Sandra's WK13 CFL Power Grouping...or not.

Three seasons ago when I started doing ranking and grouping there wasn't a lot of people doing it.  The media people did ranking and of course the Nissan sponsored people did it.  Time have changed.  In 2019 EVERYONE does a power ranking.  It's the answer to not arguing over what team gets put in what spot.  Because of this, I believe, the purpose has been lost.

I put in a lot of time and effort each week into what I do.  First I need to watch every game.  Last week I wasn't able to do that.  The fall term at the music school I teach piano for started.  While I love Roughriders football, music is my profession and that's where my attention and efforts must lie.  We all have other ambitions and hobbies.  Everything competes for our attention.  Last weekend family was of the utmost of importance.  I just don't have it in me to sit and doodle for a couple hours and then edit and post and analyze while life passes me by.  I don't have it in me when it really doesn't matter to anyone anymore.  My team didn't even show up for Week 13 so why should I?

OK maybe that's a poor attitude.

Group A - Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Calgary Stampeders, Hamilton TigerCats*

Group B - Montreal Alouettes, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Edmonton Eskimos

Group C - Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Redblacks, BC Lions

A few weeks ago I recieved some hurtful comments on my page.  Of course she's stupid - she's a Roughriders fan...or something like that.  I've never blogged with the intention of gaining likes or follows or friends or views or clicks.  I've always done it for fun.  I think when the fun is gone perhaps it's time to move on.  Those words never bothered me but I am very much over the entire social media combative drama.  It's one major reason I started ABC Rider Fans.  I will finish this season with power grouping.  I might post Garfunkel's and I might not.  I hope that you've enjoyed what I've done so far.  Thank you for sharing with me.  

Go Riders!

Sandra's WK12 CFL Power Grouping

Well, there went summer!  Like so many, I return to my "real" job Tuesday after having summer somewhat free to indulge in football games.  So this weeks theme for power groupings is *drumroll* Back to School.

Group A - Backpack

I'm not going to lie.  I'm totally biased here.  How exciting was the Roughriders win on Sunday in beautiful sold out Mosaic Stadium?  A walk off field goal on the leg of Brett Lauther who then ran 100 yards to Pilsner Country to celebrate with Rider Nation.  It almost doesn't get better than that.  The Roughriders had no business winning that game.  Interceptions and defensive battles were on Winnipeg's side.  For me it came down to the Bombers out coaching themselves.  Had they kicked the field goal instead of faking one could have made the difference in the game.  Take the points guys!  I still think the Bombers are a good team and they should act like it.  A loss in the Labour Day classic shouldn't have you throwing things on the sidelines.  There will be more heartbreaking losses in your career than this one.  I've got the TigerCats in this group this week because I had them counted out at halftime.  I don't know what was said but the team that emerged from the dressing room for the 3rd quarter was not the same team, nor was Dane Evans the same quarterback.  They launched a comeback to win in front of what was reported to be a record attendance crowd at Tim Hortons Field.

Group B - Get Ready to Take Notes

Bo Levi Mitchell was cleared to play and the team responded by gaining a win in the Battle of Alberta.  Just like Henry Burris, fans tend to refer to Trevor Harris as hot or cold, on or off, good or bad.  Well, it seemed the cold-off-bad Harris showed up.  Everyone has a bad game, right?  Can they rebound for the rematch?  The Alouettes were on bye week but made news by signing Chris Williams who had only 2 days earlier been released by the Blue Bombers.  Injured or not, having a vet like that in the locker room will help out on this reborn Montreal team.  

Group C - Wake Up Call

It was oh so close for the Toronto Argonauts who I've found myself "pulling for" in the east.  They got the early lead against Hamilton but just couldn't keep up the momentum after half time.  McBeth as some have started calling McLeod Bethel-Thompson looked much improved over just a few weeks ago.  Whatever was going right for the Argos in that first half, they have to find a way to harness that and keep it up through 60 minutes.  Both the Redblacks and Lions were on bye week in Week 12.  The Lions did make some coaching moves.  Will that make a difference for the team in Week 13?  We will have to wait and see.

