Alex’s CFL Tuesday Takes – June 5, 2018

Alex’s CFL Tuesday Takes – June 5, 2018

Published: Tuesday, Jun 5th 2018, 12:06pm

by Alex Dormuth (@RealAlexD)

Riders in Humboldt

What a beautiful day in Humboldt on Sunday and I’m not just talking about the weather. The Saskatchewan Roughriders held their practice in the small town, but more importantly, had a community BBQ and took time to meet, sign autographs and take pictures with fans. All of the sights and sounds showed everyone smiling and having a great time and that was important as this is a community that hasn’t had much to smile about the past few months after that terrible bus crash.

Good on you Riders, you did a great, classy thing and I personally hope that when you win the Grey Cup this year, your flight back to Saskatchewan stops in Humboldt first.

The team also announced that the home game on June 30^th against Montreal will be their Humboldt Strong game. It will be an emotional night for everyone, but it will be nice to see over 30,000 people show their support for the Humboldt Broncos.

Johnny Preseason

Well that was the absolute worst thing that could have happened to Jeremiah Masoli. He had a TERRIBLE preseason game against Toronto and then Johnny Manziel comes in and went 9/11 for 80 yards and had 2 runs for 10 yards. The Ticats didn’t really let him throw downfield at all, but I imagine that will change in the 2^nd preseason game.

The leash on Masoli is incredibly short and the Ticats didn’t bring Manziel in to backup. They brought him in to start.

Sure you were annoyed TSN basically only talked about Manziel the entire game, but he sells the game to the casual fan… I mean I saw quite a few more Manziel jerseys than I did Masoli…

And now TSN will air the Ticats week 2 preseason game against Montreal. YES, because of Manziel. But temper your anger for a minute. TSN’s french affiliate RDS was already slated to broadcast the game, so it’s not like TSN is sending a whole crew out there now. All they have to send is English speaking broadcasters. But guess what, 10am on a Saturday… I know I’ll be watching and so will a lot of other people.

Hardcore CFL fans are sick of him and I totally get it. But we will watch no matter what. The league and TSN knows this. This is all about the casual and the non-viewers. This is GREAT for the league.

No doubt in my mind that Manziel is Hamilton’s starter by Week 5, especially if Hamilton or Masoli start slow. It’s #ComebackSZN

Tre Mason

The latest big name signing by the Riders… I LOVE this move. Even though he showed decent in the first preseason game, I’m not a fan of Zac Stacy. Marcus Thigpen will split time with Jerome Messam this year, so the Riders really only need a backup for the first couple games of the season while Thigpen is suspended and I REALLY hope it’s Mason. This kid (still only 24) can RUN! He was a good runner in limited time in St. Louis with the NFL’s Rams and he could definitely be a game changer for this team if he sees the field. I would be extremely happy if he ended up being our starting running back next year and beyond.

BY A PUNTER??

Getting tackled by a punter or kicker is bad enough as it is… but to do that in your job interview… AND FUMBLE THE BALL TOO?? Amir Carlisle of the Montreal Alouettes had a great looking punt return against Ottawa on Thursday night in their preseason game… until he got hit by Punter Richie Leone… who forced Carlisle to fumble and lose the ball. Good return, but C’MON MAN! Let’s get you a band-aid because you’re so cut.

Crisis Averted

I HATE seeing players get hit by injury, especially star players. It sure looked like Ottawa REDBLACKS QB Trevor Harris suffered a significant knee injury. Luckily for him and REDBLACKS fans, it isn’t serious and he appears to be on track to play in Week 1. Good thing too, because without him, Ottawa isn’t close to a playoff team and would battle Montreal for the basement suite in the CFL House.

Game Week in Saskatchewan

FINALLY, after 7 long months, we have a game in Saskatchewan! Sure it’s preseason, but still, there’s nothing like game day in Regina. Can’t wait to get into my new seats and see Zach Collaros take his first snap as the Riders starting QB and how he does with the #1 unit.

I’m also looking forward to Chris Jones putting Duron Carter out on defense again when Bo Levi Mitchell is on the field. Wonder if we will see another pick-6?

*** Don’t forget to enter the 2018 Piffles Podcast Fan Contest! Running all season, we want to hear more about YOU, the GREAT Rider fans! What does Rider Pride mean to you? How did you become a fan? Who’s your favourite player? We would like to ask you these questions and more and share your story with ALL of Rider Nation! We have over $2,500 in prizes to give away and we would love to learn more about the passionate fans that make up Riderville! To enter, fill out the questionaire and you are qualified! 20 Weekly Winners will be drawn throughout the season and EVERYONE that enters is put into the Grand Prize Draw to be made during the final week of the CFL regular season! ***