Stampeders 23 - Ti-Cats 22
The scene was picture perfect. Beautiful weather, a half full stands, and ex-Calgary Stampeders kicker Sandro Deangelis facing off against new Calgary Stampeders kicker Rob Maver. Deangelis left the Stampeders to be closer to home in the off-season (although in his TV interview on TSN he said Hamilton gave him the best chance to win a Grey Cup and that's why he made the switch, which is bogus of course because Hamilton won't win a Grey Cup anytime soon.)
Maver on the other hand was selected first overall in this year's entry draft by the Stampeders who looked to fill big shoes left by the league's best placekicker.
Adding interest to the game Nik Lewis added some more interest to the game with some off-field comments (which weren't that disparaging IMO) about Deangelis' departure likening him to a cocky face in the dressing room. Regardless of pregame antics all that mattered was the final score where after a last second successful field-goal by Maver and a failed 60 yard attempt by Deangelis (which would've really turned the tables), gave the Stampeders their first 2-0 start in a decade.
That was just the exciting end, the script unfolded for the Stamps throughout.
Offence:
On offence the Stamps continued their dominance set in Toronto by controlling the time of possession. Reynolds scampered for just under 100 yards but no receiver caught more than 100 yards passing. Burris ended the afternoon with an interception on the one yard line, and a fumble. Hopefully those wrinkles will iron out before Toronto on Wednesday.
A couple receivers, namely Romby Bryant had a few crucial drops that would have extended drives. Green zone production continues to be a concern for Calgary. They can string together long drives but can't seem to cap it off with touchdowns.
Defence:
Calgary's defence continues to improve. In previous year's the D had the biggest holes in secondary and linebacker. This year it seems the team has picked up from late last year and have found suitable, sizable, and quick interior linebackers.
Although Hamilton had a few big gain passing plays, the defence stood tall when it mattered most. That boiled down to a fourth quarter THREE down goal line stand that forced Hamilton to walk away with no points. On the ensuing drive Calgary moved the ball 80 yards to set up Maver's eventual game winning touchdown.
Once the offence can figure out how to increase touchdown production the Stamps will start winning games with ease.
Special Teams:
Special teams were shredded by Hamilton on kick and punt returns. A lot more work needs to be done for the special teams squad that mostly has the same personnel just different coach.
In a fraction of a second Deon Murphy may have played himself into the lineup Wednesday. On a Sandro Deangelis missed field-goal he danced around the goal line and incredibly decided to run out of the endzone late. This decision not only enabled the Stamps to kick to win in the fourth, but also set up a 80 yard return and two-play Stamps TD by Nik Lewis.
Which brings us back to the kickers. The hubbub before the game was between Deangelis and Lewis. Deangelis missed two field-goals. On the second miss (from just inside 40 yards) the eventual Stamps TD was scored by Nik Lewis. As Lewis said mid game:
Sandro's still playing for the Red & White
Regardless, Maver quietly asserted himself by kicking a perfect game (albeit he wasn't challenged from far). Deangelis on the other hand shanked two. He'll bounce back for sure, but this one is sweet indeed.
Notes: Brandon Browner made three key plays, one preventing a Hamilton touchdown on a 3rd down gamble, and two against Deanglis: one a key block, the other blocking the wild field-goal attempt with no time left from 60 yards out.
