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In 2008 the Calgary defense struggled early on defence due to the number of rookies in the line up, particularly at the halfback position. In fact, that was probably their weakest component throughout the season. Not much changed at the start of 2009 with Calgary introducing new linebackers, a 3 new defensive linemen, and of course, new halfbacks.

Now we're past the mid-way point in the season, couple that with injuries, and 80% of the defense looks different from day one. And much like last year, the weakest component remains the halfback position. At the start the linebackers were in desperate need of help against the run but new additions in the middle have helped. At halfback the two starters at the beginning of the year, Tate and Amadi, are now out. The experiment continued with new additions Eubanks, who has performed well, and tonight Dean Webb who was torched every other play for monster gains and touchdowns all night long.

Eventually continous changes are going to kill this team, plain and simple. And why do we have to start rookies in the middle of the season, was Amadi really that bad? Is finding quality halfbacks that hard? Or maybe we have some players within who can step up.



The experiment only lasted a half after which Keon Raymond took Webb's spot, but not after some damage. (Raymond was playing defensiveback for the injured Brandon Browner and played well (Browner returned tonight), and also caught an interception in the fourth to increase his stock.)

On the offensive side of the ball, the Stamps opened the game much like Hamilton, limited offense and very few completed passes. The only aspect o f the offence that was working was once again Joffrey Reynolds. BC quickly amassed 14 points but a monster kick return by Demetrius Summers, who just got back into the lineup, gave Calgary much needed momentum.

Although the passing game was still limited, especially with the addition of two new receivers, Reynolds continued to chew up yardage on the ground, matching Martell Mallett (awesome name for a running back) stride for stride.

You had the impression that last possession was going to win this game as both teams traded shots and points. However, the difference between Calgary and BC this year is the capability to adjust gameplans and chinstraps as the game progresses. Calgary has been able to produce the big plays, BC not so much.

Finally in the third quarter the Stamps went back to the a passing game and to their star slotbacks. On back to back plays, first Nik Lewis made a huge 28 yard catch and maybe controversial catch that put the Stamps on the 5. One play later Copeland caught catch laying out with only one toe in bounds to give the good guys six.

BC seemed to shut down after the big plays going two and out and eventually giving up an interception-- Penalties aided the BC collapse. If it wasn't for a funny Sandro Deangelis miss that ricocheted off both uprights, the score would h ave been 30-18 mid-way through the fourth.

Notes: Reynolds with over a 100 yards rushing again, Burris now holds all passing records with his latest TD throw to Copeland.