Official 2012 Canadian Football League thread

[WOLF]

Accept no imitations, this is the only OFFICIAL CFL thread -

Where my buddies Kid Wicked and Fast Eddie at?

This year should be very interesting, with the balance of power perhaps shifting to the East, and the BC Lions poised to become the "Alouettes of the West" and having an easier path to the Grey Cup each year.

With Ray and Burris now at the helm of Toronto and Hamilton respectively, I see the East as a legitimate four team race. My Als can actually miss the playoffs if 40-year old Anthony Cavillo isn't stellar, if the rebuilt defence doesn't deliver as promised, if the injuries pile up again (John Bowman is already out 4-6 weeks), if they don't improve on special teams, then the Als could be in trouble.

I'll wait on predictions for another few days, but wanted to get the smack talk going early.

One final point: Only in the CFL could a team, the Alouettes, have 3 games in 12 days to open the season!

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

This is going to be an interesting year WOLF. I agree that the balance of power is shifting east somewhat. I have spent a lot less time paying attention in the pre-season than I usually do, but here's my crack at predicting the season.

West
1. BC
New head coach but the same talent and systems. I can see another slow start, but certianly not 0-5 like last year. They'll be there come playoff time.

2. Calgary
Will Drew Tate be the QB they think he will be in Calgary? He'll be enough to keep the Stamps firmly in a playoff spot.

3. Saskatchewan
They'll start slow but they've got an impressive group of new talent. I think the O and D lines will be improved, and as the season moves on they'll gel. They might be a sleeper.

4. Edmonton
Jyles? Really? Is Tillman tanking while he waits for the Ottawa GM gig? O line is still terrible from what I've heard.

East
1. Montreal
To be the man, you gotta beat the man. With Calvillo still running the O, I'll believe someone can catch them when I see real improvement from the rest of the East.

2. Hamilton
They'll be spotty and lose some games to teams that then shouldn't, mostly because of Burris. That said, they are much improved and well coached, although Jim Daley running the Special Teams is a head scratcher. Fantuz must stay healthy, but he could put up an all-star year with Burris looking his way like he did in pre-season.

3. Toronto
Wild guess here, but they finally have a good QB, and a decent line to protect him. Not sure about the defense though. I hope they can get something going this year for the fans.

4. Winnipeg
First to worst? Free agent losses and injuries have gutted this team before the season has begun. Can they keep Buck Pierce healthy again this year?

I can`t think of one really solid back up qb in the entire league. Any starters go down and this prediction goes out the window.

Reall y looking forward to the season, and looking forward to talking about it here again. Football`s back!

[Kid-Wicked]

i'm looking for a player based fantasy pool online.

bc
mont
ham
toronto

[WOLF]

Prediction wise, I'm thinking along the same lines as Fast Eddie:

WEST
BC - No reason to think they won't repeat; Lulay may be the best player in the league right now, and this is a QB driven league.
Calgary - Given the above, Tate might be the best young QB in the league.
Saskatchewan - The Riders may surprise; like them as an under the radar sleeper.
Edmonton - Ray was their Cavillo; don't see them doing much with Jyles/Joseph at QB - reminds me of the Argos last year.

EAST
Hamilton - They've been copying the Als blueprint for years and may now have the plot down. Coburn in an acceptable replacement for Mallet. I think Burris leads them to the division but chokes in the playoffs
Montreal - The Als are the big question mark. Was last year the start of a slide, or an aberation due to injuries? AC seems healthy, and the rebuild D looks to be way more agressive. They will start slow, with a tough schedule, and then progressively get better.
Toronto - They will go as far as Ray takes them. I think the league desperately wants them in the final for the 100th anniversary. The Braley Bowl would piss me off big time.
Winnipeg - I agree; first to worst. They sucked in the 2nd half of the season last year.

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

Ham
BC
Tor
Mtl

5 hours till kickoff. I should take the afternoon off work and start drinking now.

[WOLF]

WOO-HOO! Green Riders stomping the Ticats in Hamilton on opening night. Love it!

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

The rise of the Eastern conference has been postponed for at least one week.

[WOLF]

The rise of the Eastern conference has been postponed for at least one week.

LOL - I was thinking the same thing. There might be more parity in the East, but maybe the GMs in the West knew what they were doing shipping those relic QBs to old age home that is the CFL's Eastern Division.

Oh well, at least the Als are still tied for first! Richardson's fumble, and Emry's brain dead roughing the passer penalty, really dug the Als a hole they couldn't get out of yesterday.

EDIT: Trestman was pissed about Emry's penalty:

http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2012/0 ... t-on-tate/

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

week 2:
Montreal over Winnipeg
BC over Hamilton
Toronto over Calgary (Upset Special)
Saskatchewan over Edmonton

A 5pm Sunday start is shitty for Rider fans who drive in from all over the province. I suspect we won't have a sellout at Taylor Field for the first time in a while. All so TSN can have the game on in primetime for the eastern time zone.

