Jaime Stein
CFL.ca
Like most fans who were tortured during the long wait between November 24th, 2008 and the start of training camp, I couldn’t wait for the start of the 2009 season. Like Forest Gump once said about a box of chocolates, the CFL season is similar in that you never quite know what you are going to get.
Take Friday night for example and the storybook finish in the Lions-Ticats game. You couldn’t script a better ending than the Otis Floyd interception to seal the deal against his former team and bring home a much needed win for the Tabbies. I was fortunate enough to have stayed up for the entire game, which concluded near 2 a.m. in the East. For those who tuned out with a halftime score of 14-14, you missed a great second half of ball. Fortunately, we have an extended highlight pack to bring you up to speed.
LEGALIZE THIS
Week #2 was a great week for offence; each team averaged just under 35 points per game. Not to mention we witnessed the newly legalized ‘Wildcat’ formation in action during the Riders-Argos game.
Speaking of Saturday’s tilt, it was great to see the Riders fans out in full force at Rogers Centre. Riders fans may be some of the most intense fans in North America. I witnessed this firsthand on the CFL’s Twitter account less than five minutes into the game when a fan responded to a comment about a nice play by the Argos’ Jason Shivers with: “Did you miss the nice Riders return. Is this going to be another kiss a** Toronto site??? “
Gotta love the Rider Pride nationwide! Their fans truly love their team and are already in midseason form.
EASY ACCESS
It is always nice to attend a game in person and see the familiar faces of CFL fans; it is a great perk of this job. One of the greatest aspects of the CFL is access. Witness the fans that were able to mingle with Argos’ head coach Bart Andrus during the team’s post game party at a downtown restaurant. How often do you see a professional head coach share a post game meal with his daughter (who writes a wonderful blog for our website) while discussing the game with fans who casually pass by?
WEEK #3 FLAG FEST?
A final point on the Argos: They need to save their aggression for between the whistles. Antics after the play ends serves no good. This week’s game against Calgary will be an interesting test in restraint for both teams as the Argos and Stampeders recorded 31 penalties for 273 yards in Week #2.
BREAKOUT PERFORMERS
Week #2 provided some great breakout performances. Maurice Mann continues to emerge as a big play receiver in Edmonton while S.J. Green made some spectacular grabs for the Montreal Alouettes. I liked the moxie shown by Stefan LeFors in Winnipeg, but he needs to protect himself if he is going to endure the rigours of an 18-game season.
The top breakout performance came from Ticats running back DeAndra’ Cobb. He started the season buried on the Hamilton depth chart, but his hard-nosed running style may keep him in the Cats’ lineup permanently. There is some mystery surrounding Cobb though. What’s the deal with the silent apostrophe on his first name?
IRELAND: A NEUTRAL STATE
A final tip of the cap goes to the CFL Command Centre. It has been a treat spending nights at the CFL office watching these guys in action. In the short time that I have spent around Jake Ireland, it is clear that very few people have his command and understanding of the CFL’s rules. And no, he doesn’t hate (insert your team here)!
LEAVE HIM ALONE
In closing… Everyone has taken their shots at Arkee Whitlock this week. Here’s hoping that he proves his detractors wrong on Thursday night in front of a large home crowd.
STARS OF WEEK #2
***** Stevie Baggs: His energy and enthusiasm on the field is fun to watch. An early favourite for defensive player of the year.
**** Otis Floyd: He was his usual defensive self on the field, but his game ending interception against his former team made for some great entertainment.
*** Anthony Calvillo: His offensive precision is impressive year in and year out.
** Bart Andrus: He drew a line in the sand and there remains no doubt where he stands when it comes to discipline on the field. Plus, his comments were entertaining.
* Bryan Chiu: He played his 203rd game as an Alouette, tying Glen Weir for the most in franchise history. The offensive line needs some love, too.
