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 Me Introduce Myself

You might be a long time reader of this blog or you might have just happened upon this site from a link from social media and I thank you regardless of how you found your way to ABC Football.  We are only a few days/hours/minutes away from the opening of the 2019 CFL season and I thought this was a good time for me to reacquaint myself after an interesting off season.

If you'd like the condensed version, I don't blame you at all, after all our attention is pulled in several different directions these days... then please click on my About Me tab.  You'll find all the necessary information there.  If you prefer the long winded version, then by all means stick with me. * smile *

This is not a blog post about how I became a Rider fan because I think I've already been there, done that, and bought all the Rider tee shirts. If you are interested, this is my Origin Story.

I grew up in Prince Albert and in 2001 moved to Saskatoon.  I took music lessons all of my teenage years and when I was 17 I began teaching piano lessons.  Music has always been a huge part of my life and livelihood.  Except for a 5 year hiatus when we moved, I've always been a teacher.  My interest in practice ebbs and flows but I strive to keep learning and being the best instructor and mentor I can be to all the students who cross my path.  I probably should have become a school teacher but...well, I didn't.

I thought I was going to be a writer.  I did a few years of Arts & Sciences...basically enough to know that I was neither good at learning in that forum and that the learning how had nothing to do with the act of actually doing it.  Now I know that I could have made different choices but things always have a way of working out and because of them I met my Husband who you may have seen me refer to as "Hubby". We celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary in December and the one thing we enjoy doing together is going to football games.

I've always been able to succeed at pretty much anything I've ever tried.  That's not me being egotistical.  It's the truth.  No one ever told me I couldn't do something.  I always felt that I was free to pursue my passions.  I play music, I bake, I travel, I draw, I snap photos.....

On a social media forum which has long become extinct I began blogging about every day life, my love of donuts and my teaching stories.  My readers ( a handful of friends ) became wildly aware around 2008-ish that a lot of my blogs were about football.  Some of those very early blogs can be found in the archives on this very page.  It became apparent that I could just write about sports and eventually my page got moved here to Blogger and eventually through a few name changes we arrive at what ABC Football is today.

This page will always be from the fans perspective and over time I think I've become more level headed and logical and less radical.  Yes, I know, crazy words from a Rider fan!   I try to not take football or myself too seriously and I think that's evident through my CFL Power Rankings.  I think we can look everywhere, especially in Saskatchewan, and be bombarded with Roughriders news from sports media people.  I try to not let what's going on around me influence my perspective.  Why try to fit in?  The Power Ranking can be found under the 2018 tab of this page or by clicking this LINK.  In 2019, my "grouping" will appear under the Blog heading and there will be a separate tab where I will post my Garfunkels...er, art.

Sometimes you have to excuse me.  I am the music teacher after all and that often takes precedent.  It also means you might be swamped with vague musical quotations from my current obsessions.  It might mean I don't get to write regularly because of my schedule.  I'm okay with it and I hope you are too.  I will always share my newest posts on my Twitter account, Instagram and the ABC Football Facebook page.  I firmly believe that while I am a Roughriders fan first and foremost, that is not all that I am.  I am diverse and sometimes complicated.  I can enjoy several things at the same time and remain smilingsandra or smilingriderfan or whoever I am :)

I am the administrator of ABC Rider Fans on Facebook.  The group doesn't have the big numbers that some Facebook groups do but the people who are on the page have fun.  It's not uncommon to go off topic or to joke around with each other.  We are friends.  If you've joined, you can expect Game Threads hosted by moderator John Strutt and we love it when everybody posts and shares.  You can expect CFL news while being Rider fans.  The rules are simple and easy to follow.  Search the group up and join in.

A question I get asked often is "why ABC?".  At the time, I wanted something that would come up on a Google or Facebook in an alphabetical type of search.  I also thought ABC could refer to the abc's of football and almost in a football 101 type of way.  Yes, it is also an acronym for Anyone But Calgary and that's a cool thing too but it does not mean the group/page is completely anti-Stampeders.  Not really anyway.

