CFL Week 4 Picks:

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Well I after a dismal week 2 I rebounded with a four-for-four week three and improved my overall season record to 9-and-3. Here’s my shot at improving my record with my week three picks:

WEEK 4 CFL Predictions:

Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers:

Argos: (LW 39-28 loss vs. SK. Record 1-2 T 1st EAST)

Bombers: (LW 25-20 loss @ HAM. Record 1-2 Tied 1st East)

This will be the first meeting of the season between the Bombers and the Argonauts and just the second game at Investors Group Field in the Manitoba Capital. Both teams are coming off of week three losses and looking to assert themselves in the very tight East Division. Perhaps of more importance to the Bombers is that this is the fourth time that they have played a divisional opponent and in the long run this meets can determine play-off spots and positioning.

THREE KEYS:

The Bomber offence needs to show more balance. The positive that I saw from the Bombers loss last week was a bigger commitment to the run game. That balance will be vital in keeping the Argo defence honest and provide more time in the pocket for Buck Pierce.

The Argonaut front seven have to step up. The Argos run defence was shredded to the tune of 170 yards by Kory Sheets last week. They need to prove that they can stop the run.

Toronto has to have more offensive consistency. I view last week as a down week for whatever reason for the Argo offence who didn’t have much of an opportunity to get into a grove. The use of a running game and more high percentage passes will be big for the Double Blue and I think ultimately lead them to a victory against a stingy Bomber offence.

PREDICITION: This is going to be a close game! However, the Bombers are going to remain winless at their new field after a tight victory by the visiting TORONTO ARGONAUTS.

Montreal Alouettes at Calgary Stampeders:

Als: (LW 22-14 loss vs. CGY. Record 1-2 T 1st EAST)

Stamps: (LW 22-14 win @ MTL. Record 2-1 T 2nd WEST)

This is the back half of a home and home series that saw the Stamps take the opener on the road. As of this writing it doesn’t appear as though Drew Tate will be ready for the contest so Kevin Glenn will more than likely get the call at Quarterback for the Stamps. Meanwhile, the unwraviling of the Alouettes continues last week. Can they pick up the pieces this week? That will be the biggest question!

THREE KEYS:

Can the Als find their groove? The new systems that are being implemented by the Montreal coaching staff seem to have the team out of sorts. IN addition to those systems the team is also going to have to overcome the loss of offensive lineman Scott Flory who was lost for the season last week. In addition to his veteran presence and play on the field the Als are going to miss his leadership in the locker room.

Stamps need the big D. Calgary’s offence are going to need to remain one step ahead of the Alouettes dysfunctional offence. Extra blitzes may allow Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo the opportunity for a quick read and one less think to think about in the pocket.

Special Teams. Larry Taylor is one of the best in the league at creating momentum and instant field position. I’m looking for a big game for him against his former team.

PREDICITION: There are so many moving pieces with the Als right now that they appear to be their own biggest opposition. I don’t’ seem them fixing that in a week. No matter who is under centre for the Stamps I’m taking Calgary in a walk.

 

Edmonton Eskimos at BC Lions:

Eskies: (LW 17-3 loss vs. BC. Record 1-2 4th WEST)

Leos: (LW 17-3 win @ EDM Record 2-1 T 2nd WEST)

This is the second of back-to-back games this week. This one could be the most interesting of the pair with all of the ramifications this game comes with and the pressure that Edmonton will have on them to show well in what will be favorable weather conditions for the first in two weeks.

THREE KEYS:

Hugh Charles. The Eskimos need him to the difference in this game. He has to be productive on the ground and carry a big offensive load for a group that has sputtered that last two weeks in less than favorable conditions.

Discipline. The undoing of both of these teams at times this season has been there lack of maintaining control of their emotions and at times common sense. The team with fewer flags wins hands down.

Is Reilly ready? Making his second start against his former team Edmonton Quarterback Mike Reilly needs to command the game plan and the game. He has been under duress this season with poor protection from his offensive line. He needs to have confidence in making his reads and decisions quicker.

PREDICITION: I think this game is going to be closer than many people think. However, in the end playing the game in perfect conditions will allow the B.C. Lions to win at home and give Edmonton a better idea of the uphill climb that they face with their revamped roster.

 

Hamilton Tiger Cats at Saskatchewan Roughriders:

Tabbies: (LW 25-20 win vs. WPG. Record 1-2 T1st in East)

Riders: (LW 39-28 win @ TO. Record 3-0 1st West)

This contest will feature the return of Kent Austin to Mosaic Stadium for the first time since he headed south to Ole Miss after guiding the Riders to the 2007 Grey Cup. My prediction is a hearty cheer will go up for Austin when he is introduced before it becoming game on with the Riders. Here’s what you can expect from the game.

THREE KEYS:

Drew Willy needs to step up. While it hasn’t been made official all indications point to Drew getting the start at quarterback with the injury to Darian Durant’s foot/ankle. Drew will be called upon to protect the ball and make the same reads that Durant has made thus far this season.

The Tiger Cat defensive line and linebackers needs to step up! In every game this season the Tabbies defensive front has allowed at least one big run per game. That group will need to batten down the hatches and shut down the league’s leading rusher in Kory Sheets and force the Riders to throw the ball to beat them.

Protect the Ball. As is the case in any game the team with the fewer giveaways will win. This is especially true with the two pivots in this game. Hamilton’s Henry Burris at times has a penchant for throwing ill-advised balls and inopportune picks. His opponent Drew Willy is an unknown commodity and while he needs to push the ball down the field he cannot do it recklessly.

PREDICITION: This game I believe will be the closest contest of the week. Can a Drew Willy lead Saskatchewan offense outscore a Hamilton offense that can light up the scoreboard and overcome a Ti-Cat defence that has something to prove? I say yes to both and believe that that the  Saskatchewan ‘D’ can hold Henry in check. Go with the Roughriders to win their closest game of the season in front of a full Mosaic Stadium!

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