[Crazy Levi]

You tried this shit last year and there was a full-blown NFL lockout underway.

Still, I wish you luck.

[WOLF]

You tried this shit last year and there was a full-blown NFL lockout underway.

Still, I wish you luck.

In the words of the great Phil Leotardo: Apples and Bowling Balls my friend.

To be a fan of the CFL doesn't exclude one from also following the NFL.

[WOLF]

week 2:
Montreal over Winnipeg
BC over Hamilton
Toronto over Calgary (Upset Special)
Saskatchewan over Edmonton

A 5pm Sunday start is shitty for Rider fans who drive in from all over the province. I suspect we won't have a sellout at Taylor Field for the first time in a while. All so TSN can have the game on in primetime for the eastern time zone.

Playing it safe this week; I don't see an upset:

Als
Lions
Stamps
Riders

Having said that, if there's an upset to be had, I think it may be my Als. Gulp.

[Kid-Wicked]

i'm taking all the home teams this week.

edmonton is actually favored. can't see them winning 2 in a row.

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

i'm taking all the home teams this week.

edmonton is actually favored. can't see them winning 2 in a row.

Over at partybets.com the Riders are a 4 point favorite. I wish they had Edmonton as favorites because the odds would be good enough to make it worth betting on.

[Kid-Wicked]

i'm taking all the home teams this week.

edmonton is actually favored. can't see them winning 2 in a row.

Over at partybets.com the Riders are a 4 point favorite. I wish they had Edmonton as favorites because the odds would be good enough to make it worth betting on.

i read it wrong. it was calgary that's favored

awesome game last night. hamilton's the real deal. but b.c. is better

[WOLF]

Drew Tate knocked out of today's game vs the Argos with a shoulder injury. That could really throw a wrench into the Stamps' season if it's serious. They have a short turnaround too; they are playing the Als, in Montreal, on Thursday.

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

Drew Tate knocked out of today's game vs the Argos with a shoulder injury. That could really throw a wrench into the Stamps' season if it's serious. They have a short turnaround too; they are playing the Als, in Montreal, on Thursday.

And the week after that they get the Riders. Maybe we both caught a break WOLF. There are some though that think the Stamps are better off with Kevin Glenn.

The Riders win yesterday was every bit as ugly as the week 1 win was pretty. That said, glad to see my Riders 2-0. Huge game next week vs. BC and I'll be there. Last undefeated team standing will be decided.

[WOLF]

Drew Tate knocked out of today's game vs the Argos with a shoulder injury. That could really throw a wrench into the Stamps' season if it's serious. They have a short turnaround too; they are playing the Als, in Montreal, on Thursday.

And the week after that they get the Riders. Maybe we both caught a break WOLF. There are some though that think the Stamps are better off with Kevin Glenn.

The Riders win yesterday was every bit as ugly as the week 1 win was pretty. That said, glad to see my Riders 2-0. Huge game next week vs. BC and I'll be there. Last undefeated team standing will be decided.

Riders D is impressive, and if they can keep it up they'll be a contender, as we know they can put up points with Durant, the receiving corps, and the rejuvinated running game.

As for Glenn being better than Tate - NO WAY. More experience maybe, but he's always as likely to be terrible as he is to be good. Als D will want to put a licking on him, and gain some revenge against the Stamps in general for the shelacking they took opening week.

Stamps are staying in Kingston this week, before heading here for the game. Too short a turnaround to go back to Calgary, and too much trouble to be had in Montreal if they stay here all week. Hufnagel ain't no dummy.

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

Drew Tate knocked out of today's game vs the Argos with a shoulder injury. That could really throw a wrench into the Stamps' season if it's serious. They have a short turnaround too; they are playing the Als, in Montreal, on Thursday.

And the week after that they get the Riders. Maybe we both caught a break WOLF. There are some though that think the Stamps are better off with Kevin Glenn.

The Riders win yesterday was every bit as ugly as the week 1 win was pretty. That said, glad to see my Riders 2-0. Huge game next week vs. BC and I'll be there. Last undefeated team standing will be decided.

Riders D is impressive, and if they can keep it up they'll be a contender, as we know they can put up points with Durant, the receiving corps, and the rejuvinated running game.

As for Glenn being better than Tate - NO WAY. More experience maybe, but he's always as likely to be terrible as he is to be good. Als D will want to put a licking on him, and gain some revenge against the Stamps in general for the shelacking they took opening week.

Stamps are staying in Kingston this week, before heading here for the game. Too short a turnaround to go back to Calgary, and too much trouble to be had in Montreal if they stay here all week. Hufnagel ain't no dummy.

LOL, the nightlife in Montreal has always been a big part of the home-field advantage. The favorite road trip of every player in the CFL. Good call by Huf to put them up near the Pen for a few days. They'll be in a foul mood Thursday.