I am a Roughriders season ticket holder and this year will be in section 118.  I'm pretty excited to sit in a different part of the stadium.  I'm also pumped for the home opener on Canada Day.  Who doesn't love cheering on Canada's Team on the same day we get to celebrate our nation?!  If you see me, stop me and say hi!

I'd love to interact with you.  If there are blog topics you'd love to see me discuss then by all means let me know.  Thanks for reading and as always...

...Go Riders!

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!

Saskatchewan is Always the Best Choice

With wild anticipation Roughrider fans waited for the announcement by the CFL of which city would be hosting the 2020 Grey Cup.  Three cities had put in bids - Montreal, Hamilton and Regina.  The talk around the water cooler had it narrowed down to Hamilton and Regina with the scuttlebutt waffling between which city deserves it most.  While Hamilton has not hosted in recent years lot's of people feel they deserve to host it the most.  The bidding process is reportedly to be narrowed down by which economy and city can support all the events and which one can put the most successful promotion together.  Does deserving it come into play?  There wasn't even a whisper as to a hint of how the announcement would play out but in my classroom (my student had cancelled for those wondering) I listened to the announcement on my phone on the Rider app.  The city of Regina and the Saskatchewan Roughriders will host the 2020 Grey Cup.  Was there ever any doubt?

Players sign in big cities and markets for a bigger salary but it's not until they make the move to places like Toronto or Vancouver and discover the cost of living there is much higher.  A price tag of $2000 a month for rent on a cardboard box of an apartment is shocking.  To get affordable accommodations players need to live farther away from their host cities.  In Saskatchewan, you may have a little less in your bank account but you will have a spacious place to live and still have money left over to have a life. While this doesn't affect a Grey Cup bid, it does effect the product a team puts on the field and the likelihood of said team in getting to the big game.  In Saskatchewan, we like good hearty players who see the value in playing for the organization but also contributing to the community.  We know your name and lineup in droves at autograph sessions.  The love we all share makes Saskatchewan a warmer place despite the temperatures on the newscast.

If you are a Roughrider fan or a CFL fan coming into the province for a regular season game or a special event there are many options for you.  Back in 1995 the Roughriders Grey Cup slogan was Huddle Up in Saskatchewan and fans were encouraged to open up their homes to visitors.  Is this where the CFL Family was born?  Lot's has changed in Saskatchewan since '95 and there's been great strides to attract and build hotels for all the special events which now come into the province.  If attending CFL festivities the week prior to Grey Cup aren't your thing then it's only a short jaunt down the road from Moose Jaw or Saskatoon.  In 2013, Saskatoon was known as Riderville North and hosted fans and watch parties.  Finding a place to lay your head after a night out with your CFL pals has become exponentially easier.

Green is always the colour in Saskatchewan and is the model for many other CFL franchises.  Fans in 2018 were concerned about these new football leagues sprouting up and while those concerns have been laid to rest after seeing the dismal attendance at AAFL games the CFL needs to show off it's league and there's no better way to do that than have the Grey Cup in Regina.  The 2018 Grey Cup in Edmonton, while a failure for the Eskimos, was an immense success for the city of Edmonton.  The CFL needs to continue the momentum and continue to provide strong showings after Calgary in 2019 which will no doubt be a rousing success as well.  This is one reason I believe Regina was given the 2020 Grey Cup opportunity.

Many fans think that the city of Hamilton got the short end of the stick.  The last time the Grey Cup was in Hamilton the year was 1996.  The Macarena was all the rage...remember that?  Fargo had us all wondering why the movie was based in Minnesota and we were all shouting SHOW ME THE MONEY!  While both Hamilton and Regina have new stadiums, the opening of Mosaic Stadium was next to glitch free while Tim Hortons Field had construction, contractor issues, repairs and lawsuits.  It was just last year that a two year legal battle was finally settled.  It would seem to be reasonable to give Hamilton and the Tiger Cats some extra time to settle in and get everything sorted before hosting a Grey Cup with the entire nation and several other countries watching. If you'd like to know more about Hamilton's bid for the Grey Cup this CBC article is a great read: 5 Things to Know About Hamilton's Bid to Host the 2020 Grey Cup.

