Official 2012 Canadian Football League thread

[WOLF]

Gotta like what the Riders showed against BC.

Love a league where 5 teams are within 2 of the overall lead with a month or so to play. I think that 6 teams legitimately have a shot at the Grey Cup.

Fast Eddie - I hope your boys got one more in 'em and can do me a favor and knock off the Argos on turkey day!

[Kid-Wicked]

where the fuck was b.c's offence the first 3 1/2 quarters?

losing simon and bruce hurt but the points didn't come until they were gone.

*sigh*

[WOLF]

Just got home from the shit show of all shit shows.

Yeah, the Als are missing Whittaker, Green, and Bratton, but they were playing a 3-win team, who were winless on the road this year, starting their third string quarterback! Als showed a blatant lack of respect for their opponent and got served their just desserts. Horrible!

I don't care who you are playing: put the ball on the ground 5 times, 2 picks, umpteen dropped balls and blown routes - not to mention the shitty coverage on D... that is called losing football.

Trestman better wake up his squad quick. 3 of 4 on the road to end the season, including a biggie in Toronto, toughie at Taylor Field, and a rematch with the Bombers in the 'Peg.

Fuck my life...

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

Just got home from the shit show of all shit shows.

Yeah, the Als are missing Whittaker, Green, and Bratton, but they were playing a 3-win team, who were winless on the road this year, starting their third string quarterback! Als showed a blatant lack of respect for their opponent and got served their just desserts. Horrible!

I don't care who you are playing: put the ball on the ground 5 times, 2 picks, umpteen dropped balls and blown routes - not to mention the shitty coverage on D... that is called losing football.

Trestman better wake up his squad quick. 3 of 4 on the road to end the season, including a biggie in Toronto, toughie at Taylor Field, and a rematch with the Bombers in the 'Peg.

Fuck my life...

I just don't know what to make of your team. Some weeks they look like the Als I know, the next...terrible. They'll still win the east though so they have time to figure it out.
Big win for the Riders today. They can bury edmonton next week.

[Kid-Wicked]

i think i was 1-3 this week. awesome game at bc place sat night.

[WOLF]

At this point, the 3 top teams in the West are better than anyone in the East. Not to mention we'd be looking at a crossover if the playoffs started today. So much for parity between divisions.

The East will come down to the Montreal/Toronto game on Sunday. If the Als win they're two up, with three to play, and hold the tiebreaker. Game, set, match pretty much. If Toronto wins, they're tied and hold the tiebreaker, so the Als would need to gain a game over the last three.

We'll see what the Als are made of next week. They better show some pride.

[Kid-Wicked]

well that week kinda went the way it should.

[WOLF]

well that week kinda went the way it should.

A little surprised the hot Riders lost to Edmonton, and that the Als won in Toronto.

Alouettes pretty much have the East sewn up now, a nice accomplishment seeing that the D is still hit or miss, and AC is running out of weapons on offence. We're down to playing our 3rd string RB, and the top two receivers are out, with #'s 3 and 4 banged up.

Would be shocked if the playoffs weren't:

Sask at Calgary (winner goes to BC)
Edmonton at Toronto (winner goes to Montreal)

Hamilton has to be the biggest disappointment in a long time. No way there should have been a crossover this year.

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

I agree, Hamilton are the biggest disappointment this year.

The way Kerry Joseph played this week, I'm starting to get worried about a late season push from Edmonton. It could easily be the Riders in the crossover, because Calgary and Edmonton both hold the season-series edge. The last three weeks will be interesting to say the least.

[WOLF]

I agree, Hamilton are the biggest disappointment this year.

The way Kerry Joseph played this week, I'm starting to get worried about a late season push from Edmonton. It could easily be the Riders in the crossover, because Calgary and Edmonton both hold the season-series edge. The last three weeks will be interesting to say the least.

Hell, teams in the West should strive to finish last and to crossover! I can easily see Edmonton or the Riders beating Toronto. After that, the Als are pretty banged up and anything can happen.

Als announced today that Brandon London is out 4-6 weeks, which really hurts as he's been stellar this year. Victor Anderson is also out at least one game, so the Als will start 3rd string RB, Chris Jennings, vs Saskatchewan this weekend, as well as have a depleted receiving corps.

If Winnipeg beats Toronto on Friday, the Als clinch the East, and look for them to mail it in while they get healthy.

[WOLF]

Bombers beat Argos; Als have won the East! One win from the Grey Cup. Time to get healthy.

[WOLF]

What a great day of football yesterday. My Als won a game they had no business winning with 2/3 of their all-purpose yardage for the year sitting out, and with essentially nothing to play for but pride.

Then, the cherry on top of my day, watching the Hamilton Tiger-Cats clutch defeat from the jaws of victory in the snow in Calgary.

I love this league!

BC/Montreal Grey Cup. I'd love to see the Lions get upset, but I don't see it unfolding any other way.

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

I respect the hell out of Anthony Calvillo...

But, when your defence lets a 40 year old pocket QB run for two touchdowns from 15 yards of more out each time, then your defence has a problem.

Not to take anything away froom the Als effort...I concede the best team won yesterday.

