Sandra's WK20 CFL Power Grouping

What do you do on a very snowy and cold Sunday afternoon when you find yourself with a couple extra hours?  You get out your fancy double ended markers and set to doodling.  That's right folks...you've got yourself a Garfunkel for Week 20 in the CFL.

The way I saw things in Week 20 was as you can see in the above Halloween graphic was the league divided into not an A, B and C but more of an Us versus Them.

Pumpkin (Group A) - Hamilton TigerCats/Saskatchewan Roughriders/Calgary Stampeders/Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Montreal Alouettes

Headstone (Group B) - Edmonton Eskimos/Toronto Argonauts/BC Lions/Ottawa Redblacks

The Hamilton TigerCats might be grinning ear to ear like Mr Jack O'Lantern sitting atop the whole CFL with 14 wins under their belt however, I've heard discussion about how easy it is for them in the east with how dismal their division opponents are.  It's been a while since they've had to play a strong western team.  They finish their season against Toronto so now doubt this record setting season will end at 15 wins for Hamilton.

My Saskatchewan Roughriders were on the road to Edmonton and as some people put it "nothing good happens in Edmonton".  Well many were ready to stop believing at half time and I even remarked that if I believed social media I'd be in the back yard burning my jersey.  Thank God things turned around in the second half as the Riders took gradual control of the game and ended with a walk off Field Goal on the leg of Brett Lauther for the second time this season.  They find a way to win.  Isn't that what I said was always so admirable about the Stampeders?  Well one thing if one can admire them...  because I find it so hard to like Bo Levi Mitchell.  He is very quick to call out his team mates.  Contrast that to Cody Fajardo who says he can't do with without the support of everyone else.  There is just so much to admire about Cody and it's not just the sprinkles.

Not football related but while the Riders versus Eskimo game was playing out in Edmonton, Regina was hosting it's first NHL game with the Heritage Classic at Mosaic Stadium.  The stadium looked absolutely glorious on tv and the aerial shots were awe inspiring reminding me of what Taylor Field had looked like at the 2013 Grey Cup.  Imagine how sparkly Mosaic will be when hosting in 2020.  Before all that happened though there was a fellow on Twitter who posted something about how people shouldn't wear Rider gear to other sporting events and of course people rebelled but then the best thing happened - Don Cherry himself appeared on TV wearing a beautifully tailored Roughrider blazer.  Anyone going to tell Grapes he can't don Rider gear for a hockey game?  Look the bottom line is - wear whatever the hell you want and stop looking around judging other people.  We spend $200+ on jerseys and it's a shame to hide them in a closet.  Wear your fandom with pride no matter what team you support.

Photo c/o Twitter post

Zach Collaros started for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and many have said "he's back".  While it might appear so there is next to zero film on Collaros in 2019 and it seemed the Stampeders hadn't really game planned for him at all.  With the protection of the Bomber O Line and running back Andrew Harris they were able to come out victorious.  Many Rider fans were cheering for the Bombers to help out in the west division standings or were they cheering AGAINST the Stampeders?  ABC!

I did tune in for the Hamilton Montreal game but honestly as entertaining as it was the game was meaningless as the stage is set for the eastern playoffs.  Vernon Adams was pulled after orchestrating two touchdowns.  A lot of starters also sat out the game but even so a team of back ups nearly beat the division champs.  Let's think about what's going to happen in the east final if Montreal turns out to be their opponent.

Even though I did lump the Edmonton Eskimos into the "other" group I did think that they should have come out victorious against my Roughriders Saturday.  At times the Edmonton sidelines looked confused at what was transpiring on the field.  The Esks have a great offensive and defensive line and with the return of Trevor Harris are a much improved team.  They come into Regina for the rematch in Week 21 and then head off to the east as the cross over team where I think they stand a good chance of beating the Als.

The seasons are pretty much done for the Argos, Lions and Redblacks.  Fans at ABC Rider Fans area already discussing which coaches will be fired or who will be the first to go.  Another discussion is who the MOP's and Coaches of the Year should be.  It's fun when your team is involved in those but not so much when you're team is already in next year mode.  I'll let you know that times do get better and sometimes things are a blessing in disguise.  When Chris Jones left the Riders in February or even when Collaros went down after 3 plays no one would have thought the Riders would be battling for first in the west.  Things can change quickly in the CFL.  Just don't stop believing.

Sandra's WK19 CFL Power Grouping

The news broke on Monday Oct 21st that the Saskatchewan Roughriders had signed Cody Fajardo through 2021 and essentially making him the franchise quarterback.  Thank goodness for football and having something positive to relate to on Canadian election Monday. 

One way to get Saskatchewan to turn blue is to have the province vote Conservative.

Anyway, thank you Cody "Sprinkles" Fajardo.  I watched the Riders Live press conference and continue to be wowed by the words and philosophies that come from this man.  One phrase that stuck with me was one he borrowed from coach Craig Dickenson "Be Where Your Feet Are".  

Another hot topic had all the football mathematicians dig out their high school calculus adding machines - what are the CFL play off scenarios.  Now if this doesn't make your head ache I don't know what will.  We know that the Roughriders will likely host a play off game but we don't know which one; the west semi or west final.  There's a super slim chance that they don't host a play off game but I'm not going to entertain that idea at all.  I BEL13VE.  

If you haven't already guessed, yes, I do have the Riders in A Group.  My break down is as follows.

Group A - Hamilton TigerCats/Saskatchewan Roughriders/Calgary Stampeders

Group B - Montreal Alouettes/Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Edmonton Eskimos

Group C - BC Lions/Toronto Argonauts/Ottawa Redblacks

Who would have pegged Hamilton to be the best team in the CFL when Masoli went down?  Certainly not me since we've seen first hand and around the league that you require a starting quarterback and a competent back up.  Good for you Cats for finding that talent.  Your team just keeps winning and congrats on obtaining 13 wins this season which is a franchise record.  As we know, the regular season is one thing and the play offs a completely other beast.  Is this team built for regular season wins or a play off run?  We will see come November.

