Stamps Brutally Fail in Season Opener
With much at stake from bragging rights to 2009 confidence, the Montreal Alouettes destroyed Calgary in all facets the game except for special teams.
of July 1st, 2009 marked Canada Day and the launch of the 2009 CFL season. In fitting style, the Montreal Alouettes visited town for the re-match of last year's Grey Cup Final which saw Calgary claim the Championship in Montreal.
Both teams experienced changes during the off-season, and somehow, Calgary yet again opted for the 'let's overhaul the entire defense and start from scratch'. Fans were eager to see what the new Stamps would show, dominance on offence, renewed energy on defence, etc. That wasn't anywhere close to what transpired.
The Stampeders were absolutely embarrassed at home in the first half in their home opener. Not a single component of the game was working, and the team/coaches looked unprepared and confused. One 1st down in the 1st quarter and 17 points down. Good start--not.
Titus Ryan Explodes for Kick Return in Second
The new rules took effect right on kick-off. One is the deterrent to concede safeties. The other is kick-off returns for all points (touchdowns AND field-goals). That means more opportunities for kick returns. After 20 unanswered points Calgary responded on special teams.
After Demetrius Summers got nowhere on his attempts, Rookie Titus Ryan exploded on his first return going the distance for what is hopefully many more TD's off of kick-offs. That started a roll for Calgary who found their game offensively too.
17 points in the second quarter along with 10 in the third kept the Stamps in the game. Special teams came up big THREE times. One kick-off return for a TD, and two blocked punts. Without those three plays the game would have been a blow out. Over 400 yards offense for Montreal, under 300 for Calgary.
When Montreal started deep in their own end the defence managed to stuff the offence. However, with limited offence and the new safety rule, Montreal worked with the short-field and chalked up offensive yards.
Stamps made a late fourth quarter push but were stopped short after an ill-advised throw by Burris went for an interception. Titus Ryan (taking the place of Kenyon Rambo) was the target; he had a few good catches but was also charged with a fumble and clearly doesn't look like Rambo. But. But, he certainly has worked for a spot somewhere on the roster.
The offence sputtered in the fourth, in fact, looking much like the first, putting up zero points in the both quarters.
A good chance for Calgary to wake-up. Get embarrassed at home, come back down to earth, and realise that this 2009 season is brand new and will be an uphill battle every single game.
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