A special RFTW Grey Cup preview.
How to beat the Riders:
On O: Throw it. When the Bombers played the Riders, and played them better than every other CFL team, they passed. With Kevin Glenn out, all the talk has been about Charles Roberts running the ball but Ryan Dinwiddie just has to get the ball near Milt and co. The Riders biggest weakness all year has been its defensive backfield. If the Bomber coaching staff is smart (and we believe they are) they’ll play action pass all night long. Terrence Edwards, Derick Armstrong and old Milty are all-stars and the Bomb Squad should be just that.
On D: Pressure Kerry Joseph and keep him in the pocket. The Riders are at their best when they have the defence guessing. That means keeping the defence on their toes with the run, pass option. If Kerry Joseph is made into a pocket passer, he’s not as effective. With Kyries Hebert and Barrin Simpson, the Bombers have the players to spy Joseph.
How to beat the Bombers:
On O: The Riders need to have to keep the Bombers fantastic d-line away from Kerry Joseph. Wes Cates will have to be effective. Joseph will need to be a thrower and a runner and play like the MOP. The Riders have been field goal happy in the playoffs but with an inexperienced QB on the other side they’ll need to score TD’s. More points = more pressure on Dinwiddie.
On D: Turn the Bombers over. The Riders beat the Lions by turning the ball over and turning it into points. Beyond that the Riders have to limit Charles Roberts along the ground and find a way to get through the tough Bomber o-line to Mr. Dinwiddie.
Who has the edge?
Offence
Riders – This seems obvious because of Glenn’s absence but it’s a lot closer. The Bombers have a better running back and better receivers. The Blue Bomber o-line is the stingiest in the league as well. The Riders get the edge because of the player getting the ball to his weapons is the league’s MOP.
Defence
Bombers – Barrin Simpson is a tackling machine ad the Bombers defensive line is very good. The Riders have a great front seven but only Eddie Davis to anchor an inexperienced backfield. The Riders shut B.C. down last week and need to repeat that performance.
Specialty Teams
Riders -Luca Congi has been the Riders scoring leader in the post season and Jamie Boreham was pretty good punting last week. Troy Westwood has had a rough season and this is no doubt his last game. Keith Stokes changed last week’s game and has the ability to go the distance every time. Corey Holmes is a solid but not spectacular returner.
Coaching
Tie – We’ll jam out here. Kent Austin has impressed everyone in the league this year and won coach of the year before the playoffs. Austin has one of the most experienced staff’s in the league to help him. Doug Berry has done a great job getting the Bombers to where the are and Greg Marshall is a very solid defensive coordinator.
Intangibles
Riders – Our guess is that the crowd is pro-Riders although that shouldn’t bother the Bombers too much. Saskatchewan has a 18 year Cup drought, Winnipeg has a 17 year Cup drought. The Bombers have motivation of being the underdog and winning it for Milt and Troy. The Riders saw the zaniness at the airport last week and seem like a very focused team.
Edge: Riders. Everyone is predicting a Rider grey Cup win and some are even saying it won’t be close – we strongly disagree. This is the Grey Cup! Two storied franchises with rabid fan-bases , the all-prairie Cup won’t be a blowout. The Bombers are a great team with weapons on both sides of the ball. If Ryan Dinwiddie can avoid mistakes the Bombers can win. The Riders have a solid all-around team and have had a great year from start to finish. They need to control the Bombers weapons and force Dinwiddie into a couple early mistakes. It will be a nail biter.
Score prediction: Saskatchewan 22, Winnipeg 17