The Calgary Stampeders need to win out to stay atop the CFL west.  They play the Bombers and Lions to end their season so it seems completely plausible especially with Streveler getting so beaten up in their match last week.  Tuesday morning they announced the signing of Dextor McCoil.  As usual the Stamps have their share of injuries but also as usual they keep finding talent.

I did not see the Alouettes and Argonauts game because I was busy teaching future rock stars.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  I honestly had them pegged to be champs this year and if you look back at previous posts you'd see that.  There are some things I don't understand.  As soon as Nichol's was injured why didn't you go out and get yourself a quarterback?  When Streveler was obviously injured in week 19 why on earth did you let him continue to play?  Watching him hobble around the field was awful.  There's a difference between gutting it out and stupidity.  Word on the street is Zach Collaros is taking first team reps this week so it's likely he'll see time against the Stamps.  We all know that one good bop on the head will finish him off.  Why sign someone so fragile?  Crazier things have happened but I just don't see this going well.

Another player back this week is Trevor Harris.  Nice timing since it's a home and home with my Riders.  Without Harris I'd say the Riders could take the series but now... If it ends in a split I will be happy.

There's not much to say about C group.  There's things I could say but none of it will make a difference and out of respect for their fans they don't deserve someone else dishing on them.  Enjoy the remaining games and look forward to the changes the off season will bring.  

For the rest of us - on to week 20.  Can you believe how fast this season has gone?

Put Out The Fire

I've been feeling like I'm on a different plane of existence lately.  This time of year is a season of change for me as the regular school year comes to a close and I regain my freedom for 8 weeks of summer holidays.  Even though this is so...there is a definite disconnect I've felt not only with Rider Nation but with the Canadian Football League in general. 

The fire I used to feel has dwindled. 

I've been watching a Netflix show called Dark.  The premise is that there are several different time lines going on and using different methods explored in the show a person can travel between them and to different points in history.  I feel like I am still on a 3 year remake of the Riders timeline but they are over there and I can't quit make the connection.

As much as I am behind Craig Dickenson, here we are with another coaching change just as the Roughriders were making strides under Chris Jones.  The departure of Jones also meant Jeremy O'Day stepped in as General Manager.  There were numerous Quarterbacks available in free agency and the Riders failed to lure any of them to Saskatchewan.  We signed Zach Collaros who as my mother put it was one bonk on the head away from being done...and that's exactly how it happened.  If fans felt any excitement or hope before, now it's even more frustrating.  Fans like to know the names of the guys on the team and often complain that besides a couple players they don't know who they are anymore.  

Have we lost our identity?

It's increasingly expensive to attend games.  Ticket prices go up as do everything else.  Want to feed the family?  Those trendy items they show on the TSN broadcast will set you back more than $20.  Drinks?  Wait, do you want to buy some merch from the store?  Good luck.  There's not much for under $20 there either.  The first jersey I ever bought was $60 and now you can't even walk away with a golf shirt for that amount of money.  It's harder now than ever to support your favourite team.  Yet Rider Nation is loyal and we still do it and attend games but this fan is feeling it and I'm sure many are.  

We are getting bored...

...bored and frustrated.

It's not just the Riders.  There's plenty in the CFL to be disillusioned with.  

The 2018 season ended with two Roughriders Quarterbacks being injured and the leagues answer was to put another set of eyes on the field.  All the talk in the off season was about making the game safer.  Jonathon Rose who?  Yeah, they forgot all about him and neglected to dish out any punishment because they were too busy negotiation the new CBA but what good did it do?  In the 3rd play of the season a Riders QB was again taken out of a game and when the suspensions were handed down the CFLPA decided to back the offender Simoni Lawrence who said he was "super sorry" but not sorry enough to actually take responsibility for his actions.  He gets to play while the CFL and PA try to find a date they can meet and all the while Zach Collaros is on the 6 game injured list, at home in Hamilton and who knows if he'll actually ever play again.

Everything feels broken.

There was a discussion on ABC Rider Fans about the fine to Makana Henry.  Some felt he should have been suspended as well.  The CFL/PA doesn't take a hard enough stance against any of these things.  Jamey Person (top contributor to ABC Rider Fans) pointed out that if it was dealt with harsher players would think twice about what they do.  He may have a point.  I personally think that it starts long before any player hits the CFL.  It starts with education and education of everyone.  Young players need to not only be taught what a correct tackle looks like but how to avoid hits in fast game play.  At the same time officials need to be better educated to deal with these things when they happen.  Use the Eye in the Sky or whatever it's called to get these things right.  It has a trickle down effect and even though it won't fix today's issue it will protect players of the future.  I think some of this is already happening and it's veteran players who we are still seeing using this old style of play trying to push it off as "I didn't mean to" and "I'm really a nice guy".  

What are fans to do?  Around the CFL attendance seems to be dwindling and the more the media brings it up the less I suspect people want to attend.  All of what I've talked about is contributing to the current state of things.  I saw a Twitter post by Paul LaPolice saying that if kids want to go play catch during warm ups to meet in the end zone with him and the Quarterbacks.  Wow.  My first memory of the Riders was of a Roughrider visiting my school and apparently I'm the only one of my classmates who remembers it at all but it obviously left an impression on me!  It starts at the bottom - give the kids something to love and they'll bring their parents. The Riders had a marketing campaign like this several years ago and let's face it...there's not a more lovable mascot around than that of Gainer the Gopher.

So where does this leave us?  

A win solves a lot of issues.

