It happens every year around this time: the predictions of whether or not last year’s Grey Cup champions can do it again.
It’s not an easy thing to do. In the past 20 years only two teams have managed it, the 2009 and 2010 Montreal Alouettes and the 1996 and 1997 Toronto Argonauts. What’s the secret to success?
Is it the right combination of offensive receiving talent? Is it an all-star quarterback? Is it defence? Maybe the answer lies in the intangibles – hard work, determination, and the drive to win. Whatever it is, the Calgary Stampeders believe they have what it takes.
There isn’t one CFL fan that hasn’t felt the sting of disappointment when their team has lost a big game to squash their hopes of a Grey Cup finish. And most fans have probably criticized the Stampeders for not “getting the job done”, players and coaching staff included. Let’s not rehash any bad memories; the past only dictates your future if you let it. And the Stamps say they won’t let it.
In a recent CFL article, Linebacker Juwan Simpson said, “Everyone has the same mindset and motto that we had before last season. If we don’t win the championship this season, it’s a fail.” He also stated that the players have no intention of relaxing this season. So is determination enough? Not quite. There’s a lot work to be done and talent that needs to show up before the Stamps can defend the cup.
In a recent fan poll on Stampeders.com, the team asked, “What do the Stamps most need to do to make another Grey Cup run?” The choices included: Healthy year from Jon Cornish; Rebuilt offensive line gels; Defensive line stays healthy; New receiving stars emerge; Bo Levi Mitchell takes next step; or Veteran defence leads the way. On a utopian football field, all of these would exist. But we know things happen. As of April 22, the fan poll results show that out of 830 votes, 34% say that the rebuilt offense line needs to gel.
Let’s take a closer look at that. It’s true the Stampeder’s offence took a hit with the departure of Nik Lewis, Maurice Price, Brad Sinopoli, Stanley Bryant and Brett Jones. The coaching staff will have to rebuild the offensive line. Regardless of the recent acquisitions Coach John Hufnagel has made during the off-season and with the upcoming 2015 CFL draft, the Calgary offence still has top, veteran performers who have proven they gel with quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and with each other.
Marquay McDaniel, Joe West, Jabari Arthur, Simon Charbonneau-Campeau, and Jeff Fuller are all veteran receivers with whom Mitchell has had much success. Breakout receiver Eric Rodgers proved late last year that he can make plays when it counts. With a highly talented coaching staff and veteran players, it makes sense to expect that the emerging stars this year will follow suit. Finally, linemen like Edwin Harrison and new acquisitions can and will step up to fill Bryant’s spot. In all, the offensive line will gel just fine with the help of coaches and veteran players.
Jon Cornish staying healthy is obviously the goal, and he’s already said that he plans on beating his performance in previous years. But even with Jon Cornish only starting nine games last year due to injury, Matt Walter did a great job filling in. As for the Stamps MVP quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, he’s already stepped up in terms of leadership and ability. Given his leadership, stats, and talent, there’s no question he has already taken the next step.
That leaves the defence. This is the key. This is what makes or breaks Championship teams. How many times have Stampeder fans watch the defense save games or make winning plays. Juwan Simpson, Keon Raymond, Charleston Hughes, and the entire veteran team show up every game making key plays. A healthy defence, along with the veterans’ leadership is the glue that holds a team together. As the saying goes, sometimes the best offence is a good defence.
The Calgary Stampeders have the the right players and determination for a back-to-back championship. We’ll have to wait and see if it’s enough. Is it June yet?
