Calgary Stampeders

With the CFL season started, tune in to Bleacher Report often for complete coverage. I will be coming out with two articles on the CFL per week during the regular season. In one, I will preview the games to come and offer my predictions and in the second, I will recap the games, hand out some awards and display power rankings.

If you are looking for in-depth coverage of the CFL, you are in the right place. If you are looking for a place to learn ballroom dancing… well then you are in the wrong place.

The wait is finally over!

The long heated off-season has withered down, the gruelling training camp has winded down, and the final rosters are set for a new season. Seven teams will be trying to dethrone the defending Grey Cup Champion Calgary Stampeders.

The quest for the Grey cup will begin this Wednesday, when the CFL opens up with a double header. It doesn’t matter how you did last season or what your record was—every team is undefeated and has a chance to become the next Grey Cup Champions.

We have all heard the headlines heading into the season.

“Will Tiger Cats finally make the playoffs?”

“Will Calgary repeat as Grey Cup Champions?”

Now, it is time to find out the answers to these questions.

Prediction Time:
Every week I will predict the winners of each game. Disagree with my picks? Comment down below with your picks and see if you can do better

Wednesday July 1
Game One: Hamilton Tigercats vs. Toronto Argonauts

Another instalment of the Hamilton-Toronto rivalry—what a perfect way to start the season.

Two underachieving teams last season, the Tabbie and the Argos will both have something to prove this season. A win over their biggest rivals would be a welcome start to the season for both teams.

Both teams retooled a lot over the off-season, with Toronto adding Zeke Moreno, Rob Murphy and Dominic Picard; and Hamilton adding Alexander Gauthier, Dan Goodspeed and Brandon Guillory.

It is also the debut of two new head coaches. Bart Andrus will look to right the Argos sinking ship and Marcel Bellefuile will begin his first official season as Tabbies head coach.

For Toronto, a big key to the game will be shutting down the run. Hamilton has bulked up on the offensive line and have talented running back Terry Caulley carrying the rock.

If Toronto does this, they will put more pressure on Hamilton’s starting quarterback, be it Kevin Glenn or Quinton Porter. On offense, they need to try to establish some sort of running game. If they are successful in this, Kerry Joseph will have less pressure on him and settle into his grove.

For Hamilton, a big key to the game will be containing Kerry Joseph. Joseph is known for scrambling with the football and it is usually bad for the defense when he does.

If they do this, it will force Joseph to settle in the pocket and throw the football, which he struggles with. On offense, Hamilton should look first to establish the running game. Hamilton ran all over the Argonauts last season, and should be able to do so again.

This game really could go either way. Both teams have a different look and will be desperate for a win. Hamilton is at home however, and they will have a faithful crowd behind them hoping for the start of something great.

My Pick: Hamilton
       

                                   *Game of the Week*
*Game Two: Calgary Stampeders vs. Montreal Alouettes*

The second game of the doubleheader is the Grey Cup rematch from last season, when Calgary traveled into Montreal and claimed victory.

With both teams rosters pretty much intact, this game should prove to be a very heated one—and undeniably the game of the week.

Anthony Calvillo has returned for another season, determined to lead the Alouettes to the Grey Cup.

The Stampeders however, will be celebrating their Grey Cup victory and won’t want the Als to spoil the party.

For Calgary to win, they will need to attack Montreal’s defense through the air and on the ground. Montreal has the ability to put up a lot of points and Calgary may need to score a lot of points to win.

On defense, it is really hard to stop the Alouettes offense, but if Calgary can shut down the run and get pressure on Anthony Calvillo then they may be able to hold Montreal in check.

For Montreal to win, they will need to also put up a lot of points. Sometimes the best defense against Calgary is a good offense, and the more Montreal has the ball, the less time Henry Burris will be able to go to work.

When Calgary does have the ball, Montreal will need to contain Henry Burris and get pressure on him, or else he will torch their defense.

Common knowledge would say that Calgary would win this game.

They are the defending Grey Cup Champions and are playing at home. But Montreal is angry following their Grey Cup defeat, and while Calgary is celebrating their Grey Cup victory, Montreal will be there to play football.

