono had a brain cramp late though as he elected to try a field goal late instead of gambling on 3rd and 5 to keep what could have been a game tying drive alive. Buono was hoping the Lions could stop the Alouettes one more time allowing him to get the ball back and win. NOPE!
Anthony Calvillo looked in mid-season form in the first half firing at will to guys like SJ Green and Jamel Richardson. Travis Lulay also showed why he should be considered an up and coming star at QB as he threw for 366 yards.
Jerald Brown's broken ankle was one that just leaves you queasy when you see it.
Some think last night's game was a Grey Cup preview, I'm not subscribing to that. However, that GC preview will be staged July 9 at Mosaic. Yes, I'm saying Riders-Alouettes 3. If you care, I say it will finish Sask, BC, Calgary, Edmonton in the West with Montreal, Hamilton, Winnipeg and Toronto in the East.
High Impact Wrestling is back at the Victoria Club one week from tonight---July 8. YES!!!!!!
I hope the Rogers Centre is full this weekend for the Phillies and the Jays. Ricky Romero goes for Toronto tonight and he is quickly establishing himself as one of the best young pitchers in the American League. Roy Halladay returns tomorrow and Cliff Lee pitches for Philly on Sunday looking for his 4th straight complete game shutout. Lee was 5-0 in June with an ERA of .21. That's called being in control folks.
I was in Chili's the other night and as I left, there was a congregation of teenagers whooping it up in the MacDonalds parking lot which is next door. I didn't see if all of them had great big "L"s stamped on their forehead, but really. Is there nothing better or no better place to hang out than a MacDonalds parking lot? We weren't even that lame when it came to a meeting spot back in my youth.
Speaking of my youth, I can't walk into the Shoppers on South Albert without thinking of Checkers. If you lived in south Regina in the mid 80's-mid 90's you know what I'm talking about.
There are still some tickets left for the Rider game on Sunday, but not a lot. The forecast is calling for a high of 31. Memo to self....make sure you take some water with you when patrolling the sidelines. You may need it. If any of my friends on the east side want to buy me a beer at halftime, I would be more than willing to accept. I won't be hard to find.
I'm ecstatic that Weston Dressler is locked up as a Rider and won't be going anywhere for a few years, but I can't help but wonder why he wouldn't have tried to take a shot at the NFL. His size would be a deterrent, but when I look at someone like Wes Welker, I think if he can do it, Dressler could have.
NHL free agency day on TSN and Sportsnet is a waste of time as far as I'm concerned. The guys sit around and tap dance waiting for that big signing. Once Brad Richards has decided where he is going, that's it as far as I'm concerned. The word "overkill" can definitely be used here.
I wonder if I can watch the womens final at Wimbledon without Mrs. Scruffy glaring at me. I say that just because Maria Sharapova is playing. Perhaps I'll keep the sound down.
Speaking of Mrs. Scruffy, she has caught Royals fever. I thought her watching the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton would be enough, but she is enthralled with their Canadian visit. SIGHHHHHHH!!!!
Do you go to the park for Canada Day? Do you get out of town? Do you just laze around the homestead? I'm not a park guy, but the family is so you know where I'll be headed for a few hours.
Have a good long weekend!
The CFL season opened last night with Montreal hanging on to beat BC 30-26 in a game of two halves as Montreal dominated in the first half with the Lions controlling the 2nd half. Wally Buono had a brain cramp late though as he elected to try a field goal late instead of gambling on 3rd and 5 to keep what could have been a game tying drive alive. Buono was hoping the Lions could stop the Alouettes one more time allowing him to get the ball back and win. NOPE!
Anthony Calvillo looked in mid-season form in the first half firing at will to guys like SJ Green and Jamel Richardson. Travis Lulay also showed why he should be considered an up and coming star at QB as he threw for 366 yards.
Jerald Brown's broken ankle was one that just leaves you queasy when you see it.
Some think last night's game was a Grey Cup preview, I'm not subscribing to that. However, that GC preview will be staged July 9 at Mosaic. Yes, I'm saying Riders-Alouettes 3. If you care, I say it will finish Sask, BC, Calgary, Edmonton in the West with Montreal, Hamilton, Winnipeg and Toronto in the East.
High Impact Wrestling is back at the Victoria Club one week from tonight---July 8. YES!!!!!!
I hope the Rogers Centre is full this weekend for the Phillies and the Jays. Ricky Romero goes for Toronto tonight and he is quickly establishing himself as one of the best young pitchers in the American League. Roy Halladay returns tomorrow and Cliff Lee pitches for Philly on Sunday looking for his 4th straight complete game shutout. Lee was 5-0 in June with an ERA of .21. That's called being in control folks.
I was in Chili's the other night and as I left, there was a congregation of teenagers whooping it up in the MacDonalds parking lot which is next door. I didn't see if all of them had great big "L"s stamped on their forehead, but really. Is there nothing better or no better place to hang out than a MacDonalds parking lot? We weren't even that lame when it came to a meeting spot back in my youth.
Speaking of my youth, I can't walk into the Shoppers on South Albert without thinking of Checkers. If you lived in south Regina in the mid 80's-mid 90's you know what I'm talking about.
There are still some tickets left for the Rider game on Sunday, but not a lot. The forecast is calling for a high of 31. Memo to self....make sure you take some water with you when patrolling the sidelines. You may need it. If any of my friends on the east side want to buy me a beer at halftime, I would be more than willing to accept. I won't be hard to find.
I'm ecstatic that Weston Dressler is locked up as a Rider and won't be going anywhere for a few years, but I can't help but wonder why he wouldn't have tried to take a shot at the NFL. His size would be a deterrent, but when I look at someone like Wes Welker, I think if he can do it, Dressler could have.
NHL free agency day on TSN and Sportsnet is a waste of time as far as I'm concerned. The guys sit around and tap dance waiting for that big signing. Once Brad Richards has decided where he is going, that's it as far as I'm concerned. The word "overkill" can definitely be used here.
I wonder if I can watch the womens final at Wimbledon without Mrs. Scruffy glaring at me. I say that just because Maria Sharapova is playing. Perhaps I'll keep the sound down.
Speaking of Mrs. Scruffy, she has caught Royals fever. I thought her watching the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton would be enough, but she is enthralled with their Canadian visit. SIGHHHHHHH!!!!
Do you go to the park for Canada Day? Do you get out of town? Do you just laze around the homestead? I'm not a park guy, but the family is so you know where I'll be headed for a few hours.
Have a good long weekend!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)