Hartley Miller's Slap Shots - November 12th, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010 03:45 AM
As the BC Lions get ready to enter the CFL playoffs, I would like to draw an analogy between Sunday’s West Division semi-final against Saskatchewan, and gambling, in that the Lions are playing with “house money”.
The Lions’ season has been both tumultuous and controversial. It seemed like the Lions were buried so many times this season, and therefore, it is hard to imagine they have gone this far. Who could forget the seven game losing streak after a season opening win? Then, there was the Casey Printers quarterback debacle that eventually led to his release. As well, the Lions did not control their own destiny heading into their final two games. In fact, they needed wins over Saskatchewan and Hamilton, and Edmonton to lose its final game in Saskatchewan. In the end, the universe unraveled and B.C. got its wish.
The Lions may not be the best team in the CFL, but they are interesting and the kind of a team one does not want to face. They are on a roll; quarterback Travis Lulay is maturing; their rookie laden roster now has experience and is beaming with confidence; the team is relatively healthy, and they now carry a carefree swagger.
So, do not be fooled by the Lions’ 8-10 record. They have won three in a row and have just one loss in regulation in their last 10. The Lions are the only road team to have won in Calgary and that happened twice. In addition, B.C. was one of two teams to have won in Montreal (38-17 score). In fact, the Lions compiled a 5-4 road record compared to 3-6 at home, so perhaps it is better they are the visitors the rest of the way.
Okay, I am sure the doubters will suggest that the Lions were crushed twice by Saskatchewan in the regular season (37-18 July 10th and 37-13 August 12th). That may be true, but this happened literally three and four months ago. I’m sorry, old news. The two teams just played on Halloween afternoon and BC won that game over Saskatchewan 23-17.
While the Lions were surging at the end, the Riders were limping to a 1-4 mark in their last five games. Yes, Saskatchewan has Rider pride, is favored, and should win, but remember B.C. does not have pressure and has nothing to lose. These types of teams are “sleepers”, and often the most dangerous opponents.
For this game, all bets are off, unless, of course, you have a “house” to lose.
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Most of the NFL teams have reached the midway point of their regular season schedule. Dallas, Minnesota, Arizona, Cincinnati and San Diego were in the playoffs last season, but this year, all five have losing records.
Most of the NFL teams have reached the midway point of their regular season schedule. Dallas, Minnesota, Arizona, Cincinnati and San Diego were in the playoffs last season, but this year, all five have losing records.
What about those Cowboys? They were boasting about not only hosting the 2011 Super Bowl,
but playing in that game as well. Yet, they sit with one win in eight games, which cost Head Coach Wade Phillips his job.
but playing in that game as well. Yet, they sit with one win in eight games, which cost Head Coach Wade Phillips his job.
At the start of the season, the 49’ers were highly touted; however, San Francisco is just 2-6.
On the other hand, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and St Louis, were doormats last year and were suppose to be too young to contend this year. However, all three of these teams are at or near the top in their division. In addition, even Oakland has a winning record.
Last season’s two best teams, New Orleans and Indianapolis, remain elite clubs, but each sit with three losses, nowhere near the level of 2009 when they sat 8-0 at this time.
Last season’s two best teams, New Orleans and Indianapolis, remain elite clubs, but each sit with three losses, nowhere near the level of 2009 when they sat 8-0 at this time.
Additionally, there also seems to be a common belief that the AFC is stronger than the NFC because they have more elite teams. That thought is not necessarily true even though NFC teams are just 17-21 against the AFC this year.
If this theory is true, then how does one explain Green Bay beating the New York Jets and New Orleans doubling the score on Pittsburgh in week 8 when both the Jets and Steelers were 5-1 at the time?
What does all of this mean? Parity? Mediocrity? I am not sure. Just when one thinks New England may
be emerging as the top club, they lose to Cleveland. I think it is evident at mid season; there is no clear cut best team in each conference. (All clubs have now suffered at least two losses). I suppose that is what the second half and the playoffs will tell us.
be emerging as the top club, they lose to Cleveland. I think it is evident at mid season; there is no clear cut best team in each conference. (All clubs have now suffered at least two losses). I suppose that is what the second half and the playoffs will tell us.
I am sure the next thing people will say is that Randy Moss will lead Tennessee to the Super Bowl. Well, in this year’s NFL, anything is possible, even “Remember the Titans.”
From the Quote Rack:
So even crossing the border didn't help the woeful Buffalo Bills, who lost to the Chicago Bears, 22-19, in Toronto.
Maybe next time they visit Canada the Bills should look for a more evenly matched opponent - wonder if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers might be available?
During their bye week, 49ers coach Mike Singletary and quarterback Alex Smith took the opportunity to swipe at each other. Wonder how long it will take for one or both of them to have a "bye-bye" week.Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)
Maybe next time they visit Canada the Bills should look for a more evenly matched opponent - wonder if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers might be available?
During their bye week, 49ers coach Mike Singletary and quarterback Alex Smith took the opportunity to swipe at each other. Wonder how long it will take for one or both of them to have a "bye-bye" week.Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)
Amazon is buying Diapers.com. Some insiders call it a rash decision.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones fired head coach Wade Phillips. Wade tried to carry the box of personal items from his desk to his car, but he fumbled them 4 times.Comedy writer Jerry Perisho http://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/
Wrangler has cut back its television advertisements featuring Brett Favre. Wrangler said it wants a spokesperson who can keep his jeans on.
Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Jared Allen of the Vikings has authored a collection of meals for hunters called the Quarterback Killer's Cookbook. It is not to be confused with Brad Childress's recipes for disaster.
There is now a chance for WalMart workers to further their education in a new venue called WalMart U. They are currently ranked 144th in the latest BCS polls.
There was a collision during a Wisconsin high school cross-country meet between a deer and a sophomore named Sarah Glidden. The deer was listed as a Jane Doe.
Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
Gonzaga basketball star Steven Gray has landed a secondary role in an on-campus Shakespeare production.
Gray's biggest on-court quandary this season: To three, or not to three?
Gray's biggest on-court quandary this season: To three, or not to three?
Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times
And in case you missed it:
Edmonton Eskimos punter Derek Schiavone earned the nickname Shank after he hit an 18 yarder against Saskatchewan. It’s like being a golfer named Whiff, a tennis player named Fault or a Maple Leaf called Next One.
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)
Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com.
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Good points made about the Lions. I will add that in 2000 the Leos finished 8-10 and won it all. And in 2001, Buono's Stamps were languishing in the cellar at 5-9. They also went on to win three of their last four and then beat the 14-4 Bombers in the Cup. And they did so with a fairly green QB named Marcus Crandell.
Once you are in, anything can happen.
RJ Currie