Sunday, we will be a part of history. In the
century-plus that we have been a franchise, there has never been a game like
this (and there may not be again for a long long time). Any Grey Cup with the
Riders in it is automatically big. We have so few championships we go nuts when
such a rarity occurs. However, this one will be taken to a whole new level as
the championship goes down on our own home turf. The atmosphere alone will be unprecedented.
But amid all the hype and storylines there is
still a game to be played. As much as it would probably be in their financial
interests the league will not just hand us the trophy because it’s a feel good
story. We still have one more opponent to beat… and they haven’t even been in a
Grey Cup since Y2K so aren’t likely just to roll over and accept defeat. My
liver on the other hand, just may…
We did defeat these Ti-Cats in both meetings
this season but you can throw that tape out the window as the Ti-Cats are a
vastly improved team since then. Back then they were young, missing key vets
and had not yet caught on to Austin’s new systems. They were so bad that we
beat them with a broken footed Durant and slapped them around with Willy.
Let’s start with the offense where Darian
Durant is so focused on winning the cup that’s he’s almost robotic. I have
never seen him even close to this dialed in and that should worry the Ti-Cats.
He has taken his game to an elite level in these playoffs and you can bet will
do it again on Sunday. Unlike like last week when we got to victimize a weak
interior DL, that is one of the strengths of the Ti-cat D. Bulke and Davis are
very solid. That said their ends are average at best and our OL is dominant. I
think we will have the most success in TE sets with Sheets running outside. I
think we should still attack the middle but expect the most damage to be done
on the perimeter. A heavy dose of Sheets and Sanders will be needed again. With
the run established and Hamilton having a not so intimidating pass rush
robo-Durant will have time to pick apart a relatively inexperienced secondary.
I would attack the safety in particular as he is a rookie and while I like his
potential he is still prone to mistakes. The Ti-cat D is much improved but if
we continue to spread the ball around and if Durant has time then they are in
trouble. Put it this way, Hamilton’s D is nowhere near as good as Calgary. Can’t
get cocky but it’s a match-up that favours us and we should be able to take advantage.
For me the real interesting thing to watch
will be our Defense vs. Kent Austin’s offense. It goes without saying that any
chance Hamilton has in this game rests on which Henry Burris shows up. At his
best Hank looks like the future hall of famer. At his worst he rivals Michael
Bishop for comedic ineptitude onfield. The key will be getting to him early.
Once Burris gets rattled, with 45000 fans on his case he will begin a downward
spiral that makes him more desperate to made plays himself but more careless in
the process. Getting him rattled starts up front (or maybe by putting some itch
powder in his gameday sports bra) our D-line is downright scary and Hamilton
gave up more sacks that anyone (even Edmonton’s sorry excuse for a line). So if
it comes down to a pure pass rush situation for our guys Burris is in trouble.
But you can bet Austin will try and counter that mismatch in a few ways. First
is with CJ Gable. He’s a talented runner and receiver and tough to bring down. Second
will be with Burris using his legs. DEs will need to be disciplined and contain
those edges. Third Austin will deploy either LeFevour or Masoli packages to
give new looks and set up new running lanes. So our front 7 will have their hands
full but are up the challenge. We need to choke out the run game (not literally
of course… unless the ref isn’t looking) and force Burris beat us through the
air. There’s danger in that as Burris led the league in pass yards and was 2nd
in TDs but there is also opportunity as no one threw more picks that Burris
(shocking I know). With the strength of our pass rush and the talent of our DBs
a heavy passing attack favours us. The more the cats run, the more they
increase their odds of winning.
Quick note on kicking (because what are the
odds a Ham/Ssk Grey Cup comes down to that). Milo is hitting at 88% while Congi
was 75% on the season and benched briefly. Edge to us there… edge gets even
bigger if crews can covertly grind off a few millimetres off the goal posts to
make them smaller.
By no means do I consider it a guarantee that
we will win but realistically I fully expect us to. We have beaten better teams
to get here. We are the better team on paper. We have an unprecedented crowd on
our side. Durant is beyond focused. Burris has never beat us in the playoffs.
Take your pick as all are valid reasons for picking us to win.
So lt’s show the country a Grey Cup like no
other. If you can hear or talk on Monday morning we have all failed. Bring Em Out!! Bring Em Out!!
Riders by 10
See you at Vic and Albert.
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