CFL news - Week 8

 

Edmonton at Montreal

 

- Matt Nichols and James Franklin split reps this week at QB but Nichols ended up getting the bulk of the work.

- "No regrets" was how it was phrased over the decision to gamble on 3rd and 4 over attempting a 48 yd. FG. Apparently, Shaw starts to get "iffy" in that range. Having said that, it's also reported that Grant Shaw has had a perfect start to 2015 making 15-of-15 field goals. That extends his streak to a career-high 21 consecutive FGs made as he hit his final 6 attempts last year. The Edmonton club record is held by Sean Fleming with the 10th longest streak in CFL history at 22 (Sep-Oct 2001).

- Mike Reilly is still expected to be out another 3-5 weeks 

- No A. Bowman or Chad Simpson for the game - injured

- Edmonton lost last week at BC after holding a 13-point lead and were outscored 9-0 in the final 15:00. The last time Edmonton failed to hold a 13+ point lead and not win was on Sep 28/13 vs Toronto. Last week was only the second time since 2008 the Esks’ have blown a 13+ point lead.

- Edmonton is #1 in the CFL in forcing opponents into 2nd-&-long situations: 95 times in 138 second down situations.

-  Edmonton has forced at least 3 Turnovers in each of their last 5 games. Their defence has allowed no TDs in 49 opponent possessions at home; on the road 7 TDs allowed in 49 drives.

- The Esks have allowed only one punt return of more than 16 yards and one kickoff return of greater than 30 yards all season.

 

Montreal
 

- released 3 players from its roster - kicker Sean Whyte, receiver Dobson Collins and linebacker Bryn Roy.

- Montreal is winless away from home this year and 3-9 since 2014; however they return home this week to where they are 2-1 in 2015 and 8-4 under Coach Higgins (2014-15). All three of their road losses have been by 3 points or less.

- If Rakeem Cato starts this game, that will make it 5 different QB starters for Montreal in each of their last 5 games vs. Edmonton (Calvillo, Neiswander, Smith, Crompton and Cato).

- Rakeem Cato ranks #5 in the CFL in passer rating at 96.9 but his drive success (TD%) ranks only #9. The Als' Red Zone production ranks #9 in the CFL at just 45% (3-of-9 in last 3 games). Cato is 2-0 at home as a starter but 0-3 on the road.

- Montreal is the best at converting on 3rd-&-1 this season making 9-of-11 tries.

- Montreal has yet to record a defensive TD this season in a year where there have been 14 already.

- S.J. Green is the only Montreal receiver in the Top 25 after seven weeks. He is #1 in the CFL with 539 yards on pace for a career-high 1,617 yards. He has 11 second down conversion catches and recorded career reception #400 last week going over the 6,000 yard mark.

- On a per game basis, Montreal has run the ball more times than any other CFL club (21.3 times per game).

- Montreal was +4 on turnovers in their first 4 games; they have been -5 in the last two contests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sask will still find a way to lose

Sask will still find a way to lose

God I hope so........

Herb Zurkowsky @HerbZurkowsky1

Barely an hour until kickoff and @7Bowman is sitting on the #Als bench in civvies. Looks like he's not playing, after all. Will update.

Losing looks second best on Esks coach Chris Jones. Rather than admit he made a mistake he points the finger at kicker Grant Shaw & says he might've missed. Jones just can't own up to it & admit he made a bonehead move. Losing still looks the best on Chamblin, though.

I worry about attending the Grey Cup this year and having to decide between rooting for Jones or Austin.

@DidierRDS: John Bowman is on the sidelines wearing jeans. He's a healthy scratch. #Alouettes #CFL

TSN... says Watkins and another Esk tied for first in CFL with 3 picks... what about Johnny Adams and his 4 picks?

annoyed cause my pick was edmonton, now think they will lose

good  protection there by montreal

 

gonna be in a pickle with nickel

TSN... says Watkins and another Esk tied for first in CFL with 3 picks... what about Johnny Adams and his 4 picks?

Bomber players don't count

broom better than nickel

Cato showing the perils of a guy who can't or won't do much from the pocket. Perfect pass pro and he runs into a sack.

How short is Nichols leash?

Cato showing the perils of a guy who can't or won't do much from the pocket. Perfect pass pro and he runs into a sack.

 

To be fair, Willy has been guilty of this in the past as well. Guys with little mobility run into those problems just as often.

Cato showing the perils of a guy who can't or won't do much from the pocket. Perfect pass pro and he runs into a sack.

To be fair, Willy has been guilty of this in the past as well. Guys with little mobility run into those problems just as often.

I've never seen Willy bail out of a perfect pocket like I've seen Cato do a half dozen times already in this game.

@DidierRDS: All injured or scratched players are on the sidelines, except for one ... Michael Sam. #Alouettes

these teams tackle well

ouch

 

montreal scared to let cat throw it down there wisely 

wheres sam and why no bowman? trade brewing?

wheres sam and why no bowman? trade brewing?

My guess is there was some type of conflict/fight between the two of them. I'd love it if the Bombers traded for Bowman. Bryant Turner for Bowman?

wheres sam and why no bowman? trade brewing?

 

Sam is injured.....or more likely not in game shape.

any way to watch /listen to wpg rifles games? stream or internet radio?

 

wheres sam and why no bowman? trade brewing?

 

Sam is injured.....or more likely not in game shape.

 

matter of time before he's released

cauchy!

wheres sam and why no bowman? trade brewing?

Sam is injured.....or more likely not in game shape.

matter of time before he's released

May have already happened. Apparently he's the only member of the team not on the sideline tonight