September 3, 2011
Dave Campbell
ESKS.com
When things go bad at your job, some time away can prove to be a good tonic. If you’re a professional football team who couldn’t seem to do anything wrong for five weeks and then all of the sudden looks like the modern day version of the Keystone Cops, a break can go one of two ways. First, you might be happy to get away and forget about a three game losing streak (the horrific tale of the tape is coming shortly; you might want to sit down). Secondly, you might be stewing over the loss during the time off and running the risk of driving your wife, kids, and family in general crazy.
Quarterback Ricky Ray says the bye-week came at the right time especially considering the number of injuries the club is dealing with right now. “I think it came at a good time for us, just where we’re at as a football team,” Ray said. “We had a lot of injuries heading into the bye-week. Guys got another week to heal up. And mentally too. Physically you’re beat up all year long, but mentally it gives you the chance to refresh your batteries and get ready for the second half of the season.”
The CFL’s second half officially begins on Labour Day as the Eskimos play the Calgary Stampeders in their traditional Monday afternoon matchup from McMahon Stadium.
The Eskimos’ current three-game losing streak has produced with some very ugly numbers (now it’s time to sit down). The Eskimos have been outscored 91-21. After surrendering only seven quarterback sacks in the first five games, the dam has ruptured to the tune of 18 sacks allowed in three games. The Eskimos haven’t scored a touchdown in their last eleven quarters. Eskimo quarterbacks have thrown eight interceptions.
Rock bottom happened at home right before the bye-week, losing 36-1 to the BC Lions. The lowest number of points scored by the Eskimos in Commonwealth Stadium history. The Eskimos had to rush in three new starting receivers in Prechae Rodriguez, Dobson Collins and Ryan Grice-Mullen. All had less than a week to prepare which made it difficult for Ricky Ray to run a full offense.
“It just makes things tougher when you have to bring new guys in and try to teach them the offense and get them up to speed in a week,” explained Ray. “That’s what we we were dealt with heading into those two games before the bye week. Trying to shuffle guys around and bring new guys in and trying to develop a rhythm in such a short period of time.”
It would benefit Ricky Ray and Offensive Coordinator Marcus Crandell to have a healthy line-up again. When you have players who haven’t been around long and you’re forced to play them because that’s all you have, you’re playbook is pretty thin. It looks like Adarius Bowman will be ready to play after missing four games with cracked ribs. Rookie Marcus Henry, who has already proven to be a reliable target for Ray, is due back after missing a game with a concussion. Fred Stamps practiced this week but will be held out Monday still dealing with injury.
Even though the Eskimos really need Stamps back in their line-up, Head Coach Kavis Reed is making the right decision by not playing his best offensive weapon. With the Labour Day matchup five days later back in Edmonton and the potential of that game deciding the season series with the Stampeders, it’s best to give Stamps the extra few days.
All the Eskimos can do now is not whine about who they don’t have, don’t suck your thumb, and don’t play the “woe is me” card. Go to Calgary on Monday and fight like hell for a win with the horses you have.
The Eskimos need to take care of their own business because the team across from them on Monday, well they just don’t give a crap about the Eskimos’ problems.
They just want the two points any way they can get them.
NOTES: After missing the last four games with an ankle injury, defensive end Greg Peach will make his return to the line-up. The club has lost centre Aaron Fiacconi for the rest of the season with an injured shoulder. Left guard Patrick Kabongo will not start on Monday, Brian Ramsay will play left guard. Chris Patrick will start at right tackle. The Eskimos will be without cornerbacks Rod Williams and Jykine Bradley because of injuries. The team signed import defensive back CJ Bailey, a late cut at training camp. He’s expected to start in the secondary. The team released wide receiver Ryan Grice-Mullen and defensive back Wopamo Osaisai. The Eskimos have won just one Labour Day matchup in the last five meetings.