Halloween weekend has come and gone in the Canadian Football League and really nothing scary happened. True, the Toronto Argonauts dressed up as the Saskatchewan RoughRiders and were mauled 24 - 6 by the Hamilton TigerCats.
But despite that Wally Buono and his Lions did the Riders a favour by losing to the Calgary Stampeders 28 - 26. So when the Halloween apples have all been counted what it amounts to is the Riders still have a shot at first place and hosting a Western final for the first time in, well can anyone remember the last time the Riders hosted a Western final. Granted its a tall order.
The Riders must defeat Henry Burris and the Stampeders to accomplish that, and of course that task will be easier said then done.
Its tough to try and figure out why the Riders imploded so badly against Hamilton. Even more worrisome is the fact that the coaching staff doesn't seem to be at all concerned.
The Riders lack of a premier running back doesn't worry Ken Miller. He calls Wes Cates a thoroughbred despite that fact that Cates and the Riders are dead last in every category that relates to running the ball. Come playoff time with wintery conditions a team without a running game doesn't go far.
Quarterbacking doesn't seem to concern Miller either. Darian Durant is still the man despite a dreadful performance against Hamilton. No problem with that. Durant should be. But will Miller continue to wait until its to late before he replaces him.
And can his replacement, Steven Jyles get the job done. It didn't look that way against Hamilton.
Didn't hear the coach comment on his offensive line but that too probably is no concern despite giving up six quarterback sacks.
In the other games this weekend the Edmonton Eskimos pounded the Toronto Argonauts 36 - 10 and Montreal defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 48 - 13. My record on predictions this weekend. An horrible 1 - 3 record.
Oh and unlike Coach Miller and the Riders, I am concern.
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