2015: Week 3

[T-Bone]

http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/ott.png vs. http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/edm.png
Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 9:00pm EDT.
Commonwealth Stadium. Edmonton, AB.

TV: TSN1/3/4/5 (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-on-tsn-broadcast-schedule-1.206931) - ESPN2 (http://www.cfl.ca/article/espn-to-televise-20-cfl-games-in-2015)
Video Webcast: TSN Go (http://www.tsn.ca/tv#/) - WatchESPN (http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/type/upcoming/sport/football/search/CFL/)
Radio: OTT: TSN 1200 (http://www.tsn.ca/radio/ottawa-1200) - EDM: CHED 630 (http://www.630ched.com/eskimos/)
Audio Webcast: OTT: Here (http://www.tsn.ca/radio/tsn-1200-live-stream-1.53030?ot=example.AjaxPageLayout.ot) - EDM: Here (http://player.630ched.com/)
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM (http://www.siriusxm.ca/sports/cfl/)

Depth Charts: OTT: Here (http://www.ottawaredblacks.com/depth-charts) - EDM: Here (http://www.esks.com/page/depth-charts)

Final Score: 17-46 (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/game/ottawa-redblacks-edmonton-eskimos-20150709/Stats)


http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/mtl.png vs. http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/wpg.png
Friday, July 10, 2015 at 7:00pm EDT.
Investors Group Field. Winnipeg, MB.

TV: TSN1/3/4/5 (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-on-tsn-broadcast-schedule-1.206931) - RDS (http://www.rds.ca/football/lcf) - ESPN2 (http://www.cfl.ca/article/espn-to-televise-20-cfl-games-in-2015)
Video Webcast: TSN Go (http://www.tsn.ca/tv#/) - RDS Go (http://www.rds.ca/t%C3%A9l%C3%A9/en-direct/en-direct?axisVideoId=68996) - WatchESPN (http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/type/upcoming/sport/football/search/CFL/)
Radio: MTL: TSN 690 (http://www.tsn.ca/radio/montreal-690) - WPG: CJOB 680 (http://www.cjob.com/bombers/)
Audio Webcast: MTL: Here (http://www.tsn.ca/radio/montreal-690-live-stream-1.52959?ot=example.AjaxPageLayout.ot) - WPG: Here (http://player.cjob.com/)
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM (http://www.siriusxm.ca/sports/cfl/)

Depth Charts: MTL: Here (http://en.montrealalouettes.com/depthchart/charts/team/9) - WPG: Here (http://www.bluebombers.com/depthchart/list/team/5)

Final Score: 23-25 (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/game/montreal-alouettes-winnipeg-blue-bombers-20150710/Stats)


http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/ssk.png vs. http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/bc.png
Friday, July 10, 2015 at 10:00pm EDT.
BC Place. Vancouver, BC.

TV: TSN1/3/4/5 (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-on-tsn-broadcast-schedule-1.206931)
Video Webcast: TSN Go (http://www.tsn.ca/tv#/) - ESPN3 (http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/type/upcoming/sport/football/search/CFL/)
Radio: SSK: CKRM 620 (http://www.620ckrm.com/sportscage-home) - BC: TSN 1040 (http://www.tsn.ca/radio/vancouver-1040-i-1410)
Audio Webcast: SSK: Here (http://www.620ckrm.com/listenlive/index.html) - BC: Here (http://player.tsn1040.ca/)
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM (http://www.siriusxm.ca/sports/cfl/)

Depth Charts: SSK: Here (http://www.riderville.com/depthchart/list/team/4) - BC: Here (http://www.bclions.com/page/bc-lions-2015-depth-charts-and-rosters)

Final Score: 32-35 (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/game/saskatchewan-roughriders-bc-lions-20150710/Stats)

[Will]

With the absence of Mike Rielly for the Eskimos is it possible the Redblacks might go to 3-0 on the year?

With Brian Brohm or Robert Marve at QB, I expect the Alouettes to be all over the Blue Bombers.

