Revisiting ~ It's Not June Yet

My 4th most popular blog of all time is a post entitled It's Not June Yet from March of 2016.  A co-worker had asked me about the temperament of Rider Nation and I complied with a blog post.  Let me set the stage for you...Corey Chamblin had been fired as Head Coach of the Riders late in the 2015 season and Bob Dyce had coached out the remainder of the season.  In November of that year Craig Reynolds landed Chris Jones much to the chagrin of Edmonton Eskimo fans.  In December, Jones released an unprecedented amount of Rider players then in January Chick & Dressler, which was not taken well by much of the fan base.  By the time I wrote this blog in March some big names had been signed and news was just amping up for the season.


As I stated in the opening of that blog post, a lot of people didn't even really know I was a football fan in real life.  I can pretty much guarantee that has changed.  I've never been one to shout it from the rooftop because I feel that when I am at work, I am there to work, and I'm hoping my employer likes it that way.  However, it does bubble over sometimes.  While my fandom isn't tattooed on my arm it is in my heart at all times.  In my classroom there is a Grey Cup champions sign from 2013 and a couple other tell tale signs if you look hard enough.  I do tend to wear a lot of green and to answer my question from It's Not June Yet, there is never enough Rider green.

Back in March of 2016 the temperament was mixed and divided.  Some love the Chris Jones regime, others hate him and others just hate his personality but love the coach. There are still (in March – 2 months later) fans who bring up the whole Chick/Dressler releases. Ridernation doesn't forget much.  In the first season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders they went 5-13.  It was a total and complete rebuild situation.  2017 was an improvement at 10-8 and less than 3 minutes from participating in the Grey Cup which our victors, the Toronto Argonauts would go on to win and let's not forget that Corey Chamblin our ex head coach was their defensive coordinator that year too.  Flash forward to last year 2018 and the Riders once again improved on their over all record at 12-6 and hosted a home play off game for the first time in several years.  While those same fans are still out there upset over how Chris Jones handled things (not this fan - I was on board from Day 1) it's easy to see how he was not only nominated for Coach of the Year but took home the award in November.  Each year that Chris Jones has been with the Roughriders organization has been an improvement over the last.  Yes, there's been some problems and some ugly losses (The Big Goose Egg) but if one was to take the temperament of the fans at right this moment I'd say we are leaps and bounds ahead of where we started.  We are just missing that one quarterback ingredient, but I'll get to that later.

Here we are in 2019 and Corey Chamblin has become the Head Coach for the Toronto Argonauts after Marc Trestman was dismissed.  It's always shocking when someone gloriously leads their team to victory one year and then is fired the next.  It seems to be the way so often in professional sports.  We know that in Chamblin's final year with the Riders he changed.  We don't know if it was winning that did it or something else but we saw issues where coaches and players didn't want to work for him or with him.  He has said publicly that he learned from his experience here in the fishbowl.  It'll be interesting to see what kind of culture he's able to create in a place like Toronto that seems oblivious to the very existence of the CFL.  

Rider Nation waited anxiously after an NFL reporter mentioned in an article that Chris Jones should be on the radar of several NFL teams.  We wondered if it was news being created in the absence of football news in the CFL and we have seen an exodus of players to the NFL so why wouldn't coaches be going elsewhere too?  Thankfully on Tuesday all the rumours were put to rest when news finally broke for the first time since December 20th, Chris Jones had signed a contract extension through 2020.  He said there's unfinished business with the Roughriders and as I've always suspected, he wants to win a Grey Cup with our Riders.  Hey, I'm all for that attitude!

I would be remiss if I didn't also mention that we don't say #isitjuneyet anymore.  There has been an effort and movement to move the season up to avoid disasters like the 2018 Grey Cup and it's snowy onslaught.  What a complete embarrassment that was!  It was bad for the teams playing and it was disappointing to watch players slip and slide on TSN.  In 2019 the season will begin in June and preseason begins in May.  Wahoo!  That also means training camps will open a week earlier and that completely works out for my schedule.  So...#isitmayyet?  I am assuming that the Riders return to Saskatoon for training camp in 2019 but we will have to await that news.

Back to my 2016 blog post...I went on to talk extensively about meeting new players and then how accessible fans are to CFL players.  Aren't we lucky?!  The three players I posted about were only Riders for a short time.  I did mention my curse with meeting players and their dismissal.  That tweet

Will Scott Moe like this post?

even got the attention of Premier Brad Wall.  Coincidence?  I have been so blessed to meet most of our Riders at events over the years.  I always thought it was a CFL thing but perhaps it's mostly a Roughriders thing.  At any rate, I am thankful that it's possible at all.  I guess when you are in a position to meet a lot of players you also might find a lot of those same players get released.  I will let you know that I will not be the first fan marching off to get a customized jersey...

Four years ago I was not a season ticket holder. 2019 will be the 3rd season that I hold tickets.  I love that the Roughriders and Mosaic Stadium organizations have options for all fans.  In 2016 I bought what was called Flex Tickets.  Now, with my season tickets they have a great resale option available for games I am not able to go to.  Sometimes, even if you are the biggest fan, it's just not possible to drive the 3 hours due to other adult responsibilities.  I've loved being in section 126 and I enjoy being close to the field.  What I don't enjoy is having to watch most of the game on the big screen because I can't see what's going on.  In February I'm going to look at upgrading to another section.  It'll be a great opportunity to meet new people and participate in the terrific Mosaic Stadium game atmosphere.