It's Canada Day and the Saskatchewan Roughriders aka Canada's Team are hosting the Toronto Argonauts Monday at 5pm.  They are promising to unveil the nations biggest Canadian flag, the 50/50 is over $100000, 30000 rally towels are being given away and Big Sugar is playing halftime...oh yeah...and a football game is happening!  I'll be there in my new seats in 118 and I know regardless of the outcome it's going to be a great experience.

Now - where did I put that cowbell?

Let's Go Camping

On the May Victoria long weekend I was able to get away to my parents house in Prince Albert, the home of the WHL Champion Raiders, and while I was there we took a day trip to Waskesiu National Park.  We checked out some camping spots for my parents upcoming camping adventures.  A lot of CFL fans were looking forward to a different kind of camping though as team Training Camps opened across the country.  I was two hours away and my beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders were arriving at Griffiths Stadium/U of S for the opening of Training Camp. 

Most years this single occurrence is what gets me through the winter/spring doldrums.  In 2019 things have been different and I've mentioned it in previous blog posts how I've become discouraged mostly because of the negotiations between the Canadian Football League and it's players to come up with a contract.  How could I totally commit myself when we didn't even know if camp was going to happen or not?  Well, it finally seemed as if all was a go then the CFL did some swindling by changing the language of the contracts and all H-E-double hockey sticks almost broke loose.  Some last minute negotiations took place and in the final hour the agreement was ratified.  We sure came close with that one!  Far too close for this fan.  All the players had arrived and schedules were set.  What a disrespectful (dirty) thing for the league to do to the players and the fans.

The launch of the Nu Era CFL merchandise was unveiled Thursday morning.  For most teams there was little change except in the manufacturer and some teams going with a new helmet design.  I thought this had been the case when it was announced that Nu Era was taking over.  I know what many of us are looking forward to is better fitting size appropriate clothing.  Last week I had the chance to peruse the Lawson Heights Rider Store and as expected the new merchandise wasn't there yet BUT I do own two Nu Era tank tops from last year which are my very favourites.  I still own a cursed (to put it lightly) Reebok jersey and it remains crumpled in the back of my closet where it was discarded last season.  My wardrobe is no place for bad mojo.  I have a gift card so I'm looking forward to injecting some winning attire.  Let me know if you have any of the new items and what your impression is.  We all deserve amazing CFL gear.

Don't forget appropriate sizing!

Some CFL media types have released a list of Preseason Power Rankings which to me seems awkward because all they really are doing is comparing the talent on the paper.  One doesn't know how any of it will pan out until they play a game.  We usually can't tell much from Preseason games either because coaches are busy trying players out in different situations in real game time.  Some Training Camp stars are big flops in real time.  Taking all of these things and the time it takes to sit down and construct power rankings into account I wondered if I should continue with my Power Groupings which I've done over the last two seasons.  I put the thought out on Twitter and what I discovered is that I actually have a following.  Thanks!  What started off as I-don't-like-your-list-here's-mine has become something that others look forward to and I really appreciate it!  This season they will be published right here on my blog page instead of their own page.  It's just a far simpler system.  I'm leaving the 2018 posts up so you can all critique...ridicule my artwork.

Green and White day will be held Saturday at SMF Field in Saskatoon.  This is a terrific event if you can't make it out to the mornings of  Training Camp.  You'll get to see the team do a light workout, the Drum Line will perform as will the Cheer Team.  The part I look forward to is the "scrimmage" and of course the team lining up for a meet and greet with fans afterwards.  Lot's of people ask me how I've managed to meet so many players and this is it.  If you can't get to the annual Labour Day event then this is the one to be at.  I will never forget standing in line in the rain in 2013 to meet players.  Don't miss out making a memory.  You'll remember in November how it was all worth it.

Believe (BEL13VE) was the slogan the Roughriders used in their social media posts following the 2017 season.  It was a hashtag that many of us aligned ourselves with easily.  It embodied the Riders as underdogs and how the belief of fans holds them up and elevates their performance.  Unite in Green is the new 2019 hashtag.  It doesn't roll of the tongue as easily but as we all dust off our gear (or invest in new merch) we all end up pilgrimaging to the same destination with the same goal in mind.  We do unite and nothing truly brings us like the community of Rider Nation.  There is never a question which CFL team you should cheer for.  You won't find another one like the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Isn't it great that CFL football is back?!  Let's Go Camping!  Go Riders Go!

Merry Christmas

Instead of posting my usual list of the Friday Football 5, I'm taking this opportunity to share.  Christmas Eve is Monday and I'm sure most football fans are checking over their Christmas lists twice, attending parties and visiting with family and friends.

My cookie sheet advent calendar - are you ready?

If you find yourself hiding from *that* coworker in the staff bathroom don't fear...we've all been there and while you're hiding why not peruse last Friday's Football 5 Christmas Edition.  Since I published that post the Roughriders re-signed Zach Evans, Patrick Lavoie and Loucheiz Purifoy. Spencor Moore was traded to the Montreal Alouettes.  Willie Jefferson has not re-signed as I'd hoped but there's always time for Rider Claus to come through with that one.  While nothing has happened in regards to the CBA the CFL did release the 2019 schedule December 20th which made many of our weeks and proceeding that all the Roughriders media took to keyboards dissecting and commenced complaining.  The 13 days of shopping on the Rider Store website was over but they've continued with other sales and while you'd never get it in time, even though I got mine in 2 days, it won't be a Christmas present at this point.  Still, there are some great buys and if a special student happened to give you a gift card - this might be a good time to spend it.

Schedule posted on Riderville.com

The kids are out of school today (Dec 21st) and if you're looking to make a special memory with them, spending time in the kitchen baking and decorating cookies is a terrific way to do it.  Some of my best Christmas memories are doing that with my mom and later on with my niece and nephew.  Don't have a recipe?  Check out my mom's tried and true recipe in my blog For the Cookie Loving Football Fan.  