From Andy Hamilton Photography. Grey Cup 101 - From My Perspective

Do you remember how Taylor Field sparkled at Grey Cup 2013?  It was breath taking.  She was old and dilapidated but held together with memories and love.  Flash forward to the jewel that Mosaic Stadium is.  It's November something 2020.  It's a record sell out for the Grey Cup.  The aerial shots are spectacular.  The prospect of what that will look like in a TSN shot makes my Rider green heart palpitate.  I'm going to be honest here and yes my Roughrider bias will show...when I started seeing the pictures of the Roughriders watch parties from the Canadian Brewhouse locations and live from Mosaic Stadium, I knew 2020 was ours.  Why wouldn't you want it where football is king even on a random Thursday in February?  There was never another choice.  

Friday Football 5 ~ Everything is Happening

Holy smokes what a week.  They say there's never a dull moment in Rider Nation and that has never rang more true that this 3rd week of January.  A lot of fans have been left with mouths hanging open and minds boggled.  Hopefully my thoughts will help the rest of Riderville digest all the news.

In random un-numbered order this is my Friday Football 5.

Monday the CFL's first ever draft occurred in the Mexican football league.  It would seem that this would be all the talk of the week.  Some General Managers bowed out and teams only sent representatives.  The Saskatchewan Roughriders had Jeremy O'Day and Stephen McAdoo in attendance.  We drafted an offensive lineman (Rene Brasser), a Wide Receiver (Sebastian Olverr) and Defensive Back (Francisco Gracia).  I know there are mixed feelings over this experimental CFL 2.0.  I've come to believe that if all avenues of the CFL market are exhausted in Canada then it makes sense to look elsewhere to expand viewership and participation.  The LFA draft was shown live on Facebook and at one point I saw the pure excitement on players faces as their names were called and they stood on stage wearing their new teams colours.  Imagine being able to make a dream come true and have an opportunity that wasn't there a week ago!  I'll admit that the very thought made me a bit emotional.

It's important to note that Chris Jones was not at the Mexican draft because he was holding Rider try outs.  Or that's what we were told.  Many General Managers didn't make the trip to Mexico so none of us thought anything of Jones not making the trip either.

Screenshot via Twitter of CFL News 

Tuesday brought the breaking news via a CFL News tweet that Chris Jones had resigned from the Saskatchewan Roughriders to pursue an NFL opportunity with the Cleveland Browns.  As news unfolded, it seemed the whole process was a whirlwind.  It happened over a matter of days from being phoned, interviewed and hired.  Let's all remember it was only a week ago that Chris Jones had signed a contract extension and the Roughriders coaching staff was announced.  Now what?  Official Press Release.  According to the new cap on coaching staffs, there can only be 11 coaches.  Chris Jones held 4 different titles.  This means that the Roughriders need either a Head Coach who is also a Defensive Coordinator to just step into that roll OR Stephen McAdoo is relieved of his position and the new HC is an Offensive Coordinator and then a DC would need to be hired.  Another kink is that prior to Jones leaving all coaching staff members were signed to 1 year contracts so any dismissal would mean a salary cap hit.  My personal preference and belief is that the Riders President Craig Reynolds and incoming General Manager Jeremy O'Day will promote from within and that could leave Rider fans reeling more than the news of Jones departure.  They will be looking for continuity and that's not only important for landing unsigned free agents but also bringing in a badly needed quarterback.  In my last blog post there was a poll about who the next Roughriders quarterback should be and the majority voted for Jonathon Jennings.  Will the new Head Coach make the decision that the team needs?  Keep your popcorn ready.