We said goodbye to Taylor Field and we welcomed Mosaic Stadium with open arms.  We worked out the bugs in hosting a home play off game and now we are ready for more.  It's go time.  The next few months are going to be full of news and we will see some beloved players move on and we will also welcome new players into the fold.  I'm not making any bold predictions but with every improving year - this is the year to do it all and it starts with Chris Jones going out and getting us the quarterback to lead us there.  Who will it be?  Take part in the poll posted below and let me know your thoughts!  Stay tuned for the results!

Who is the next Riders Quarterback?

Zach Collaros

Johnathon Jennings

Mike Reilly

Bo Levi Mitchell

Other

Created with QuizMaker

If We Make It Through December

Snow is falling at my house today - sometimes it's great big giant snow globe flakes gently falling and other times it's small rapidly blowing pellets. It's enjoyable to sit and watch with the glow of the LED lit Christmas tree...until one focusses on that one green ornament with the //=S=// engraved across it.  The Grey Cup was held a week ago Sunday and the Toronto Argonauts were crowned champions over the Calgary Stampeders...the Stamps losing in heartbreak for the second year in a row.

Scrolling through social media feeds it was clear the majority of Rider Nation was on the Argos side.  It was a bit of 2009 revenge since it's widely known how Rider fans had to withstand all the ribbing from Stamps fans after that 13th Man debacle in Calgary eight years ago.  I understand how some Rider fans felt under those circumstances but I'd never wish that on anyone else so I held myself back from posting much in relation to that. At the same time how can one deny that while the Argos played like they deserved to be champions under Marc Trestmans leadership it was also fate they were going to win.  I know that's not a popular idea that the CFL might have wanted a particular team to win but it seems somewhat true to me.  The ramifications of the Argonaut win means tickets and merchandise sold to oblivious Torontonians throughout the year. Sure that does make for a healthier CFL but can that attitude hold until training camp starts in May?  I'm not sure.  Toronto has won before and not all that long ago and many fans still looked the other way.

My Saskatchewan Roughriders were one game away from the big dance.  They lost to the champs in the east division final.  When you phrase things in that way I don't feel badly about it anymore.  As hard as it is for any CFL fan to close the doors on the season I think I'd rather do it in a divisional final than in heartbreak during a Cup game. Unfortunately though, because my team lost, I found myself with little interest about the actual Grey Cup game itself.  Sure I still watched it but I also decorated my house for Christmas at the same time.  It didn't get my total attention until half time when rhinestone clad Shania Twain came out on dog sled and entertained me...which I fully enjoyed.

The Riders have 22 free agents. At this time last year we were all consumed with wanting Darian Durant to re-sign with the Riders - oh how things have changed!  This year there are some big names on this free agent list and with the exception of a couple...Rider fans want them all back.  The team was close and evolving with every game and while sometimes they'd take a step back they had all the puzzle pieces.  There's questions about the Quarterback position and Canuck Brandon Bridge is a free agent.  It's been said that his agent had already approached Jones about a contract but we are waiting not so patiently to find out if he'll be back.  3 Down Nation had reported that Willie Jefferson signed a contract prior to Grey Cup yet nothing official has been reported by the Riders.  We are starved for Rider news and every time I get a little alert on my phone my heart leaps...only to find out it's the weather network informing me that more snow is on the way.

Still I'd far rather be a fan of the Riders this off season than a few other teams in the league.  Krazy Kavis is out looking for a head coach.  Corey Chamblin was on the list and removed himself which just might be the smartest thing he's ever done.  I know there's no way I'd ever want to work for Reed since Montreal seems to have coaches on short leashes.  In BC, Wally Buono is taking a step back and will only be coaching in his final year while Ed Hervey was named GM.  There's a lot of speculation how that will all turn out.  Both of those teams also have question marks around their quarterbacking position. I'd think the Stampeders will be examining why they are so dominant during the regular season but can't seem to win post season.  June Jones was given full title of head coach of the Hamilton TigerCats and they seemed to rebound with him in charge so I'd look for them to continue that momentum in 2018.  These things are just the beginnings of CFL news in the off season.

What do we have to look forward to for 2018? The Eagles are playing Mosaic Stadium in May.  I've seen them twice and they're worth far more than the ticket prices.  If the concert wasn't planned for a Thursday during my teaching week before our major festival I'd be there in a heartbeat.  For me, the Eagles set the standard for what all concerts should be.  Don't miss out on this one.  Trust me no matter what your musical tastes are - you will love this. To those who love to hate this announcement...the Eagles are on tour and the last time they played Saskatoon they were here for 3 sold out concerts. Stop criticizing what you don't know. 

That goes for your football knowledge too. * grin *

In the new year I plan on working on this very site and giving it a facelift. In case you didn't know the background which I know can give some googly eyes after reading was inspired by the coloured seats at Taylor Field which we saw demolished this autumn.  Next year I plan on integrating Power Rankings as well as continuing my blogs which so many of you have supported with your (mostly) kind comments through 2017.  With three weeks to go until Rider Claus breaks and enters into all our humble abodes it's not likely I'll get to post again unless something big comes up.  I wish all of you warm fuzzies through the holiday season and I hope Santa brings you your hearts desire on Christmas morning. 

...and remember - don't stop BEL18VING - we have a cup to get in 18.