Those same kids making you crazy?  Ready to send them back to school?  Why not click on the Power Rankings tab at the top of this blog page and share a laugh over all my various "art" rankings throughout the 2018 season.  Sit down with a glass of eggnog & pull out the art supplies and do some adult colouring of your own.  It sure helps me through every season and it might help you as well.

Next week what can you expect once Christmas is over and we're all dazed from Turkey hangovers?  I have two exciting blog posts planned for you.  I'm going to recap all the major Roughriders and CFL stories which have impacted us over 2018.  There are many.  I'm also going to reflect on the blogs I've posted which were the most viewed and which people/fans connected with the most and also follow up with how those blog subjects turned out.  Check back on this page or all the various social media outlets for those posts and if you really don't want to miss out consider subscribing by email.

Thank you for reading this blog and sharing with me through this last year.  I wish you and yours the happiest and merriest Christmases ever.  I hope you see the magic of the season and feel the love shared throughout the holidays.

It's a Wrap

I said last week that I wasn't ready for the season to be over.  Well, it doesn't matter how I feel or felt at the time because now I've just got to suck it up and move on because it is indeed all over.  Second Season was short in Rider Nation.

I planned all week (Friday Football Five) what to wear as we were warned of how cold the weather was going to be for the Western Semi Final game between the Roughriders and Blue Bombers.  I saw the updates on social media from the Riders about the players in the cold and as much as the weather should never be the story for some reason it was.  Some of the sports media talked about the "real" football players and how they don't wear sleeves in the cold.  One even went as far as to say the players who wore the sleeves weren't going to win.  I have no idea if there's any truth to that and as the girl who wore two pairs of pants, 3 shirts, winter coat, thermal socks and plastered Hot Hands in her mittens and boots...since when is trying to stay warm a sin?  I've lived in Saskatchewan my whole life...born and raised...and I've never adjusted to winter.  Why on earth do we expect guys from Florida, California or any southern states to adjust better than us?  All that being said, both teams had to play in the same conditions and only one of the two were truly prepared to play.

We were so hopeful all week long.   Collaros was practicing.  We stood a chance.  Then Friday Brandon Bridge took first team reps.  Fans started to chatter.  It's all good we thought...just prep.  Of course he needs reps we tried to tell ourselves.  Then late Saturday, TSN's Dave Naylor broke the news that Collaros was not only not starting but he wasn't even dressing.  Rider Nation flipped out.  It was a strange report.  Dave Naylor tweeted the breaking news and then used the tweet in his article which seemed to me like he was using himself as his source.  The Riders not only lost the game Saturday night but lost the West Semi the week before when Odell Willis took out the Riders starting quarterback.  No amount of rationalization was going to change it.

This was my very first play off game experience.  I've only been able to be a season ticket holder for 2 years.  I live in Saskatoon and have mentioned several times that it's a time commitment as well as a money commitment in the form of gas and food dollars.  There were moments sitting in section 126 where it felt absolutely magical.  The snow would come float down around us and sparkled in the lights of beautiful Mosaic Stadium.  The trumpeter performing for the Remembrance Day ceremony and moment of silence afterwards was breath taking.  The halftime act was an interesting mix of heavy metal and celtic music which I didn't even know what a possibility but thoroughly enjoyed their performance.  The only thing missing was the legendary story of how the QB coined Air Canada would lead us to the first ever play off win at home...and the Riders 13th man flag which failed to unfurl.  As my Hubby pointed out - The Riders never win when the flag isn't flown.

No.  Instead, all the news after the game and for a few days now has been centred around player safety.  I know the Riders were not winning that game.  The Bombers took control of the line of scrimmage at the end of the first quarter and it wasn't getting better from there.  I just think it's interesting that a guy would deliver such a violent blow to a player with only 8 seconds left in a game that the Riders weren't in control of winning anyway.  I had someone tell me that we should all know danger and injuries are a part of the game and how there wasn't a penalty and on and on.  I tried to explain that it's all fine and dandy until it's your quarterback laying prone on the field.  Every player knows that injuries happen but I'm pretty sure none of them play with the expectation of being knocked out.  I think what's even more awful is when you find out that Jackson Jeffcoat did the same thing to Mike Reilly in 2017.  Where does the CFL draw the line?  Why do the Riders have to have this happen to not only one quarterback but both starting quarterbacks within 3 weeks?  Why is this the story instead of how the Bombers came in and executed a great game plan to win them their first play off game in many years?  It's sickening and the CFL and Commissioner Randy Ambrosie (also from Winnipeg) needs to stand up and do something before someone is seriously and devastatingly injured.  

Meanwhile, fans of other teams say we are making excuses for losing.

If that's what makes you feel better for supporting your own team then so be it.

The Roughriders lost for the same reasons that plagued the team throughout 2018.  The offence couldn't execute.  There wasn't a running game.  Our receivers were scrambling and it seemed only one could get open.  Because the Bombers game plan included running the ball and very few throwing opportunities the Riders defence couldn't do what they do and force fumbles, strip the ball or gain interceptions.  The Riders had found ways to win by using the defence when the offence couldn't score.  On Sunday, neither was put in a position to do anything but kick field goals and thank goodness for Brett Lauther.  This is where the Riders need to spend their focus this off season.  With Collaros, Bridge and Tate being free agents one has to think none of them will be back and mostly for the health of Zach Collaros.  Conversation on ABC Rider Fans has quickly turned to which quarterback do we go after for 2019?  Bo Levi Mitchell, Mike Reilly and Trevor Harris are all free agents.  Will we end up seeing one of those guys sporting green?  Before you say "oh hell no" - it's funny how likable hated players become when they're wearing the right colours.