Sandra's WK11 CFL Power Grouping

Welcome to ABC Football and my Week 11 CFL Power Grouping.  If you've never visited before let me tell you how my "ranking" differs from others.  It's not a ranking from 1-9.  Instead teams are given a grade and grouped according to A, B or C.  I started doing Power Grouping after disagreeing with one Belton Johnson about his own ranking.  The doodles or Garfunkel's as I've come to call them evolved over time as a fun addition.  Sports is fun and football is fun so why not have a little fun when it comes to grading out our CFL teams, right?

Week 11 Garfunkel

Check the Garfunkel tab for passed weeks!

Group A - Frappucino

Treat yourself to the expensive $5 fancy whipped topping with sprinkles coffee treat Group A!  The Blue Bombers without Matt Nichols found a way to win against the Edmonton Eskimos.  I hope they give Willie Jefferson all the kudos because it certainly wasn't due to the Streveler led offence.  Over at ABC Rider Fans we were all poking jokes about the debacle the NFL preseason game was and now with the news that Andrew Harris has been suspended for 2 games, will the defence continue to step up?  Can the team shake off adversity? Is the run game the same threat?  What happened to the Streveler we saw early in the season?  All will be answered at the Labour Day Classic in Regina.  Speaking of the Riders, how about that Cody Fajardo?!  He continues to evolve, see the field, throw a great spiral and it's so easy to jump on the #7 bandwagon.  Who wore that number again?  Thank you defence for those 3 turnovers.  I wish I could provide analysis for the Hamilton Tigercats but because I was enroute from Regina to Saskatoon I cannot except that it sounded like a boring game...or was it a defensive battle too?

Group B - The Double Double

How much fun is it to watch this Montreal Alouettes team right now?  Double the pleasure double the fun or something like that.  Vernon Adams Jr sure has risen to the occasion and had me jumping out of my chair on that double reverse play.  As an ex Oregon Duck he's used to running plays like that and it's so much fun to watch for us fans too.  He reminded me a bit of another "doubles" in the way he carried himself.  The Edmonton Eskimos saw a bad Trevor Harris show up along with what appears bad offensive calls.  You can't win games on field goals alone.  The Stampeders were on Bye Week this week.  How will they emerge in the Battle of Alberta?  That's actually in Alberta, right?  Not Winnipeg?

Group C - Home Brew

The Argonauts seem so close to being a winning team.  McBLT has really come along these last two games and I think that's the influence of Zach Collaros on the sidelines, who by the way, we have yet to see in an Argo's uniform.  The Touchdown Atlantic game was a great one and both the Argos and Als put on a great show.  Let's hope their influence and excitement was felt.  The Ottawa Redblacks had some issues on Saturday.  I was thinking it was going to be a much closer game against the Greenwhites but when Davis turned the ball over 3 times early in the game and the team had to resort to putting Jennings in you knew things were not going to go their way.  The BC Lions.  What can be said?  They are just brutal right now.

Sandra's WK10 CFL Power Grouping

Grab a beverage and find a comfy chair.  Let's taco 'bout Week 10 in the Canadian Football League with my Power Grouping.  Remember it's a grouping with no numbers involved.  You may wonder how I come up with which team belongs where.  Well I do keep a list of sorts and move teams up or down according to whether they win or lose or how dominant their play was in that week.  I do keep their previous record in mind too.  So if a team totally stinks they don't fall to C group immediately but if they stink week after week they will find themselves there eventually.  

Okey dokey.  Here we go!

Group A - Burrito

Who doesn't like a burrito?  It's everything all wrapped up in a neat little package.  It doesn't crack and break although it might leak down your shirt if you aren't careful.  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers seem to have 1st place in the CFL all wrapped up tight but Matt Nichols left the game with an upper body injury of some unknown description.  He has always seemed to be a QB to me who looks broken one week and returns the following seemingly fine.  Is this a flashback to their 2007 season?  Yes, I have my Saskatchewan Roughriders in A Group.  They were on bye week and as such I rarely move a team unless someone else outplays them.  No one did that in Week 10.  How will the team play in Week 11 at home against the Ottawa Redblacks?  I'm thinking the Riders are going to be healthy and raring to go.