Football Grief

When Christion Jones ran back the punt to score a touchdown towards the end of the fourth quarter in Sundays East Final to tie the game I leaped to my feet and jumped up and down in front of our 55 inch LG TV.  We aren't going home!  We aren't going home!  We planned for 21 days and we aren't going home!  It was the height of emotion but with a sinking feeling I knew we weren't going to hold back Ricky Ray and the Argonauts and with my green heart pounding wildly in my chest I prayed and hoped and BEL13VED.  I was in denial.  I had thought at half time we had lost the game.  My Saskatchewan Roughriders who were the underdogs and who wanted desperately to rewrite history and prove all the doubters wrong just weren't playing with any motivation or urgency.  We were going to lose.

When the Argos scored the touchdown to win the game to advance to the Grey Cup in Ottawa I got angry.  It's really hard not to try to place blame.  The refereeing was bad but it's been bad all season and whether or not roughing the passer happened or there was a bad block or unsportsmanlike penalties at the end of the day the Riders just weren't prepared enough.  People spouted off about quarterbacks and conspiracies...then I thought about Corey Chamblin and how much he and Tyron Brackenridge might like to really stick to the Riders for being fired and released.  I thought about how cool as a cucumber Marc Trestman is and how to me he'll always be "that" Head Coach from the 2009 - 10 Grey Cup games and how much 09 hurt especially. I really wanted to write all those feelings down but I was so upset I couldn't put anything down on paper and went to the grocery store instead where I shared a knowing glance with a fellow Rider fan.  The trouble has always been that I care so much and often too much and end up being hurt.


OK...sucking it all up....life goes on....

There is no one to blame.  The Roughriders just didn't play well enough to win this playoff game.  They came close but the defence just couldn't hold them.  Let's face it...Rider Nation got two extra games this season!  We haven't had a play off game in 2 season and now here in only the second year of a massive rebuild under the Chris Jones regime we got within 1 game...30 seconds really...of going to the 2017 Grey Cup.  I had said back in June or maybe it was Training Camp that if this team went 9-9 I'd be happy. The Riders ended the season 10-8, won the East Semi-Final and was competitive enough in the East Final to make Ricky Ray really work for it. I was a first time season ticket holder and getting to experience my favourite team during the Inaugural Season at new Mosaic Stadium was amazing!  We couldn't be happier with our seats and the friends we made around us and getting to be on the field during pregame was mind blowing.  How blessed are we to have a General Manager/Head Coach (plus VP & DC) of Chris Jones and his whole staff.  Because of him we have the team we do with the character and family feeling that we do.

Hope.  No matter how we feel or that it took me two entire days to reach this point I know that 2018 looks very promising for Rider fans. I've scrolled through Twitter looking at all the terrific posts from Rider players who are saying their goodbyes and thanking Rider fans.  When I thanked them in return they often "liked" my post. I wonder if fans of other teams in the CFL have that happen too or if we are indeed special in this province. I watched on the news as players cleaned out their lockers and offered things up to fans.  They're looking forward to going home wherever that might be and celebrating the holidays while this loss gets put to the backs of their minds.  Coach Jones is already working on next year and starting to firm up contracts.  We've spent a lot of time in Riderville thinking of "next year" but I truly bel13ve the 2018 Roughriders team will be a force to be reckoned with.

As we turn to the Grey Cup this weekend I have to admit I've lost interest.  My only hope is that Calgary is redeemed for their loss last year.  That's how the football Gods seem to work in the CFL... if you came close one year - you'll make it the next.  Without the downs we'd never have the happiness of the ups.

If you are American and reading this have a Happy Thanksgiving! If you are Canadian enjoy the Grey Cup festivities and I hope that this little blog which so many of you have helped support over 2017 has brought a little sunshine into your day.

As always - GO RIDERS.

Labour of Love

Here we are again.

One and Nine.

We've become dear old friends over the last two seasons. It's a love hate relationship really. We love our Saskatchewan Roughriders and desperately hate the losing record. Then to lose Sunday to our most hated rival after eleven years of winning the Labour Day Classic...well, it's rough.

In 2014, Darian Durant suffered an injury in the Labour Day game on a play which should have been a penalty but wasn't. The Riders won the game. In 2015, Darian Durant wasn't playing the game due to the Achilles injury and the Roughriders had just fired Taman and Chamblin. They named Bob Dyce Head Coach and the Riders went on to win the game. This year, under the Jones regime, Doubles single handedly brought the team back from a dismal first half, scored a touchdown himself then scored the 2 point conversion using the same play. It wasn't enough to win the game but it was more than enough to reaffirm just why Darian Durant is our starting quarterback. I turned to my husband and said “THAT'S why he's our starting quarterback.” I've never seen a player with so much heart. He wants nothing more than to win for the fans. When I heard him in the post game interview...my heart broke for him. Darian's contract was only for 2016. I am afraid to think of what might happen in 2017. I don't want to know a Riders team without this man.

Obviously, it'll happen at some point in the future. I'm not crazy. I just want it to be down the road and after the rebuild and on Darian Durant's terms.