As I've said numerous times before, I was on the Jones bandwagon since day one.  I think our Roughriders were blessed to have someone of his calibre in the organization.  Yes, he made some very unpopular decisions but I have always believed those things were done to propel the green and white forward because keeping aging players and fan favourites wasn't getting them where they needed to be.  Some fans going on 4 season later still hold on to anger from Dressler and Durant being released and traded.  We are all entitled to our feelings and opinions.  A portion of fans wished for Chris Jones dismissal and in fact are happy that he's now gone.  Why would you wish for someone to lose their job?  For them, Jones could not do anything right.  3 minutes from the Grey Cup in 2017 and hosting a play off game in 2018 was still not anything someone in the anti-Jones camp will listen to as well as how the Roughriders record steadily improved every year Chris Jones was under contract.  Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for because now that he's gone do you see the predicament our beloved team is in?  Is that what you wanted?  I hope you also realize that it doesn't change anything.  Dressler is still a Blue Bomber and Darian Durant is still retired.

Wednesday, when we were all trying to make sense of the Chris Jones era being over after 3 seasons the news dropped that Rod Pedersen has resigned not only as Voice of the Riders but from CKRM altogether.  I'm floored.  For me Roughriders game days and Rod Pedersen goes hand in hand.  It's been the way for the last 20 years.  Training camp meant listening to Rod on location at Griffiths Stadium laughing about the track meet and moaning how their feed cuts in and out.  Summers for me are getting to listen to Sportscage live while I listen to podcasts during my teaching season.  Whether Roddy knows or not, he has been an institution in this province just as much as football has been.  Pedersen is the reason we say Winnipegish and Whaaaampeders.  He's the reason there are Lynchisms.  He's the reason we shout THAT. JUST. HAPPENED.  He was the reason to tune in at 4pm every weekday to CKRM.  Rod Pedersen is going on to a new venture just as our free agent players are and Chris Jones is and Darian Durant did when he went off to Montreal.  We are all replaceable in our professions but some people make impressions on us far deeper than they know.  We have to take 100% of the shots we get.  No regrets.  Good luck Rod in all you do.  Thank you.

All week long I've been reminiscing on my blog and posting on ABC Football Facebook about Darian Durant.  Last Sunday was the 2 year anniversary of his trade to the Montreal Alouettes.  He believed in himself and after a moderately successful experience in 2016 decided he had to take the opportunity to prove himself elsewhere.  We know that he was released and then signed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and then took his signing bonus and scampered off in early 2018.  Darian did return to Saskatchewan and had spots on CKRM's Rider Game Day broadcasts called Double's Take.  This Saturday in Saskatoon Darian Durant is an honourable member of the Saskatchewan Rush.  He's been signed to a one day deal and will be on hand for the Saskatchewan Rush lacrosse game at SaskTel Centre Saturday January 19th against the Rochester Nighthawks.  It seems he does still have deep feelings for our province.

Times change.  People move on.  It's how the world works.  As of Friday January 18th the Roughriders announced Jeremy O'Day is the new General Manager and Vice President of Operations.  His first and biggest task will be finding a Head Coach. It'll be interesting what transpires next.

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

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!

Ten Thought Tuesday

It's been a long time since I've done a blog like this and a bit of time since I've blogged period.  What can I say? Life gets busy.

1.  Did you hear that the Riders are bidding on the 2020 Grey Cup?!  I am thrilled!  Why wouldn't we want to bring the Grey Cup to the best facility in the league?  I can't think of one reason not to.  Sure, that means it would have been in western stadiums 3 years in a row but I don't have a problem with that at all.  If you look historically, the Grey Cup never came West in the first several years of the leagues inception.  We all know that Regina and the province of Saskatchewan throws a heck of a party.  A word from my witty husband - we better pray for global warming.  LOL 

2.  What is the deal with TSN and particularly Rod Black's love affair with Johnny Manziel?  TSN should be embarrassed for not only the telecast but the follow up highlight package.  Guess what?  The Alouettes lost!  The team that won was barely mentioned.  Don't go blaming Rider fans for the outrage either.  CFL fans from far and wide are sick of the bias.  If you say his name is good hype for the league, I'd say competitive games and successful teams garner more interest south of the border.  I do recall the Riders name being hyped and mentioned during NFL broadcasts...

