The Friday night lights are on as the Canadian Football League hosts a double-header in week two between the Montreal Alouettes and Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and B.C. Lions.
The CFL made it’s anticipated return last week and had it’s excitement and achievements along with interesting results as all Eastern teams suffered losses, meaning that every team in both divisions were tied for first.
Receiver Geroy Simon of the B.C. Lions walked away with his Grey Cup ring, a win in week one against the Bombers and now holds the all-time receiving title after passing Milt Stegall last week. Not a bad start to the 2012 season.
There were other players who also stuck out in week one, notably receiver Weston Dressler, Darian Durant and rookie running back Chevon Walker.
Last week, Dressler led all receivers with 13 receptions for 180 yards and three touchdowns while Durant threw for 390 yards and four touchdowns A good start to the 2012 season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
For running back Chevon Walker of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, it was his first week as the starting back after the club brought in Avon Cobourne following Martell Mallet’s season-ending injury but the club felt strong to go with Walker. He did his job and then some, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown and adding on 36 receiving yards.
First up this week, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers head out to Montreal who finished tie for first a season ago and saw Winnipeg make it to the Grey Cup since 2007.
Both teams returned home this week with losses in week one after both teams struggled offensively. Anthony Calvillo was not his usual self, throwing for 174 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in their 38-10 loss to the Calgary Stampeders.
For Winnipeg, they were able to put up 16 points but only one touchdown and starting pivot Buck Pierce left the game early with a right knee injury. They’ll have Glenn January back in the line-up tonight and will switch Justin Sorensen out for Chris Kowalczuk at center in hopes of bringing some power back to the offensive line.
Each line-up features very capable receiving groups but for Winnipeg, their offensive lines lack of ability to give the quarterbacks any time to allow plays to develop became an issue while Anthony may be facing the days of old age.
On the other side of the ball, the Winnipeg defense appears to have continued their game from a season ago, after leading the league in sacks with 55, they already have three, all from Bryant Turner along with an interception from Jonathan Hefney.
Continuity a long the defense along with the return of defensive coordinator Tim Burke has likely helped in that aspect. Meanwhile the Bombers offense is still getting used to new offensive coordinator Gary Crowton and may not even see positive results until later in the season.
Regardless, a loss in week one is not grounds for excitement or panic and fans should brace themselves as the Bombers look to build their team up once again. It will take time, there are new systems in play but have faith and all things should turn golden.
As for the Alouettes, they are one to rebound each game and very rarely lose back-to-back games and with a solid quarterback behind Anthony Calvillo, should make it an interesting game all around.
One key for the Bombers that they need to work on is playing catch up. Too often last season the Bombers found themselves in a hole and although won most of the games, coming from behind is not something a team wants to do every week.
For the Bombers to win in week two, the offence needs to work together. That does not mean they need to be lights out, but enough to control the game. The defence is capable of keeping the game close should the Bombers slip a little.
If they can find a way to incorporate the passing game and running game behind Bloi-Dei Dorzon, they could be in good spirits.
However they are up against an elite quarterback behind Anthony Calvillo and an offensive line that is known to give Calvillo all kinds of time to find his playmakers. The defence will need to distract and confuse Calvillo early on if they are to hope for any sort of victory.
Ultimately, look for Montreal to snag their first home win of 2012, end their five game losing streak (if you count back from last season) and Anthony Calvillo could be passing for more than 174 yards he did a week ago. This game ends 32-19 in favour of the home team.
