The Canadian Press
Hello, Adarius Bowman. Hi, Justin Cox. That was some kind of matchup.
You guys always that intense, that much fun to watch? If so, I propose a weekly television show for you two. Each week, a new head to head competition. After Sunday’s back-and-forth, I’d even watch you play Scrabble against each other.
Here are the takeaways:
1. DaVaris Daniels’ favourite movie of all-time is The Matrix.
Did I say favourite movie? More like his favourite philosophy on how to operate on a football field. Does Daniels have a nickname? ‘Cause it ought to be “Neo.”
Watching the slo-mo replay of his insane touchdown catch against Ottawa had me thinking of the scene where Keanu Reeves is dodging bullets on that rooftop. Except more impressive. You just know that when that catch went down, somewhere, Odell Beckham Jr. felt a shiver and whispered – to no one in particular – “there’s another.”
2. Ed Gainey can find beast mode for you.
It seems like he’s been around forever, doesn’t it? I was set to write this takeaway as a “he’s still got it” kind of thing, because I just figured he was 31 or 32 years old. The guy just turned 26, so the Riders might have a defensive cornerstone, in him, for many years to come.
At any rate, back to the matter at hand. Ed Gainey can rise to the occasion and he was the most important player in Saskatchewan’s overtime win against Edmonton; An early knockdown of what surely would’ve been long bomb reception by Derel Walker. Ripping the ball from Adarius Bowman’s hands and romping for a 51-yard touchdown score. Knocking down a for-certain touchdown strike to Walker in overtime. Three knockdowns, in total, and five tackles.
If you’re in Regina this week, watch out because I wouldn’t be surprised if Ed Gainey was running around knocking things out of people’s hands and yelling “I can’t stop!”
3. Bear Woods does not care which fork is the salad fork.
Bear Woods has 89 defensive tackles, two interceptions and three sacks so far this season (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca)
At least, I doubt it. Judging by his halftime interview during the Alouettes’ Friday night loss in Hamilton, Woods would just use any ol’ fork for his salad at a dinner party and not worry too much about the etiquette of it all.
“We’re the bad guys of the CFL,” he said while wearing an expression that said ‘I couldn’t care less what your reaction to this is.’ He continued: “They THINK they’re the bad guys of the CFL. They’re tough, we’re tough. Win or lose who’s gonna be the tougher team?”
Let me correct myself. Bear Woods doesn’t care which fork is the salad fork?
Bear Woods ain’t even having salad, I mean, are you kidding?
4. Taylor Loffler is also not having salad.
The Blue Bombers’ rookie safety is playing the position like a throwback, all barging and belting and with no room for negotiation. He added to his quickly filling 2016 highlights package – one that started with an incredible interception at the combine back in March – with two hellacious hits during the Bombers’ victory over the Toronto Argonauts.
He thumped receiver Tori Gurley just as the ball arrived on a sideline bomb and belted Dan LeFevour when the quarterback was dashing for yards. Gurley was left a little stunned on the sideline and it takes some doing to keep the big, tough Argo target from immediately bouncing back up.
Loffler is seeking and destroying and looking incredibly comfortable for a guy who’s started all of seven games. Remember, too: This is a kid who’d been through two ACL rehabs and hip surgery while in university. If anyone could be excused for playing cautiously, it’d be him. But he sure ain’t. A third round pick?
That’s gotta be a typo, right?
5. The East has some ramping up to do or it’ll be an all West Grey Cup.
Zach Collaros threw for just 291 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his team’s Week 13 victory (The Canadian Press)
Where’ve you gone, Ottawa REDBLACKS? Who are you, really, Hamilton Ticats? Are you up to the task, Toronto Argonauts?
None of those teams looked very good this past weekend, with the Argos being taken down by Winnipeg and Ottawa looking flat instead of refreshed after their long bye. They can be forgiven for that since they were playing Calgary and the Stamps have been making most everybody look like pancakes. Still, the REDBLACKS have been far from the crisp unit they appeared to be early in the season.
The Ticats, meanwhile, have a slipping clutch as they try to really get rolling with Zach Collaros back at the helm.
Collaros was so ticked at his own performance against Montreal that he uttered exactly twelve words in answering two questions at halftime. And the Argos? World beaters in the first half, blown away in the final 30 minutes for the second time in three weeks. Somebody’s gonna have to take control here.
And finally… You hear that rumbling sound? That’s the sound of a seven-game winning streak charging headlong towards a nine-game winning streak. The collision will be delicious, football fans. Just how good are you, Winnipeg? Prepare to find out.
