We're following the pre-season and training camp roster moves with great expectation this year despite the lack of posts. There have been no ground breaking player moves, but certainly some gaps to fill. On defence the absence of Browner and Anderson will be evident, but management seems to think we have capable replacements (it's always the secondary with issues).
On the offence some minor tinkers on the Oline and receiving corps, but overall the Stamps have brought in much of the same from last year.
Stay tuned for more information on final roster changes and upcoming season opener July 1st.
Last week it was announced Calgary will continue to hold the best deep threats in the CFL with Ken-Yon Rambo and Romby Bryant at wide receiver. That's interesting news since I didin't think Calgary had enough to go after both....
Some more great news today, long-snapper Randy Chevrier has returned to the Stamps. Not sure how long the deal was in the works or whether Chevrier was checking out some other offers, but he's back in his adopted home-town much to the delight of fans. Chevrier has never (as far as I can recall) botched a snap.
Some news today out of the Stampeders locker room.
First, a week after Ryan Thelwell hung up the cleats, Rob Lazeo announced that after 14 season on the offensive line he's calling it quits. Nobody will question his commitment to the game and his team. He played through injuries throughout his career, and in his last year with the Stamps, played 2nd string center like a pro, not complaining once about his position.
He was rewarded with game-time late into the season and in the playoffs. He will be missed, but the Stamps are covered with Tim O'Neil.
Bigger news perhaps was the signing of Romby Bryant who was going to hit the open market, but decided to stay wit hthe Stamps.
It seems as though Calgary's dilemma between their two free-agent corners has been somewhat resolved. Brandon Browner has (will) sign with the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL. That means Dwight Anderson in all likelihood will be back in the fold for the Red & White next year.
Congrats to all-star DB Browner though, I don't think anybody will really fault him for taking in a hefty hefty pay raise to play in the NFL. Heck, even if he doesn't play he makes 5x more money I bet. But chances are Browner, given his size and speed, will see action next season with Seattle.
For a CFL Grey Cup this one was pretty boring. Lacking pozzaz, offence, a decent halftime show that people under 50 could appreciate. Thankfully the better team won, but it was still close. Close that is until Darian Durant gave it all away.
Anytime Rider fans want to chant 'Henry, Henry, Henry', just remember that it was YOUR quarterback that threw an interception like a chump to dash any hopes of a Grey Cup. Better luck next year. Not.
It probably helped that Anthony Calvillo was hurt for a few games this season, that made it hard for the Eastern based news reporters to vote for their favorite rather than the best. (Although had Calvillo played a full season it would've been close.)
Nonetheless, Henry Burris won a much deserved MOP aware at last night's Gibson's finest ceremony.
The post-game won't have too much on the referee assisted win the Riders pulled out in McMahon Stadium--that's for this post on game fixing.
Dwight Anderson summed up the game in a Al Cameron Tweet:
Dwight Anderson: At the end of the day, we know we’re the better team. The ref put that in their hands."
Never have a I observed a poorly officiated game like this one. Rider fans may feel like the 'best team' won but in reality it's best to run away with the win quietly when it's blatantly obvious your victory was aided by officials.
Now, if you put the refs aside there are two reasons why the Stamps lost.
