Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

[SteveXtreme]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

I think the Esks have improved enough for 2008 that they will get a playoff spot. I think the East will be weak enough that the 4th place team in the west will get a crossover birth. I've got the Esks finishin 3rd behind BC and Calgary.

[stamphater]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

I like some of the moves that have been done but it is still going to come down to whether the players get the job done. The disappointment from last year is that I felt we were good enough for second place but when it came to crunch time we failed...miserably. At the end of last year I felt we weren't that far off and I definitely think we can be neck-and-neck for 2nd with a possible push for first. Play-calling and our tackling are the two biggest keys to a successful season.

[Numberz]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

The big thing that I'm worried about is the chemistry of our front 7. A lot of moves there, and a lot of young guys. They need to gel, but our defense has had pretty good run defense the last few years, so hopefully it continues...I'm confident that we can get a decent pass rush though.

[Opus]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

Outside of the Lions finishing first, it's a crapshoot.....

I still don't understand why everyone overlooks Calgary's lack of defense.....?

[eskimoses]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

I like some of the moves that have been done but it is still going to come down to whether the players get the job done. The disappointment from last year is that I felt we were good enough for second place but when it came to crunch time we failed...miserably. At the end of last year I felt we weren't that far off and I definitely think we can be neck-and-neck for 2nd with a possible push for first. Play-calling and our tackling are the two biggest keys to a successful season.

Couldn't agree more... we had some decent talent last year and in alot of series/games these guys vastly under achieved! Granted some of that was due to some pretty sh#**Y play calling but alot of times our guys just failed to make the necessary play (LIKE TACKLING THE DAMN GUY!). We were slowly starting to gel in the secondary the last three games but pass rush is stll a HUGE question mark. Offense is gonna struggle with a new OC until lhey learn his schemes but if he commits to more of a run game it outta open things up mid-way through the season and make us alot less predictable.... 'cause everyone in the league had our number last year!!!!! We as transparent as Britney Spears underwear and that really killed us when our coaches were being out coached while the players were being out played!!
As for where we will finish.. prolly third as BC is gonna be strongest in the West (I think) and I still see the gophers as being pretty tough defensively (and defense wins you ball games). Stumps are rebuilding just like we have been the last three years so they are a total unknown!

[SteveXtreme]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

Outside of the Lions finishing first, it's a crapshoot.....

I still don't understand why everyone overlooks Calgary's lack of defense.....?

I honestly (though I hat to say it) think that the Stamps offense is good enough to make up for the lack of defense. It all depends on Burris and how well he does and if he can stay healthy.

[thunder77]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

If Edmonton can protect Ray, and overcome Maciocia...they have the talent to make the playoffs for sure. I think Fred Perry will help not only your pass rush but will take some pressure off of your secondary.

I think Calgary has a lot of work to do on defense but they're running a 4-3 this year and with Armour they will be okay.

The Riders will have to compete without Joseph and Perry. The turnover will keep them from being flat at the start of the year and I actually think they improved on offence in a couple of areas (Oline and RB depth). IF Dominguez can stay healthy, he, Fantuz, Flick along with the young Washington and Palmer (throw in a couple of promising young NI's) will be a good receiving corps. They will have to help Cradell out. I hope we see good things from one of our young QB's.

I can see Third being a dogfight...but as long as Maciocia is coaching in Edmonton they have that to overcome...I'm sorry but I'm glad he's on your side.

[Diesel]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

One can't overlook that sask has a rookie HC with no previous experience. They will have growing pains there no doubt.

[thunder77]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

One can't overlook that sask has a rookie HC with no previous experience. They will have growing pains there no doubt.

I don't know what the odds are if it happening again, but that's what everyone, Riderville included, were saying last year with Austin. Coach Miller was Austin's recommended candidate, Austin wanted him on his staff last year and all the guys on offense side were happy he was hired as coach. There is actually continuity there from a philosophy point of view. My biggest concern in Paul LaPolice as OC. But we'll see. I definitely see your point, it's different to be head coach come gameday.

[Diesel]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

Not just gameday, every day.

[Sectionq]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

Not just gameday, every day.

Case in point is DM. He did a great job as the OC but it has taken him awhile to come around as the HC. To DM's credit, he is definitely getting better.

Also, losing Josepth is huge. They really don't have a replacement and Crandel is not an upgrade.

[Sgt. Nuke]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

To DM's credit, he is definitely getting better.

He is? I thought we missed the playoffs again.

[Inquiring Mind]

Re: Jonathan Huntingtons 08 prediction

He is? I thought we missed the playoffs again.

Some of us have been trying to block the last couple seasons out of our minds... perhaps some are having more success than others