Midpoint of the Season

by user Erooster

At the mid-point of the CFL season, there are some questions answered and some not. Only two teams have made a distinction amongst the rest of the league, four are around the .500 mark, and two are trailing badly.

A coach, an offensive co-ordinator and a GM have been sent packing. Some individual players have shined in the spotlight, some show brief brilliance, and still others have fallen off of the radar looking for another job.

The first half of the season has been about brutal helmet-to-helmet hits. There have been injuries to key and notable players. But, there has also been an upswing to the popularity of the league, bringing more fans to the venues, and more fans to the televisions. Two long time players are on the verge of establishing new CFL and professional football records.

Eastern Division

The Montreal Alouettes, the undefeated team of their first seven games has lost the last two. A 7 – 2 record through the first half season. The Als are still the team to beat, but the shine of Anthony Calvillo has worn off, especially after his last game versus Toronto. Calvillo threw five interceptions on Saturday night. The Montreal defense is still the top squad in the league leading in ten of the twenty-five defensive categories and second in eight of the remaining 15.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are currently in second in the division with a 5 – 4 record. The Bombers looked good early, but have had their problems with injuries. A three game winning streak, followed an opening game loss at Montreal. Another loss to Montreal at home, then two more wins, and two more losses going into their bye. The big loss to the Bombers was number one pivot, Kevin Glenn that had arthroscopic knee surgery last week. Winnipeg has slotback Milt Stegall, though, the soon-to-be best receiver in the league, ever.

The Toronto Argonauts also have a big dog on the field, the 43-year old quarterback Damon Allen. Damon passed the 70,000 yard passing mark against Montreal on Saturday night. The Boatmen are a game under .500 at 4 – 5 at the midpoint. Injuries have absolutely killed the Argos this season. You all know the condition of Ricky Williams, so I won't comment on it here. If, and it is a big if, the Argos can get all of their players healthy, look for them to make a strong push in the second half.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are sitting in the basement at the midpoint with a 2 – 8 record. The Tabbies are last in team defense in nine of the 25 categories. They have also allowed 270 total points against in ten games, compared to 175 points for (the team). Their overall record breaks down as: at home (1 – 3), away (1 – 5), and in the division (1 – 6). Quarterback Jason Maas is struggling in the position. At the midpoint, Maas has 2,061 yards with 6 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and a 76.5 Rating.

Western Division

The British Columbia Lions are the clear favorite out West. Currently, the team is 7 – 3 and four points ahead of second place. Injuries have also hurt the Lions this season. Number one pivot, Dave Dickenson is sitting on the bench, but Buck Pierce is leading the team. Sure, he is getting knocked around, but the job is getting done. B.C. does have the number one receiver in Geroy Simon. Simon currently has 59 receptions for 1,025 yards, 9 touchdowns, and a 17.4 average.

The Calgary Stampeders are currently sitting in second with a 5 – 4 record. Quarterback Henry Burris is hot and cold. When he is hot, the team is nearly unbeatable, when he is cold, the team follows. However, the Stamps have the best running back in the league in Joffrey Reynolds. Reynolds currently has 124 rushes for 818 yards, two touchdowns, and a 6.6 yard average. Unfortunately, Reynolds also has five fumbles. The Stamps also have a great receiving corps, but everything hinges upon Burris.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are in third in the West with a 4 – 5 record. Another team with quarterback concerns. The Roughriders are currently operating with their third string pivot, Rocky Butler. Number one quarterback, Kerry Joseph is currently sitting on the sidelines with an injured knee and number two QB, Marcus Crandell, went out with an injury in Saturday’s game with a dislocated elbow. Running back Kenton Keith is fourth in the league in rushing with 536 yards and Matt Dominguez is seventh in receiving with 632 yards.

Last year’s Grey Cup winner, the Edmonton Eskimos are in last place in the Western Division. The Esks have only one bright spot on the team, that is quarterback Ricky Ray. Ray is leading the league as the top QB. He currently has 225 completions on 320 attempts, for 2,755 yards, 10 interceptions and a 96.0 quarterback rating. Ray, as it stands now, is the only quarterback on pace to reach the 5,000 yard passing mark for the season. The team has scored 173 points and given up 232 points. They have also failed to win on the road this year.

So, in conclusion, the Lions and the Alouettes have the inside track on leading into the playoffs. Chances are that Calgary and Winnipeg will get there as well. Toronto and Saskatchewan can make it close, if they get things moving in the right direction. Hamilton and Edmonton, could play spoilers late in the season, but their best hope is to look towards next year.

Date

Mon 08/21/06, 9:15 pm EST