Jaime Stein
CFL.ca
A couple of weeks ago the talk of the town focused on two rookie running backs: Martell Mallett and DeAndra’ Cobb. While the colts continue to shine, a pair of stallions have busted out of the stables into their rightful place atop the rushing lists. I’m talking about Winnipeg’s Fred Reid and Montreal’s Avon Cobourne.
Cobourne is a triple threat on the field. He can run. He can catch. He can block. He also leads the CFL with seven rushing touchdowns and sits second among running backs with 635 yards on the ground.
Reid had a game for the ages on Friday night in Vancouver. The third year back turned in a 260-yard performance on the ground – the third best running game in CFL history. He set a Bomber record in the process, eclipsing Blaise Bryant’s 249 yards set against Hamilton in 1994.
In addition to standing alone as the two premier backs in the CFL at this point in the season, there is another trait that Cobourne and Reid share. Both like to talk. While the chatter can sometimes lead to trouble, there is no doubt that both backs are worth the price of admission.
THUMBS UP
Thumbs up to Glen Suitor for explaining how Jovon Johnson set up his interception return touchdown in the fourth quarter of Friday’s game between Winnipeg and BC. Suitor showed how Johnson was playing off of receiver Geroy Simon when Simon made a catch earlier in the game. The second time, Johnson baited QB Jarious Jackson into thinking he was going to play off of the receiver again. Only this time, Johnson jumped the ball at the last second and took it to the endzone for a Pick-6.
Johnson was burned early on in the game by Emmanuel Arceneaux for a touchdown, but it was the Bomber who had the last laugh sealing the win for Winnipeg.
THUMBS UP – Part II
My thumb is also up to Field Judge Brian Chrupalo. He was the one who noticed that Fred Reid did not sit out three plays following Reid’s touchdown run late in the game. It was a shame to see such a great play called back, but rules are rules and Chrupalo was on the ball to make the call.
BROTHERS FROM OTHER MOTHERS
Jonathan Hefney is emerging into one of the league’s better defensive backs. He is a tenacious defensive back and was solid in coverage against the BC Lions on Friday night. He also has an interesting connection to the Esks’ Arkee Whitlock. The pair grew up together in the same house for a number of years in Rock Hill, S.C. Hefney’s mom took care of the CFLers during high school.
THAT’S HOW YOU WATCH A GAME
I want to give a shout out to Dean in Winnipeg. He and his buddies may have one of the best setups in Canada to watch a CFL game. Not only do they brave the chilly August nights in Winnipeg to watch football outside, but they do it in style with a big screen and a hot tub.
STARS OF THE WEEK #8
*****Fred Reid & Yvenson Bernard: Watching Winnipeg use misdirection with their running backs was a thing of beauty. Yvenson Bernard delivered some great leading blocks for Reid while Reid posted one of the greatest games in league history despite hurting his hamstring (more than once).
****Weston Dressler: Dressler manages to get open all the time and somehow make the catch with receivers draped all over him. Chip Cox found the only way to stop Dressler by hanging onto him as if he was participating in a water-ski competition.
***Ben Cahoon: He finally nabbed his first TD reception of the season in Week #8. He is a steady as they come and his Als have posted a league best 7-1 record this year.
**Larry Taylor: It may be Larry Taylor vs. Tristan Jackson in a battle for the title of top return guy in the league. Taylor holds the edge right now… the ball is in Jackson’s court in Week #9 when he is back from the bye.
*Steve Morley: Whatever happened to Steve Morley? He had such a bright future as a prospect out of Saint Mary’s, but he has had trouble finding a starting role in the CFL. Maybe he has turned the corner. What a great escort he gave to Yvenson Bernard midway thru the second quarter on Friday night.
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