Intriguing matchup in BC, both teams haven't looked all that impressive this year (the Lions have played once), both teams will be looking to rebound.

[Argo]

The season has already been far more interesting and exciting than last season.

Surely (or Shirley) it's time for Marve to get the start.

Sask at BC... desperation is waiting in the wings.

[ArgoRavi]

The season has already been far more interesting and exciting than last season.

I think that the majority of fans would agree with this but I see a few over on Riderfans.com who are upset with the new rules despite their team playing in, arguably, the two most exciting games of the season. One even wrote that yesterday's classic would have been better if it had been played under last year's rules.

[AngeloV]

Surely (or Shirley) it's time for Marve to get the start.



I would agree with that. Bombers O-line still sucks (maybe a coaching issue, because personnel on paper is better), and Brohm really has no mobility at all. If I was running the Bombers, he would have been cut already. Joey Elliott was better IMO, and that is not saying much. Time to go with Marve and then Portis until Willy is back.

[Will]

A few tweets have suggested that Drew Willy might play this week! That would be quite the story if it is true.

[Argo]

It's hard to understand Willy playing in week 3 after the helmet-to-helmet hit he absorbed.

[argolio]

Apparently he practiced on Monday, so that means he'll likely play.

[ArgoRavi]

Does anyone believe that Willy didn't suffer a concussion on Thursday? I find it hard to believe that he didn't.

[Argo]

Does anyone believe that Willy didn't suffer a concussion on Thursday? I find it hard to believe that he didn't.

You're preaching to the choir: I think it is irresponsible to allow DW to return so soon. After that hit his brain must have bounced around against his skull. Just imagine if he takes another shot in week three.

[AngeloV]

Does anyone believe that Willy didn't suffer a concussion on Thursday? I find it hard to believe that he didn't.

With all the lawsuits going on now as the result of concussions, I honsetly don't think the Bombers or any team would risk it. I'm betting there was no actual evidence that he was concussed at this time, but as we know, sometimes symtoms can be delayed.

[argonaut11xx]

With all the lawsuits going on now as the result of concussions, I honsetly don't think the Bombers or any team would risk it. I'm betting there was no actual evidence that he was concussed at this time, but as we know, sometimes symtoms can be delayed.

He was interviewed on TSN Sportscentre this morning, and indicated he will play.

I wonder if the player says he is ok, and wants to play, would the team/league make him sign some sort of waiver?

[AngeloV]

He was interviewed on TSN Sportscentre this morning, and indicated he will play.

I wonder if the player says he is ok, and wants to play, would the team/league make him sign some sort of waiver?

I don't think that would stand up in court, because if it was determined he was concussed, the argument would be that he may not have been in the right frame of mind to sign such a document.

[ArgoRavi]

Paul Friesen spoke with an expert on concussions who feels quite strongly that Willy should not be playing this week: http://www.winnipegsun.com/2015/07/07/world-renowned-concussion-expert-says-bombers-on-thin-ice-with-decision-to-bring-drew-willy-back-quickly-from-head-injury

Now some will say that Dr. Tator has not examined Willy but we all saw that hit last week and Willy seemingly laying motionless on the field for a bit. Is it plausible to conclude that he didn't suffer some kind of head injury from what we all saw last week? I am willing to suspend my disbelief when I watch my favourite soap opera but can't do so here.

[argonaut11xx]

I don't think that would stand up in court, because if it was determined he was concussed, the argument would be that he may not have been in the right frame of mind to sign such a document.

Angelo, you seem to be in my generation. When i would get a concussion as a kid (in the 1970's), the doctor would tell my parents to "wake me up every half hour"

As a young adult, in hockey, football, or rugby, i played through these injuries alot (probably not the smartest move in hindsight).

So, is it the players choice? Or should the league/team decide? Seems like such a grey area.

What if a concussion happens in the East Final, the team advances to the Grey Cup, and the Players says...im playing...can you stop that personal choice?