Group B - Hard Shell Taco

The Hard Shell Taco always seems like a good idea until you bite into it and the shell breaks scattering it's innards all over your football jersey.  These teams in B Group have what it takes to be delicious but still seem to crack under pressure occasionally.  The Hamilton TigerCats under Dane Evans are right on the cusp.  Perhaps they're more of a Gordita.  How much fun is the duo of Harris to Ellingson to watch in Edmonton? It makes one wonder why these players were ever allowed to leave Ottawa.  Or is it that under the Jason Maas direction they are flourishing?  That does happen and is the case with Vernon Adams and Head Coach Khari Jones.  By the way, what a magical comeback in double over time against the Stampeders!  ABC!  It was fun to see Nick Arbuckle's offense run the flea flicker.  Who doesn't like a trick play?  I've always said you have to watch for the Stamps because they always find a way to win.  Well not in Week 10 when the Alouettes finally ended their 10 year drought in Calgary.  We won't talk about 2009.

Group C - Guacamole & Chips

While the chips might be nice, if you've forgotten the lemon juice in the guac you've got a nasty brown mess no one wants.  Did someone forget to add the lemons to these teams?  The Ottawa Redblacks are having major quarterbacking woes.  Dom Davis was in someone else's words "stinking up the place" and Jon Jennings didn't seem to be much more successful.  It would appear having Zach Collaros on the sidelines is helpful as the QB with 3 last names aka McLoed Bethel-Thompson was spurred on to be better.  I keep seeing this team progressing under Corey Chamblin but those wins are as elusive as that last bit of tomato salsa you've been chasing around the bowl.  The BC Lions - what more can be said?  I'm shocked that Mike Reilly is only one of two remaining starting Quarterbacks.  I'm shocked that he keeps taking a pounding.  It's embarrassing the amount of sacks that O Line has allowed already this season.  They did sign a Lemon but unless he's converted to an offensive lineman that's not the help the team needed.

Hope you enjoyed this weeks Power Grouping.  As always, let me know your thoughts, what next weeks theme should be or just let me know what kind of taco you enjoy most.  Don't forget to join in this discussion and all the fun at ABC Rider Fans where you'll find an exciting game thread for Saturday August 24th.  Go Riders!

Sandra's WK9 CFL Power Grouping

If today had a theme it would be about band aids, stitches and industrial strength super glued medical tape.  That's because as I mentioned in the post last week, I had gallbladders surgery on Thursday.  While it was told to me that the surgery has a quick recovery rate it has not been the picture the brochure painted and because of this there is no witty drawing aka Garfunkel to accompany today's grouping.  

I was pretty loopy for Thursday and Friday.  

If I had a sponsor this post would be brought to you by Tylenol, Advil and Canada Dry Ginger Ale.

Group A - Calgary Stampeders/Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Saskatchewan Roughriders

Group B - Edmonton Eskimos/Hamilton TigerCats

Group C - Ottawa Redblacks/Toronto Argonauts (bye week)/Montreal Alouettes/BC Lions

I do have to say a couple of things:

1) I still think it's hilarious that the Bombers lost to the Argo's in Week 8.  I'd never point and laugh, but when you consider the intense rivalry between our clubs...I can't help myself.  Yes, I also know karma is a you-know-who and I'll likely come to be sorry for laughing at another teams expense.  For now though you can give me this one little pleasure.

2)  The Roughriders won in the first ever game that was called in the modern CFL era by a weather delay.  This was something that was negotiated in the last CBA.  The rule was posted all over social media and during the TV broadcast.  The rule was put into place for the safety of the CFL players.  Honestly, I truly appreciated the game being called.  TSN had already cut to the other Friday night game anyway.  The players would have had to warm up all over again and then deal with the condition of the field which could have resulted in injury.  Also the weather system was not a short burst and something that was going to just move through.  It was going to be ongoing.  Calling the game final was the responsible thing to do.  You all can complain if you want that the Riders were handed the win but as one ABC Rider Fan pointed out imagine the outrage had the tables been turned - what if the Als were leading by 7 and the team owned by the CFL won by a new rule the CFL/PA put into place?  How would y'all feel then?  In November they don't ask how, they just ask how many wins.  

