Okay. Yes, I know, I know. We lost the game today by a score of 28-17.
But as is often the case in professional sports, the score doesn't tell the whole story. In week of football that saw two teams fail so miserably in the second half the merciful thing would have been to send everybody home, we showed up with bells on and played until the final whistle.
In Calgary, the Bombers bombed so badly, they're still filling in the crater at McMahon. The final tally was Calgary 44 and Winnipeg 3. Calgary very easily could have had more points. Winnipeg looked like they'd have a tough time finding their own butts without a map. And anyone that puts Buck Glass-jaw Pierce behind that offensive line, should face a lawsuit. My word. If I were Buck, I think I might throw myself down the stairs on the way to practice this week.
Meanwhile, in Edmonton they were down to their third stringer at QB after KJ and Jyles failed to ignite the water-logged offense. Injury was the reason given for the switch up. After QB Nichols was carted away on a stretcher after getting himself concussed (seriously, dude, learn to slide!), ship really starting to take on water. Though KJ found healing and got back into the game, it didn't help. Edmonton got swamped 51-8 by Hamilton.
(And side note to the Ti-cats: you weren't as good as the score indicated. Trust me.)
So then we came to the final game of the week and I have to admit I was quaking in my boots. Montreal was coming off of their own spanking last week and I was pretty sure we'd get taken to the woodshed as they say.
However, that didn't happen. After the Als got off to a quick start and two touch downs, the defense locked it down. And they locked it down good. I'm telling you by the third quarter AC looked pretty... well.. average. I've never seen so many two-and-outs. Our defense kept the mighty Als and their legend-in-the-making QB to just two measly field goals in the second half.
Everybody on defense gets a bit fat booyah from this Rider Chick! Talk about domination! That was just flat out awesome.
Sadly, the deficit was too much for our anemic offense to overcome. Back up QB Drew Willy, getting his first professional start, looked like a back up QB getting his first professional start. And that's not to dog on the guy. He looked like he needs more game time, practice time and just time in general. He's a great quarterback and I have no doubt there are great things in his future. Unfortunately, today was not going to be a win.
Willy threw for 225 yards, one TD and two interceptions. Not a bad effort. If I were grading this, I'd give him a solid C.
All of this to say... don't panic, Rider Nation. This team is good and there are still wins to come this season. We just have to remember we've got rookie players, rookie coaches and a team still trying to gel after the debacle that was 2011. We are light years ahead of that. Watching the CFL routs this week was a very good look at just how bad things were last year at this time.
And to all the Durant-haters out there: Can we finally put the "Play Willy" meme to rest? The dude just isn't ready. With Durant behind centre today, I bet you the farm, we win. Handily. And Montreal would crying in their poutine right now.
Cheer long. Cheer loud. Go GREEN!
