Stephen: Forecast should be least of Stamps' concerns
Is there any chance the CFL could move the Western Final up to Friday afternoon? Probably not, but given the fact that Calgary’s fickle weather is about to strike, it might not be a bad idea.The Stampeders have practiced in sunny, above-normal temperatures in the week leading up to Sunday’s game, but snow and much cooler temperatures are in the works for the weekend.The conditions will be nothing like the cruel weather that was present during the 2010 Division Final, but they will still be a factor in the game.Stampeders coach John Hufnagel knows his team will have to adapt to whatever conditions are thrown their way. Hufnagel said his biggest worries were having adequate practice conditions during the week and minimal wind on the weekend. By the looks of it, he might have one of those wishes fulfilled.The Stampeders have spent the week sorting out their receiving corps. The absence of leading receiver Marquay McDaniel has again forced a change to the unit. When the dust settles, the Stampeders may end up with a very large set of targets. Jabari Arthur, Jeff Fuller, Maurice Price, Brad Sinopoli and Joe West are all well over six feet tall. That fact may give them a competitive advantage on the smaller Saskatchewan defensive backs.West, in particular, is excited for the opportunity to tangle with the Roughriders. He has twice been on the injured list with a balky shoulder this season. Related Links Lewis Back on the Practice Field Western Final Playoff Centre Buy: Western Final tickets The Stampeders are also working on shoring up the interior of their defensive line. During their last outing,Cheap NFL Jerseys, Nov. 1 in Vancouver, they lost both of their interior linemen to injuries in Demonte’ Bolden and Micah Johnson. That leaves the team auditioning candidates for the post. Fred Bishop, Etienne Legare and Junior Turner among others are under consideration for the vacant spots.There is no doubt the Stampeders will have to concentrate on stopping the run. Quarterback Darian Durant took over the Western Semi-Final with his rushing abilities. His top two rushing seasons also correspond to Saskatchewan’s last two Grey Cup appearances. That’s hardly a coincidence.Calgary will also be waiting to see if receiver Chris Getzlaf suits up for Saskatchewan. He has made a great career just out of his play against the Stampeders. In his last 18 games against Calgary, he has 70 catches and 11 touchdowns. Not bad production at all.The Stampeders will enter the game as favourites. After all, they’re at home, they have the league’s best regular season record, and captured the season series against Saskatchewan. However, the Stampeders are well aware of how volatile things can be in a one game showdown. In their four previous Western Finals under John Hufnagel, the team has won at home (2008 vs. Saskatchewan), won on the road (2012 at British Columbia), lost at home (2010 vs. Saskatchewan) and lost on the road (2009 at Saskatchewan). Anything can, and often does happen in a one game showdown.Oh and by the way, the forecast high for the Monday and Tuesday following the game? A high of 4 on Monday and 8 on Tuesday. Fickle forecast indeed.
Is there any chance the CFL could move the Western Final up to Friday afternoon? Probably not, but given the fact that Calgary’s fickle weather is about to strike, it might not be a bad idea.The Stampeders have practiced in sunny, above-normal temperatures in the week leading up to Sunday’s game, but snow and much cooler temperatures are in the works for the weekend.The conditions will be nothing like the cruel weather that was present during the 2010 Division Final, but they will still be a factor in the game.Stampeders coach John Hufnagel knows his team will have to adapt to whatever conditions are thrown their way. Hufnagel said his biggest worries were having adequate practice conditions during the week and minimal wind on the weekend. By the looks of it, he might have one of those wishes fulfilled.The Stampeders have spent the week sorting out their receiving corps. The absence of leading receiver Marquay McDaniel has again forced a change to the unit. When the dust settles, the Stampeders may end up with a very large set of targets. Jabari Arthur, Jeff Fuller, Maurice Price, Brad Sinopoli and Joe West are all well over six feet tall. That fact may give them a competitive advantage on the smaller Saskatchewan defensive backs.West, in particular, is excited for the opportunity to tangle with the Roughriders. He has twice been on the injured list with a balky shoulder this season. Related Links Lewis Back on the Practice Field Western Final Playoff Centre Buy: Western Final tickets The Stampeders are also working on shoring up the interior of their defensive line. During their last outing,Cheap NFL Jerseys, Nov. 1 in Vancouver, they lost both of their interior linemen to injuries in Demonte’ Bolden and Micah Johnson. That leaves the team auditioning candidates for the post. Fred Bishop, Etienne Legare and Junior Turner among others are under consideration for the vacant spots.There is no doubt the Stampeders will have to concentrate on stopping the run. Quarterback Darian Durant took over the Western Semi-Final with his rushing abilities. His top two rushing seasons also correspond to Saskatchewan’s last two Grey Cup appearances. That’s hardly a coincidence.Calgary will also be waiting to see if receiver Chris Getzlaf suits up for Saskatchewan. He has made a great career just out of his play against the Stampeders. In his last 18 games against Calgary, he has 70 catches and 11 touchdowns. Not bad production at all.The Stampeders will enter the game as favourites. After all, they’re at home, they have the league’s best regular season record, and captured the season series against Saskatchewan. However, the Stampeders are well aware of how volatile things can be in a one game showdown. In their four previous Western Finals under John Hufnagel, the team has won at home (2008 vs. Saskatchewan), won on the road (2012 at British Columbia), lost at home (2010 vs. Saskatchewan) and lost on the road (2009 at Saskatchewan). Anything can, and often does happen in a one game showdown.Oh and by the way, the forecast high for the Monday and Tuesday following the game? A high of 4 on Monday and 8 on Tuesday. Fickle forecast indeed.