As far as “why didn't the Riders win that game”, I don't believe it comes down to the referree's mistakes. I surely would like to blame Andre “turd an tree” Proulx for blown calls, phantom calls and anything else I could but I'm too rational for that. Our Saskatchewan Roughriders didn't play very well in the first half of the game but rebounded in the second half. There are many young players and rookies on our team due to rebuilding and injuries. When penalties and stupid mistakes happen we simply aren't good enough (yet) to over come them. Losing a game shouldn't come down to a missed kick or a controversial penalty decision and for good and great teams it doesn't. Just because I think this doesn't mean I'm blind to what's happening in the CFL with everything from the officials right on up to the commissioner. It's just not logical to say the Riders got screwed when it's happening in every CFL game every week. However, when players of the likes of Nik Lewis are tweeting saying the Riders got screwed...well, you know there's big issues. Is it embarrassing? Naw, not for me. It's freaking maddening. Just as I say the Riders aren't good enough neither are the officials. I don't believe they just want to get it right – I believe they don't know what is right.

Enough dwelling.

Hubby and I were in Section 43 Row 1 which is located on the West Gate (which I still sometimes think says Wes Cates). This is the last time we will be on this side of the stadium during this Farewell Season. We had great fans sitting around us and that includes Blue Bomber fans. Every one was well behaved and we all had a great time.

How about the play of Naaman 'the President' Roosevelt and Caleb Holley? These guys have been impressive and I am very encouraged as they continue to develop.

Dressler who? We let him have a couple plays but we didn't let him score a touchdown in spite of Paul LaPolice's insistence of continually trying to get him the ball. I love that we were almost able to shut him down.

Kendial Lawrence. After weeks of harsh criticism, he finally broke loose and scored a touchdown. We nearly went berserk. I was jumping up and down and shaking my cowbell and screaming then seconds later high five-ing everyone around us. It was amazing and down deep in my heart I felt a sensation of relief. Seeing the back flips in the end zone was pretty cool and made me think back to the Hugh Charles days. The only thing more amazing than witnessing this in person was hearing the play call by The Voice of the Riders Rod Pederson. It was right up there with “that just happened” and “they just don't stop”. That thing that it makes me feel while I sit here writing this is essentially Rider Pride at its very nucleus in my little green heart. Man, that feels good.

And that's about the best way to describe it.

Saturday is the big rematch. The Banjo Bowl. I have no idea who will win but of course I hope my Roughriders do. I'm happy for the Blue Bombers to be having a more successful season but not happy enough to hand them another win. No matter the outcome, it'll be entertaining. We can always count on our Riders to put on a great show.  Go Riders! //=S=//

 

The Riders Upside Down

You've said it yourself. The CFL has been a bizarro world, crazy place, or even The Upside Down. Teams who have been good are losing while losing teams are winning. Every week CFL Pick 'Em is a gamble. All this time Rider fans are sitting here thinking, “When will the cloud of 2009 finally lift?” One sure has to wonder. We thought it did in 2013 but that was just an anomaly...a blip on the radar. Just when you think things are finally looking up -  Ridernation is chop blocked.

No flag on the play.

In case you missed it, the usually absent CFL Commissioner after an apparent two week investigation levied the biggest fine to a football club in the leagues history not only sending a message to the other 8 teams but making a spectacle of the Saskatchewan Roughriders as well.

Ridernation is the largest fan base in the CFL. We buy the most merchandise, travel while representing the //=S=// and fill other stadiums besides our own. Other fans want to be like us or have an intense hatred on for us because of it and the latter seems to be more and more true recently with other fans attacking us before we finally turn on ourselves as well. In 2010 Ridernation won the Commissioners Award and yesterday? …..Well it seems to me that Jeffrey Orridge called everyone associated with the Roughriders an embarrassment to the league.  Well sir, I think you have this upside down.  We sir, are the example of what a CFL club should be and others should aspire to be.  They WISH they could have a fan base as loyal as Ridernation.  You could learn from us.

Yes, we broke the rules.  Yes, we got caught.  Yes, we will pay the fine.

It's only 545 jersey's sold.

Now I don't pretend to know what has been going on. There's all kinds of rumours and speculation from extra players and practises happening to housing and

feeding of them as well as our beloved players afraid to speak out about it. I don't know about any of that but when Chris Jones says he was only following the practises of what's happened at other teams he's coached for then I believe him. The Saskatchewan Roughriders cannot be the only team to have tried out players and bent the rules a little. Bend but don't break, right? But that same Commissioner who says we are an embarrassment better be looking into all the other teams too. Ridernation should demand it.

Who Did This? (Thanks to @fakeGainer)

There's also another matter at hand. It seems like this “pre-practise” squad was common knowledge with everyone around the league except those right here in the easy to draw province. Seriously. None of us would have known a thing about it at all until the ruling if “wha-mpeder” Bo Levi Mitchell hadn't tweeted his rather lame attempt at a joke. Of course Ridernation came to the clubs defense. What did BLM expect to happen? Then to say he'll use that as motivation is just sad. My thoughts on this is just this: If he knew something was jinky then he should have taken the proper route to the CFL instead of spewing it on social media. If the Stampeders have any kind of social media rules like the Riders do then he should be fined for his unsportsmanlike conduct. It was not his place to comment on the operations of another team publicly.

Thirdly ( I wasn't numbering my points was I? Meh. ) It feels like there is a snitch or mole, if you will, among us. By that I mean that it seems that since 2013 or maybe even before that as if someone was out to get us. I must not be alone in this hunch because fans were not only asked to sign in at Riders practise thursday but to provide picture I.D. It also makes me think back to when Corey Chamblin was closing practises and banning the media. Perhaps he was on to something. Whatever it is...we are circling the wagons...your day is coming.

Riders gotta ride.

