For many reasons the 2014 CFL West Division Final will be a statement game for the Calgary Stampeders. A win will throw them into the Grey Cup, something the Calgary faithful wants – they’re getting tired of big game losses followed by more questions than answers.
Once again the Stampeders are in the west final, a spot they have found themselves in often in recent years of the CFL’s second season. Once again the Stampeders are facing questions; can they rise to the occasion? What is this version made of? Is Bo Levi Mitchell the pressure quarterback the Stamps have been after? Can Hufnagel win another Grey Cup and cement him self as one of the better coaches in recent years?
All those questions will somewhat be answered on Sunday in Calgary, however even with a win there are plenty of negatives to focus on with the Stamps have faced as of late.
Are they a good team? Of course the record speaks for itself. Are they a pressure team? We really can’t answer that just yet.
Offence
Looking at their attack, this year could he the Stamps’ year. Jon Cornish is healthy and will be ready to play. The Canadian looked outstanding against Edmonton this year; when playing he has averaged an amazing 8.2 yards per carry against the Eskimos, and those numbers alone should give Calgary the upper hand on offence.
In the quarterback position, Calgary has two solid options in Bo Levi Mitchell and Drew Tate. Both pivots have shown their ability not just to manage games, but to pull out wins. Mitchell especially has been a revelation this season, and his leadership will be a key factor in the playoffs.
Defence
Linebacker Charleston Hughes returns to the active roster this week, although it’s not clear whether he’ll crack the starting lineup in this game. His presence is needed, too. Shawn Lemon is first in forced fumbles and tied for second in sacks in 2014, but Calgary’s defence is in the middle of the pack in most statistics, depending mainly on the offence to get the job done. They’ll most likely hold firm against the Edmonton attack, but they need Mitchell and company to put some serious points on the board; in a defensive slugfest, Calgary could easily be edged by the Edmonton crew.
Special Teams
Rod Maver and Rene Parades, taking the punting and kicking duties respectively, both bring solid ability and poise to their position. Parades has sunk almost three-quarters of his field goals this year, and Maver is third in punting yardage. But Calgary has plenty of impact players on their special teams roster; Karl McCartney was second in the league with special teams tackles, and Sederrik Cunningham is an able kick returner. Calgary can’t depend on the field position game, but they won’t be overmatched on it, either.
Coaching
Head coach John Hufnagel has proven with out a doubt that he is one of the best coaches in Canadian football when it comes to the regular season. However with as many post season failures as the Stamps have had in recent memory one question remains, is he the guy?
Since Hufnagel and the Stamps were last champs of the CFL in 2008 we have witnessed an abundance of big game playoff losses. 2009 losing the west final in Regina, 2010 losing the west final at home to the Roughriders again, 2011 losing the west final to B.C., 2012 losing the 100th Grey Cup to the Argonauts, 2013 losing the west final at home to the Riders.
That kind of playoff production really speaks for itself. Hufnagel and his crew certainly walk to walk in the Regular season and they give themselves a chance every year he has coached them, but year after year we always seem to see the same thing, a disappointed Calgary team so close to their ultimate goal.
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