Our big rivalry games are here! Anyone care to make some predictions, trash talk, etc?
I'm a more optimistic Bomber fan this year (as compared to the Jerk Kelly debacle of '09), and this is in spite of the fact that our record at this point in the season is a bit worse than the same time last year. At least with LaPolice, I have confidence in his intelligence and ability to improve as things progress. I think he and our new GM Joe Mack could really build something here, though it may take a while and we may not start to see the fruits of that labour until later in 2010 or 2011.
I'm predicting that the Bombers and the Riders will each win one in this series, each winning at home. I would've predicted the Blue would be no wins this series vs. the Riders, but after watching the Riders last week vs. Edmonton, I'm thinking 1-1. Riders by at least 10 points this Sunday (it'll be a loud stadium to their advantage), and the Bombers squeaking out a win in the Banjo Bowl. Hopefully this year, Only The Lonely and I don't have to chant for anyone's firing ("Fire Mike Kelly!") as they come off the field. But last year, it was a travesty, obviously.
My bit of optimism for the Bombers at this time is because we're getting some guys back from injury, notably our Safety, Ian Logan. QB Buck Pierce will likely get the start, and if he is in better shape (notably, if he is able to scramble and run outside of the pocket like he did earlier in the season), that helps us tremendously. He had some time to rest-up and do physio during the last few weeks (including the bye week).
Also thinking that Paul LaPolice is likely getting a bit more comfortable in the head coaching chair. He made some mistakes, but I have a good feeling about the guy's football knowledge and ability to learn quickly from mistakes (also, unlike Kooky Kelly), and he'll likely be a better head coach in the second half of the season. Think he also would have a useful and detailed knowledge of many of the Rider's players, particularly on the offensive side of the ball and specifically QB Darian Durant.
The Bombers' big weakness is the O-line, IMO. This week we added a new import to our O-line, Marlon Winn. We'll also have a non-import rookie, Chris Greaves, starting on the O-line in his first career start. Again, this line will be a significant concern, as it takes time for new guys on this particular line more than any other unit to 'gel' with each other and work as a cohesive unit. If they are able to hold-off a while longer before breaking apart after the snap, it'll help the Blue (passing and rushing) a great deal.
Also worried that Terrence Edwards, our leading receiver, may not play this week. He sat out the last two practices with a sore ankle, though he insists that he'll play on Sunday.
Just my $0.02 anyway.
Have you Rider fans bought your watermelons yet?
At the very least, just for reasons of basic entertainment, I hope the games are closer this year than last.