[AngeloV]

Angelo, you seem to be in my generation. When i would get a concussion as a kid (in the 1970's), the doctor would tell my parents to "wake me up every half hour"

As a young adult, in hockey, football, or rugby, i played through these injuries alot (probably not the smartest move in hindsight).

So, is it the players choice? Or should the league/team decide? Seems like such a grey area.

What if a concussion happens in the East Final, the team advances to the Grey Cup, and the Players says...im playing...can you stop that personal choice?

All good quetions, and I still maintain that a team should really be careful. I don't think a waiver signed by a concussed person would stand up in court, should the person decide he played when the team should not have allowed him to.

[argonaut11xx]

All good quetions, and I still maintain that a team should really be careful. I don't think a waiver signed by a concussed person would stand up in court, should the person decide he played when the team should not have allowed him to.

I guess my feeling is that with all these recent lawsuits against the leagues, my opinion is that there must be some kind of personal responsibility.

I would suggest that after each concussion, the mental ability of that person may have been changed forever, but who really knows? So does that mean that same player can never again make a decision that would be legally binding? Im perplexed, (but it may be because of my many concussions..haha)

[AngeloV]

I guess my feeling is that with all these recent lawsuits against the leagues, my opinion is that there must be some kind of personal responsibility.

I would suggest that after each concussion, the mental ability of that person may have been changed forever, but who really knows? So does that mean that same player can never again make a decision that would be legally binding? Im perplexed, (but it may be because of my many concussions..haha)

Not saying I agree with what the courts would necessarily decide, but once Liars...er..lawyers get involved, who knows what could happen?

[Argo]

I guess my feeling is that with all these recent lawsuits against the leagues, my opinion is that there must be some kind of personal responsibility.

I would suggest that after each concussion, the mental ability of that person may have been changed forever, but who really knows? So does that mean that same player can never again make a decision that would be legally binding? Im perplexed, (but it may be because of my many concussions..haha)

My take on this is:

1. The notion of "personal responsibility" does not apply because the player (concussed or not) doesn't have the expertise and apparatus to make a responsible decision.
2. The onus is on the player's team - both for its own self-interest and the player's health - to take direction from medical experts and the tests they conduct.
3. Having said that, wisdom, in the case of a hit to the head, is erring on the side of caution. Timely tests do not truly capture concussion trauma, all the more reason to heed warning from a concussion expert.

[D-Gap-Willie]

My take on this is:

1. The notion of "personal responsibility" does not apply because the player (concussed or not) doesn't have the expertise and apparatus to make a responsible decision.
2. The onus is on the player's team - both for its own self-interest and the player's health - to take direction from medical experts and the tests they conduct.
3. Having said that, wisdom, in the case of a hit to the head, is erring on the side of caution. Timely tests do not truly capture concussion trauma, all the more reason to heed warning from a concussion expert.

There is no room for "personal responsibility", and should be no decision by either the player of the team that the player is ready to 'play'. All such decisions should be made by a league mandated protocol of a series of tests that either say empirically, whether the player is ready to play or not ready to play. The protocol makes the decision, and not the player, the team, a doctor or the league; however if any of the above insist, after the tests that he is still not ready, that decision should stand. I thought that the CFL had already adopted such a protocol, or am I thinking about another sport -- NHL perhaps ?

Neurological trauma is no joke - I am so lucky that at 71, I have no problems despite having had my "bell rung" many times. The days are long gone, when the trainer bent over you on the field, and said "Got your bell rung pretty good, huh kid ? How many fingers do you see ? Two, Huh ? You'll be OK !"

[ArgoRavi]

There is no room for "personal responsibility", and should be no decision by either the player of the team that the player is ready to 'play'. All such decisions should be made by a league mandated protocol of a series of tests that either say empirically, whether the player is ready to play or not ready to play. The protocol makes the decision, and not the player, the team, a doctor or the league; however if any of the above insist, after the tests that he is still not ready, that decision should stand. I thought that the CFL had already adopted such a protocol, or am I thinking about another sport -- NHL perhaps ?

