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 Posted 5/14/2008 2:00:00 PM
The return game supplied one of the big highlights of 2007. On Thanksgiving Monday vs Saskatchewan, Marcus Howell ran a punt back 96 yards for a touchdown. It was the first Stamps punt return for a touchdown in four years. Outside of that spectacular play, the best way to describe the Stampeders return game would be steady. Never spectacular but always making some yards. The team had a better net on returns than their opponents. Yet there was always a feeling the return units weren't delivering the big, game-changing play. Marcus Howell did virtually all of the return work in 2007. He was good but could also use some regular help. To that end, the team brought in Nate Curry, (ex-Hamilton) to spur some competition. They are also hoping that defensive back Calvin Bannister returns to health to supply some help for Howell. The cover units were very solid all season long. Special teams wedge-buster Matt Groetegoed and speedy defensive back Brandon Browner made life tough for opposing return units. Bottom line? The special team work (kick/cover) was good last year. However, there is room for improvement in the return area....
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Posted 5/13/2008 3:00:00 PM
New head coach/GM John Hufnagel has vowed to bring in tough competition at every position. He's been true to his word everywhere except in the kicking department. To drag in a punter and kicker for training camp would be a waste of a training camp roster space. In short, the Stampeders are set with PK Sandro DeAngelis and P Burke Dales. DeAngelis had a productive 2007, just not up to the standards of 2006. One reason for his dropoff in points was the fact the Stamps scored more touchdowns and didn't settle for field goals. That made his stats seem less gaudy and cost him a deserved spot on the all-CFL team. Make no mistake, however. DeAngelis is the best in the league. Burke Dales had to survive a bizarre two-punter set up last year. Feel free to ask why the team needed to pay two punters all year. Through all the nonsense Dales persevered. Now he is ready to take on the duties by himself. He has worked himself into great shape. He has dedicated himself to improving his directional punting. Sounds like he is on his way to a successful 2008. Kicking is the least of the Stamps worries entering 2008. ...
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Posted 5/12/2008 3:00:00 PM
We are at the one-quarter point of the major league baseball season and no manger has walked the plank. Don't be surprised if first down the plank is Toronto's John Gibbons. Fair? Probably not. Likely to happen? I think he will be lucky to survive until Victoria Day. A couple of things on the team. First, they are not hitting. The team has suffered a prolific drop in home runs from a year ago. That power drop is compounded by the lack of production with runners in scoring position. Put the two together and that requires Toronto's pitching to be at the top of their game every night. The pitcher has been near the top of the American League all season, but that is too much pressure to put on a team every night. While Gibbons may receive the hook, much of the blame can be placed at the feet of General Manger J.P. Riccardi. The roster he has assembled seems to consist of a bunch of good glove men with four left fielders. Strange line-up indeed. Fans are rightly tired of heard about how great the Blue Jays will be one day. Patience is very low. That combination of circumstances may lead...
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