August 13^th the Stampeders are in town and whether we like it or not it has motivated ticket sales. For the first time this season we might have a sell out. It'll be a celebration in Ridernation of the 1980's. Players like Bobby Jurasin, Glen Suitor, Dave Ridgway, and the Pole-cat will be in town. Wouldn't it be amazing to re-inact “The Kick” from 1989? Heck, I don't even care if he can't make it. I just want to see it in this stadium before we say goodbye. I'll be there with my back combed hair, leggings and swapping out the blue eye shadow for the green. Green is the colour after all. I know you don't want to miss a moment of this epic farewell.

Trust me when I say the feelings you've had this week as hard as they are to endure will pass. The 13^th Man, Dewdney Dwight, Darian's Fault...it's all water under the bridge. Step away from Facebook, Twitter and Rider Fan page. Let's just be CFL friends and enjoy some good old fashioned football.

See ya at the game.

Go Riders.

 

It's Not June Yet

So a good friend asked me the other day, “Sandra, what's the temperament of Ridernation?”

Firstly, I think it's pretty cool that I can have these type of conversations despite the issue that many people are still shocked that I not only like football but that I love it and follow not only my Saskatchewan Roughriders but the whole CFL league. Apparently I don't look like a fan. How much green to I have to wear to convince people? Is there ever too much green?

Secondly, I've got the answers. The temperament of the average Roughriders fan is mixed and somewhat divided. This isn't new. Every time you think it's gotten better and the emotion has died off something else happens to ruffle the feathers. Some love the Chris Jones regime, others hate him and others just hate his personality but love the coach. There are still (in March – 2 months later) fans who bring up the whole Chick/Dressler releases. Ridernation doesn't forget much.

In contrast, there are fans such as myself who are completely encouraged by all the changes going on from coaching to recruitment to free agent signings. Misery loves company and in our social media age it is more popular to complain and pout than to be positive and enthusiastic. I once stated the louder voice isn't necessarily the correct voice nor the voice of reason. I stand by that and at the same time I also know that some of these voices will be the first ones cheering and going crazy with the first touchdown of the 2016 season while those of us who never lost faith roll our eyes.

Defining times in Roughrider history for me is hearing Corey Chamblin say things like “I guess that's how they're going to call it.” in regards to the new rules for 2015 and the referee’s calling interference penalties. Our undersized DB's had to play man to man instead of zone defence and the coaches stubbornness to conform to the new rules set in motion the demise of the whole season. The refs are calling the penalties that way because that's what the rules are. Period. Also, our undersized slower receivers were helpless against the taller DB's of other teams. Chris Jones has fixed this HUGE issue. You might not like how he's done it but in one swoop he upgraded the secondary and receiving corps.

Thank you Chris Jones! I've been waiting for someone who has the guts to make the tough decisions and stand by them. I applaud you!

Ridernation is passionate in all facets. Fans can be the kindest and warmest and the meanest and rudest all rolled into one ball of green and white. In February, I

Smartie loving Shawn Lemon & myself

went to the Rider Store at Lawson Heights Mall to meet three of the Roughriders. The line wasn't very long and I suspect that was due to two things a) it wasn't publicized well and b) fans didn't really know who the guys were. But I knew! ...and I was glad to be able to inform the elderly man who stood in front of me in line. Nic Demski, Shawn “Lemondrops” Lemon and the “Terrorist” Tearius George. What a great group of guys. I watched them greet people and kids of all ages and I got to see a jovial tender side of the players that I didn't know existed. I offered to take pictures for the elderly gentleman and did so with his cell phone. He was so thrilled to meet these players. We are family. Rider fans are my people.

It was brought to my attention that I have a history of disastrous happenings occurring after I've met players. At this point I really hate to bring it up, however over the course of several years I've realized that after I've met Roughriders players they've either been released or gotten injured. It is true and I hang my head in shame. I bought the Fantuz Flakes cereal and he left for the NFL then later went to the Hamilton TigerCats. I bought the Getzlaf cereal and he's been consistently injured and is now an Edmonton Eskimo. However, this is almost unforgivable...I bought Dario's and had them signed by Darian at the Co-Op in August of 2014 merely a week before the Labour Day Classic and he's been injured ever since. I've already pledged to stop buying CFL Co-Op themed cereal but this should also stand as a warning to any player I have met or will meet in the future.

I am not a season ticket holder mainly because living in Saskatoon it's tough to get to all the games. I am a proud flex ticket holder though. * smile * A few weeks ago I got an email from the Roughriders unveiling the new choose and pay system. Wow what a huge improvement! I used to have to fill out a shopping list and then wait to see if I got the tickets I wanted. Now it's all done online and I can choose different seats for different games. It's awesome. Hubby and myself will be going to 5 games this season. It's the Farewell Season and no rabid fan could possible stay away. I wish the home opener wasn't a late Thursday night game but it doesn't matter....I'm going to be there. I think every home game will be increasingly epic until the lights dim October 28^th. My 80 year old dad wants me to “swipe a piece.” I'm sure there will be a bit of that going on.

Taylor Field at Mosaic Stadium has seen the worst of times and then glowed like the grand jewel she was in 2013. Tears will be shed. At the same time, we are living in the best of times and 2016 will be one for the history books. I can see tomorrow from here and it's all green and white.