3.  Stupid questions.  If you are going to do a sideline report with a player during a game or intermission then you better be asking him good questions.  Asking Tre Mason in one of his best performances of the season about his college alliances is disrespecting to the CFL game.  I loved his answer - all he cared about was the Roughriders and the Alouettes game.

4.  The Edmonton Eskimos fired their special teams coordinator.  Why?  Was he to blame for their recent losing skid?  That poor man was nothing more than a scapegoat.  There needed to be "consequences" and that fella was the one to pay the price.  Perhaps the Eskimos need to look at their offensive and defensive schemes before throwing someone else under the bus.  But don't do it this week...please wait until after Week 17 to do that.

5.  Monday is Thanksgiving and the Eskimos take on the Roughriders at beautiful Mosaic Stadium.  The temperature is forecasted to be zero.  Most of us are wondering what happened to autumn.  If you are heading to the game you might want to pull out your winter woollies and hot pockets.

6.  Another head coach who should be under the microscope is Blue Bombers Mike O'Shea.  He's been in the organization for 6 years now and only got 1 play off game.  They might be lucky enough to be the crossover team but as we know, no western team has ever made it to the Grey Cup through the east. 1990.

7.  The Riders have a bye in the last week of the season.  For this reason I've decided they are far better off to finish 2nd in the West.  There's no way we'd want our team to sit 2 weeks and then play in a play off game.  That being said, is it possible for the Riders to win out?  Is it possible for the Stamps to win out?  The ending of this season is pretty exciting.

8.  I am looking forward to New Era taking over the CFL merchandise.  I hope their have comfortable clothing made for real CFL fans and affordably priced.  I was in the Rider Store last weekend and spied a really great bunnyhug.  A quick look at the price tag? $70.  Why bother when a jersey is only $40 more?  

9.  Speaking of clothing, as long as I keep wearing my Rider shirt purchased at Giant Tiger the Riders keep winning.  I'm superstitious although my husband keeps informing me that my clothing/fashion choices have no impact on how the Riders play.  If that's the case, then why does Chris Jones stick with the green Diversity is Strength shirt?  Maybe, just maybe, there's something to it.

10.  We pvr a lot of sporting events just so we can fast forward through the commercials.  It usually puts me in a tough position because I also love to follow and post on ABC Rider Fans game threads.  If I don't watch it live how can I join in with the rest of the community?!  This reminds me of my favourite quote from the TV show Instinct - "If I don't watch it live I have no control over it."

Happy Turkey Day Rider Fans!

The Drive Home

For those who don't know, I live in Saskatoon and am a Saskatchewan Roughrider season ticket holder.  This means that we drive 3 hours to every home game as well as 3 hours return trip.  Lot's of fans drive farther.  The drive to the game is usually filled with nervous anticipation, strategy talk and excitement.  The drive home? Well, it varies depending on how the game went.  One thing that is for certain - 3 hours gives you a long time to think especially after a loss.

Let's start with the Riders Offensive Line.  Every play the line back pedals and while that is expected a certain amount that leaves next to nothing for a pocket for the quarterback.  I don't know what the problem is here.  Are they under sized?  Are they old?  Are they not athletic enough?  Are they not smart enough?  I've heard fans say that their performance was better in the last few games but this is a problem that plagues us and this Roughriders team and has for several seasons now.  It doesn't matter who the quarterback is - they need to protect and if they don't no QB will be productive.  People also talk about whether the O Line knows what the QB is doing or not and that's why plays collapse but to me they should be able to do their jobs and do them well regardless of who is standing in the pocket.  Once I saw a Calgary defender drive Thad Coleman into Brandon Bridge.  I'm not laying blame and certainly the Stamps deserve credit, but should it be that easy?  Every team knows that all you have to do is apply a little bit of pressure and the O Line collapses faster than a flip up tent from Canadian Tire.  Brendan LaBatte was the unsung hero in Week 6 but the man can't do it alone.  This team needs improvement on the line first and foremost.

