I wouldn't get too worked up about Saskatchewan's 20-18 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos last night. Sure, it would have been nice if Luca Congi's 49-yard field goal had split the uprights on the last play of the game. But really, the Riders almost pulled out a win with a roster full of rookies and bench-warmers. In a nutshell - an insignificant outcome to an insignificant game. On the positive side, Barrett's Boys go into next weekend's West Semi-Final in Calgary healthy and rested. Now, that's worth getting worked up about!
There were a couple of noteworthy accomplishments last night, though. Rookie receiver Andy Fantuz cemented his status as Jacob's favourite Rider by posting the first 100-yard receiving game of his CFL career. Marcus Crandell did a very competent job at quarterback in his first extended action of the season. Marcus "Chunky" Adams played a strong game on the defensive line. And Jason French had a potential game-winning touchdown pass bounce off his helmet. Oh well, some things never change.
Time to get back to the offspring. We have an action-packed day ahead of us, before Yoda arrives later tonight. Hopefully the little Jedi leaves the big stick at home.
3 comments:
Hey Pete - I think the Riders have a better chance a stringing 3 wins in row than 5 in a row. The loss didn't hurt anything.
The PATS - really this team is in some trouble. I think the talent pool has again been overrated. Last year Kalus, Tolpeko and Robinson turned a very average team into a good team. This year they are an average team without three older scorers. Look how fortunes change. A mediocre Red Deer team has two great Euros and now they will contend this year for sure.
This last horrible road trip has set them back a long way. Where to begin:
GOALTENDING - very average
SCORING - 55% of their goals came during 4 games. The other 45% were in 10 games (mostly losses) There were 0/28 on the PP during the road trip. Their leading goal scorer is a 16 yr old. That should tell anyone they have a big problem. An average PP goes about 20%. With that they should have scored 5-6 goals. It would have probably meant 2 wins. They talk about scoring by committee but that doesn't relly work unless you have scorers. You have to have a couple of finishers and PP specialists.
20 YR OLDS - 2 of the 3 have minus's in the plus/minus rating. one of them a -4.
They have a number of veteran players now but not a real talented group. The Pats have not had a forward highly drafted in a number of years, and none in the last 3-4 years.
If they don't re-tool soon with some significant changes this season could get away on them. As it stands right now they will likely only end up being a .500 team. I for one am getting a little tired of promises by management and then not delivering. It always seems to be next year around here..starting to sound like the Riders..........
Wow,
Good synopsis, although still a little soon to be pushing the panic button. I will agree that no one has stepped into the scoring void left by the departure of Kalus, Robinson and Tolpeko. Hopefully Brent Parker can unearth an impact Euro soon. And, I have to admit, I'm not sure what value Niko Snellman brings to the club. Sure he hits, but he also has no offensive impact. Hardly what I'm looking for from an import.
You are right on the money regarding Snellman. Euros and 20 yr olds have to be impact players. My god tell me we can't find a canuck to crash and bang !!! What does he bring over Senseman????
We may not want to push the panic button yet but we should have our hand pretty close! We have to play a tough P.A. team up there with them knowing they can overtake us in the standings. Then come back and play Kootney and Everett back to back. Those teams are hard to play against particularly Everett with all the talent they have.
Heaven forbid but if the Pats lose two or three of those games they will have effectively taken themselves out of the hunt for 1st or 2nd.
We need a 19 yr old with some hands who is willing to play in traffic, perhaps a rugged d-man, and for sure a sniper for the PP and big play.
Deck is somebody who needs a change of scenery. Jason Mcdonald, Levi Lind, and Snellman are all question marks in my mind.
Maybe let Tartaglione run with the ball for a while. Since Reekie left, Rowatts' play has drooped off considerably.
At any rate this is going to be a HUGE week for the Pats. However make no mistake, reinforcements are needed.
Next little while should prove interesting. Love your post game comments..you call a spade a spade.
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