Neurological trauma is no joke - I am so lucky that at 71, I have no problems despite having had my "bell rung" many times. The days are long gone, when the trainer bent over you on the field, and said "Got your bell rung pretty good, huh kid ? How many fingers do you see ? Two, Huh ? You'll be OK !"

In order for this to work, the team has to admit that the player was concussed in the first place. The Bombers are as secretive an organization as there is in the league when it comes to injuries and all that they have said is that Willy has an "upper body injury" although anyone with even half-decent eyesight could see the blow to the head that he sustained last week.

[Argo]

In order for this to work, the team has to admit that the player was concussed in the first place. The Bombers are as secretive an organization as there is in the league when it comes to injuries and all that they have said is that Willy has an "upper body injury" although anyone with even half-decent eyesight could see the blow to the head that he sustained last week.

Regarding the Drew Willy situation, the term "disgraceful" may be appropriate. Thankfully, no one on the Argonauts' staff behaves this way.

[Will]

I guess the parade down Wellington is canceled for the time being? The Redblack's performance in the first half was among the worst I've ever seen. It wasn't as if Nichols played well; he merely took advantage of what his defense, special teams and brutal tackling of Ottawa gave him.

[argonaut11xx]

I guess the parade down Wellington is canceled for the time being? The Redblack's performance in the first half was among the worst I've ever seen. It wasn't as if Nichols played well; he merely took advantage of what his defense, special teams and brutal tackling of Ottawa gave him.

Watching the Redblacks is PAINFUL.

[AngeloV]

I guess the parade down Wellington is canceled for the time being? The Redblack's performance in the first half was among the worst I've ever seen. It wasn't as if Nichols played well; he merely took advantage of what his defense, special teams and brutal tackling of Ottawa gave him.

I think Climie illustrated it perfectly at the half. If Burris doesn't miss wide open receivers streaking early in the game, I think the RedBlacks would have won handily. Edmonton didn't look like anything special until that bad pick 6 where BAD Henry threw a duck, rather than taking a sack. There were plays to be made, but Burris was on an off week.

[argolio]

In hindsight, maybe a result like this should have been expected with Edmonton coming off a bye and Ottawa going out west on a short week. Ottawa also hasn't won there since 1983.

[Fumblitis]

I wonder whose gonna get higher ratings in this country: Winnipeg/Montreal on TSN 1,2,4,5 or NASCAR on TSN2? (Hint: It's a rhetorical question loaded with sarcasm.)

[Fumblitis]

Very impressed with that Alouette Dline thus far.

[gilthethrill]

I am watching Winnipeg vs Montreal....in the 2nd quarter, Cato gets sacked for a huge loss on 1st down. No flags mentioned, it remained 1st down....he hands off for a 6 yard gain, then the very next play he throws a pick 6....anyone else witness that series of events?

[ArgoRavi]

I am watching Winnipeg vs Montreal....in the 2nd quarter, Cato gets sacked for a huge loss on 1st down. No flags mentioned, it remained 1st down....he hands off for a 6 yard gain, then the very next play he throws a pick 6....anyone else witness that series of events?

I recall that as well. Obviously, Miller and Dunigan were asleep at the switch.

BTW, what did everyone think of the Riders/Lions OT thriller? Rider fans have to be very upset with Corey Chamblin playing not to lose instead of playing to win late in the 4th quarter and in OT.

[Fumblitis]

I recall that as well. Obviously, Miller and Dunigan were asleep at the switch.

BTW, what did everyone think of the Riders/Lions OT thriller? Rider fans have to be very upset with Corey Chamblin playing not to lose instead of playing to win late in the 4th quarter and in OT. Chamblin contradicted himself in his post game interview. Talks about being an aggressive offense and then decides to kick a field go on third and one in the overtime. I'm not terribly upset about the field goal in OT but cripes he should have punted on that 3rd and 1 with 1:00 to go in the 4th to hem B.C deep. For more on the lynch mob out here check out the main discussion at www.riderfans.com

[AngeloV]

C'm not terribly upset about the field goal in OT but cripes he should have punted on that 3rd and 1 with 1:00 to go in the 4th to hem B.C deep. For more on the lynch mob out here check out the main discussion at www.riderfans.com

100% agreed. There has been some interesting in game decisions by coaches that have cost their teams games so far.