3)  No lead is safe.  In the 3rd Quarter of the Saturday game with the Lions leading I had written out my grouping and then the Cats made a come back to win.  This is why the CFL is one of the most exciting leagues to watch.  You never know what's going to happen.

4)  What's with all the missed converts and field goals?

5)  Is this the record for amount of kick offs returned for touchdowns ever?

6)  It's only a matter of time that Mike Reilly gets seriously injured and while he wants to be the leader/hero he's really not doing anyone favours for playing when banged up.  I think it's pretty selfish to think you are the only one who can will your team to win.  Sit down and let the team rise to the occasion.  

I hope to be back to my normal (as normal as I ever was) self for Week 10 and get some fancy drawing in for the Power Grouping.  Thank you for all the well wishes, likes and comments.  It's all much appreciated.  

Sandra's WK8 CFL Power Grouping

Week 8 Garfunkel

Group A - Mustard

Cheers 

These teams cut the Mustard.  The Stampeders minus Bo Levi always just seem to find ways to win games.  You can never count them out.  They are good enough to turn over the ball, take unnecessary penalties and still fight their way back to win games.  The Hamilton TigerCats did lose in Riderville this week and are also down a starting quarterback.  Dane Evans (there were 3 players with the name Evans in this game) looked good in his first start but has some growing to do.  The Blue Bombers were handed their second loss of the 2019 season (wahoo!) at the hands of the Toronto Argonauts.  The Bombers had motivational issues in Week 7 and that seemed to continue into Week 8.  Were they really that good at the start of the season or are other teams just catching up?

Group B - Ketchup

Credit to Greg McCulloch @GregOnSports 

For the first time this season the Saskatchewan Roughriders are over .500.  They can boast the leading receiver in the CFL in Shaq Evans and everyone is corndog crazy over Cody Fajardo.  It would seem that the Riders are tied for the Edmonton Eskimos for 3rd in the West.  Trevor Harris is one of the 3 veteran quarterbacks still standing and he seems to be flourishing under the Eskimo system.  What's going on with Head Coach Jason Maas?  It wasn't that long ago he was kicking field goals on first down and this week seems to be playing things too safe.  One can ask what's going on in Ottawa as well.  The Redblacks Dom Davis was back in the game this week and lead his team to victory but it was a close one for the sheer amount of turnovers.  

Group C - Relish

Vernon Adams Jr who I've been excited to see get success was injured (concussed) in the game versus the Redblacks.  It's hard to understand how penalties aren't handed out yet a player can be pulled for concussion protocol.  At any rate, once gone and rightly so, the Als just couldn't rise to the occasion.  The Toronto Argonauts are relishing their first win FINALLY.  The Rider fan in me was a bit gleeful to see the Bombers taken down a notch although I've said I really have thought this was their year.  Now that Collaros is with the Argos will that change the dynamics of the team?  Will he be able to stay healthy?  Was his presence the reason McLeod Bethel-Thompson was so much improved this week?  The BC Lions didn't lose this week but that's also because they were on their bye week.  They take on Hamilton in Week 9.

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Just a personal note to end this post.  Thursday of this week I am undergoing gallbladder surgery (thankfully) and because of that next weeks Power Grouping will be really pared down if posted at all.  No worries.  I'll still be watching and keeping tabs on you all.  Be good CFL fans.  Go Riders!  Happy Saskatchewan Day August Long Weekend!

Sandra's WK7 CFL Power Grouping

I had a mind blowing experience while drawing this weeks Power Grouping graphic.  The 8 Track tape is called 8 because if you turn an eight sideways it's the infinity symbol and an 8 Track plays forever aka infinity.  * gasp *

I gifted myself a new pack of 36 Staedtler Double Ended markers especially for Power Grouping!

OK.  Fine.  On with Week 7 in the Canadian Football League

A - For the Record

These days vinyl is the cream of the music listening crop.  Scratch that! Cancel the parade in Winnipeg!  The two best teams in the league took on each other and only one could come out victorious and that team was the Hamilton Tigercats.  The Blue Bombers who had a slow start in week 6 came out with a similar mind set and just never got going but also when you have 6 turnovers in a game it's next to impossible to pull out a win.  There's only one team in the CFL who is capable of making multiple mistakes and recovering and that team is the Calgary Stampeders.  Bo Levi remains on the sidelines with Nick Arbuckle under Quarterback.  One thing I've learned is that you can never count out the Calgary Stampeders.  They just find a way to win.