So the Riders fell to the Winnipeg Football Club 23 - 18 and it's the Bombers who move on to Calgary in the West Final.  Calgary has faced their own set of challenges but are hungry after losing in back to back Grey Cup games.  Did the Bombers game plan to teach the Riders a lesson?  Have they planned for Bo Levi and the Stamps?  The Stampeders had the bye and it sure would be fun to see them annihilate the Riders arch rivals...but I'm not hitching my horse to that wagon.  

My Saskatchewan Roughriders have cleared out their lockers.  Players are heading home.  There's plenty of free agents but Marcus Thigpen isn't one of them.  He re-signed quickly.  It's possible some of the players will head to the NFL or want to even test out the new American league.  Chris Jones is having to give coaches their walking papers as the new cap comes into place in 2019.  The CFLPA is heading in to negotiations.  There are 3 clubs wanting to bid on the 2020 Grey Cup including the Riders.  This off season will give us plenty to talk about.

Thank you as always for indulging me in this little blog.  I appreciate everyone who comments and follows along with me.  I believe this isn't a wrap on 2018 - it's the beginning of 2019.  

BEL13VE

Friday Football Five

Can you feel it? The excitement is mounting and I've heard there are less than 2,000 tickets available for Sunday's Western Semi Final game in Regina's Mosaic Stadium.

1.  I've spent all week thinking about what clothes to wear to the Remembrance Day Labour Day feeling play off game between our Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  I already own ski pants and I think layering 3 or 4 tops/sweaters under my winter coat will suffice.  I have shearling lined winter boots and we've been trying on various styles of mittens.  I'm still toying with the idea of going to Cabella's for some of those hot pocket doo-dad's for extra warmth.  Do I go with Santa hat or the standard tuque or both?  Oh and I've also got a blanket to sit on or be wrapped in.

2.  The players have been commenting on how cold it feels and apparently Coach Jones is tired of hearing about it.  For many of these players, they haven't experienced snow before never mind this depth of cold.  Hubby reminded me of how Lancaster and Reed would dip their hands in freezing water to acclimate themselves to the cold.  All I know is, I'm happy my team is talking about the weather and not concerned with pumping in crowd noise.  By the way, these leather mittens sound louder than thunder sticks.....

3.  As concerned as I am with what I'm wearing, it's possible that a major key to the game is similar.  A running game is only as good as your footing is sure.  So Bombers if you're reading this...who needs tread on cleats?  I jest.  Kind of.  At the same time, ball security can be an issue too.  Can you hold on to the ball?  Grip is sure a lot different at -20 than it is +20.  I trust the Jones regime and I'm sure they've prepared for all scenarios.

4.  As hopeful and confident sounding as I am about winning Sunday's game (because I think we have all the tools in place)  I've also thought about my feelings for this being the end of the 2018 season and I can only say this - I'M NOT READY FOR IT TO BE OVER.  Our offence needs to score at least 14 points, our defence has to do it's thing and a special teams play would be super fun as well.

5.  On the Thursday morning CKOM Gormley show the guests were the Mayors of Saskatoon and Regina.  They declared today Rider Green Friday and Mayor Fougere discussed making a bet with the Mayor of Winnipeg.  I've dug out my BEL13VE tee shirt which I had the entire team (almost) sign at Fan Day in Saskatoon during training camp.  I'm carrying the team on my back.

As always - Go Riders!  I'll catch y'all on the flip side where Rider Nation is all hoping to be rejoicing in the win and planning for the West Final.  As always, find me on Twitter (@smilingsandra) or join us on ABC Rider Fans on Facebook.  Let's make a new memory together at beautiful Mosaic Stadium.

Second Season

All 21 weeks in the CFL have been played.  There's been highs, lows, challenges, adversity, injuries and surprises.  The standings have been set and the play off picture solidified.  Second Season has arrived.  It's one and done.  Survival of the fittest.  Take your torch and leave the island.  Hang up your chef coat.  You're chopped.

A couple weeks ago, a students parent stopped in my classroom and looked at my 2013 Roughriders Championship sign.  "Are you a fan of this team?" She asked.  Yes.  "Oh, they've only won 4 times...that's not very good."  😐 Blue Bomber fans are quick to also point this out.  The Roughriders, after playing them three times this season and winning the season series, will be playing them one more time at home in beautiful Mosaic Stadium.  It's been 28 years since the Blue Bombers have won a Grey Cup and this will be the first time since 2007 the two teams have met in the play offs.

2007 in my opinion was the year we got away with one.  It was the year of the last minute Labour Day victory on the legs of Kerry Joseph.  It was the year of the black out game.  It was also the year the Kevin Glenn led Blue Bombers had a legitimate chance at winning the 97th Grey Cup.  Kevin Glenn got injured and they were forced to play Ryan Dinwiddie.  The game was held November 25th in Toronto at Rogers Centre. The Roughriders won 23-19.  Lenny Kravitz was the halftime act.  It was the first time a Labour Day match up had played in the Grey Cup and the last to be broadcast on the CBC.  

The Riders are now finding themselves in a similar situation.  Odell Willis "sacked" Zach Collaros in the Riders final game of the regular season and after a few plays was removed from the game.  It's true that there hasn't been an official announcement on Collaros' health but I'd like to think that if he were in question for the Sunday play off game the Riders wouldn't have allowed him out on the weekend making an appearance at Capitol Ford to sign autographs and engage fans.  I also think that Zach is the kind of player who might have to be seeing blue birds and have broken legs before not committing to play.  At any rate this is a question which is in the back of all the minds of Rider Nation.

