Kamau Peterson
CFL.ca
My first playoff experience in Calgary taught me an important lesson which has stayed with me until this day. Our offensive coordinator at the time George Cortez waited until the Western Final to unveil a six receiver set, at which time it seemed that the Eskimos had difficulty adjusting to. As a rookie on a team with a ton of threats like Travis Moore, Marc Boerigter, Vince Danielson and Kelvin Anderson, I must have been the last thing on the mind of the opposition and managed to sneak away for 115 yards and 2 TDs in a win to help earn a trip to the show. The lesson learned was that in playoff games, it is quite often the forgotten man who does the most damage.
Playoffs more than any other game with the exception of the Labour Day Classic are games that provide a true prime time platform for all teams involved. And in doing so, allow all potential playmakers to stand and be counted for at the same time. What this stage also does is gives coaches an entire body of work to scout in preparation for each opponent as well as an entire week to prepare.
In actuality, coaches are designated to prepare for each of the potential two teams just in case so that they are thoroughly scouted once the games are played. In doing this extensive prep for each team it is likely that those playing will make a concerted effort to neutralize the stars of each team that have been dominating all year.
The smart money for defensive coordinators is to rally the bulk of the attention around silencing offensive studs like Simon, Jackson, Cahoon, Richardson, Cobourne, Fantuz, Cates, Reynolds, Copeland and Lewis to make one of the supporting cast put the game on their shoulders. At the same time, offensive coaches are quite aware of the talents of Chick, Baggs, Davis, Morgan, Browner, Anderson, Stewart, Cox, Estelle, Banks, Miles, Hunt and Johnson and will serve well to keep their distance from those players as best as they can.
The question is who remaining can utilize this stage and shine for their team at the time of year where the lights are truly brightest? Here’s my guess as to which players you may want to keep an eye on the next couple of weeks.
SASKATCHEWAN:
Donovan Alexander – The young non-import corner has played admirably this year. With all the attention on him as teams would rather not test Morgan, Davis and Frazier, Donovan has more than held his own. Look for him to be tested and answer the call.
Tad Kornegay – A Western All-Star this year at his first year in a very new position of weak-side linebacker, Kornegay has shown a unique dimension to putting an undersized player in that position. His speed and DB instincts make him problematic in the passing game, while his toughness and grit allow him to use that speed to make plays in the run game.
Stu Foord – Since entering the league from the junior ranks, Foord has done nothing but produce when given the opportunity. A career average of 5.7 yards per carry is nothing to scoff at and the Regina native will no doubt draw energy from the hometown crowd in the Western Final.
CALGARY:
Milton Collins – This ex-receiver has more range than any other safety in the league with his long stride and speed. A protégé of Wes Lysack at the safety position, Collins asserts his presence at every opportunity and will no doubt have plenty of chances to rattle some cages in the coming weeks.
Demetris Summers – A deceptive and smooth runner who blends power and vision with tremendous pass receiving and kick return ability, Summers will have chances to make plays on many levels in these playoffs and started hot against Edmonton with big returns.
Arjei Franklin – With so many horses in the Stamps stable of receivers there are a few forgotten men and Franklin certainly is one of them. Sure handed and veteran savvy, look for Arjei to capitalize when called upon and when attention veers towards Copeland and Lewis.
B.C.
Emmanuel Arceneaux – The young speedster has shown flashes of brilliance throughout this season. Montreal is one of the few teams left who still plays a fair share of man-to-man coverage so look for Arceneaux to be the benefactor of the playoff edition of the “Simon rules.”
Darren Toney – This rookie halfback has weathered the storm and seems to be settling into his weak-side halfback spot. Jamel Richardson had his number in previous match-ups, so look for Toney to try to make amends when it matters most.
LaVar Glover – While sitting out most of the year, Glover’s fire was no doubt burning to get back. Look for this veteran corner to have fresher legs than most at this time of year. A confident and instinctual player, Glover can produce fireworks when tested.
MONTREAL
Billy Parker – Much like the aforementioned Toney, this rookie halfback also settled into his position as the year went on. His size and aggressive nature can be both assets and liabilities on such a wide field and Parker will definitely have opportunities to change the game in the coming weeks.
Brian Bratton – The forgotten man in this potent Montreal attack, Bratton is truly a selfless player at a position where you don’t see many. Blocking, crisp route running and focus are traits that serve well this time of year and Bratton possesses all and more.
Andrew Hawkins – Much has been made about Hawkins’s blood relation to Geroy Simon, but his athletic ability truly allows him to be spoken of on his own terms. One of the quickest stop/start athletes I’ve seen in this league in some time, while still possessing the polish to play receiver full-time, Hawkins can pose match-up problems all over the field.
Good luck to all players still playing. The quality of the games alone will have me tuned in. Normally, I can’t bear to even watch the playoffs after my team is eliminated, but there are some truly great team dynamics forming for this one so I feel compelled to watch – it’s must see TV. Plus, it is always interesting to see who will define the moment… and who will let the moment define them.
Kp8