B - Cassette Tape

B Group is a mixed tape that's been wound tight with a number 8 pencil.  The thing about mixed tapes are that they are songs put together from different artists and genres but together make the best tape ever.  These 3 teams are working together like that mixed tape.  They are finding ways to limit the mistakes and work together striving for the same goal.  The Eskimos keep plugging along with Trevor Harris at the helm and as it stands, besides the Lions $700,000 Mike Reilly and the Bombers Matt Nichols, is the only veteran who hasn't missed game time.  The Roughriders won back to back meetings against the BC Lions and Cody Fajardo is looking better each week.  After dismissing their defensive line coach last week we were all wondering if the defense would stutter but if that were to happen it's wouldn't be against the Lions whose offensive woes continue.  Their only set back was special teams play which I'm sure will be much more in line in Week 8 against the Ticats.  The Alouettes haven't missed a beat since Vernon Adams Jr took over leading the team and Krazy Kavis was sent packing.  Interesting how one change can have such a huge impact.  How will they respond after their Bye Week?

C - 8 Track

If Group B has a tightly wound tape then Group C's tape is caught in the machine between tracks and spewing out all over.  What's happened to the Ottawa Redblacks?  If it weren't for a head scratching decision by Head Coach Rick Campbell they may have eeked out a win against the Stampeders.  When they seem to have a chance they shoot themselves in the foot.  The BC Lions are still searching for the track.  As I mentioned above their offensive line is just dismal.  If you are going to spend the moola on an "elite" quarterback you better have the hoggies to protect him and the Lions just do not.  Ryan Lankford did prove himself with two big special teams plays but he was the only player who showed up.  Ufdah.  The Argonauts are at the bottom of the heap again.  They desperately need a quarterback and every time I watch this team I am reminded of 2015 where the Riders kept saying we had the talent but just couldn't win.  When teams start having these types of issues and at this point in the season have losing records do we see firings?  In this age of the coaching cap is that something that can even happen?  If they did decide to cut a coach loose, who is available to take over?  These 3 teams may be stuck for the long haul.

Sandra's WK6 CFL Power Grouping

If you've been following along you know how this all works so let's get after it!

This is how I saw Week 6 in the Canadian Football League.

Group A - The Nanaimo Bar

Kind of ironic in choice as group A has nothing to do with British Columbia where this delicious treat hails from.  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers remain the only unbeaten team in the league.  They had a slow start against Ottawa and at first that had me thinking maybe this was the game they'd lose but that theory was soon squashed as they annihilated the Redblacks.  The Hamilton TigerCats held their ranking from last week and were on bye.  The only news here was the upheld suspension of Simoni Lawrence which we can all applaud.  He'll start serving that suspension in Week 7 and miss their match up with the Roughriders August 1st.  The Calgary Stampeders have always been a team good enough to make mistakes and keep winning.  This was somewhat true against a horrendous Argonauts team.  With Nick Arbuckle at the helm this team needs to clean up their ball security issues and stop giving other teams a chance...then again it was Toronto.

Group B - The Butter Tart

Does it have raisins?  Does it have pecans?  These teams will leave you guessing and in some cases that's pretty exciting as to which team will show up.  In a shocking loss against the Alouettes the Eskimos move down from A group to B group.  It seems the Trevor Harris of old may have showed up this game and really couldn't get an offence moving.  As told to me by Twitters @RBeesFan the Montreal team executed a brilliant flea flicker that included running a reverse.  I wish I'd seen it but was once again en route to Regina.  Good on the Als for sorting out their business on field while the front office seems to be such a mess.  Also good on Vernon Adams Jr.  It's nice to see a team that's struggled for so long finally coming together.  We also have the Saskatchewan Roughriders with their first appearance in B group.  Yay!  It would seem the bye week served everyone well as we saw a defence and Charleston Hughes who was on fire and an improved Cody Fajardo leading the offence.  I came home excited and with a hoarse voice from shouting so much...exactly how every football fan should return home.  The key for me for this convincing win against the BC Lions was a much improved Offensive Line including Dakota Shepley.  In my opinion, the OL controlled the game.

