Stamps not writing off the Tiger-cats
There's probably not much the Calgary Stampeders can say to convince the world that their Friday night game against the Hamilton Tiger-cats is anything other than a free win in the standings.
The Stamps themselves have gone out of their way to dismiss that idea. They've shown nothing but respect for Ticats third-string quarterback David Watford and have been effusive in their praise for the Hamilton organization, from top to bottom.
“We're just going to try to trust our eyes. They do a lot of misdirection, they run a lot of stuff, they've got speed, they've got playmakers, they play with an edge,” Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson said. “Whoever shows up will be expected to win, so we've got to play well.”
While the Stamps have repeatedly insisted that Friday's matchup with the Ticats isn't going to be easy, the rest of the world seems less convinced.
It's pretty easy to make a compelling case for why the Stamps should be heavy favourites.
The Ticats entered the season with two quarterbacks who are considered legitimate starters in this league, but neither Dane Evans or Jeremiah Masoli is available. Instead, Watford will make his first CFL start.
Also missing is reigning most outstanding player Brandon Banks, among others.
Even with those players available, the Ticats had the lowest net offence per game of any CFL team this season, and were also averaging the second-least points.
The numbers don't suggest that the Stamps defence has been lighting the world on fire this season, but they're coming off their best game of the year.
On paper, at least, this looks like easy pickings for the Calgary crew. They don't believe that, though. “They're going to come hard; they're a desperate team,” defensive tackle Derek Wiggan said. “They're under .500 just like us. We both need wins.
“We're familiar with (Watford), some of us played against him when he was in Saskatchewan (2018). We're familiar with what he brings. It's a unique challenge but it doesn't change what we have to do.”
If there's any team that knows not to write off an opponent because they're playing an inexperienced quarterback, it's the Stampeders. There were lots of people who wrote them off after Bo Levi Mitchell fractured his fibula earlier in the season, but the little-known Jake Maier stepped in and led them to their first win of the year in his first start.
Does Watford present the same threat as Evans or Masoli? Probably not, if we're being honest.
SWITCHING THINGS AROUND
The Stampeders came out of last weekend's Labour Day rematch against the Elks without too, too many injuries.
There were a few, though. There always are.
Hergy Mayala was fighting a muscle pull all week, and the Stamps ultimately decided to keep him out of this weekend's matchup. With a bye week up next, he'll have lots of time to recover.
In his place, Richard Sindani will move to wide receiver from slotback, while Colton Hunchak will get the start in the spot where Sindani usually plays.
Another major change saw Jonathan Moxey removed from the lineup and placed on the one-game injured list because of a groin injury. Kobe Williams will make his first CFL start at the boundary corner in his place.
The other major move was the Stamps adding Cory Greenwood to the six-game injured list with a neck injury.