My Pick: Montreal

Thursday July 2
Game One: Edmonton Eskimos vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

In an intriguing third game of the season, the Blue Bombers will travel into hostile Commonwealth Stadium.

Stefan Lefors, Edmonton’s third string quarterback last season, is now the starter for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He will square off against quarterback Ricky Ray—one of the best in the business.

What makes this game so intriguing is that we don’t know what to expect from either team. Winnipeg has question marks at the quarterback position, and Edmonton is being lead by former defensive coordinator Richie Hall.

For Winnipeg, as hard as it may sound, the key is to get Ricky Ray off his game. Ray can pick a defense apart, but if Winnipeg can put pressure on him, it will force Edmonton to turn to the running game, where they don’t have many proven options.

On offense, Winnipeg should attack Edmonton’s front seven with rising star Fred Reid. If the running game is working, it will open up the passing game where talented receivers Derrick Armstrong, Romby Bryant, and Terrance Edwards will look to reek havoc.

Edmonton on the other hand, will look foremost to stop the run. Fred Reid is one of the rising stars in the game and if they stop him, it will put pressure on the inexperienced Stefan Lefors. On offense, Edmonton should try to establish the run, but if all else fails, they should make sure Ricky Ray is protected then air the ball out.

Stefan Lefors may have success in the league, but it will likely take him a while. He is competing against one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and an improved Eskimos defense.

If Lefors plays solidly, the Bombers could pose a challenge to the Eskimos, but if not it could be a long day.

My Pick: Edmonton

Friday July 3
Game One: Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. BC Lions

Returning to the stage of the Western Semi-final, the Riders will look to avenge last season's loss at home.

The game will have plenty of hype going into it, as former Rider Anton Mackenzie will return to Saskatchewan and former Lion Jason Clermont will face his former team for the first time.

It is always a bitter battle when the Lions come into Regina, and with the question marks surrounding both teams, it should be interesting to see how the game plays out.

For Saskatchewan, getting Buck Pierce off his game will be key. BC doesn’t have a proven running game, so if Pierce is put off his game, the Lions will be in trouble.

On offense, Saskatchewan should look to get the ball to their playmakers. If Darian Durant can get the ball out to playmakers Weston Dressler and Andy Fantuz, it could be a long day for the Riders.

For the Lions, pressure will be the key. Darian Durant could be thrown out of his game—and into bad reads and turnovers—if the Lions put consistent pressure him. 

On offense, if the Lions can develop a running game, it would shift the momentum in their favour. And of course, if all else fails, Buck Pierce just needs to get the ball out to Paris Jackson and Geroy Simon.

Both teams have a lot of question marks heading into the season, and this game could go a long way to determine the answers. Saskatchewan does have the home field advantage, though it hasn’t always been an advantage in this series.

My Pick: Saskatchewan

My Record: 0-0

If you missed any of my season previews, they can be found here. Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, BC Lions, Edmonton Eskimos, Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger Cats, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Toronto Argonauts

The MVP of last years Grey Cup game has signed a four year contract that will keep him in Calgary until the ripe age of 38. Last season Burris led the Stampeders to a 13-5 record which included a Grey Cup win over Montreal.

He has a long history of winning in Calgary dating back to his days as a third string quarterback in Calgary's 1998 Grey Cup win. It is a apparent that he has a love for the city of Calgary and winning. This appears to be a match made in heaven, as the Stampeders now have stability at the quarterback position for the next four seasons.

While he did want to be paid close to his market value, being a true leader, Burris appears to have accepted less money in order to help keep a more talented core around himself. This is the type of player you want to be leading your franchise into the future.

He plays somewhat similar to Damon Allen, in that rushing is very much a part of his game. I can see Burris playing into his forties as he does not have a history of injury and from all comments around the league he is in incredible shape. He also did not start playing many games until he was 28 as he pursued the NFL and spent most of his time on practice rosters.

