Eastern Final, November 20, 2011 Vegas Odds and Comments

[WestCoastJoe]

Stampeders defeating the Riders in Regina.

To me, this game illustrates the difference coaching can make in football.

The talent is not that different. The schemes are not that different. Playbook. Play design. Game plans. Play calling. Not all that different. There are no great secrets in the world of pro football. Run. Block. Throw. Catch. Tackle. It's all on tape.

The difference is more subtle. It is about expectations, communication, focus. Motivation. Goals. Work habits. Confidence. All subtle things.

No surprise to see the Alouettes and Stampeders rebound from slow starts this year. Teams were well prepared for them. Now the Als and Stamps have adjusted. Fine tuned.

To me, of all the team sports, football is the one where coaching makes the biggest difference.

As I've said a number of times, I recall Bum Phillips saying about Don Shula: "He could take his team and beat your'n. Or he could take your team and beat his'n."

It's all about the coaching.

[TheLionKing]

Darian Durant appeared to be lacking in confidence. He's very hesitant. His interception to Keon Raymond killed any momentum the Riders might have had.

[B.C.FAN]

Darian Durant appeared to be lacking in confidence. He's very hesitant. His interception to Keon Raymond killed any momentum the Riders might have had.

Durant's mechanics and confidence have been off because he hasn't had much support from his receivers this year. Tonight I thought the Riders may have turned a corner offensively, despite the turnovers. Hill had a career game, with 11 catches for 177 yards, the always-reliable Dressler added 79 and Robinson chipped in with 72. Hugh Charles had the best game of his career with 154 yards from scrimmage and 3 TDs. Durant can finally relax and feel confident that he has some weapons who can make plays for him. If Fantuz comes back, watch out for this team in the second half of the season.

[David]

If Fantuz comes back, watch out for this team in the second half of the season.

Still need to get their defensive deficiencies sorted about before they approach 'watch out' status, IMO.

DH

[B.C.FAN]

If Fantuz comes back, watch out for this team in the second half of the season.

Still need to get their defensive deficiencies sorted about before they approach 'watch out' status, IMO.

DH

True. I've never feared a Greg Marshall or Richie Hall defence. The Riders might outscore a lot of teams, though.

[WestCoastJoe]

Saskabush @ Toronto

Argos favoured by 3.

I'll take the Argos.

Lions @ Eskimos

Schmos favoured by 6.

I'll take the Schmos.

[notahomer]

I'm going with the Riders beating the Argos in a sloppy game for the offenses. Esks run the ball down our throats to beat the Lions by 10.

[Anglophone]

I'm definitely expecting Toronto to win.

But I'm not sure about the situation of Edmonton. I'd assume they'll win, unless they've self-destructed completely.

[TheLionKing]

Saskatchewn will win its 2nd

Edmonton

[notahomer]

Lowell U. had a 4-0 week seven. He's picked the Argos and.......LIONS


Wish I had his confidence....

[B.C.FAN]

Lowell U. had a 4-0 week seven. He's picked the Argos and.......LIONS


Wish I had his confidence....

I'm in. That would be a great way to head into the bye week. Mike Beamish is also picking the Lions.

B.C. at Edmonton, 6 p.m. Pacific time, TSN — It will say something about their mental preparation and motivation if the Lions don’t come out breathing fire against the Eskimos. After two straight losses, doubt and injuries are eating away at the 5-2 Esks. If the Lions can’t feast off a wounded animal, we’ll say “bye, bye” to any meaningful hopes beyond the bye week.

Pick: Lions.


Last week: 3-1

Season: 18-10

Link

[notahomer]

Lowell U. had a 4-0 week seven. He's picked the Argos and.......LIONS


Wish I had his confidence....

I'm in. That would be a great way to head into the bye week. Mike Beamish is also picking the Lions.

B.C. at Edmonton, 6 p.m. Pacific time, TSN — It will say something about their mental preparation and motivation if the Lions don’t come out breathing fire against the Eskimos. After two straight losses, doubt and injuries are eating away at the 5-2 Esks. If the Lions can’t feast off a wounded animal, we’ll say “bye, bye” to any meaningful hopes beyond the bye week.

Pick: Lions.


Last week: 3-1

Season: 18-10

Link

Sounds great, makes sense on paper. And the Lions did come out great against the Riders and that was a must win for sure. I'd love to be wrong and I hope Wally's got these guys ready to play well in Edm.......

[Rammer]

Lowell U. had a 4-0 week seven. He's picked the Argos and.......LIONS


Wish I had his confidence....

I'm in. That would be a great way to head into the bye week. Mike Beamish is also picking the Lions.

B.C. at Edmonton, 6 p.m. Pacific time, TSN — It will say something about their mental preparation and motivation if the Lions don’t come out breathing fire against the Eskimos. After two straight losses, doubt and injuries are eating away at the 5-2 Esks. If the Lions can’t feast off a wounded animal, we’ll say “bye, bye” to any meaningful hopes beyond the bye week.

Pick: Lions.


Last week: 3-1

Season: 18-10

Link

Sounds great, makes sense on paper. And the Lions did come out great against the Riders and that was a must win for sure. I'd love to be wrong and I hope Wally's got these guys ready to play well in Edm.......

Oh great, just what I need a Lion's team that thinks that it should be able to feast on an opponent. They are the worst team at reading their own press clippings, this won't help.

[notahomer]

Well the Lions are now out of the playoffs!!! The doubleblue managed to beat the Riders. Oh this is going to be a long couple of weeks in Riderville. IMO, Coaching is the achilles heel there. No, I couldn't do better. Yes, the Riders have lost some big names. But why does a team thats played in three out of the last four Grey Cups fail this badly? They were trailing by 14 heading into the half. They've struggled with their placekicking for months (late last season, IIRC).

Now, I really hope the Lions can win tomorrow. The Esks are hurting. Now is the time to get on track. This reminds me of 2010. The Esks would lose and the Lions would have a chance to get some breathing room but alas we'd match in futility. This season its the Riders instead.

[Rammer]

Well the Lions are now out of the playoffs!!! The doubleblue managed to beat the Riders. Oh this is going to be a long couple of weeks in Riderville. IMO, Coaching is the achilles heel there. No, I couldn't do better. Yes, the Riders have lost some big names. But why does a team thats played in three out of the last four Grey Cups fail this badly? They were trailing by 14 heading into the half. They've struggled with their placekicking for months (late last season, IIRC).

Now, I really hope the Lions can win tomorrow. The Esks are hurting. Now is the time to get on track. This reminds me of 2010. The Esks would lose and the Lions would have a chance to get some breathing room but alas we'd match in futility. This season its the Riders instead.

Lions do have the game in hand card still, although they will have to decide to show up.