Roundup for July 17th

Madman · Jul 17, 2012

Big problem arises for Stampeders
http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/07/16/big-problem-arises

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

It’s a useful expression, but it’s the big things that have Calgary Stampeders defenders putting in extra work in the film room.

Namely, big plays.

With the Stamps offence leading the CFL in scoring at 35.3 points per contest, finding the endzone hasn’t been a problem.

But with a 1-2 record, something has to be wrong, doesn’t it?

For veteran defensive back Brandon Smith, it’s a disturbing penchant for breaking down at bad times that has the Stamps where they are instead of potentially being 3-0.

“We haven’t played as good as our potential, but we’ve done a lot of good things out there,” Smith said.

“We just gave up a couple big plays, which is just unfortunate.”

Read more: http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/07/16/big-problem-arises
Click to expand...

Stampeders' Mitchell one hit away from starting
http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/07/16/bo-with-a-bullet

The news is good for Bo Levi Mitchell.

But it’s not like the Calgary Stampeders quarterback, who is now second on the depth chart behind Kevin Glenn, is going to celebrate.

With the fact No. 1 quarterback Drew Tate has opted for shoulder surgery which could keep him out four months — and possibly the rest of the season — Mitchell is one play away from being the main man under centre.

It’s a big opportunity and a huge responsibility for the 22-year-old out of Eastern Washington University.

That’s especially true in light of the fact Stampeders GM/head coach John Hufnagel said he has no immediate plans to bring in a veteran quarterback as insurance should Glenn be injured.

“Absolutely. You always want to hear that, always want to hear your job’s stable, but at the same time, you can’t be complacent,” said Mitchell, the first-year pro from Texas. “If you go in there and keep messing up and not showing you’re ready, they will replace you.

“It’s professional football, and they’re going to put in there the best players they can find. In my mind, I’m going to play it as if they’re looking to replace you, so go out there and keep fighting, keep getting better and keep being ready to play.”

Read more: http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/07/16/bo-with-a-bullet
Click to expand...

Stamps look to hone tackling skills after loss to Alouettes
http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/foo ... story.html

Like a receiver dropping an easy pass, Calgary Stampeders middle linebacker Juwan Simpson can only look at his hands and wonder how it happened.

As reliable a tackler as you'll find in the Canadian Football League, the Stamps' defensive captain was seemingly on the verge of making a crucial play in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game in Montreal. He had Alouettes receiver Brandon London in his sights after a second-and-long reception, and it was a fait accompli that London would be deposited on his keister well short of a first down.

Except London somehow got away, and managed to scramble a few more yards for a clutch first down to extend a drive that would eventually end with a touchdown that would cut the Stamps' lead to just five points late in the fourth quarter.

And we all know what happened next.

"It bothered me," admitted Simpson on Monday after the Stamps wrapped up practice in preparation for Thursday's showdown with the undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders. "I put a lot of pressure on myself, and I felt like I had playing well. I just want to maintain a certain level. Me being a leader of this defence and a team captain, it bothered me. I'm supposed to make that play. No matter how you look at it, I'm supposed to make that play. But it's something I don't suspect will happen often. Have to have a short memory in this game."

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Sta ... z20t1LfKLg
Click to expand...

Life after football harsh for some
http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Lif ... story.html

Alondra Johnson faced his football mortality head-on in the most agonizing manner imaginable.

The Canadian Football League Hall-of-Fame linebacker was fighting for his job with the Calgary Stampeders at training camp in 2004 when, in the middle of a practice no less, new coach and GM Matt Dunigan told him he was being cut at the orders of team owner Michael Feterik.

And suddenly, Johnson was a man with a family to feed and no job, and very little money saved from his wonderful CFL career.

“I had no plan, no options,” recalled Johnson, over the phone on Monday from Gardena, Calif. “It was just the unknown factor, wondering how you’re going to take care of your kids, how you’re going to tell your wife that I don’t know how we’re going to pay the mortgage, and I don’t know how I’m going to pay these bills right now.

“I thank God for (then-president) Ron Rooke; he stepped up and helped me out financially because I had nothing at that point. I learned a lesson that day, and that lesson was that for all the time I was there, I should have had other things going on in my life outside of football. I should have got myself prepared better. I don’t blame Matt Dunigan and I don’t blame Michael Feterik — I blame myself because I should have taken the initiative to get myself established better.”

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Lif ... z20t1jJ8Jx
Click to expand...

iso_55 · Jul 17, 2012

AJ is still young at 47 so hopefully he'll rebound. Wonder why he doesn't get into full time coaching at the NCAA level as he would be good at it. Joff at about 33 or 34 can still do a lot of things but he has to be smart. gettting in trouble with the law up here when he is an American citizen is not smart as he could be deported. Or have a criminal record which means if he ever wanted to come back here may not be able to. And it will hinder him getting a job at home in the US too. Hopefully he realizes this & flies right from now on.

Roundup for July 17th

Madman Administrator
Staff Member

iso_55 Member

Share This Page

Roundup for July 17th

Madman Administrator Staff Member

iso_55 Member

Share This Page

Madman Administrator
Staff Member