As some of you are aware, this weekend marks the end of the CFL season, with the play for the Grey Cup. Close to a 100-year tradition in Canada (this is year 96), this is the pinnacle for fans of Canadian Football.
This year has the Calgary Stampeders (class of the league with a 14-5 record) against the Montreal Alouettes (12-7). They both finished first in their respective divisions, and each won their lone playoff game to get to this game.
Montreal (by virtue of a rotating venue) is playing for the Grey Cup in front of their hometown crowd of 65,000 strong.
Breaking down the game is really simple: Montreal and Calgary had the two best offences this year, so a typical CFL game of 41-39 would be the conventional wisdom. The winner will be the team who has the ball last, kicking a field goal with no time on the clock.
This is how it will break down when Calgary has the ball
Calgary will continue with what they have done all year by running a shortened offence, not taking huge gambles with the football, and allowing Henry Burris to manage the football.
He has grown this year into a Quarterback who is responsible with the ball, and will now throw it away or tuck and run rather than trying to force something that isn’t there.
Credit that turn around to Quarterback Guru John Hufnagel, who has turned Hank from the ranks of gifted but…to a Most Outstanding Player nominee in the CFL.
Also, Calgary will try to get Joffrey Reynolds and Demetris Summers the ball to take some of the pressure off of Henry from the likes of Anwar Stewart. Calgary will do as much as they can to keep the ball for as long as they can, keeping Anthony Calvillo on the bench.
The difference will be Montreal’s ability to force Calgary into second and long, and make Henry make the tough throws to a sure-handed group of receivers led by Ken Yon Rambo. If Montreal cannot keep Calgary’s offence off the field, it will be a long day.
When Montreal has the ball
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about 1 month ago
This game will come down to who can put up the firepower the most in the game. It's the two most powerhouse offenses in the CFL, with two of the most deadly pivots throwing the ball. It'll be one for the ages for the 96th Grey Cup, not to mention that the home team is playing in the game.
Great read Steve! Have fun watching the game Sunday!
from about 1 month ago
Matt, great point, but the winner will be the one who can get the key stops on defense in my opinion, as I feel like both offenses can put up big numbers. So really a game with two offensive power houses comes down to the defense.
about 1 month ago
Stellar Article! I want to say the Stamps will dominate, but I know the Als are no pushover and can put up some big numbers, especially with the help of 65,000 screaming Montreal fans! It will be a great game!
from about 1 month ago
I agree, the Stamps won't dominate but will be able to hang on in a lower scoring game than most anticipate. Thanks for reading
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