Canadian Football League 2008

[Boris2k7]

I was at the Stamps-Esks preseason game. Aside from the wind and rain, which was making things chilly, not so bad. Burris showing his usual inconsistency and the defense seems to be full of names I've never heard of before. And hell, we missed two field goals I think? Still, our running backs look like they will earn their pay again this season.

If Dickenson continues to play like he did on Friday, I think that the Stamps will look more like a serious contender this year.

[Ayreonaut]

Good to hear about the backs. It'll be nice to have more than one dangerous RB, and could open up some better opportunities for Reynolds. The O-line really needs to improve on run blocking from last season, which was one of the weakest parts of their game (along with overall defence, and incredibly low number of forced turnovers).


Also, that title is now bugging the — out of me, so if a mod sees this, could they capitalize the "fl", please and thanks.

[Boreal]

If Winnipeg can get consistent play on its backend - the safety spot is a real question mark, and have something that resembles a professional level kicking game, we should be very difficult as the rest of the team is stacked. Would be nice to get Obby Khan back in full health, but either way, the O-front can still play.

Winnipeg and Toronto out east to battle it out, Calgary and BC out west in my opinion. I think Montreal is awful, with not one player on their entire roster who scares me. Edmonton has some top tier players, but they are still porous. Their draft day trades will add some stability infront of Ray, but I don't think anyone is going to have much trouble lighting up their defense, particularly the high powered offenses in BC, Calgary and Winnipeg. Saskatchewan has a good team, but they are last in the league at the position that matters the most. If Crandell can drive the ball off the tee box so to speak, they should be alright, but I can't see a career - and aging - backup carry a less than stellar (on paper at least) offense. Their defense however should be sound. Calgary has no defense whatsoever, but they should be able to supercharge the score board. BC is very talented, and as long as Buck or Jarious don't hiccup too much, there is enough there to float into first in my opinion, simply because they are the only complete team out west. Hamilton may sneak into the playoffs. They will go only as far as Printers and Lumsden will carry them. Toronto is stacked, and if they can get any sort of production from Joseph, Bruce and the rest of the Argo offense, the defense will teams to deaht. As for Winnipeg, you can't run on them, but you can throw on them (Jovon Johnson has looked great though). Offensively, there is a boat load of fireworks, and as long as Glenn is healthy (could be a big "if") they should be able to really put pressure on teams.

[Ayreonaut]

So when are the playoffs this year? I think I might miss them, or at least the Grey Cup when I'm in Europe. I'm gone for two months sometime between September and November. I haven't missed a Grey Cup for as long as I can remember.

[Mille Sabords]

Originally Posted by Evergrey

when will Ottawa have a team again?

Soon my friend, soon. Ottawa lurks in the shadows, planning at the highest levels for a refurbished stadium and a reborn entry into the League. As someone who grew up on Rider ball, I can't wait. I still watch the CFL to stay in touch with the league and know the players but I don't cheer for any team. I'm waiting for mine.

[SHOFEAR]

the esks will miss the playoffs this year and the b.o.g. will fully transfer ownership to danny M. so he can fully sink this ship.

[Jasper and one o nin]

between my dad and I - we have had esk season tix for 42 years in a row, until this year.
I cannot justify supporting the team with DM at the helm

[SHOFEAR]

we've had them for ten or so. we'd get rid of them too but our sets are too good to give up.

[DC83]

Originally Posted by Evergrey

How do the Tiger-Cats look this year?

Two names:
Taff & Printers

Taff: obviously doesn't care anymore. I don't know how the hell he job his job back, and
Printers: Over-Paid and Over-Rated.

I better see a playoff appearance this year.

On the bright side, we might get a new Waterfront Stadium


Courtesy Steeltown, http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=135278&page=3

[Ayreonaut]

That would be a sick stadium.

[Jay in Cowtown]

Originally Posted by Boris2k7

I was at the Stamps-Esks preseason game. Aside from the wind and rain, which was making things chilly, not so bad. Burris showing his usual inconsistency and the defense seems to be full of names I've never heard of before. And hell, we missed two field goals I think? Still, our running backs look like they will earn their pay again this season.

If Dickenson continues to play like he did on Friday, I think that the Stamps will look more like a serious contender this year.

Start Montana Dave and send Burris back to Saskatchewan!

[Ayreonaut]

No, Dave's injury prone and Burris proved in the second half of last season that he can single handedly determine the outcome of games.

[CCF]

You guys can keep Burris.

[Ayreonaut]

And you can keep Crandell, suckers.

[CCF]

I'd rather have Crandall. Burris has no accuracy, chokes in the big games and is constantly throwing his teammates under the bus.

Been there, done that. Pass.

[Boreal]

Burris has his faults, no question. At worst, I'd say he's streaky. And don't get me wrong, I get as much enjoyment watching the Stampeders lose as anybody, but Crandell is the leagues worst starting quarterback. Only Calvillo/Brady are even comparably bad. I watched Crandell one-hop a lot of balls last year. I know he did manage to knock the Bombers out in Grey Cup 2001, but that was seven years ago. And a few missed Westwood kicks ago as well.

If I was a betting man, I'd put money on Steven Jyles being your starter by week 10. I'd anticipate the Riders losing some games early given that offenses almost always start the season slow, and with no homerun hitters, will have difficulty slugging it out before the engine gets revved up (week 4-6 ish). If the Riders are below .500 by Labour Day, I can't imagine Ken Miller sticking with Crandell, unless of course he is afraid to pull the trigger.

Moral of the story, is that in spite of all of Burris' noticeable negatives, he is a superior quarterback to Marcus Crandell in a multitude of ways. When hot, Burris is perhaps the best in the league.

[Boris2k7]

Ughhh, Crandell. Glad we don't have that problem on our hands anymore.

[CCF]

Crandall has a strong arm and is a consistent thrower. He may lack the running ability of Kerry Joseph, but I don't suspect the Riders will miss a step with Crandall at the helm.

Time shall tell, and until then it's nothing but speculation. Nothing said would want me to have Burris back.

[Ayreonaut]

Well Crandell was Grey Cup MVP....12 YEARS AGO.

Worst starter in the league without a doubt.

[CCF]

Even if that's the case, Saskatchewan will still finish higher than Calgary.