The Roughriders did cause a stir by coaxing ex-Rider, ex-Stampeder, ex-Bomber, ex-Redblack, Drew Tate out of retirement.  They also signed Quinn van Gylswyk at the same time but that virtually went un-noticed.  What could this mean? Speculation was rampant on social media.  Firstly, I don't think anyone is completely or even slightly convinced that Brandon Bridge could relieve Zach Collaros and effectively command the offence.  After having a great showing in 2017, Bridge just has not been that guy and as much as he seems liked the coaching staff has restricted his plays this season...some would even say handcuffed.  Even in short yardage, the Riders have elected to use DB Nick Marshall and QB (3rd Stringer) David Watford instead of a taller and more experienced Bridge.  It would not hurt to have the expertise of someone like Drew Tate.  Secondly, and lastly, to me the play offs aka Second Season are a "no holds barred" and "win at all costs" type of scenario.  You use whatever tools you can.  If that means signing players who can and willingly give intel on their previous teams...especially teams who you know you will meet in your play off run, well, you do it.  You go all out.  I think this is also why we've seen a few other signings which for the most part have flown under the radar.  Jones, you green wearing sly devil you!

Still us Rider fans are having to ward off the usual smack talk from other fans.  The most common one is the reminder of how the Winnipeg Football Club (the official CFL name by the way) forced the Riders to lay a giant goose egg in their last meeting of the season.  I'll also remind those people of another game back in 2012 where the Riders beat their team 52-0.  I've also had to endure the ribbing of Stampeder fans who told me it wasn't mathematically possible that the Stamps wouldn't finish first and yet there we saw them on Saturday having to play Bo Levi and as many starters as they could muster (those who aren't still on IR) to secure their spot.  It's okay...we all know how their play off runs usually end anyway.

So there's plenty of stuff being flung in all directions.  Isn't it fun!  Isn't this what makes the CFL so cool and appealing?!  I know I can hardly wait for this Remembrance Day play off match up.  I've got my play off ticket.  I've planned what to wear.  I've printed and laminated my signs.  This will be my first ever Second Season game and the first for Mosaic Stadium.  If you don't have your ticket yet, why the heck not?  Get out there.  The 13th Man needs to be out in full force. Let's paint the world green.  Again.  

I'll be in 126.  Cowbell in hand.  Go Riders!

The Big Goose Egg

The Big Goose Egg...the blow out...the zip - nada - no cigar for you game.

Delete the depth chart.  Drive over it with your car.  Burn it - flush it.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers having been defeated at the hands of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in back to back match ups over Labour Day put together a game plan and executed it to their full potential.  Good on them.  Kudos.  The Roughriders on the other hand?  Well, I think my team went into IGF a little full of themselves and over confident that since we did beat them twice that this rematch was going to be a piece of cake.  One only needs to reflect on the passed two very close wins to realize it was only a matter of time until this team and fan base plummeted back to earth with a deaf defying thud.

All season long the Roughriders defence and special teams have produced wins.  We all watched wondering what would happen if they had a bad game or what would happen if our offence put a game together for once.  Then injuries started to happen.  Holley, Roosevelt, Williams-Lambert and then the latest injury to Dan Clark all made us question if we could keep up to our counterparts in the West.  More goes into it than just some injured players, after all teams like the Calgary Stampeders who barely have a receiving corps left manage to keep winning...well, except for last week.  In no way is this paragraph an excuse but it is one of the question marks.  If these players are ready to return they certainly help out the confidence level of our quarterback.

Our quarterback.  Historically, when you look at Roughriders quarterbacks they've been notorious for having up/down games.  Lancaster who we've put on pedestals in Rider Nation would stink up Taylor Field when he was off.  Darian Durant would have terribly off games.  I'm not comparing them to Collaros but when this is what our quarterbacking has been like previously why do we insist on expecting someone to light it up?  Maybe we are just a wishful hopeful bunch and a bit jealous - why can't we have that?  None of that is on Collaros.  Neither are the drops by receivers.  When a ball hits you in the numbers you need to catch it.  Collaros can only throw the ball - he can't catch it too!  

Don't forget the back up aka the most popular player in Rider Nation.  Or is he?  Last year Brandon Bridge looked very promising and we all expected that he'd take the next step this year.  What happened?  This year he can't seem to make a read and is too quick to give up and scramble.  According to ex players I've listened to this makes the O Lineman panic and scramble too because they don't know where to protect anymore.  I'll take their word for it.  

This leads me to trust.  I know I keep harping on our O Line.  Remarkably, they do a good job and haven't allowed many sacks this season.  However, when you look at the time our QB has in the pocket...1 Mississippi 2 Mississippi etc there isn't a lot of time to go through your reads and make a decision.  Teams like the Blue Bombers and Eskimos have great offensive lines and it shows in the production of their quarterbacks.  When you can stand back there, go through your reads, file your nails, order pizza and then decide who to throw to...you're going to be far more successful.  Instead, you have to decide or run for your life.  Someone like Collaros should be able to get the ball out quicker but someone like Bridge is doomed.

So who is responsible for this?  I don't know how many times I've yelled "move the pocket" this season.  It's happened a couple times or there's been a play action call and it's worked.  Why don't we run these plays more often?  It sets defenses off and allows more time to make throws.  Instead we've been treated to screens and outs and our receivers are never near the yard markers so they almost always go 2 and out.  Stephen McAdoo is the guy in charge.  He's the Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach.  I don't understand why last year we saw more variety in our play call and this year we have less.  Was it the experience of Kevin Glenn?  Is it some sort of Grey Cup game plan where you don't show your cards unless you have to?  Mr McAdoo, please help us out here!  Design something to help us succeed!  We know you can do it!

There's also been some criticism that Roughriders Head Coach Chris Jones is preoccupied with his defence and puts his trust in Stephen McAdoo.  Of course he should!  Chris Jones should be applauded for building the defence that he has.  It's so fun to watch!  Wouldn't be fun to watch the offence score too?!  I personally don't think he's ignoring it or oblivious to the fact our offence hasn't produced this year.  I think that he's believed in them.  Just like we keep believing in the team, Jones believes this offence can do it and on a good day they can but on a bad day like Saturday we couldn't.  I know that Jones is likely busy evaluating the team and watching the film to digest exactly what happened and what this team needs to do.

