yeah yeah laugh it up, im BOMBER fan!
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yeah yeah laugh it up, im BOMBER fan!
It's hard to get used to seeing the Lions struggle a bit at the QB position. You get spoiled watching a master like Dave Dickenson for so long. If only they could remove Buck's brain and put it in "Various" Jackson's body...
If they win on Saturday, they will get to host a playoff game. I'm pretty psyched for that!
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Edmonton Eskimos
(10-8)
at
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
(8-10)
Saturday, November 8 - 1pm et/10am pt on TSN,
TSN HD and TSN.ca
Season Series
Sep 26 Edmonton 23 at Winnipeg 30
Oct 4 Winnipeg 22 at Edmonton 36
Schultz Against The World: This game could go either way, but I was so impressed with the play of Ricky Ray last week against Montreal. I have never seen a quarterback that can stay as calm as he does no matter if he's up by 20 or behind by 20. In a playoff game it can be the difference between winning and losing. Looking at the last two games for the Bombers, I do not put much emphasis in their last game against Hamilton. The Ticats were just going through the motions, but the one-point win over Montreal when the Alouettes were at their best says a lot. Can Winnipeg establish Reid and Smith?
When the Blue Bombers have the ball
Passing Game: Kevin Glenn has not had his best year but the second half has been better than the first. He may have finished the season with over to 3,600 yards through the air, but it does not instill confidence when your touchdown total (20) equals your interception total (20).
Running Game: If you had said at the start of the season the Bombers would be playing this game without Charles Roberts, one would think their chances would be slim. But the tandem of Fred Reid and Joe Smith has played a big role in the Blue Bombers' limited success.
Receiving Game: In the receiving corps, the Bombers do not have any players among the leaders in yardage but they are one of only two teams to have three receivers in the 1,000-yard club (Romby Bryant, Terrence Edwards and Derick Armstrong). When you add in Arjei Franklin and future Hall of Famer Milt Stegall, you have the makings of a formidable air attack.
Offensive Line: Up front, the play of last year's Most Outstanding Lineman Dan Goodspeed has earned him another nomination this year.
Special Teams: Alouettes' cast-off Jason Armstead leads the league in punt returns, having brought back two for touchdowns this season. Kicker Alexis Serna has had an inconsistent year to say the least. If the game comes down to a field goal, there will be some nervous fans at Canad Inns Stadium.
Eskimos' Defence: The Eskimos have had difficulty stopping the run this season but the secondary has fared better. When the ball goes in the air, only three things can happen and two of them are bad. The Eskimos are proof of that, having allowed the fewest completed passes and picking off 20 opposition throws. The late-season return of veteran Fred Perry should help the pass rush that has managed 30 sacks.
Jock Climie says the Bombers win if... they get pressure on Ricky Ray. When the Roughriders manhandled the Eskimos in Week 18, it was largely due to their ability to disrupt Ray's timing and take away the time he needs to throw the deep ball. Having finished third in the league in sacks, the Bombers are capable of applying the needed pressure. Offensively, Winnipeg will need to get their ground game up and running if they are to be successful. The one-two punch of Smith and Reid must be firing on all cylinders. Not only will this eat up valuable time and allow the Bombers to sustain drives, but it will allow for Glenn to use play action which was once a Bomber trademark but has sadly dropped from their list of "things we do really well." Armstrong, Bryant, Edwards and Stegall may be the league's most dangerous receiving corps but if Glenn doesn't buy himself some time in the pocket using play action, it just won't matter.
When the Eskimos have the ball
Passing Game: Ricky Ray is undoubtedly among the best passers in the league today and proved it again this year by leading the way in yardage with 5,661. He's the key to any post-season success for the Eskimos.
Running Game: Another year goes by with the Eskimos' severely lacking in a rushing attack. A.J. Harris emerged as the feature back early but Canadian Calvin McCarty seems to have supplanted him of late. Ironically, when the Eskimos outgain their opposition on the ground, they win.
Receiving Game: After years of struggling to find his niche, Canadian Kamau Peterson has found a connection with Ray. He joined the 1,000-yard club this season along with rookie speedster Kelly Campbell. The loss of Jason Tucker to a serious neck injury early in the season has been a tough one to overcome, both on and off the field.
Offensive Line: Run-blocking is not a strength of this group but the emphasis is on the passing game anyways. If they can keep Ray on his feet, they are doing their job.
Special Teams: Tristan Jackson has ignited the fans at Commonwealth Stadium on many occasions this season, returning two punts and one kick-off for touchdowns. Kicker Noel Prefonatine has been solid if not spectacular taking over for fan favourite Sean Fleming.
Blue Bombers' Defence: As much as the offence has struggled this season, the defence has provided few answers. Giving up close to 400 yards per game, the passing game is the weaker of the two aspects which has Ricky Ray licking his chops.