[WOLF]

Want to get my picks in, as I'm going to the Stamps/Als game tonight.

- Als over Stamps in a nail-biter. Glenn is always either great, or horrible, vs the Als. I'm hoping for the latter. Cavillo and Richardson are banged up for the Als, and the Special Teams and D are still a bit wonky, but the Stamps are on short rest and the Als haven't played a truly great game yet. REALLY close IMO.

- Edmonton over Winnipeg. I know the Esks are on short rest, and stunk up the joint last week, but I like them at home against a team that is due for a hard fall this year. Again, Edmonton in a close one.

- BC over Saskatchewan. This one is easily the game of the week, or at least the matchup of the week. Defending champs vs upstarts. The Roughies have impressed so far, but this is a REAL test. I think the Green Riders are for real, but BC is the class of the league. Don't think the Riders can beat them yet, but anything can happen in Regina.

- Hamilton over Toronto. Picking between these two teams, for me, is like picking between two poisons. I'll go with Hamilton, just because they're at home, and are too good, I think, to be 0-3.

Very competitive week. I could easily go 0-4 with these picks. There is no "lock of the week" this week.

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

I love the matchups this week. I also love the road teams for some reason.

Calgary over Montreal. Calvillo was listed as doubtful earlier this week and now he's gonna play? Calgary will tee off. Somehow I feel Glenns got enough here and they won't come back from the trip east with two losses.

BC over Saskatchewan. To be the man, you gotta beat the man. I don't think the Riders are quite there yet.

Winnipeg over Edmonton. Maybe the toughest game to call, but Edmonton's QB's SUUUUUUUCK. That's the only reason I'm taking Winnipeg. (Edmonton did win at home in week one though, so...I dunno)

Toronto over Hamilton. Just because I wanna see the trainwreck Burris's life becomes if the Cats start 0-3.

I'm excited for this weeks games. Week 3 and we're finally up to full speed.

[WOLF]

Posting this from Molson Stadium @ McGill: Like I said, a nail biter. Only in the CFL! I love this league!

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

Thank you Montreal!

What an unbelievable braincramp by Glenn. Staggeringly stupid decision. You have to put some blame on Huf and the OC, too. There's no way he should be throwing in that situation. Baaahahahaa!

[WOLF]

Thank you Montreal!

What an unbelievable braincramp by Glenn. Staggeringly stupid decision. You have to put some blame on Huf and the OC, too. There's no way he should be throwing in that situation. Baaahahahaa!

As god as my witness, not 5 minutes before I said to my dad: Glenn has a reputation of throwing picks at the worst times.

Calgary did a masterful job of controlling the ball and pace in the second half; I can't believe how they fell apart!

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

4-0 last week
0-4 this week

how can any football fan not love this league?

[WOLF]

Next week should be great with all inter-divisional play.

Als next two weeks will tell us a lot. @ Hamilton, and at home vs. the Argos.

All of Sask has to be pretty excited about the Riders start. Chamblin has done quite the job bringing the swagger back. Durant has done a great job of protecting the ball and not giving up so many turnovers. Very balanced team. Like I said in my pre-season predictions. They may be this year's under the radar sleeper, though after week 3 they are no longer under the radar.

[Kid-Wicked]

2 missed fg's lost the game for b.c.

they didn't miss 2 all of last season.

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

Wednesday night football? OK.

Toronto over Winnipeg - Bombers in a world of hurt with the QB's they have.
Saskatchewan over Calgary - I likely just jinxed the Riders.
BC over Edmonton - Potential blowout
Hamilton over Montreal - Cats starting to come around, Calvillo not 100%.

Another interesting week.

[WOLF]

Wednesday night football? OK.

Toronto over Winnipeg - Bombers in a world of hurt with the QB's they have.
Saskatchewan over Calgary - I likely just jinxed the Riders.
BC over Edmonton - Potential blowout
Hamilton over Montreal - Cats starting to come around, Calvillo not 100%.

Another interesting week.

Didn't the Argos play Saturday (and Winnipeg Friday for that matter)? Three days rest is CRAZY.

Toronto - not convinced by them, but they are WAY better than Winnipeg. I don't even know if Alex Brink is healthy.

Calgary - with Tate hurt, and the Riders playing so well, Sask should take it BUT I just don't see Calgary losing at home, as well as not redeeming themselves for last week's collapse. This is the old "as soon as you think you have the CFL figured out, bet the other way" game.

BC - like Fast Eddie said. BC will be pissed, and they ain't the team Edmonton destroyed last week.

Hamilton - Cavillo, Richardson, Anderson, Bourke, and Brown are banged up. Ti-Cats are a tough team at home, and are hitting their stride. Hoping Burris pulls a Kevin Glenn. This is one I would hate the Also to lose, but I don't have a good feeling. This should be the game of the week.

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

The Regina Grey Cup Parade planning committee meeting has been postponed until further notice.