For us fans?  It's time to shake it off.  Move on.  It's a new week and a new opponent.  The Saskatchewan Roughriders visit Calgary to take on the Stampeders in week 19 of the CFL.  It sure would be nice to get this win.

Don't forget to check out my "Power Grouping" for Week 18 and join in the conversation on ABC Rider Fans on Facebook.

As always, Go Riders!

How Sweet It Is

Six and Four!

A few weeks ago when the Montreal Alouettes beat a struggling Roughriders team everyone was ready to throw McAdoo and Jones to the wolves but suddenly in week 12 of the CFL pitch fork and torch sales have plummeted in the wheat province.  We find our Saskatchewan Roughriders on a three game winning streak with the last win coming on another Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers which moves them into second place in the western conference after the Edmonton Eskimos fell to the first place Calgary Stampeders.  How sweet it is!

Chris Jones is now three-for-three wearing the green "Diversity is Strength" tee shirt.  When asked about it in a media scrum last week he said wearing it had been mandated by the players after an apparent vote was taken.  He said it gets put in his locker and he puts it on.  It would appear to me that our Saskatchewan spirit has permeated to Chris Jones black shirt wearing core.  I've always been a Jones supporter and as hard as some of his decisions have been to accept I have been so happy that we have someone in place to make them.  I've never been concerned with what his wardrobe was because in spite of my own superstitions I've been told what I wear has no bearings on whether the Riders win or lose.  And yet...here we are, while Jones has been wearing green I am three-for-three wearing my Giant Tiger Rider shirt, denim capris, green shoes, Hillberg & Berk earrings, The Balm eye shadow and the most important - 306 Chad Owens signed hat.  The combo seems to be working and I'll be sporting the look until our next loss which hopefully is not in the Labour Day rematch aka the Banjo Bowl.

While my Riders are sporting this record which moves them higher in the standings I'm not planning any parades yet.  What I know is that this Riders team has an amazing defence.  Charleston Hughes who was the best pick up of the off season has 13 sacks.  If he's not chasing down quarterbacks then Willie Jefferson is and if he's not then you've got the likes of Tobi Antigha, Sam Eguaven, Matt Elam,  Nick Marshall and Ed Gainey to contend with just to name a few.  In the LDC, the defence wasn't putting out their best performance and yet were able to get pressures and cause enough issues for the Blue Bomber offence to knock them off their game plan.  Special Teams are really putting together some special performances.  Christion Jones banged up?  No problem we'll just have Kyran Moore in only his second CFL appearance run back a punt for a touchdown.  The offence is the part of the three phases that can cause some concern.  On Sunday the offence did just enough to win.  We all know offense wins hearts and I feel like we are just begging to see some razzle dazzle or explosive plays.  The Zach Collaros led offence shows flashes of that brilliance and I feel like they are so close to finding that groove.  We didn't know who Jordan Williams-Lambert was coming out of camp.  We do now!  Naaman Roosevelt continues to play with incredible heart, mind and body.  We aren't missing Duron Carter at all, but that's a whole other subject.

Two weeks ago Matt Nichols was upset that Blue Bomber fans were booing at the end of their game against the Ottawa Redblacks.  Nichols had been shaken up and for some unknown reason was allowed back into the game.  The crowd not liking the coaching decision boo'd the coaching staff but Matt took it to heart and spoke out about it in the media.  The following week in the Bomber loss to Calgary he seemingly threw his receivers under the bus by saying he couldn't find any open receivers.  Matt, I know you seem to be an emotional player as most football players are but for the love of meatloaf stop talking to the media.  Your team needs leadership.  Even though Mike O'Shea has said he * thinks * Nichols is his quarterback there's already murmurs to put in Streveler and you can bet those shouts will only get louder in the Banjo Bowl if the fans don't see that Nichols is getting the job done.  Just imagine if Darian Durant had been their back up.  He's not and I'm sure he's enjoying his family and retirement to the fullest thanks to the Bombers signing bonus.

I think it's also an interesting theory that the Blue Bombers were winning when they were using trick plays to get the job done.  When they moved away from the tricks they started losing.  Was it that they showed their cards too early in the season?  Was it that other teams are now expecting them to try trick plays, are anticipating them and shutting them down?  Is it that they decided they had to be able to learn to play fundamentally sound football instead of resorting to those style of plays?

Saturday the Roughriders are at Investors Group Field where the fans are apparently the loudest in the CFL.  I can see the Bomber fans being restless and if they find their team faltering in any way they likely won't be as loud or even still sticking around the stadium to see the end of the game.  I know I'm sounding pretty sure of myself but trust me I'm not drinking the green Kool-Aid.  I know how hard it is to play the same team back to back and come out victorious however the Roughriders were able to pull it off against the Hamilton Tigercats.  They can use that experience to gut it out and get their seventh win of the 2018 season.  This Roughriders team is learning to play with confidence and play the full 60 minutes of every game.  They are believing in each other and that leads me to BEL13VE in them too.

You Lose Some & You Win Some

The Saskatchewan Roughriders lost in tragic fashion to the worst team in the league only 6 days ago and everyone...even you Rider Nation...gave up.  All the so called CFL specialists figured there's no way this team can show up and beat the hottest team in the league aka the Hamilton TigerCats.  Except that's just what the Riders did.  They lost the game they should have won and won the game everyone figured they should have lost.  That's exactly what happens on any given week in the CFL and that's exactly how Week 4 turned out for our Saskatchewan Roughriders.

