Riders vs. Stampeders: Preseason Game 1

Monday the CFL preseason opens with the Riders in Calgary. At this point I do feel obligated to join the masses who point out that giving the Riders a bye in the final week of the preseason and the first week of the regular season, such that your defending champions disappear from the spotlight for close to a month is so stupid it would not even make the cut in the Manitoba education system. 

With 2 preseason games in 5 days (also stupid) I expect a heavy dose of the newer players in the first game and saving the veterans for the “home” game. That means plenty of opportunity for the young guys… and likely plenty of reason why the game won’t be shown on TV.

Offensively all eyes will clearly be on the QBs. Can Coan establish himself as a viable #2? Can Stevens be more than just a runner? Can Schager shown enough to stick around? How many reps will old man Harris try and sneak himself in for against coach’s wishes? Normally RB would be something to watch but there is no battle there. Ouelette will start, Hudon is the utility back up and Anderson is waiting in the wings in case of injury. This game will be a good chance to evaluate what we have for OL depth. Our starters will be rock solid. But I would feel better seeing at least one or 2 of the back-ups hold their own (preferably without actually holding). In particular Andersen and Bell our 2 most recent draft picks is what I will be watching. American receiver remains a wide open competition. Janneh and Jaylen Johnson are the ones that most intrigue me. 

Defensively its all about D-end. I have been harping on it all offseason and will continue to until I have seen some consistent pressure off the end. The reports out of camp are that Desmond Evans is the guy to watch. As the tallest guy on defense he should be easy to spot. I’ll be curious to see who gets significant reps at AJ Allen’s old LB spot. Woods appears to have the inside track on the starting spot but Miller is still in the mix. Also curious to see what guys like Straker and Wiebe can do with some time on defense. Both have bided them time as special teamers and like Allen could be ready to step into a larger role. Secondary is all about seeing what we have for depth. We all want to see first round pick Malcom Bell but I’m tempering expectations given that he was a late arrival camp and played American ball his whole career (he'll need some time to adjust to things). Oladipo and Hollis are also names that keep popping up so keep an eye out for them. 

More than even special teams will be a focal point. Not only do we have a kicker battle going on between Kim and Hale. We have a new snapper. He may get better in year 2 but Jesse Mirco was never more than a mediocre punter last year. Will Chapman push him? Can either of them hold? With the consistency of Hus and Lauther (ok not towards the end but generally speaking) we have been spoiled these last few years. Prepare yourself for some sloppiness (and I’m not just talking about me after I try and drink a preseason game pretty).

I am just happy football is back. Even if its low grade preseasons ball being played by the future unemployed it it’s a great way to spend a holiday Monday.