Group C - The Cookie

Is it raisin?  Please let those be chocolate chips.  At any rate, let the chips fall where they may.  Ottawa...what happened to you?  You scored 1 point on a Rouge which is a play so many CFL fans despise but a play which this fan thinks makes the game unique and strategic.  There's some things to figure out and Dom Davis needs to return to the team quickly.  The BC Lions continue to have team woes.  Maybe spending $700,000 on a quarterback wasn't the best decision ever?  They have a team that can't pass block or run protect.  How will they respond in this back to back meeting against the Roughriders?  Will they drop the double team on Micah Johnson to stop Hughes?  I know how they can get their offence scoring but I'm going to keep it to myself.  I don't get paid to be their OC.  Toronto * shakes head * What are we going to do with you?  Week 6 saw Corey Chamblin absolutely losing it on one of his players.  Frustration is paramount.  One has to wonder if Jim Popp's trigger finger is itchy.  He has been known to cut coaches and take over the reigns himself.

Thanks for reading and following ABC Football as always!  Because it's summer the next Power Grouping may be published late.  We all have lives outside of football (really?) and weekend vacations with family are wonderful to refresh the spirit.  Don't forget to check out past posts and I do have a special article coming on how to attend a game in Regina and not break the bank.  Now, on to Week 7 and as always Go Riders Go!

Sandra's WK2 CFL Power Grouping

Welcome to Week 2. Let's do a little recap of how my Power Groupings work just in case you didn't catch Week 1.  Typically sports people do Power Ranking which groups teams from 1 to 9 (or more depending how bad they stink).  Instead of this traditional ranking I started doing a Grouping instead.  There are three groups labelled A, B & C.  This means there is no official number 1 team and instead the A group is the best in my opinion for that week.  Cool right?  The other thing is, I really don't take any of this very seriously and I don't think you should either.  I mean, sports is fun right?  The drawing is cathartic...especially after another Rider loss and as one reader told me...there's something very genuine about someone sitting and sketching a picture (to paraphrase).  So please with all this in mind, don't get upset if what I have doesn't match what you may think a ranking should look like.  Awesome!  Read ahead to find out what Week 2 in the CFL ship-shaped up like.

Group A - My Heart Will Go On

These teams weaved magic in Week 2 and endeared their fans with their dominant play.  The Ottawa Redblacks were first up with a Thursday night match up against the Greenwhites.  Just how good is Dominique Davis?  This team hasn't missed a step in spite of losing Trevor Harris and Greg Elingson in the off season.  The Hamilton Tigercats came up victorious in a very boring and embarrassing display against Corey Chamblin's Toronto Argonauts.  Some fans quipped that they didn't know the score board counted that high.  The Edmonton Eskimos took out the BC Lions and may have sacked high paid Quarterback Mike Reilly (what O Line?) again while you're reading this.

Group B - Iceberg Ahead

All three of these teams didn't play in Week 2.  The Bombers went into their bye week with momentum so it'll be interesting to see how well they match up against the Eskimos in Week 3.  The BC Lions visit Calgary and you can bet both teams will be looking for revenge after their losses.  Oooh yikes, the Alouettes are in Hamilton. The Als signed Brandon Bridge late last week as Antonio Pipkin is banged up. Will Air Canada stick in Montreal?  These could be amazing games so we'll have to tune in.

Group C - Abandon Ship

That might be a bit drastic for my Saskatchewan Roughriders even though some are saying the season is lost.  Cody Fajardo gave Ottawa a run for their money and held his own.  It'll be exciting to see him continue to develop and gain confidence in the system.  It was also nice to see OC McAdoo open up the play book, it seemed, and let Cody throw down field.  I think this team just has to gel as they say and stop taking penalties which shoots themselves in the cleats.  The BC Lions have to find a run game and when they do that could change everything for them.  In the very least they might be looking for some offensive plays to take the heat off the mad and banged up hatter.  The poor Toronto Argonauts will be visiting Mosaic Stadium on Canada Day with a no doubt sold out rabid for a win Rider Nation.  This is of course the game I am looking forward to the most and I'll be in my new season seats to watch all the action.  

