Calgary Stampeders Blog | StampedersForum

I've said it all year (which doesn't mean much since it's game 5), but the Saskatchewan Roughriders would be a MUCH better team if they actually had a quarterback. They had on Kerry Joseph, but since then, not so much. To say Darian Durant is the answer to all the Green questions is pretty lame, a championship would arrive routinely if they secured someone--well--better.

Having said that, the Stamps do have a solid QB, yet there were times you wouldn't know it Saturday. The offense grossly underperformed, especially in the third quarter, while the defense looked weak agaisnst the pass in the fourth and first quarters.



It's tough to loose such a close game, but I felt the on-field production was a bit, well, lame. I'm getting this sensation that the CFL has gone down in quality. Too many games are ending 13-14, 23-24. Albeit Calgary blew out BC and Toronto, but that perhaps is an indication those teams are on the decline (along with Winnipeg).

Rather than exchanging TD's or big defensive plays, games are now going 2 and out as struggling QB's try to figure out how to score points. Admittedly the only consistent team with a bit of excitement is Montreal.

Calgary used to be that team but for some reason the new 2009 season has started with a bit of whimper for the defending Grey Cup champs. Burris is struggling mightily finding receivers and throwing beyond 6-7 yards. THe loss of WR Keyon Rambo hurts, but there are enough weapons on the offense to make do, but using Lewis and Copeland only seven times for the entire game won't cut it.

The defense had loads of trouble containing the QB and stopping the long balls against a receiving corps that is largely unknown (or with their share of rookies). Calgary had a strong second quarter, but gave life to the Riders in the second half. Rookie DB's getting torched and what appears to be weakness in the middle of the linebacking corps don't help matters.

The good news is, despite the performance, the team is under performing, which means there is plenty of room to improve. Good news since when push comes to shove, it's only the playoffs that matter, and the Stamps have plenty of time to improve and peak before then.