Had your fill of turkey yet. What better way to digest that bird than watching some Monday afternoon Rider football. What should we expect this afternoon---well here's what I'll watch for.
1. Joffrey Reynolds. With all the turmoil in Stamps land this week, I am guessing the game plan will be for Reynolds left, Reynolds right, Reynolds on short passes...etc. etc. etc. Shutting down number 21 would go a long ways towards a victory
There have been some complaints this year that the Riders have been snubbed when it comes to player of the week honours. No complaints this week. For the 3rd time this season, Kerry Joseph is the offensive player of the week. Andy Fantuz is a repeat winner of the Canadian player of the week and T-J Stancil gets the nod as defensive player of the week. A former Rider took the special teams award---that was Dominique Dorsey of the Argos.
He's itching to get back on the football field and start hitting someone but before he does that on Monday, Eddie Davis will join me on the Drew Remenda Sports Show tonight. He will be on at 705.
As I left Taylor Field today(with all due apologies to the fine people at Mosaic, it always will be Taylor Field), I couldn't help but think today's victory ensures the Riders either first or second place in the West. With five games to go, the Riders have a three point lead over Calgary and I can't see the Stampeders being a factor again without Henry Burris. The same goes for Edmonton without Ricky Ray. I'm not saying the Riders will go 6-0 in the final 3rd of the season but without their top guns, there is a chance they beat both of their Western rivals.
Does the losing streak hit 4 or do the Riders get back on the winning side of things. Its a battle of 2nd place teams at Mosaic on Saturday with both teams knowing first place is not of sight but could be if they don't win. It will be an interesting battle and here's what I'll watch for
1. The Rider D. Well Duh!!! After a great first half last week against BC, they imploded in the 2nd half. Tristan Clovis has been replaced at safety by Scott Gordon. Can he deliver the big hits that he used to for those crossing the middle. I think we'll find out soon
The Riders have made three roster changes to their 46 man roster for Saturday's game against the Alouettes. Kahlil Hill comes on for the first time. Also coming on are T-J Stancil and Dustin Cherniawski. Going off are Henri Childs, Anton McKenzie and Brandon Lynch.
The Purolator Tackle Hunger Food Drive goes Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. Rider fans (and Alouette ones too) are being asked to bring a non-perishable food item with them to Saturday's game and drop them off or hand off a cash donation at one of the many drop-off points around the stadium. (Do not give your food to anyone who looks like Rob Vanstone!!)
Rider fans were the best in the CFL last year as they donated almost 44-thousand pounds of food that went to the Regina and District Food Bank. CMON RIDER FANS---REPEAT AS CHAMPS THIS YEAR.
Eric Tillman is not making any public comments on his $1000 fine issued today by the CFL but he is releasing the following statement
Saskatchewan Roughrider General Manager/VP of Football Operations Eric Tillman has released the following statement in response to his league imposed fine.
From the CFL office
Media Statement – Saskatchewan Roughriders GM Eric Tillman Fined
Toronto, ON - (September 26, 2007) - The Commissioner’s Office announced today that it has fined Saskatchewan Roughriders General Manager and VP of Football Operations Eric Tillman $1,000 for publicly making comments disparaging to the B.C. Lions Football Club.
No further comments will be made by the Canadian Football League on this matter.
Have you calmed down yet??? You have every right to be frustrated with your football team but in the moments and hours after a game, there is some venting that needs to be done and once again you have done it. There were plenty of goods and plenty of bads on Saturday.
The goods
Put this Matt Dominguez is out, we are done theory to bed. The Rider offence moved the football and put up 34 points against a good BC defence