So Wolf, which western team do you want to host in the East final, Edmonton or Saskatchewan?

[Kid-Wicked]

another great week in the cfl. mike reily worked from the full package. didn't look out of place at all. look for him to be the starter in ottawa next season.

[WOLF]

KW: I think Ottawa is 2 years away, 2014, but I get the feeling your boy will be starting someplace next year anyways. I don't know how much longer Cavillo, Ray, Burris, or Pierce will last in the East - for varying reasons. Edmonton is far from a stable situation; and Durant always seems to be out of favor in Regina.

Fast Eddie: Als are 5-2 against the West this year (only losses in BC and in Calgary), and 5-4 vs the East. Toronto, Hamilton, and Winnipeg get up for the Als. I'd rather play a Western opponent than a familiar East opponent in the East final. Of the two, I'd prefer Edmonton, as I fear Joseph/Jyles less than Durant, and given recent history I think your boys would be more motivated to come into the Big O and kick our teeth in. Still, I think the Als might have the easiest path to the big game this year. Only injuries, or themselves, could derail them.

I still fear the league wants a Braley Bowl for the 100th Grey Cup, in Toronto, so I'm almost expecting some questionable officiating to get the Argos there. The Lions don't need help.

[WOLF]

Stamps stomping the disinterested Lions 34-0 early in the 2nd.

Gord Miller had the line of the night; one only a CFL fan would get: "they're going to wear out the horse"!

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

The Riders are not very good. It took me till week 17 to come to this conclusion. It's a shame they'll be going to the playoffs. That said, they could pull a good game out of their ass and ens up in the East or West final, but thats as far as they're capable of going.

From 5 wins to 8 wins..maybe next year 10 or 11, but they just dont have the talent right now.

[WOLF]

The Riders are not very good. It took me till week 17 to come to this conclusion. It's a shame they'll be going to the playoffs. That said, they could pull a good game out of their ass and ens up in the East or West final, but thats as far as they're capable of going.

From 5 wins to 8 wins..maybe next year 10 or 11, but they just dont have the talent right now.

I'm shocked that home field hasn't been all that much of an advantage for them of late.

Look for the Eskies to upset the Als today. Beyond the Als mutliple injuries, and the fact they have nothing to play for (while Edmonton does), the flu bug has been going around the Als locker room.

Very good chance Saskatchewan crosses over, beats Toronto, and comes into Montreal for the East final - at which point we should be healthy.

[WOLF]

Crossover it is! The Hamiltom Tiger-Cats are officially the biggest disaster in the CFL. I can't understand how that roster did NOT make the playoffs. Classic example of the sum being less than the whole of the parts. Burris needs to go, the coaching staff needs to go, management needs to go. They should have contended for the division.

Having said that, the real reason I'm glad they are gone, is that they are the Alouettes kryptonite. I'll take my chances against Toronto, or a Western opponent, in the East Final.

I'm hoping the Eskies lose tonight, so they crossover...

[Kid-Wicked]

Crossover it is! The Hamiltom Tiger-Cats are officially the biggest disaster in the CFL. I can't understand how that roster did NOT make the playoffs. Classic example of the sum being less than the whole of the parts. Burris needs to go, the coaching staff needs to go, management needs to go. They should have contended for the division.

Having said that, the real reason I'm glad they are gone, is that they are the Alouettes kryptonite. I'll take my chances against Toronto, or a Western opponent, in the East Final.

I'm hoping the Eskies lose tonight, so they crossover...

burris needs to go? dude look at his numbers. i think he set records. ti-cats were the highest scoring team in the league. they also allowed the most points.

[WOLF]

Crossover it is! The Hamiltom Tiger-Cats are officially the biggest disaster in the CFL. I can't understand how that roster did NOT make the playoffs. Classic example of the sum being less than the whole of the parts. Burris needs to go, the coaching staff needs to go, management needs to go. They should have contended for the division.

Having said that, the real reason I'm glad they are gone, is that they are the Alouettes kryptonite. I'll take my chances against Toronto, or a Western opponent, in the East Final.

I'm hoping the Eskies lose tonight, so they crossover...

burris needs to go? dude look at his numbers. i think he set records. ti-cats were the highest scoring team in the league. they also allowed the most points.

It's easy to put up stats when you're team is way behind (or once in a while way ahead) in games. Chad Owens is the same way in Toronto. People go on and on about him setting the all-purpose yards record, and maybe being a MOP candidate, but he's the team's only weapon. They depend on him for everything as opposed to spreading around the offence.

In big games, Burris is often nowhere to be found and will turn the ball over at inopportune times. I agree the defence in Hamilton is the biggest problem, but they need to get themselves a good, young QB and build around him. Maybe it's Reilly, maybe it's Macpherson from the Als, who's a free agent, but they ain't going to win with Burris IMO.

[Kid-Wicked]

It's easy to put up stats when you're team is way behind (or once in a while way ahead) in games.

tell the bombers that.

real it back a bit dude. you're starting to sound like p13.

they were a field goal away from playing toronto in the semi final.

burris had 43 touchdowns. that's 13 more then second place.

it's the defence.

