Don’t Tempt the Football Gods

Don’t Tempt the Football Gods

Published: Saturday, Oct 28th 2017, 5:10pm

by: Stephen Safinuk (@Safimod)

Leading up to this game, the talk was all about Darian Durant and his return. Would he get a standing ovation? He did. Would he get a video tribute? He did. Would he start? He did. Would he finish the game? He did not. While I was on the “no video tribute” bandwagon before the game, I must say it was the right call. Classy move for a guy who certainly deserved it.

For the first time, Darian Durant stepped foot on the new turf at Mosaic Stadium in a night he’ll likely always remember, and one that he’d probably just as soon forget. 9/20 for 126 yards and an interception. On the plus side, he didn’t throw an interception to Duron Carter, so that’s a positive.

Lost in all the talk about Darian, was the announcement by Nik Lewis that he had played in his final game in the CFL. It seems like the perfect book end for him to end his career playing the same team he played against to start his career. It was an absolute pleasure to watch Nik Lewis play these last 14 years, and wish him all the best in the future.

Now, let’s get to the thoughts from the game:

-Chad Owens again showed why we signed him in the first place. With each game he plays, I eat a little more crow. In his 2 games so far this season, Owens has averaged almost 100 yards receiving and has been a main target for whomever is at QB.

-There were a few punt returns last night that showed Chad Owens and Christion Jones on the field together. That is unfair to opposing teams, and I love it.

-Speaking of crow, Trent Richardson served up a healthy amount to the Piffles Podcast crew. The more he plays, the better he gets. 127 yards and a pair of scores. Can’t hurt to have a big bruising running back on the roster when the weather really starts to change come playoffs

-Bakari Grant came out after the game and apologized for his fumble near the end of the first half that should have been a touchdown. Fans were quick to let him know we’re still behind him. He stands 5 yards away from 1,000 on the season. Look forward to seeing him get there next week versus Edmonton. Another touchdown to lighten Ferlin’s wallet would be OK as well.

-The 49-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Holley was magnificent. I loved the call to go for it on 3^rd and 3 and I doubt Kevin Glenn has seen an easier touchdown pass in his career.

-Rough night for Tyler Crapigna. Still went 3 for 5, and I have no doubts he will bounce back going into the playoffs.

-The 2 guys we had on the show this past week had significant plays during the game. Crezdon Butler with 5 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble and Sam Giguere with the only touchdown catch for the Als.

-The guy they had on the field for the Sask Catch U Win contest before the game was awful. They really shouldn’t let people do that drunk…. (for those who don’t know, it was me. I caught 1 of 3)

In the end, it was clear that the football Gods were on the Riders sidelines last night as the Riders move to 10-7. We were ribbed a little bit before the season when our hosts all predicted us to go 9-9 (me) or better (10-8 from the rest). The Riders are 8-3 in their last 11 games…look out CFL.

Special thanks to everyone who entered our contests for tickets last week. Glad those of you that won were treated with a pretty good football game.

Check back tomorrow for Safimod’s Power Rankings, Tuesday for Alex’s Tuesday Takes, and Wednesday when we release episode 62 of the Piffles Podcast. Until then, give us a follow on twitter (www.twitter.com/pifflespod) as well as @RealAlexD, @CFLHottieBowl, @GregOnSports and myself @Safimod