Chick, Dress & Shoes

Before the Christmas holidays 19 players were released from the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Many fans including myself thought that was only the the tip of the iceberg. Yesterday when the news broke of the release of two of the hugest player personalities, Weston Dressler and John Chick, we felt the earth quake of the other Chris Jones shoe dropping.

Dad :)

This week has been busy for me. I saw the signing of Maurice Price and Shawn Lemon but my time has been spent dealing with some personal business. My Dad who is 80 (and a HUGE Rider fan), came to the city for an angiogram. My parents stayed at my house which was completely expected. I would do whatever I could to help my parents out. Dad's test came out wonderfully as he has zero blockages in his heart. As I told him during his recoup, I always knew he had a good heart. Yesterday morning before he headed for home we discussed football and the changes in Riderville. I said “fans will riot if Jones touches guys like Chick or Dressler.”

What did I know?

Nothing apparently because a mere 4 hours later I was climbing into my car to go to work and tuned in to CKOM to hear Jamie Nye break the news.

I was completely shocked. I sat in the car in disbelief. Then something cathartic happened. I drove to work.

By the time I walked in the doors of SAM I had shook it off.

Weird, huh?

Of course I love Dressler and Chick. I mean.....Chick makes me swoon. Seriously. Everyone knows offence wins hearts and we gave Weston all our hearts and sandwiches and blizzards. The bottom line is in order for them to stay with the Riders they had to be willing to take pay cuts. They weren't willing. Period.

Taman and Chamblin were run out of town for not only the losing season but the total mismanagement of the Roughrider team and coaches. They kept players around because the fans liked them. They did lot's of hiding players on injured lists and that's only one thing I know of. The list of 19 released players was a huge relief in terms of money. How bad is it? We don't really know. It must be pretty bad for Chris Jones to need existing players to take severe pay cuts.

The next thing I think of is loyalty. We've been fed the green kool-aid consisting of 'Saskatchewan is the place all players want to be'. Really? Maybe it's only the place to be if the money is right. If the team is paramount and you being on the team to win is what is of the greatest importance...the greater good if you will...wouldn't you be somewhat willing to work it out? Is being a Weston Dressler/John Chick more important than the good of the Roughrider team? No.

NO.

When a player starts thinking of themselves before the rest of their team mates, coaches or winning then it's perhaps time to say goodbye.

Another aspect is that the coach is not there to hold the hands of the players. I've said before – Chris Jones is not your life coach. If your feelings are hurt you suck it up and deal with it. THAT'S FOOTBALL. You don't air it on social media. I don't care who you are. It doesn't sit well with me how the dealing with the Weston Dressler release went down. Tell fans you're sad to go. Tell us you'll miss us. There's no use in saying no one would negotiate. It turns into a he said-he said game and you know what? I for one, am not into that anymore. We've been fed that long enough. In my opinion, the airing of dirty laundry in a goodbye statement is hardly classy no matter what pedestal Ridernation has put you on.

I don't recall but I've been told a similar situation happened in 1989 when Bobby Jurison and Eddie Lowe were released. More recently, 2008 Kerry Joseph was traded to the Toronto Argonauts. Last year, 2015 and Ricky Foley was traded. It happens to the Roughriders and it happens to other teams. This is how the CFL works and this is the progression from one year to another. It has to happen for teams to move forward. I don't want to be stuck in a Groundhog day of the 2015 season. I'm with Chris Jones and for the future. I know that other guys will emerge and our hearts will swell and it will be even better than before. As angry as fans are now, restrain yourself from the manure dumping because we all know you'll be in those seats at Mosaic Stadium to say Farewell.

Since the news came down I've heard lot's of discussion over Darian Durant. Will Coach Jones release Durant too? Maybe even Gainer isn't safe! Of course I hope not, but I hoped that before too. The difference is that I have the gut feeling that Doubles is the kind of guy who would take the pay cut. I have no reason to believe this and my guts have been wrong before but my spidey senses tell me this might be true. We don't know anything for sure. This is the reason we wanted a new Head Coach, remember? Ridernation wanted someone who could make hard and tough decisions. Now you don't like it. I said it then and I hate to say it now.....but be careful what you wish for.

What I do know is that there are probably more shoes to drop. How many pairs of shoes does Chris Jones own? Only time will tell. If he's anything like me there's a whole basket of them in the back of the closet and the house rule is one pair in = one pair out.

Is It Over Yet?

Mercifully, Sunday was the final game of the Saskatchewan Roughriders 2015 season. The Riders travelled to Montreal to take on the equally terrible Montreal Allouetes. Could we have ever imagined a season ender like this back in 2009 or '10?

I've been thinking lot's lately about how hopeful I was back in June. I took in many sessions of Training Camp here in Saskatoon. Seeing both Darian Durant and Kevin Glenn on the field was reassuring. We'd fixed the back up issues of last year. How silly was I? We forget quickly and even though the Riders issues go far beyond the lack of developing a competent back up...we forget the undeniable presence of Darian Durant any time he sets foot on the football field. He elevates everything. Thinking back to the season opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, hearing his voice call out for the snap...Wow. Its awe inspiring. Whatever that is – it's “it”.

There have been many questions about Darian's recovery and in last weeks press conference someone asked him if he'll be the same quarterback. I loved his response. “No. I won't be the same quarterback. I'm going to be better.” I believe him. That's the level of confidence I want to hear from the leader of my team. However, some still like to condemn the two time Grey Cup winner. Some are saying it's time for a trade. That's looney tunes to me. In spite of the Grey Cup win at home in 2013, haters are still going to hate.

