Week 1: Pre-game

So the 'Mos are in town to kick things off in just a few hours.

I kinda felt like we'd drawn the short straw on scheduling after last year's shoot-out at Mosaic Stadium against Montreal. It was July 1st fireworks and I had hoped they could keep the rivalry going with another season opener against the defending Grey Cup Champs. They could make that a Canada Day institution as far as I'm concerned - they'd draw viewers from across the country.

But alas the league had other plans.

Instead, we'll be taking on rookie head coach Kavis Reed and his re-configered Esks.

I'm sure Rider defensive coordinator Richie Hall will have more than a few things to say about facing off against his old team. Let's hope he puts those things into action - like a few interceptions, knock downs and sacks.

I'm interested to see how long Ricky Ray lasts. When Hall was last with the Riders it seemed we had Ray's number. And we all know how rattled he gets if you lay a couple of sacks on him. Will we see former Rider Grey Cup MVP Kerry Joseph taking snaps by game's end?

Hard to say.

Seven starters are out of the line-up for the Riders. Which is weird for a first game of the season. Talk about a rough off-season!


Things to look for:

We need our QB to get into a rhythm with his receivers - particularly Nunn (88), Wheelright (85), and Hill (80) - within the first quarter. The newbies will need to keep their wits about them and get their head in the game. They've got big shoes to fill.

As well, Dressy will need to be on the same page as the Double D and give him lots of options to get down the field.

Also, Eddie Johnson has got to prove he's more than a pretty face and give us good field position each kick off and, when called upon, punch it through the uprights! Field goals can win football games, so he's got to dig deep and get 'er done.

The most fun I will have will be watching the sidelines to see how the new coaching staff fit in. Especially Coach Marshall. He's a passionate guy and he'll make sure his "No excuses" message gets across loud and clear on the field.

All in all I wanna see how everything fits together. I want to see a convincing win.

I wanna see some Rider football!

Cheer long. Cheer loud! GO GREEN!