Could we see him top 5,000 yards passing and 30 touchdown passes next season as he did in 2008. I believe we can, as the Stampeders still have a good core of receivers including Jeremaine Copeland, Nik Lewis, and Brett Ralph. I do not see this offence slowing down anytime soon.

Unfortunately Burris will start the season with many of his lineman injured. To date: Jeff Pilon and Derek Armstrong will not play the first regular season game and Jesse Newman is questionable. Burris may need to be ready to go on the run more often until his protectors are back in front of him again.

Look for at least one more Grey Cup in Calgary before Burris' four year deal is complete.

The Calgary Stampeders were strong in almost every way last year, which was what made them Grey Cup Champions.

You can't expect every player to stay for a shot at a repeat. One thing we've also learned is that in the CFL, when a big business opportunity arises, it can often entice a player to retire to make some real money.

When Canadian tight-end/fullback Teyo Johnson decided to retire in the off-season to pursue a business opportunity, it left a big hole, both figuratively and literally.

At 6'5", 260 pounds, Johnson is a big boy with big hands who knows how to catch the ball.

He didn't have a whole lot of yards, and only had two touchdowns, but many Stamps fans were quite happy to hear that Teyo Johnson was coming back.

We all remember his long reach hauling in the hail Mary touchdown pass over the Montreal defender at the end of the first half in a game against the Als.

His big play ability was always there. It was little things that he did well that made his such a big hole to fill.

To be successful in this league, you need a big body that can catch the crucial first down pass over the middle when you know you are going to get crushed.

Although the Stamps have more than a few clutch receivers, Johnson was able to do that on a regular basis when called upon.

The biggest thing that was going to be missed, but will be welcomed back with open arms was his blocking ability.

Johnson was a tight end in the NFL, and even though the CFL doesn't generally use a tight end formation, Johnson was used in a blocking role on more than one occasion.

Looking back to that same Stamps vs Als game, Burris was able to make a pass from his own end zone without worry, having Johnson picking up more than a couple blocks to ensure Burris had time to make the right pass.

Johnson's versatility made him a great commodity, and even though he was a rookie to the league, and wasn't the big shot on offense, he was definitely going to be missed.  

Keyword, "WAS". Welcome back Teyo!

“It’s a highly debated question among fans of the CFL, can the Calgary Stampeders repeat as Grey Cup Champions?”

Henry Burris finally won the big game.

In a picture perfect season, the Stampeders won the coveted Grey Cup over the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal.

Things weren’t always perfect for the Stampeders last season. The defense was highly inconsistent and the offense was off their games at time, but when it came down to the wire, the Stamps perform.

The Stampeders survived against the BC Lions and used an all-around effort to defeat the Alouettes.

The Stampeders also had a number of individual accolades last season.

Joffrey Reynolds won the rushing title and Henry Burris was the Western nominee for Most Outstanding Player. Mike Labinjo was solid for the Stamps and kicker Sandro Deangellis was nominated as the Special Teams Player in the Year.

The Stamps managed to keep their roster intact during the off-season, and should be posed for another run at the Grey Cup.

Let’s take a closer look at the Calgary Stampeders:

What’s New?

In the offseason, the Stamps focused on securing their own players rather than bringing in new talent.

The Stamps managed secure some key players.

The team finally reached a deal with star quarterback Henry Burris and slot back Nik Lewis, securing two of the teams veteran leaders.

Punter Burt Dales, return man Markus Howell and defensive players Dwaine Carpenter and shut down corner Brandon Carpenter.

Calgary did bring in some players as well in the offseason. The team brought in quarterbacks Drew Tate, who had been floating around Saskatchewan’s practice roster, and quarterback Matt D’Orazio from the Arena Football League,
The team also added a pair of receivers, Titus Ryan, Vincent Marshall and  Cedric Thompson and Derrick Watson.

In the Canadian Draft, the Stampeder’s didn’t have a lot of picks  but ended up one of the winners of the draft.

The team added solid linebacker Tristan Black, offensive lineman Steve Myddelton, coveted slot back Scott McHenry and defensive end  Osie Ukwuoma in later rounds.