Jock Climie says the Eskimos win if... Ricky Ray can get into rhythm in the passing game. Rhythm for Ray means a steady dose of Peterson underneath, Campbell over the top and McCarty out of the backfield. The Esks short passing game is an effective substitute for the running game that went AWOL earlier in the season. Ray is so accurate that his swing passes, five-yard out patterns and six-yard hitches have kept them out of second-and-long all season. Defensively, Edmonton will need to play with passion and urgency. When playing on the road, it is critical that the defence fly around and maintain the energy level necessary to quiet the crowd and punish the opposition. Players like Barrenechea, Shabazz and Perry must play inspired football if the Eskimos are going to become the first-ever cross-over team to move on to the East Final.
British Columbia Lions
(11-7)
at
Saskatchewan Roughriders
(12-6)
Saturday, November 8 - 4:30pm et/1:30pm pt on TSN,
TSN HD and TSN.ca
Season Series
Jul 4 Saskatchewan 26 at B.C. 16
Sep 13 Saskatchewan 23 at B.C. 28
Sep 20 B.C. 27 at Saskatchewan 21
Schultz Against The World: The Roughriders have the definite advantage playing at home, as they have a unique energy level at Mosaic Stadium, and considering this is a playoff game, the energy level will be higher than ever before. With D.J. Flick and Andy Fantuz returning for Saskatchewan, it might open up more opportunity for Weston Dressler in the passing game. For the Lions to win, they have to force Riders' quarterback Michael Bishop to make some mistakes. This is very possible because the Lions not only have the best defensive line in the CFL, but one of the smartest defensive backs in the game in Barron Miles.
When the Roughriders have the ball
Passing Game: Take your pick. From Marcus Crandell to Darian Durant to Michael Bishop to Steven Jyles, it's been a game of musical chairs behind centre. It may be up to the quarterback to not lose the game and leave it up to the defence.
Running Game: Wes Cates burst out of the starting gate, averaging over 105 yards on the ground in the first six weeks, all wins for the Riders. But he was hobbled by a high ankle sprain late in the season and appeared to aggravate the injury in the season finale. If he's not healthy, the Roughriders will be in tough.
Receiving Game: In a receiving corps racked with injuries, rookie Weston Dressler is the only player in the top 25 in receiving yards. However in the last few weeks, Matt Dominguez has returned from his ACL injury, Andy Fantuz is back from a broken leg and D.J. Flick is back, too.
Offensive Line: Centre Gene Makowsky along with guards Marc Parenteau and Mike Abou-Mechrek form the Canadian anchor to a successful unit.
Special Teams: Much like the passing game, Dressler carries the load in the return game. In the kicking game, Luca Congi, much like his counterpart in B.C., is very accurate from shorter yardages but also managed to boot a 55-yarder late in the season.
Lions' Defence: While the offence has been the calling card of the Lions in recent years, the defence has stepped up this year. Led by shoo-in Most Outstanding Defensive Player Cameron Wake, the Lions lead the league in fewest yards allowed, interceptions and quarterback sacks.
Matt Dunigan says the Roughriders win if... they can ride the energy wave that is going to be provided by the best fans in the country/world, "The Rider Nation". Get momentum early and fan the flame. The Riders are getting healthy and that is scary because they continued to find ways to win despite an unprecedented rash of injuries. So facing adversity is not a problem for this team. Playing clean football and managing the game will be paramount for Bishop. But even with that said, Michael is a closer and will find ways to win if given the chance. For example, last week's victory. Give him the reigns and a longer leash. Playmakers are back on the field for Bishop to utilize and this should be a blast to watch!!! The defence has been the most physically dominant unit all season. As Marc Trestman once said "they play violent but clean football". This is a very accurate and fitting description for this talented defence. They will have to live up to that reputation and gang tackle Logan and limit Simon. Don't let these two beat you. Luca Congi has been money all year and will have to continue that trend and capitalize on his opportunities. This will be one heck of an entertaining football game and you can see it live on TSN, Yeah Baby!!!
When the Lions have the ball
Passing Game: Last season, Jarious Jackson appeared to be the future for the Lions. But after struggling early on this year, Buck Pierce stepped in and led the Leos to a resurgence down the stretch. Pierce is nursing some injuries so either one could get the start.
Running Game: Rookie Stefan Logan played well enough to replace perennial MOP candidate Joe Smith this season. Even the arrival of Charles Roberts, another perennial MOP candidate, did not affect Logan's status as the feature back in Vancouver. With Roberts out for the season with a torn achilles, the spotlight is on Logan.
Receiving Game: Another season, another 1,000 yards for Geroy Simon, the sixth straight time reaching that mark. Canadian Paris Jackson broke through the 1,000 yard barrier for the first time this year and last year's Outstanding Canadian Jason Clermont hoeps to return from an MCL injury.
Offensive Line: Outstanding offensive guard Rob Murphy has annoyed almost every defensive lineman in the league and even chalked up a fine for "clearly inappropriate" conduct. He's a force to be reckoned with.
Special Teams: Ian Smart set a new league record for kick-off return yards and he's not too shabby on punt returns, either. At 38, kicker Paul McCallum may not have the distance anymore but he connected on over 85% of his field goal attempts.
