Mitch Ward
CFL.ca
Will Taylor bring the MOST back to Montreal?
2009’s Most Outstanding special teams player Larry Taylor returned to Montreal this week after being released by the NFL’s New York Jets. At a glance, this would seem like a huge boost for the reigning champs, especially given Tim Maypray’s fall from favour.
Before taking his shot down south, Taylor was electric in his two years with Montreal and was as exciting a player to watch as there was in the league.
The question is whether he can regain that old magic.
Players often change their training regimen and alter their bodies by either adding muscle or cutting weight to try and fit the NFL mold. The problem is if they don’t make it down south, those changes don’t always make for a successful return to the CFL.
Months spent on practice rosters getting limited reps without seeing any game action can also affect a player’s return. It takes time to get back into game shape. And then there’s the effect that being cut can have on some players’ confidence.
Remember when Dominique Dorsey tore up the CFL in 2007 and 2008? Then he went down to Washington for a stint with the Redskins. He hasn’t been the same since. Just ask Rider fans.
On the flip side some players have gone down to the NFL and have come back without missing a beat. Look at Stevie Baggs with the Ticats this season. In five games since returning to the CFL Baggs has 18 tackles, four sacks, an interception, two touchdowns and two Defensive Player of the Week awards. Not everyone makes the transition back to the Canadian game so easily.
Ricky Foley has shown flashes of brilliance with the Argos this year, but has been nowhere near the dominant force he was a season ago.
An even more worrying example is that of Casey Printers. In 2004 Printers was the CFL MOP. In 2006, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. But the Casey Printers that returned to the CFL with Hamilton was a far-cry from the Printers that left for the riches of the NFL.
Then again, there’s also Henry Burris who spent time with both Green Bay and Chicago before returning north. Smilin’ Hank has gone on to become one of the best quarterbacks in the league and rewrite the Stampeder record book.
For whatever reason, some players have no problem re-adjusting to the game while others never seem to regain their old spark.
I hope Larry Taylor comes back as good as ever and follows in the footsteps of Baggs and Burris. Let’s face it, he is fun to watch. Just don’t be surprised if the Larry Taylor we see this year isn’t quite the same Larry Taylor you remember from a season ago.
Joey who??
The quarterback situation in Winnipeg would be funny if it wasn’t so sad. How many teams have ever lost their No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 quarterbacks in the same season. Buck Pierce going down – not a huge surprise. Jyles getting hurt, too – believable. But Alex Brink also getting hurt? Come on! How snake bitten can the Bombers be in one season?
When Winnipeg named Joey Elliott their starter for the upcoming week, CFL.ca’s Jaime Stein and myself went searching to find a picture of him from our discs full of Blue Bomber game photos. It would have been easier to find Waldo. The two QBs the Bombers have brought in to back up Elliott this week are even bigger unknowns: Frank Wilczynski and Justin Goltz. I’d never even heard of their respective colleges let alone either of them until this week.
Fantuz’s frustration
What’s up with Andy? The Riders star slotback has been held to just two catches for 36 yards in the last two weeks including a big donut against Calgary in Week 15. The Riders need to find a way to get him involved in the offence if they want to make any sort of noise in the playoffs.
Final thoughts on…
…Chris Bauman’s big day – Nice to see the former Regina Ram step up in Arland Bruce’s absence for a 116 yard, two touchdown day.
…Kerry Joseph’s return – Glad to have Kerry back in the CFL. He should bring a solid veteran presence into the Eskimos locker room for the stretch run. And if, knock on wood, something Winnipeg-esque were to happen to Edmonton’s QBs he’s a nice insurance policy to have in your back pocket.
…Chad Owens – Why Paul LaPolice elected to have Justin Palardy attempt a 51-yarder into the wind at the end of the first half, I will never know. Owens had already returned two kicks for TDs against Winnipeg. I guess that wasn’t enough.
…Nik Lewis’ block on Adam Leonard – Clean block in my opinion.
…The final playoff spot – I say Edmonton clinches this week with a win over the Bombers and a BC loss to Saskatchewan… book it.