When all was said and done, the Stamps retained their core players and their coaching staff.

Concerns

The Stamps weren’t flawless in their Grey Cup run last season and they won’t be this season.

In last nights preseason game, Henry Burris looked rusty and it my take him some time to adjust to the offense again.

The main concern surrounding the Stampeders is their defense is their defense.

Mike Labinjo should be solid once again wherever he lines up in the front seven, but the rest of the front seven is questionable.

Calgary’s secondary has improved but has been prone to giving up the big play.

If Calgary’s defense struggles it will put that much more pressure on their offense.

And of course, will Calgary have the desire to repeat as the defending Grey Cup Champions?

It hasn’t happened in a while.

Summary

With head coach John Hufnagel, offensive coordinator George Cortez and coach Dave Dickenson, Calgary has developed a very solid football core.

Just by watching them in preseason it is apparent that they have been working on a lot during the offseason.

If Joffrey Reynolds experiences any kind of a drop off this season the team should have their replacement in Derrick Watson. Watson is a tough as nail, downhill runner.

Henry Burris should once again have all of the tools he needs to run the offense and the defense should be decent.

Calgary cruised to the top of the West last season and they may well again this year.

But of course, as with any defending champion, whether or not Calgary has the desire to repeat as Grey Cup Champions.

Defending Grey Cup Champions, that still has to sound good for a Stampeders fan.

My Prediction: 12 wins, a first place finish and a home playoff game.

Outstanding Player of the Year: Henry Burris
Defensive Player of the Year:Mike Labinjo
Canadian of the Year:Rob Lazeo
Lineman of the Year: Jesse Newman
Special Teams Player of the Year:Sandro Deangellis
Rookie of the Year: Tristan Black

Stay tuned to Bleacher Report next week for my final thoughts on the season to come. During the season I will be writing two articles a week on the CFL.

 

Past Previews

East

Toronto Argonauts

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Hamilton Tiger Cats

Montreal Alouettes

 

West

BC Lions

Edmonton Eskimos

Saskatchewan Roughriders

When Stampeder fans think of the solid defensive linemen that have hit the field in Calgary, names like John Helton, Will Johnson, and Stu Laird come to mind. They were all players that had successful but long careers. Times have changed for the Stamps' D-Line.   

Stability has come in many places for the Stampeders in the past. The linebackers have seen players stay put (until last year), O-Linemen have put their roots down, and even running backs and receivers have had long tenures with the Stampeders. This hasn't been so for the D-Line.

The loss of Eddie Freeman and Charleston Hughes makes for large shoes to fill this coming season, but this is not new the Calgary Stampeders front four.

Since the Stampeders boasted Joe Fleming and Demetrious Maxie on the same line, Calgary hasn't had any stability. Every year sees more new faces replacing the ones that played for a year (at best), and leave. It even came down to a complete midseason overhaul in 2004.

It wasn't until 2007 that we started seeing some solid play and the beginning of a few players that could stick around. Tearreus George had all-star potential, Anthony Gargiulo was solid until Jason Jimenez ruined his career, and we got a taste of Mike Labinjo, even though it was at linebacker.

2008 had a bunch of new faces, but more experience with the addition of Howard Hodges, Freeman, and Hughes. Their arrival, combined with Labinjo's move to the D-Line, gave the Stampeders an elite defensive front. Even Miguel Robede started to come into his own and Randy Chevrier has always been a more-than-adequate backup.

Fast forward to February 2009, and the Stampeders are again looking at filling some holes on the defensive line.

Calgary signed three large D-Linemen Thursday in an attempt to fill some holes left by the departures of Freeman and Hughes. Montey Stevenson, Kenny King, and Tom Johnson, all 290-plus pounds, have signed for a shot at making the reigning Grey Cup Champions.

Mike Labinjo has signed on for three more years, which will definitely help. Plus if Miguel Robede can step into a starting role like the Stampeders hoped he could when they drafted him No. 1 overall, you may see much more stability on the Calgary defensive line for years to come.