I woke up Thursday morning with a good feeling in my heart.  We were going to win this one.  I'm not a fortune teller or some sort of medium but I knew it was going to be a beautiful Thursday night of football from the best stadium in the country.  No it wasn't a sell out but when so many members of Rider Nation travels into Regina from afar for each game and given their sad performance less than a week earlier it's no surprise that just over 30,000 people were in attendance.  In my opinion, it's the fans who made the biggest difference in this game.  Just as the team came out flatter than a crepe against the Alouettes so did the fans.  There was nothing happening in the stands.  No dancing.  No cheering.  Zip.  In contrast, the Thursday night game lit a spark under the fans and people were on their feet and cheering and yelling and making noise with whatever means available.  Just like in theater the actors feed off the audiences reaction so it is in football as we saw late in the game with under 4 minutes to go members of the Roughriders standing on the benches encouraging Rider fans to be even louder.  Poor old Taylor Field would have crumbled under the vibrations.  It was incredible.

Two pundits were sitting directly behind me.  I had to hear their commentary all game long.  This was a such and such play.  That play was called this.  That guy was open.  Yaddah yaddah yaddah. The one guy didn't even know that Thigpen was on our team!  "When was he signed?"  I sat there biting my tongue when the one guy said Watford threw 4 interceptions last game.  THESE are the people who phone in to the post game shows and criticize our coaches and players for things they don't comprehend.  There's no point in conversing with them or telling them otherwise so instead I endured their lack of insight all game long.  Oh, and they didn't cheer once.  So there's also that.

O Line during warmups.

For a long time now I've said with a poor offensive line ( and offensive they are!) it's not going to matter who the quarterback is because they'll have to run for their life almost every play.  This is the number one problem with our offence in my opinion.  For whatever reason, maybe size or strength, they can't hold their own and back peddle almost every play.  Can they run block? Can they pass protect?  Are they just old and slow?  Was the release of Travis Bond a mistake?  Was there more to that story than we know? How about the development and constant injury of Josiah St John? Let's hope over this bye week there is some serious reflection and correction going on to help our quarterbacks out.

Now all that being said about our O Line what quarterback do you play?  We barely got to know Zach Collaros before his concussion injury sidelined him.  Brandon Bridge is the next guy up.  You'd think after spending 4 years in the CFL he'd have a good handle on what's required of him and starting a game.  I remember thinking last season how Bridge would look great when entering a game in relief of a pulled Kevin Glenn but when he started he was less than stellar.  Throw in an offensive line that can't protect him or any QB, poor decision making, lack of timing and you've got a guy who has to run for his life and turtle on the ground faster than Tino Sunseri can say uncle. This is why, in my opinion, we saw the use of Watford who is a rookie in the league in his first year with the Roughriders.  He looks sure of himself in the huddle, is able to move the pocket, and scramble when he needs to.  Neither quarterback threw an interception and protecting the ball was paramount. This was a huge mistake that was corrected over Week 3.  Messam was used with Bridge to pound the ball and Thigpen and Mason was used with Watford or we saw a mixture.  Instead of trying to use the tandem to confuse Hamilton's defence, I think it was used to force our O Line to protect no matter who was in the game. I think there's a lot of nonsense going around about leadership, but I'm looking for the leadership from the hoggies up front and not the guy who is forced to run for his life because of their play.  There seemed to be no rhyme or reason for which QB was in the game at any given time but that's fine with me.  I'm not the coach and I don't know what is supposed to be happening.  Just because we don't understand it doesn't mean it isn't the right thing to do.  Only Chris Jones knows these details for sure.

Cue the fire Jones brigade. Some people have never liked Chris Jones and nothing I say, or anyone says, will make a difference.  But hear this.....  Chris Jones is General Manager, Vice President of Football Operations, Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator.  Chris Jones is FOUR people.  You fire him and then what?  Not only do you have to find someone to replace him but you need to replace those four other salaries as well.  Who do you get at this point in the season?  Are you prepared to pay out his salary?  Are you prepared to have a coach strip the team down and embark on another three year rebuild?  Next up, people are criticizing John Murphy for not being able to find the right talent.  Where does it end?  We won on Thursday!  We won!   Shouldn't we all be happy with that?

Apparently not because next on the bash list is Duron Carter who should be commended for his disciplined play on Thursday night.  He didn't take one penalty.  He did whatever was asked of him.  At one point he was in the secondary and in the next play was in the offence.  How many players can do that?  In the pregame he was signing autographs and this morning (Friday) answering questions over breakfast on Instagram.  The CFL likes nothing more than to pin the villain tag on a player but they are barking up the wrong turd and tree here.  If they want to pin that on someone we have to look no farther than Kyries Hebert who has a history of playing dirty and got a one game suspension for doing as much although we all know one game was not nearly enough.  I saw Duron develop in this game.  His play was entirely improved over week 3 and we saw his team mates helping him out to do it.  To all of you who think DC needs to be on offence...with the way our offence is playing do you really think Carter would be getting the ball anyway?  Let's use his incredible athletic talents in any way we can until Nick Marshall is able to return or we find a suitable replacement.  I remain, if this was just a DB in there making DB mistakes no one would care - but you do because it's Duron Carter.

The scene from my seats July 5th.

The last thing I want to discuss is how the CFL and TSN are knocking these Thursday night game broadcasts out of the park!  The crowd was electric.  People were dancing.  The music by Tim Hicks was great although personally I enjoyed the Hunter Brothers from Saturday's game slightly more but it was good nonetheless.  Kudos to the TSN crew for putting this all together and Brodie Lawson for hosting the festivities.  Let's keep doing this if not more - to attract everyone young and old out to these terrific games!

So bye week, eh..... enjoy the summer, head to the lake, spend some time with family or friends and lets all get back here to cheer our Saskatchewan Roughriders on in the rematch in Hamilton in Week 6.

GO RIDERS!