My choices for the Rider's most valuable players - to date

I never was a fan of the term Banjo Bowl for this rematch between the Riders and Bombers. I know it helps with the hype and in marketing the game. Winnipeg needs to do everything possible to keep their fans interested after the way their season has played out so far.

The Rider's 52-0 win in Sunday has really invigorated Saskatchewan fans once again. Folks are back on the bandwagon and I know I am in the same frame of mind as when the Riders started the season 3-0. I am hoping that one win would get the team back on track, instill some more confidence in them and give them some momentum for the rest of the season.

So now that we are half way through the season, its time to pick out the top performers to date. I know there is a lot of football to play yet, but if the best performance awards were handed out today, these would be my choices:

Most Outstanding Player - Kory Sheets

Although one could consider both Darian Durant and Weston Dressler, at this point Kory Sheets is my choice. Sheets has shown that his pre-season performance was not a flash in the plan. His play has been outstanding and he gives the Rider's the potential of a big play every time he touches the ball. His rushing stats have always been at the top (or close to) the league leaders, and he should easily break 1000 rushing yards for the season. He can be equally as dangerous as a received and his yards after catch numbers must be pretty good. Maybe one can argue that his blocking skills needed improvement, but I think that he has improved in this area since the start of the year. The only thing that I would like see is the play calling give him more touches. Nevertheless, because of the consistent, all round performances game after game, he has been the Riders most outstanding player player so far.

Most Outstanding Defensive Player - Brent Hawkins

This selection was a little tougher as injuries have affected the defense. Abraham Kromah would have been my choice if he hadn't been injured. With the revolving door in the defensive backfield and at linebacker, one has to look at the defensive line for consistency. Hawkins has been the most consistent of all of the d-line, and it seems he has put his injuries behind him. He may benefit from the extra attention that Odell Willis receives, but at the same time you have to take advantage of what the other teams gives you and I think that Hawkins has done that.

Most Outstanding Canadian - Chris Getzlaff

Getzlaff continues to be a dominate force on the receiving team and has become the go to guy on second down. Second in the league in 2nd down conversations says a lot about the confidence that Durant has in him when the Riders are second and long. He still drops the odd pass, but he is on pace for another 1000 yard season. Brendon LaBatte is also having a solid season as a first year Rider and is proving that his free agent signing was a good move by Brendan Tamon. But Getzlaff's importance to the team as a trusted, go-to guy cannot be understated and his performance so far is worthy of the MOC recognition.

Most Outstanding Rookie - Sam Hurl

When Ben Heenan started in place of Chris Best at the start of the year, he clearly proved that he could play, and play well in this league. But his recent injury drops him from consideration for the time being. It appears that Sheets will not be eligible for this award, and with Kromah's recent injury he loses out here as well. Rarely does a special teams expert receive such recognition but one cannot understate the impact Sam Hurl has had when on the field. Second in special teams tackles is a pretty good accomplishment for the true rookie. I am not sure much was expected from him when he was drafted this year, but his impact on special teams has been noted and he should be a valuable contributor for many years. 

So that's my mid term choices for the valuable contributors to the team Much will change between now and the end of the season, but if each of these individuals continue their strong performances this will only bode well for the Riders as they continue their quest to return to the Grey Cup.

Riders kick Bombers in their athletic supporters

Who doesn't like a blowout? By your favorite team....against one of their biggest rivals...on the biggest day and game of the year? I for one am ecstatic as to what I saw today as the Rider's shut out the Bombers 52-0  in the 2012 Labour Day Classic.

I say this because I have a long memory. I remember way too many times the Riders being on the wrong end of a blowout. Maybe I am greedy, but I would like to see the Riders blow out the opposition even more! That is something that will never get old to me. But 52-0? Go figure. Can't say that I saw that coming (I'm sure no one did) and it was impressive, to say the least.

The team played today like they did in the first three games of the season. In complete control and without costly errors or mistakes. Maybe they had some good karma going for them too with Sandro DeAngelis' first  field goal attempt hitting the upright but still going through. Maybe that was an early sign that today was the Riders' day and things were going to go their way.

Durant was in control of the game and I have believed that the team is better when he takes off and runs. His scrambling for a few crucial first downs in the 1st quarter were critical to sustaining drives and putting points on the scoreboard. Yes, he did take a shot to the head in the 3rd quarter, but it looks like he had some stiffness in his neck and shoulder and will be back for the rematch. The two touchdown throws to Weston Dressler were pretty to watch. Nice smooth spirals that were perfectly thrown. Of course, having good pass protection helps. Kudo's to the o-line as they had a solid game. 

Brackenridge stepped up and was simply outstanding. Not bad for a guy who was almost scratched. He came up big not only in the two notable plays, but he appeared to be in the right position pretty much all day.  It would be criminal if he doesn't earn defensive player of the week honours.

Lobendahn had a nice first game and led the team in tackles. Hope he stays healthy so they can have some stability at the linebacker positions for a few games. The other defensive stars were Jay Alford and Tearrius George. Even though there were not a lot of sacks (I think they only had two), there were lots of hurries. The defensive line is very good and they are keeping Willis and Hawkins fresh. It also appeared the defensive backs had much tighter coverage today. Have we ever seen more knockdowns in a game like we did today? 

I am really impressed with Korey Sheets' toughness. He seems to take a lot of punishment, but he bounces up after every touch and just keeps making plays. What a great find. He is on track to get over 1000 rushing yards on the season and perhaps even greater single game performances are in store. 

Drew Willy got some decent playing time and impressed like he did in the pre-season. The Riders didn't miss a beat when he came into the game and he looked pretty confident for 1st year quarterback. At this point of the season both Sheets and Willy are looking like great finds for GM Brendan Taman. Same thing with Brooks Foster. Those were two great catches and they may now have their receivers set. 

And big congratulations to Coach Corey Chamblin. His composure and positive attitude have finally paid off and in every game it looks like his players want to play for him. Chamblin is vastly different than Greg Marshall (who?) and Tim Burke (sucks to be you) and that's a good thing. 

Just as I write this I am watching the highlights on CTV Winnipeg. They are using words such as embarrassing, humiliating, humbling, historic for all the wrong reasons, long drive back.... As I said, I know what they are talking about. I remember times when this is what happened to the Riders. Nice to see someone else have some of that misery and the Riders the ones dishing it out. 

Good thing I set the PVR as I will be watching this one again. 

Me at the Grey Cup

Okay, the game had an awful ending. Yes, it has been hard to take. What a way to lose. I won't forget the game (especially the ending) for a long time.

This was the best thing about the game...me sitting with Matt Dominguez. He's a class act and took the time to take pictures with everyone.

The Riders will be back in 2010. Selecting Taman as GM was a smart hire, and promoting Ken Miller was an astute move.