They are still a long way from being compared to the BC Lions, or the Winnipeg Blue Bombers D-Lines, but the competitive they will be.

It is at this point, a tempest in a teapot, but perhaps Oronde Gadsden has a good idea.

Gadsden, the former Miami Dolphins standout, has suggested that the Canadian Football League would be wise to consider expansion into the U.S., once again.

Of course, as many online historians have noted, the CFL's last foray into the lower 48 was horrendous as only the Baltimore Stallions had reasonable success and millions of dollars were lost.

However, there can be no doubt that Gadsden's suggestions: Detroit and Rochester are good ideas.

In all honesty, I'll admit that I love the NFL more than any form of football, but the CFL is probably second best.

Many people don't know this but had the Arizona Cardinals managed to upset Pittsburgh, it would have meant that both the CFL and NFL champions call the Mountain Time Zone home (I find it curious that as a Utahn, I have to change my clock if I go to Ely, Nev., but not Calgary).

I will admit that as I've traveled around the U.S., it isn't too uncommon to see people wearing Toronto Argonauts or Edmonton Eskimos apparel and the Grey Cup did appear on Versus last November.

Therefore, people are willing to watch, at least in moderation.

Of course, it's ridiculous for the CFL to replicate what happened previously, as I doubt that San Antonio and Las Vegas are good places for expansion to transpire.

However, Detroit makes perfect sense, as does a franchise in western New York or even Seattle.

If the Mariners continue to suck, I fully expect Seattleites to support a squad that can be successful and create a nice segue to the Seahawks' season.

As of yet, it is but a dream, but it's just what the American football fan needs: another distraction from the season-long exhibition that is Division I-A college football.

It was a raucous and noisy crowd of 66,308 fans at Olympic Stadium in Montreal Sunday night for the CFL's 96th Grey Cup, but that didn't get to Calgary Stampeders quarterback Henry Burris.

With the majority of fans wearing Montreal Alouette colours, Burris led his Stampeders to a come-from-behind victory for the Stamps 6th Grey Cup in team history and their first since 2001.  Down 13-10 at halftime, Burris rallied the Stamps with a second half comeback to win 22-14.

Burris threw for 328 yards, including one touchdown and one interception, while also leading all rushers by carrying the ball a game-high 79 yards.  When it was all said and done, Burris was named the games most valuable player.

"There was so many times I used to hear that song, 'We are the Champions', I never could listen to the whole song because I always wanted to be a champion," admitted Burris.

"Right now, it's like I'm living a dream."

With most of the 66,308 fans supporting the hometown Montreal Alouettes and their CFL's Most Outstanding Player Anthony Calvillo, Burris came through in the clutch to silence his critics who said he could never deliver in the big game.

Not only was it Burris' play that led the Stamps to their Grey Cup victory, but kicker Sandro DeAngelis' foot that helped lead the Stamps offensive charge.

DeAngelis kicked five field goals, including his longest from 50 yards out.  His other four field goals came from 44, 12, 21, and 30 yards out.

"This is one of the greatest days of my life," admitted DeAngelis.

"We are immortal."

The turning point in the game came when Calgary wide receiver Brent Ralph caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Burris late in the first half.  The touchdown seemed to spark the dormant Stamps offense late in the first half.

On the other side of the ball, Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo let another one slip away as he lost his fifth of six Grey Cup appearances.  Calvillo threw for 352 yards, yet had no touchdowns and two interceptions, the last one intercepted by Calgary linebacker Shannon James sealed the deal for the Stamps late in the fourth quarter.

Avon Cobourne had the only touchdown for the Alouettes on a screen play that set up a hole that led the only Alouette major in the game.

Montreal kicker Damon Duval went two-for-two in field goal attempts by making 14 and 19 yard field goal attempts.

After a rough-and-tumble season, the Grey Cup was awarded to the Calgary Stampeders for the sixth time in team history.  The Stamps last Grey Cup victory came back in 2001, which coincidentally was in the same building—Montreal's Olympic Stadium.  Except it was a 27-19 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The crowd of 66,308 was the second largest attendance at a Grey Cup.  Coincidentally, the top five crowds at a Grey Cup were all at Montreal's Olympic Stadium.  The largest crowd recorded was set at 68,318 in 1977 when the Montreal Alouettes steam-rolled over the Edmonton Eskimos 41-9.