Go Riders!  

Sandra's WK 1 CFL Power Grouping

Welcome to the 2019 edition of Sandra's CFL Power Grouping.  If you've followed my page for a while you likely know how this works, but if you are new I'll explain - Typically sports people do Power Ranking which groups teams from 1 to 9 (or more depending how bad they stink).  Instead of this traditional ranking I started doing a Grouping instead.  There are three groups labelled A, B & C.  This means there is no official number 1 team and instead the A group is the best in my opinion for that week.  Cool right?  The other thing is, I really don't take any of this very seriously and I don't think you should either.  I mean, sports is fun right?  The drawing is cathartic...especially after another Rider loss and as one reader told me...there's something very genuine about someone sitting and sketching a picture (to paraphrase).  So please with all this in mind, don't get upset if what I have doesn't match what you may think a ranking should look like.  Awesome!  Let's get the 2019 show on the road.

Group A - It's Up! Aaaand It's Good!

The Stampeders were the 2018 Grey Cup Champions.  Bo Levi resigned in the off season after having NFL try outs.  It was close!  He was almost a Rider.  The team had a few free agency changes...the departure of Micah Johnson to the Riders for one and with these things in mind everyone watches to see if there will be a fall from grace.  If there's one thing I know - Hufnagel always has this team ready.  Sure they lost their home opener to the Ottawa Redblacks...their first win IN Calgary's aged McMahon Stadium...  where was I going with this?  Oh yeah!  This also means to me that the Redblacks deserve to be in this group.  They revenged their Grey Cup loss in a place they'd never won before with the rookie starter Dominique Davis at the QB helm.  None of these things should be overlooked in spite of the 4 interceptions.  Meanwhile, Winnipeg is planning a Grey Cup parade after their victory over the BC Lions.  Yes, the Blue Bombers looked good but to me the Lions were a far less (see C group) team despite their highly paid quarterback Mike Reilly.  I also thought it was interesting that we didn't hear Willie Jefferson of Adam Bighill's name very often but then it was hard to hear anything over Duane Forde's chewing of the Outrageous Burger.

Group B - Move the Chains

The Edmonton Eskimos debuted their newish Quarterback Trevor Harris and he had a terrific game.  They played the Montreal Alouettes who, let's be honest, after firing their head coach a week ago and being taken over by the CFL had pegged for...is there an X Group?  With Khari Jones thrown into the roll of Head Coach and Vernon Adams Jr taking over the reigns late in the game...well the Esks almost didn't win this one.  I have the Hamilton Tigercats in this grouping as well.  While, I am extremely angry at the dangerous and reckless play of Simoni Lawrence (is he suspended yet?), the rest of the team shouldn't be penalized.  They did eek out the win over the Roughriders but some of us are left wondering what could have been if Zach Collaros wasn't knocked out of the game on the THIRD play.  I won't discuss it now as that's a subject for it's own blog post...or more...over 6 weeks.

Group C - Back to the Drawing Board

The BC Lions who I mentioned above have the brand spanking new and highly paid Mike Reilly at their disposal.  They also have some terrific receivers in Burnham and Carter yet throws kept getting missed.  Also what happened to the run game?  Oh and PULEEZE Mr. Claybrooks can you straighten your hat!  You're head coach of a professional team now...  My Saskatchewan Roughriders are in this group too but mostly because they are once again spinning the quarterback carousel.  Unlike some fans, I don't think the season is lost but instead actually have a lot of hope (after the anger wore off) that we will see the emergence of Isaac Harker.  Won't it be exciting to say we saw that happen?  * fingers crossed *   The Riders take on A Group Redblacks in Week 2 and it'll be interesting to see how that shakes out.

I've listed the Toronto Argonauts here simply because they were on bye week and didn't play in Week 1.  That's likely a good thing as all of Toronto and the Nation celebrate the Raptors NBA Championship.

Thanks for reading and if you have any drawing ideas I will gladly welcome them.  Drawings will be kept under the 2019 Garfunkel's tab for quick and easy reference.