Leos/Stamps WDF Keys to the Game

[Blitz]

The time is near to see whether our Leos, the best team in the CFL this season will get a return trip to the Big Dance or whether the Calgary Stampeders, the hottest team in the CFL over the past 12 regular season games and coming off a miracle finish against the Riders will be the Western rep instead.

Both teams have proven stars and both teams have all the necessary elements to win this game. The story lines have been written, the stats perused, the background of Western Finals reviewed, the records of both squads playing head to head this season analyzed.

Its exciting and nerve racking as we await for the whistle to begin tomorrow's game. Here are my keys to the game,

1. GET OFF TO A GOOD START

Our Leos had offensive struggles in the first quarter in too many games this season but finally got those slow offensive starts solved just before Travis Lulay hurt his shoulder. Lulay has only played less than one half of a game since October 12th. We need to move the football on offence early and our defense needs to be rock solid early. We need to have the crowd in the game early. A good start or at least not a bad start is very important.

2. THEY ARE GOING TO BRING THE HEAT

With Lulay a bit rusty and vets like Simon and Bruce playing slotback the Stamps will bring the heat early and will employ tight defensive coverage. We will need to combat that style of defense with smart offence. That will include getting the football out quickly, moving the pocket, picking up blitzes, using the run effectivevly, getting the ball to Harris in the passing game. The interior of our line needs to have a good game, Lulay needs to use all of our weapons and not lock in on our vet slotbacks, and all of our offensive receivers need to play well.

3. BIG PLAYS WIN GAMES

Whether its a couple of key turnovers or a couple of spectacular catches or a few impressive individual plays, most big football games come down to 5 or 6 key plays. Both squads have players who can make them. The ones who do will play a very important role in the outcome. Sometimes these plays are made by players who are not expected to make them.

4. PRESSURE KILLS

Big games are not won by the timid and the ultra-conservative. In a tight game, its the courageous and the aggressor who usually wins. Yes, turnovers have to be avoided but no one wins these big games by playing not to lose.

STRATEGY IS A KEY TO TWO EQUALLY MATCHED TEAMS

Football is a very different game than any other, in that after each and every play, action stops, and a new strategy is implemented. Coaching is more significant in football than in any other sport because of that. Yes, players have to make plays and exceptional plays are difference makers.

But in a big knock out game like this, its often strategy that is the biggest difference maker. Hufnagel, Dickenson, Benevedes, Stubler and Chapdelaine are as important or more than any players who will be putting on the cleats tomorrow. Chap needs to use all facets of our offence and Stubler needs to throw the kitchen sink at Glenn. Half time adjustments are also important as is play calling on both sides of the football.

Brains and brawn, poise and execution under pressure, talent and courage, intelligence and guts are the elements, when combined that determine a champion.

WRAP

Both teams know what is at stake. So do all of us who will be at the game cheering on our Leos. Its been a wonderful season. I want to write the keys to the game, for the Grey Cup game, with our Leos playing in it. Tomorrow is going to be a very exciting day. The maple leaves are mostly on the ground and November spells football, CFL style, with my favorite football color - orange on full display. Its going to be very, very exciting.

Enjoy the game fellow Lionbackers!!!

[1greatmysticbushape]

kick'em where the sun don't shine.

[sj-roc]

kick'em where the sun don't shine.

Cornish actually gets lots of sunshine in that area so that could be a confusing assignment when he gets the ball.

[joewillie63]

Its going to come down to us stoppng cornish

[TheLionKing]

I agree with Blitz that Calgary will be bringing the heat. Imperative that Chapdelaine move the pocket and have an effective anti blitz package. Make them pay each and every time they blitz

[David]

Its going to come down to us stoppng cornish

For me, it comes down to our O-line. They're simply going to have to give Travis time to find open receivers, open holes for Harris, and ensure Travis doesn't re-injure his shoulder.

The Stamps will no doubt score their share of points. They've averaged nearly 34 points a game (33.6) for the last 9 games. Even if we hold them to 22 points like we did last time the two teams played at BC Place, our patchwork O-line will have to perform at a high level to ensure we score more than they do.


DH

[Rammer]

kick'em where the sun don't shine.

Cornish actually gets lots of sunshine in that area so that could be a confusing assignment when he gets the ball.

I think that Khalif Mitchell has more than a kick lined up for him.

[1greatmysticbushape]

the beast must feast. (good one sj-roc)

[bc49]

4. PRESSURE KILLS Big games are not won by the timid and the ultra-conservative. In a tight game, its the courageous and the aggressor who usually wins.

Agree agree! This is why I think the Stamps chances took a major hit when Tate went down. Drew has that walking on the edge mentality and the confidence and aggression (maybe youthful exuberance) to attempt a play that a conservative vet like Glenn would think better of. To beat the Leos at home you have to come in all cowboy hat and hell bent.

[Rodu]

-protect Lulay; playing an over the hill bakup guard, banged up Angus and the only thing worse than Dean Valli(injured Dean Valli) our interior three will be tested by Calgary's D
-need big games from guys not Arland Bruce and Geroy Simon; both will be rusty, so someone like Gore will have to step up
-exploit Calgary's injuries

[D]

kick'em where the sun don't shine.

the roof will be closed

[B.C.FAN]

The Lions are rested and ready. The crowd will be loud and proud. As long as the Lions protect the ball and defend against the big play, including the hitch screen to Price, they'll be fine.

[South Pender]

The Lions are rested and ready. The crowd will be loud and proud.

The crowd could well be one factor. Any idea at this point what size crowd is expected?

[sj-roc]

The Lions are rested and ready. The crowd will be loud and proud.

The crowd could well be one factor. Any idea at this point what size crowd is expected?

Skulsky on 1040 this morning didn't offer a specific figure for ticket sales but threw out 45k expected, could be more, could be less. Check the attendance thread.

[Hawkballer 14]

Score more than Calgary. Done.

I don't give a hoot about style points, just F'n win.