Its that time of year again when the CFL Championship game for the Grey Cup will be played this Sunday in Montreal. The home town Montreal Alouettes will play the Calgary Stampeders for the cup. Looking on the web this week for sportsnews stories, you will find many on the two teams and analysis of the up coming game.

The problem is that until this time of year the CFL goes relatively unnoticed in the sports world. Its too bad really because it is a great brand of football with the games usually pretty exciting, close, with lots of scoring. The lead will sometimes change hands six or seven times throughout the game and it is usually a play in the dying seconds of the game that wins it.

Calgary Stampeders head coach John Hufnagel, left, and Montreal Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman

In some ways I like the Canadian game better than the NFL game because you have to pass the ball and move it 10 yards in two downs instead of three or your kicking the ball away.

In the NFL a lot of the time it is just a big pile up at the line of scrimmage getting their two or three yards on each down. The main reason the NFL is so big is one thing, Money. Without the millions of dollars being bet on the games each week, I doubt you would have the interest that you do in the product.

Montreal Practice

I did speak about the history of the CFL (Canadian Football League) in an article a while back when I did a tribute to the Little General, Ron Lancaster.

So now I would like to point out the major differences between the Canadian Football League and its cousin the National Football League south of the border. If you were so inclined, you could find the information on the web looking for sports news for rules in the game of Football but to make things easier, allsports will give you the difference in a nutshell.

The field for the Canadian game is ten yards longer and wider than the NFL field. The End Zones are deeper. The CFL only has three downs while the NFL has four. The ball is slightly larger in the Canadian game. The Canadian game allows for one more player on the field. On a kick return the receiver of the kick has to be given five yards by the opposition to get possession of the ball before he is tackled.

Those are the major differences in the two games. The bottom line is that the Canadian game promotes more passing and the quarterback has to be a little more mobile to avoid being sacked. Anyway you look at it, it is still football and the Grey Cup game should be very entertaining. Tune in and enjoy the game.

“No Guts No Glory.”

Walt Webb

P.S. Anthony Calvillo was the big winner this year for the CFL awards as he won the “Most Outstanding Player”. You can check the other CFL award winners by going to TSN for other sports news stories on the web. I am picking Montreal to win it just because they are at home. Anyway you look at it the game will be a good one and be very close.

As some of you are aware, this weekend marks the end of the CFL season, with the play for the Grey Cup.  Close to a 100-year tradition in Canada (this is year 96), this is the pinnacle for fans of Canadian Football. 

This year has the Calgary Stampeders (class of the league with a 14-5 record) against the Montreal Alouettes (12-7).  They both finished first in their respective divisions, and each won their lone playoff game to get to this game. 

Montreal (by virtue of a rotating venue) is playing for the Grey Cup in front of their hometown crowd of 65,000 strong. 

Breaking down the game is really simple: Montreal and Calgary had the two best offences this year, so a typical CFL game of 41-39 would be the conventional wisdom.  The winner will be the team who has the ball last, kicking a field goal with no time on the clock.

This is how it will break down when Calgary has the ball

Calgary will continue with what they have done all year by running a shortened offence, not taking huge gambles with the football, and allowing Henry Burris to manage the football. 

He has grown this year into a Quarterback who is responsible with the ball, and will now throw it away or tuck and run rather than trying to force something that isn’t there. 

Credit that turn around to Quarterback Guru John Hufnagel, who has turned Hank from the ranks of gifted but…to a Most Outstanding Player nominee in the CFL.

Also, Calgary will try to get Joffrey Reynolds and Demetris Summers the ball to take some of the pressure off of Henry from the likes of Anwar Stewart.  Calgary will do as much as they can to keep the ball for as long as they can, keeping Anthony Calvillo on the bench.