We all know that since Week 2 when Zach Collaros was taken out of the game due to concussion the Roughriders have had to go with back ups Brandon Bridge and David Watford.  There's been the carousel much to the chagrin of Riders media, which also worked effectively by the way.  Brandon Bridge himself is a curious subject.  He has such tremendous arm strength but to me he's a bit like Bam Bam from the Flintstones because he doesn't realize the strength he possesses.  Sure he can over throw a missile down field but then he also launches missiles when attempting screen passes.  When I re-watched Saturday's game ( I know I'm a glutton for punishment) I again noticed the mechanics of a Bridge throw.  It's awkward, he releases and there's no follow through.  I wonder if this is something that is being worked on with his Quarterback Coach?  Now, if you are a receiver how do you catch balls throw in this fashion?  They more often than not go through the hands and hit you in the chest with great force.  We often say things like "the receiver should have had that" but are they actually catch-able balls?  So I've thought long and hard (about 2 hours worth of driving) that the coaches are trying to teach him how to adjust his throwing pressure.  They are only giving him plays in which he can succeed.  He will keep getting these plays until he learns them.  I'm sure it's a similar situation for Watford however this is his first year in the CFL and less would be expected from him whereas Bridge has been in the league 4 seasons now.  

On this same subject, I was trying to relate the situation to something in my own life.  I am a piano teacher of students aged 4 - 84.  Every student walks in wanting to play Fur Elise by Beethoven.  It's not going to happen at least for 3 years.  I have to teach and instruct in layers of knowledge and give songs and pieces which gets them to the next level so eventually they can play the things they want.  When they don't accomplish the skill, they get asked to do it over and over again until they can prove to me they know it.  This also describes the Roughriders offense.  They can't play Moonlight Sonata yet because they haven't learned how to perform Alouette, Gentille Alouette.

We're an hour away from home and now I'm thinking about the O Line and Quarterback combined.  The play is off...you're trying to make the read...your O Line is collapsing...dump the ball off.  Ball security is of number one priority so the next play instead of throwing you're going to relieve some pressure and hand off to your running back.  Maybe you have to do that several times because things are just moving so fast your can't go through your progressions.  Do you run?  Do you force a play?  The crowd is booing the decisions.  It's gotten really messy really quickly.  You can't execute the plays because everything is moving so fast.  Some points you just have to run to try to make something happen.  It's not good.  Not good at all.  

We usually arrive home by 1am after a 7pm game.  It's exhausting and all my thoughts continue to roll around in my head all night long.  I know we are all frustrated with the production of the offense on the Saskatchewan Roughriders and I also know that the coaches are doing everything they can as well.  Rider fans are known for extreme emotions and often it's polarizing.  "Plan the parade" or "Fire Jones".  None of us are very rational during trying times but I personally try to be logical.  We did lose against the number one CFL team.  The Calgary Stampeders were indeed the best team in the league going into the game being 6 - 0 now 7 - 0.  What did we think was going to happen?  I actually thought the game was going to be far worse! If we take away the fumbles in the first quarter the Riders are right there competing for the win.  I know we can't change how that quarter played out but we can give the team total credit for not giving up.  The Riders did have momentum going into the second half and they kept chipping away at the deficit.  

Today, Zach Collaros was able to practice and whether he'll be playing in Thursday's game against the Edmonton Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium is another question but these are mine...  Can our Offensive Line protect him?  Can Zach get time in the pocket?  Can they pass protect AND run block?  Can our offense execute plays competently enough to put us/the Riders in a position to win? 

The devastating news of the day was the release and criminal charges of Jerome Messam.  This is so upsetting, shocking and disappointing.  I'm not going to go into detail because the news can be found everywhere on the internet as well as the ABC Rider Fans Facebook page.  The Roughriders aren't commenting and that's fine with me.  With the charge being voyeurism I've decided I don't want to know further details.  