Later on, when Kevin Glenn was injured we witnessed the evolution of Brett Smith. He really seemed to show promise. However, as the season continued and our offence started to stutter, it became evident that our offensive line just wasn't up to snuff and the poor backup had to scramble again and again. It seemed playing him was doing more damage than good. Sure, it's great that Brett Smith can scramble when he needs to but when he doesn't even have time to go through his reads because the Oline can't control the line of scrimmage (or takes holding penalties instead), well, he's rather doomed. I wish he could roll out instead of having to scramble. I like his heart and the team seems to play better with him but is that a personality choice or are they just more familiar with his play?

Shrugs.

Last week the Rider faithful saw third stringer Keith Price. When he took the snap and stepped back I admit I was wooed. He had pocket presence. Then when his first pass ended up being a touchdown pass to the “president” Naaman Roosevelt, well, it was jaw dropping. Since we've found out a few things about Price including that a Warren Moon scholarship paid for his schooling at the University of Washington. I think he has the poise to continue to develop.

An undoubtedly defining moment of the 2015 Rider season was the firing of head coach Corey Chamblin. I posted a Twitter pole and 80% of Ridernation who answered still stands by the decision. In my opinion, it was better to do it when it happened because the fans and organization found out just how badly the Riders had been patched together. Did you read “the interview” on Yahoo Sports? Did you listen to the interview with Ballzy on CKRM? I thought the Ballzy interview was really well done and asked the tough questions. I also thought Chamblin was honest but still maybe not far enough removed because it's going to take time to see clearly what happened. He didn't sound egotistical at all. In fact one of the biggest eye openers was how he said about 4 people had been interviewed for defensive coach and were offered jobs but they all declined and that led him to doing it himself. Mike McCullough thinks it's because he burnt bridges. I don't think that's the case. It takes a special breed of coach to withstand the microscope of Saskatchewan media and fans. Why would you say yes to constant criticism?! Even I praise my piano students before correcting them. Ridernation is harsh and sometimes the biggest problem.

The Roughrider season has divided Rider fans. The same amount of fans who stand by the firing of Chamblin have also stopped following the team and CFL because of the dismal season. That's a shame. There have been some excellent games including the REDBLACKS vs Ticats game Saturday. Even though my team isn't doing well, I still pride myself on being a fan of the league. Us rabid Rider fans are strongly opinionated and often find ourselves embroiled in disagreements. In spite of this, I've managed to make some great acquaintances with other fans of the other 8 teams in this 9 team league. Rnation is giving us a run for the money but I think it is so completely refreshing to have another team in the league who has passionate fans and don't mind shouting it from the rooftops. Good on you! And while I'm at it, how awesome has Smilin' Hank been?! I take back everything I've said about him. He is part of something really special there in Ottawa.

In the first game of the Riders 2015 season against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers John Chick got an interception and scored a touchdown but like so many other instances in the season, it got taken back on a penalty. In Sundays game against our old Grey Cup foes John Chick single handily changed the outcome by scooping up a fumble and sending us to over time. It was shades of Canada Day 2010. As I saw Crapigna line up for the tying field goal, I quickly counted the players on the field. Some habits die hard. But there we were and my almost dead green heart pounded a little harder. It was a boring game. It was turnovers galore. The fourth quarter and over time were exciting and just as the Alouettes had battled back in 2009, we did the same in this game. The Riders played with their hearts on the sleeves of their jerseys. After losing pretty much everything they still wanted to win this one.

3 – 15

Ugh.

The off season is going to be interesting. We're going to say goodbye to some guys we love. It's going to be upsetting. Coaches will be hired. A GM will be named. The snow will melt and it'll be time for camp again.

Here's to building for 2016.

Rider Bye's & Fruit Flies

I took the Roughriders bye week off from blogging. Instead, I waged a war on fruit flies. They moved in to my kitchen when I brought home a box of pears from Costco. Let me say this – Fruit flies are not my friend.

During the bye week, we said goodbye to Kevin Glenn in a trade to the Montreal Alouettes. The Riders got a 5^th round draft pick in return. Then we turned around and used that draft pick as leverage and sent Jerome Messam to the Calgary Stampeders for a kicker (Tyler Crapigna) and a player on their negotiation list. It took some time to find out who the neg list player was and he had no sooner arrived in Regina when he got some NFL opportunities and quickly retreated. In the end of it we signed a RB Chad Spann.

GASP! Messam to the Stamps?!

May as well just kill off Glenn on the Walking Dead.

Oh wait.

So after the initial shock wore off it did feel encouraging for Jeremy O'Day to be making some moves. It felt like he was making a statement and doing what any 2 – 14 team does when looking to the future and that is trade for some younger players. As much as I've enjoyed McCallum being our kicker, the truth is that he's a 45 year old man. I've loved his attitude in spite of what I've heard others say...I do believe he has been a leader in the locker room when we were lacking that so badly this season. Messam to Calgary was a great move for the Stamps with the future of Cornish up in the air. It seems he's still suffering from effects from concussion injuries. I talked to a Stamps fan and even he admitted that in his opinion it was a stupid move from the Roughriders, but Messam was a free agent at the end of the season anyway. We were bound to lose him one way or another. So...as it may appear, I'm on the fence about Jeremy O'Day. I also highly suspect his hands are tied by previous contracts and the salary cap and so many other things that our little fandom brains can't even comprehend it. What I do know is that he was a player on a Roughrider team who did suffer as horribly as the 2015 team has. Maybe...just maybe he is exactly the right man for the job.