The difference will be Montreal’s ability to force Calgary into second and long, and make Henry make the tough throws to a sure-handed group of receivers led by Ken Yon Rambo.  If Montreal cannot keep Calgary’s offence off the field, it will be a long day.

When Montreal has the ball

All the hype this year has gone to Anthony Calvillo.  After a serious illness to his wife to end last season, people were beginning to wonder if the end of the line was here for AC.  Well 43 TDs with only 13 interceptions was a resounding reminder that AC is still as cool as they come.

If you ask the players in Montreal though, much of the credit this year belongs to Avon Coburne.  Averaging 79 yards per game rushing and 51 receiving, he does it all for the Montreal offence. 

They will continue to give him the ball as much as they possibly can, and will try to stretch the Calgary defense that lives on man coverage, and timely pressure. 

Again, Calgary’s ability to force the issue, and not allow Montreal to do what they want to do will be the real difference.  If Montreal can get Avon the ball in space and get him 25 touches, it will be a long day for Calgary.

Special teams

This really is a toss-up.  Calgary showed last week to have a good return game, with Montreal’s coming in all that much better.  The key will be limiting the long returns, and hoping they can win the field position game.   

Montreal's return game is the more consistent here with Calgary’s being more work-man like, not breaking the big play, but providing decent field position.  Edge: Montreal

The kicking game is where Calgary has an ever-so-slight edge over Montreal.  Having Sandro DeAngelis kicking field goals for them is a true gift.  Lining up, there is never a question of if.  Damon Duval is no slouch here, and so it is a slight edge Calgary.

The skinny

Calgary has proven week in and week out to be able to bend a little on defense and not give up the big play in the first half.  At half time, they make the necessary adjustments and are lights out. 

Chris Jones has mastered the half time adjustment aspect of defensive coordinator, and that will be the difference in the game.  Expect Calgary to be trailing at half by about three, and make the necessary adjustments at the half to win by four points, 28-24.

The 96th Grey Cup in Montreal this Sunday could be one for the ages. Both the Calgary Stampeders and the Montreal Alouettes were the top teams in their division, their Quarterbacks are the finalists for the CFL's Most Outstanding Player, both offenses can light up the scoreboard, and both defenses can shut down when called upon.

I didn't really think anything of it when it was first made aware to me that Montreal, being the host, had an advantage. Then I remembered being at the 2001 Grey Cup when the Stampeders beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

I remembered how good of a job Montreal did hosting the game, and how loud it was. That game didn't even have the Als playing in the big game. Imagine how loud it will be when there are 68,000 fans, and most of them are cheering for the Alouettes. It will get mighty loud without any help from the alleged "canned crowd noise".

As we've seen in the past, the offense needs to hear the calls of the quarterback, and not being able to hear that can cost precious yards in penalties, and can frustrate an offense to no end.

The Stampeders are a slightly stronger team, and may have had an advantage if it were in any other city, but the fact they are playing in the deafening confinds of Montreal's Olympic Stadium, the advantage definitely shifts to the Alouettes.

This, however, does not guarantee a win for the Als. There are two keys to combat the noise. These two factors will have a definite impact on the outcome of the game.

1. Preparation. George Cortez isn't new to playing in loud buildings having coached teams in BC Place Stadium. There must be a communication system that will allow the team to work in sync, and not get caught with unnecessary procedure penalties.

2. Take The Crowd Out Of It. This almost 100% of the time needs key No. 1 to be implemented for key No. 2 to work. The Stampeders are known for their slow starts, and if they get behind early, it will be much harder to make that comeback with the crowd interfering the way they do.

If you take the Montreal fans out of it early by scoring early and often, the fans lose their intensity, and it makes it easier for the offense to work to finish the Als off.

Having said that, if the Als can shut Burris down early, and put points up early, Montreal will have a much better chance of winning. Even in a shootout, the Als will have an advantage, and keeping the crowd in it will make it that much easier to allow for Anthony Calvillo to finish his career with a Grey Cup victory. Failure to do so will give Henry Burris a chance to win his first Grey Cup as a Starter, and finally silence his critics.