Week 1, Kent Austin calling a deep pass attempt with less than a minute left, stopping the clock and allowing Calgary to kick the game winning field goal.
Week 2, Riders going hurry up with just over a minute left on the Argos 1 in an at the time, tie game. Had they taken off even 15 seconds from the play clock, I doubt the Argos would have had enough time to come back and score a TD, forcing OT.
Week 3: not punting on 3rd and 1 in your own end with a 3 point lead and less than 1 minute left

[jerrym]

Watching the Redblacks is PAINFUL.

The Redblacks are still a long way from a good team but they definitely are getting better. They have already matched last year's win record. One obvious place is at receiver because of the addition of Sinopoli, Williams and Price. Their defence last year was not terrible, rather it was worn down from having to return to the field again and again after another two and out.



Watching a video repeat of the 46-17 thrashing administered by the Edmonton Eskimos was no more enjoyable than playing in it, Henry Burris (http://ottawacitizen.com/tag/henry-burris) assured everyone. ...Burris is among the most notable offenders in Thursday’s blowout, contributing directly to the hole that the Redblacks dug themselves into by throwing an ill-advised pass that Eskimos defensive back John Ojo picked off and returned 57 yards for the game’s opening touchdown. But Burris was from the only culprit. ...
Redblacks (http://ottawacitizen.com/tag/ottawa-redblacks) coaches and management have apparently decided that this group of players can regain forward momentum. There were no new faces on the practice field Monday despite the release of fullback Jefferson Court from the active roster and two temporary residents of the practice roster: long-snapper Tanner Doll and offensive lineman Alexandre Laganière, who had been expected to return to their university teams. ...
Court’s departure also signified a show of confidence in Jordan Verdone’s transition to fullback after three CFL (http://ottawacitizen.com/category/sports/football/cfl) seasons of mostly backup duty at linebacker.


http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/football/cfl/redblacks-start-process-of-rebounding-from-big-loss-to-eskimos

[jerrym]

Regarding the Drew Willy situation, the term "disgraceful" may be appropriate. Thankfully, no one on the Argonauts' staff behaves this way.

In the rush to get Drew Willy back, I wonder if they are creating Buck Pierce II.

[jerrym]

The following article gives background on Richie Leone, the rookie BC Lion kicker who took Paul McCallum's job and who kicked a team record 56 yard field goal to win in overtime against the Riders.



As a second-team All-American at Houston, Leone was a three-time semi-finalist for the Ray Guy Award, given to the top punter in NCAA football. A four-year starter, he holds school records for punts resulting in fair catches (87) and ones longer than 50 yards (54). His career average of 43.1 yards is the second-highest in Cougar history.
Since leaving Houston, Leone has twice been signed by NFL teams to challenge the resident veteran punter -- Sam Koch with the Baltimore Ravens and Brad Wing of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Koch had a career-best season in 2014, averaging 47.4 yards per punt and a league-best 43.3 net yards. He was only 22nd best the previous season before Leone arrived to provide competition.
While Leone didn’t catch on with either NFL team (he was released by the Steelers on May 11, three weeks before the start of Lions’ training camp), the experience has made him more confident and, at the same time, more self-critical.
His soaring, hanging punts averaged 48.2 yards (on six attempts) against the Roughriders, with a long of 58 yards. No, the ball wasn’t filled with helium.
“I’m not a seasoned punter,” admitted the 23-year-old. “I’m not a seasoned kicker. I’m not a seasoned anything yet. I’d say I dropped a couple (punts) a little too inside. I’ve been reminded that I’m not going to be perfect. It was only my second game. But we’re always chasing greatness as professionals.”
Calm, disciplined and full of purpose, Leone was great when he had to be Friday night.



http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2015/07/12/club-record-kick-a-catalyst-to-lions-comeback