[WOLF]

It's easy to put up stats when you're team is way behind (or once in a while way ahead) in games.

tell the bombers that.

real it back a bit dude. you're starting to sound like p13.

they were a field goal away from playing toronto in the semi final.

burris had 43 touchdowns. that's 13 more then second place.

it's the defence.

It's MOSTLY the defence.

Or maybe I just hate Hank....

Either way, glad they are out. Even if they had made the playoffs, the season is a huge setback for them. They had designs of winning the division.

[Fast_Eddie_Schenker]

Hank throws to many back breaking INTs. There's a reason Calgary got tired of him choking in big games. They'll stick with him though.

I'm not confident in the Riders, but honestly, I'm glad they stayed in the west. They could beat Calgary.

Interesting about Tillman getting canned. Could he be toronto bound, or has his act finally worn out?

[WOLF]

If he goes to Toronto, the Ray trade will be even MORE heavily scrutinized, especially given Tillman's shady character. I think he may go to Ottawa though...

The games were HOR-AWFUL on Saturday. LOL at Bombers players spiking balls after TDs, and dancing like idiots after tackles. Als treated the game like a walk through after the 1st quarter.

Rooting for the Riders and Esks next week, but I do think the home teams will win. My year-end power rankings are as follows:

BC
Calgary
Montreal
Toronto
Sask
Edmonton
Winnipeg
Hamilton

Any of the top 4 reaching the final would not surprise me. If I had to go out on a limb, I'd say: Calgary/Montreal. In the Grey Cup. Als are best of a weak East, mostly due to AC, and Calgary were really strong down the stretch. They just need to figure out their QB. Both guys are hungry...

[WOLF]

Disappointed that Chad Owens got the nod over Anthony Cavillo as the Eastern Division's MOP nominee.

Owens had an awesome season, but he's that team's only weapon. He gets every touch. Testament to his durability, but I think AC's season was more remarkable:

- The guys is 40 and threw for 5000+ yards
- His top 4 receivers missed significant time (Anderson, Green, London, and Bratton)
- Brandon Whittaker, one of the league's top backs, and a favorite AC target, and a great blocker, missed half the season - Als are down to their 3rd string RB

So I guess things will go like this:

MOP: Owens
Canadian: Cornish
Defensive Player: Sheritt
Lineman: Josh Bourke
Rookie: Matthews
Special Teams: Williams

Thioughts?

[WOLF]

Well, I suppose we wound up with the expected results, as the teams with the 4 best records are the ones left standing. We'll have two, good, traditional matchups in the East and West Finals next weekend. Nothing wrong with that.

I was shocked that Edmonton came out strong yesterday, but Toronto took control quickly. They are better than a 9-9 team. If Ray had been at the helm all year they would have challenged the Als for the division title. It will be master vs apprentice next week, with the Als' old O-coordinator coming back to face his mentor. I gotta tell you, I'm scared for the Als on this one. Toronto has WAY better Special Teams, the Als Defense is Jeckyll/Hyde, and I like Toronto's ground game better with the 3rd string Chris Jennings starting for the Als. It's going to come down to Cavillo (as usual) and his receivers being able to get open and hold onto balls. This might be the last hurrah for the Als as we know them.

In the West, I feel bad for Fast Eddie and Rider fans. Calgary was a solid favorite, and IMO the better team at this point, but those two always play close games. The Riders hung around and hung around, but as usual, shot themselves in the foot on more than one occasion. The first thing I said when they went ahead with 52 seconds to play is "they scored too fast and Calgary's gonna kick a field goal to win". Of course, you need to take the points when you can get them, and the responsibility needs to be on the Riders' D to prevent the Stamps from moving up field. As it stands, they bit on a pump fake and that was all she wrote - no field goal needed. Also, what happened at the end of the first half? You can't give away points in playoff football.

I'm going to stick with my prediction at the start of the playoffs and predict a Calgary/Montreal Grey Cup, but both games will be close and we could very well wind up with the Braley Bowl.

[Royal Dudeness]

Hey Wolf, you might find this amusing.

Shea Emry went to my highschool, and I ran into him before the season started at a bar in Vancouver with some old buddies. He is an AMAZING dart player. We were playing for drinks at the bar and he schooled us all. Send that man to a pub in the UK

[Kid-Wicked]

at this point i'm thinking braley bowl but hey, this is the cfl. we might see ottawa play sask. lol.

how aboot nichols knee dislocating to start the second half. fuuuuuuck that was hardcore.

go lions!

[WOLF]

Hey Wolf, you might find this amusing.

Shea Emry went to my highschool, and I ran into him before the season started at a bar in Vancouver with some old buddies. He is an AMAZING dart player. We were playing for drinks at the bar and he schooled us all. Send that man to a pub in the UK

Hope he didn't low bridge you to gain an advantage. LOL!

how aboot nichols knee dislocating to start the second half. fuuuuuuck that was hardcore.

go lions!

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2012/11/11/j ... -next-year

It was his ankle. Check out the pic. That's some hard core shit there. I feel bad for the kid. He has (had?) a hell of a future ahead of him.