Roughriders' Defence: As per usual, the Roughriders have been stingy on defence. They are above average against the run and even better against the pass. On the downside, they don't create many turnovers or put a lot of pressure on the quarterback.
Matt Dungian says the Lions win if... they can weather the storm early, not only from the Riders themselves but the Rider Nation. The best way to ensure this is to score early, period. To control the line of scrimmage in this contest will be the deciding factor, whether you are talking defence or offence. The trenches will be physical and violent and whomever can win this battle, wins the game. Offensively, the quickness of Stefan Logan and his ability to create, running the football and catching the ball out of the backfield, will go a long way into sustaining drives and winning up front. A successful ground attack will free up playmakers like Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson. Both Pierce and Jackson have the capabilities to be explosive from behind the centre but must play clean football. Limit the turnovers or you will ignite Mosaic! Defensively, the Lions must stop the ground game of Saskatchewan and they have the talent to do so. Mix coverages up on the back end and force Bishop to hang on to the ball just a fraction of a second longer. This will allow pressure from Wake, Johnson, Hunt and Williams to take its toll, force poor decisions, and create turnovers. Ian Smart and Paul McCallum have been spectacular all season for the Lions special teams and this combo must produce once again. The good thing for the Lions is McCallum knows how to handle the windy conditions that can be a factor at Mosaic. It's ironic that the Lions have to beat the Riders and the Stamps to advance to this year's Grey Cup because it was those two teams they could not beat at the beginning of the season, Weeks 1 and 2 putting themselves in this unenviable position.
There will be a new Grey Cup champion crowned in Montreal later this month.
Buck Pierce and Stefan Logan led the B.C. Lions to victory on Saturday, defeating the defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders 33-12 in the West Semi-Final. The Lions now head to Calgary for a date with the Stampeders on Saturday.
Catch the action of the East and West Finals on TSN and TSN HD, on Saturday starting at Noon et/9am pt.
The Lions offence took some time to hit their stride but came through in the end. Pierce completed 23-of-31 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown, while Logan ran for 153 yards on 18 carries in the win.
"In the playoffs it is all about leadership and that starts at the quarterback position and Buck Pierce in that second half took control," said CFL on TSN's Glen Suitor.
"Buck Pierce has shown that he is the guy who can lead this football team and most importantly, he did not make the big mistake," added Suitor.
Pierce combined with fullback Lyle Green for the first touchdown of the game. The 14-yard TD came with just over two minutes to play in the first half.
Jarious Jackson got into the act hooking up with a wide open Geroy Simon in the third for a 31-yard touchdown. It was the only pass Jackson threw on the day.
The Lions' defence also stepped up as Ryan Phillips picked off a Michael Bishop pass and ran it back for a 54 yard touchdown.
That made the score 33-12 and ended Bishop's day and Darian Durant took over at quarterback for the Riders.
Bishop struggled in the West Semi-final completing only 14 of 27 passes for 172 yards, the Rider QB also rushed for 46 yards on six carries but he threw three interceptions and fumbled twice. Overall the Riders turned the ball over seven times in the game.
"Our defence has been getting turnovers all year," said Lions head coach Wally Buono after the game. "At the end of the day, pressure on the quarterback causes turnovers."
"It's all on me. I didn't play well and I'm not going to put the blame on anybody. If I play well, make those throws, instead of kicking those field goals, we get touchdowns," he told the Canadian Press after the loss.
The Riders head coach came to the defence of his starter after the game.
"Some of the things that occurred with Michael tonight, the bad things weren't all his fault," coach Ken Miller told the Canadian Press. "I felt like he gave us the best opportunity to win."
"If you watched Michael throughout the year, he's had a subpar first half and came back second half and just lit up the scoreboard. Me, just like coach, assumed that that was going to happen tonight," explained Durant to the Canadian Press.
Despite the offensive troubles, Riders' Weston Dressler had five receptions for 93 yards.
While Logan was almost unstoppable, his Riders counterpart Wes Cates did not have any success being held to only 23 yards on nine carries by the Lions' defence.
"It was a rough one," Cates told the Canadian Press. "It could have been better. It could have been a lot better, you know. That's how it goes.
"You can't always just expect things to happen, you've got to sometimes make things happen and we didn't make it happen today."
"We didn't do anything out of the ordinary," said Lions' Cameron Wake to the Canadian Press. "We didn't do anything extraordinary. We came in and we played the way the B.C. Lions play football."
Lions' Paul McCallum or Riders' Luca Congi were both busy. McCallum hit from 41, 19 and 16 yards while Congi had field goals of 46, 46, 19 and 19 yards.
what happened to your bombers ukguy?
better question is why the hell was michael bishop left in to lose the game for the riders?
i wasnt able to watch the game, i listened to it.. for 3 qtrs they only made 2 plays and scored a td on each. They couldnt solve EDM hitch pass, and let them eat all the time up on the clock. Infact i am sure the weather will be a major excuse.. but in the end the W is all that matters..
maybe next year for the Bombers
:wtf
Da Stamps...