Do the Eskimos put much emphasis on on side kicks?

[Oiler]

I have a feeling they might need to do an onside kick today for some reason. Judging by some of the kicks this year, it doesn't seem like they practice it a lot.

Also blocking Field goals and converts seem like a low priority as well.

Comments?

[Esks996]

Re: Do the Eskimos put much emphasis on on side kicks?

Why would they want to try an onside kick (which has a very low percentage of possesion), unless they are down, with under a minute or so to go?

[gizmo fan 2]

Re: Do the Eskimos put much emphasis on on side kicks?

Epstein's onside kick vs CGY was bad...but that was Epstein.

Other than that, we haven't really had to do an onside kick, IIRC...losses so far:

@ MTL: MTL made FG on last play
@ BC: Last-minute drive was stopped (ball received off MFG return)
vs TOR: Last-minute drive was stopped (ball received off punt single)
vs CGY: Onside kick, CGY got the ball
@ SSK: Missed FG on last play
@ HAM: Blown out
@ CGY: Blown out

So yeah, we've only had to do one onside kick this year, and it wasn't even Wad kicking it. He's experienced enough that I think he'll be able to get a good one off, if need be.

As for FG's and converts, the Esks seem to go for the straight-ahead block, crashing through the line, rather than the SSK-like block from the side, IIRC. It doesn't work as well.

[Shadow]

Re: Do the Eskimos put much emphasis on on side kicks?

There will be no short kick offs today. Won't be close enough.