The bright spot for Monday was that the Riders signed streaker tackler Marcell Young, that Nick Marshall was practicing and that Duron Carter was back on offense.  We will all have to tune in to the game on Thursday to see how these changes shake out.  This will be the Riders 4th Thursday night game for those keeping track.  Edmonton is often a difficult city for our Riders to play in.  I'm hoping for a competitive game.

As always, and in spite of everything - Go Riders.

~ Friday Football Five ~

The Saskatchewan Roughriders came out victorious after a back to back series against the Hamilton TigerCats.  Wahoo! 3-2!  Here's how I see things:

1.  The turning point of the game was when Brendan LaBatte was injured and returned to the game to gut it out in the trenches.  What tremendous character, athleticism and leadership all wrapped up in one guy nicknamed Blue.  I believe this one thing is what pulled the team together.  At the same time, I don't want to hear about why the Riders only back up was Eddie Steele.  Eddie Steele himself must be amazing to be able to play both ways even if it was only a short time. Sure there are depth problems on the offensive line but this one single storyline was the difference.

2.  I am so exhausted of hearing about the so called quarterback carousel. We heard it from Glen Suitor and we hear it from all the sports media/pundits who by the way all counted us out in this game.  The bottom line here is that one guy, whether it was Branden Bridge or David Watford, had to make a move to step forward and show that he wanted that spot.  The reward?  You play well and you get more playing time.  You falter and out you come from the game.  That seems pretty motivational to me.  Not only that, but we also saw these two quarterbacks come together to help each other out.  It wasn't that Chris Jones finally heard everyone complaining...no, it was that Air Canada was doing the right things and earned the time.  You can pat yourselves on the back if you want for thinking Chris Jones finally saw the light but you will be very wrong because he doesn't care what you think and he doesn't care what I think.  That's how a 4 Grey Cup winning coach operates and I applaud that.

3.  The play calling is boring.  Is it?  The whole first half was a set up for what was going to happen in the second half.  It became apparent to me in the end of the second quarter when the Riders kept running the ball and even instead of taking a knee on the last play, they ran once more.  This whole scheme was to set up for the second half of the game when the Ticats were keying on the run and we were able to take to the air.  The short throws from side to side are also to set up the run game.  Football is like a chess game.  If this one thing works then the next thing can work.  Instead of calling out the offensive coach let's take a step back and think about these things. Play calling is one thing and execution of the play is another.  In the game last night the Riders executed.

4.  Torches and pitch forks.  After the game when I took a cruise through the various fan pages I was surprised to see Ticats fans very upset with their team and coach.  It's surprising to see people wanting Johnny Manziel in the game.  Why?  For a few weeks those of us in the west have viewed Masoli as the hottest quarterback in the league...that was until he played the Riders.  What has Manziel proved?  These same fans are the people who also didn't like what the Riders were doing with our quarterbacks.  What do you want?  Do you want the next guy when the starter isn't doing what you want?  Do you want a guy to find a rhythm?  You can't have it both ways.  Be happy with what you do have.  Ultimately, I think Hamilton's downfall was that they game planned for the team they played two weeks ago and not the refreshed and tuned in team that was coming in.  That would explain why they tried a trick play...and, well, we know how that went for them.

5.  Funny - no one is talking about Duron Carter this week.  You remember him right?  Bo Levi Mitchell's favourite receiver?  Next week the Stampeders roll into Mosaic Stadium.  They are without doubt the best team in the league right now.  Bo Levi had a leg injury in Week 5 but has been named starter in their tilt against the Montreal Alouettes.  Will Carter get a chance to pick him off again?  We'll all have to wait to see!  I'll be in my seat in section 126 as usual.  

Thanks for reading as always.  Don't forget to look for my Power "Groupings" at the end of each week and join us on ABC Rider Fans to continue the conversation!