~ shrugs ~

Here we are nearing the end of October and what have we found out about the 2015 Saskatchewan Roughriders? They are awful in every possible way. Tackling has been an issue right out of training camp. That can almost sum everything up. We are slow. We are undersized. We are unmotivated. I don't think Bob Dyce is the next Head Coach. There, I said it. The Roughriders need a coach & coaches who can keep the team in check, preparing them for every game situation possible and firing them up when they falter. At times during the game Saturday, Dyce seemed bored. He's also saying some similar things as to what Chamblin was quoted as saying in media scrums. Sure mistakes happen but it is your job to be better...make the team better...

...Fans deserve better and we know, BETTER is always possible.

This team has consistently tried to hang onto the glory of past seasons and done very little to plan for next year. We can't even say we are in “next year country”. There are very few players on this current team who should be here next week never mind next year. The bottom line for the Roughriders is they need to put a system in place to scout and develop players not only for now but for always. They should always be looking for the next Chick, the next Dressler, the next franchise quarterback. There needs to be an end to finding the cast offs and trying to rehabilitate them. It doesn't work and we end up running in circles.

This is where someone like Wally Buono has excelled. He's been able to see the end of a career and nip it in the bud before they've over stayed their welcome. It's shocking. But when you are the GM or HC your job is to make the tough calls not the popular ones. You have to do what is best for the greater good. You have to sometimes release players you've loved to move the team forward. It's not personal – it's business.

Did firing Corey Chamblin and Brendan Taman change anything? There was such an outcry at the time but really, in my opinion, all it really did was expose how broken down the team really was. No longer can we hinge the Riders demise to the injuries of Darian Durant or Shea Emry. When the rule changes occurred the Roughriders were the last team to try to adapt. We didn't employ a defence that was prepared or could over come the changes while our small receivers constantly got beat by taller Db's. Next season I'm looking to see taller bigger defensive backs and receivers and I know that means saying goodbye to Riders we love dearly.

Rip off the band aid.

Just pull Glenn off the dumpster.

There are two games left in the Roughriders season. Many fans have already jumped ship. They've gotten behind the Jays, although that didn't end very well. It was very inspiring to see so many people, myself included, come together for a Canadian team. Others have turned to hockey or the NFL. I myself am enjoying the end of the Nascar season and have tuned into some of the Boise State games which are always fun to watch on the Smurf Turf.

Sigh.

Oh...so how did I finally get rid of the fruit flies? It turns out a slice of fruit with vinegar in a jar and a makeshift funnel made out of paper is all it takes to trap them.

If only the Roughriders problems could be resolved so easily.

It's Not Easy Being a Fan of the Green

OMG

Oh my GAWD

Oh-Em-Gee

You have no idea how many times I said those words during Saturday's pathetic display of football against the BC Lions.

~ face palm ~

I still can't even put it in to words. I'm still angry. That wasn't even the sentiment at the end of the game. It was the feeling during the second quarter. Hubby stormed out of the living room muttering how much he couldn't stand it. He returned but the muttering didn't change much.

It sure is tough being green these days.

What did we think was going to happen? After beating the Allouettes in a completely dominant fashion, did we think that was our team now? Did we think all the bad was undone and we remembered what Rider football was? I'm mostly upset because that game gave Rider Nation hope...HOPE...and there they were in BC breaking our hearts yet again this season.

Where do we go from here?

One view is the Roughriders need to make some trades for draft picks. I have a really hard time with that belief. Who do you trade? I had thoughts back in training camp days but now and with injuries in consideration I'm not ready to part ways with these guys who I've grown to love so much. I also know, and it's the pessimist in me, Riders often trade people and then they go on to have stellar careers elsewhere and usually have the games of their lives against us.

I posted some painfully brutal comments following Saturday's game. This team, playing the way they did, don't deserve to win a game nor do they deserve a play off spot. Our team is under sized, slow, unmotivated, and poorly coached.
Corey Chamblin stacked his coaching staff with people who could not or would not challenge him. I don't know if that's ego or just the belief that he could control everything. I feel for Bob Dyce because he's inherited this mess. He has an offensive coordinator in Jaques Chapdelaine who really doesn't believe in what I consider “rider football” because he refuses to use the run game. The defensive coordinator Greg Quick shows sparks of potential but when it comes to the secondary..... * grimace *. 

The Roughriders need a complete revamp.

BUT we won the 2013 Grey Cup.

Sure. We did. Look at us now.

Ugh.

For interest sake:

Riders Grey Cup 1966. Record in 1968 12-3. Lost west final.

Riders Grey Cup 1989. Record in 1991 6-12. Finished 4^th in west.

Riders Grey Cup 2007. Record in 2009 10-7. I won't remind you.

Riders Grey Cup 2013. Record in 2015..... NOW.

We are not making the playoffs.

Period.

It's just not our time. As actor Kim Coates remarked several weeks ago (to paraphrase) “we had our time in the sun and now it's time to let someone else shine.”

I just wish it wasn't so painful.

I love this team. I'm still watching the remaining games. I'll still wear my Rider jersey. I know that whatever happens from this point on is what happens but for once in a long time I'm looking forward to the off season.

Can't possibly lose in the off season.

Is it June yet?