Story Tools: PRINT | Text Size: S M L XL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACK

Audible Opinions

Nice or nasty?

Thursday, November 15, 2007 | 06:04 PM ET

I was in a play in college and the director was a graduate student who was still learning his craft. He started rehearsal one day with a new technique he learned in one of his classes, something to help us put meaning behind our lines.

So after every line someone spoke, he would ask “Nice or Nasty?” For hours, after each and every line we rehearsed, we would have to hear “Nice or Nasty?” and answer him. Fifteen years later “Nice or Nasty?” still rings through my head. So I thought I’d pass this on to you in my evaluation of last week’s games.

“Nice” - the Winnipeg Blue Bombers front sevem: Barrin Simpson and his mates came up big when they had to, stopping Montreal twice on third and short situations. The difference in this game was literally two yards and the Winnipeg push up front is the reason they’re going to Toronto this weekend.

“Nasty” - the Montreal short-yardage offence: When are teams going to realize that getting one yard is not automatic in this league? Even though the defence lines up a yard off the ball, if they have a better push than the offensive line, they’re gonna stop the play. A quarterback sneak is not always the answer. Third and one or less must sometimes be treated as any other offensive play. Give it to your biggest back (Carter) and allow him a running start, like they did when he scored in the first half. Two “nasty” calls marred an otherwise great offensive game plan for Montreal.

“Nice” - Kerry Joseph: He was absolutely amazing last week. It’s so much fun to watch a quarterback at the top of his game, willing his team to win. To throw for almost 400 yards and rush for over 100 yards in the most important game of the year-very “nice” indeed.

“Nasty” - Henry Burris: Henry was only “nasty” in the first half, but that was all the Stamps needed to seal their fate. The frustrating thing about Henry is that we’ve seen him be as “nice” as any quarterback playing, but he can’t seem to get that same feeling in the playoffs. Three years, three early exits. But I can’t put it all on Henry…..

“Nasty” - George Cortez: One of my pet peeves is when offensive co-ordinators forget how to run the ball. One carry for Joffrey Reynolds in the first half!? Come on now. I know there was a fumble during a run play, but that’s not a reason to abandon the run. You don’t stop passing the ball just because of an interception. And the defence has such an advantage when they know that all they have to defend is the pass. Mix it up coach.

“Nice” - Troy Westwood and Marcus Brady: I love to see players that get the chance to redeem themselves and take advantage of it. Both Troy and Marcus were outstanding in this game, and you have to applaud them both for overcoming adversity throughout the year and coming up with “nice” playoff games.

“Nasty” - Offsides on a successful onside kick!? Enough said.

“Nice” - the CFL playoffs: It was so great to see both playoff games come down to the wire and keep fans, coaches, and players in suspense until the final gun. I hope to have another “nice” weekend on our way to the Grey Cup.

Until next time, stay “nice” (unless, of course, you prefer “nasty”).

« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »

This discussion is now Open. Submit your Comment.

Comments

Ted

Saskatoon

Nice: Taylor Field hosting a playoff game. Close to 29,000 members of the 'Rider Nation welcoming back playoff football. Tickets which were not claimed by season ticket holders were snapped up in 1/2 hour. The lucky ones were representing a province mad about the Jolly Green Giants.

Nasty: The lame attendance at CanadInn Stadium (get a real name). 22,000?? What kind of sports town is that? Its the last time fans would get to see the 'Bombers at home, and they leave it 1/4 empty. No doubt about, the 'Rider Nation are the best fans in the league!!!

Posted November 15, 2007 07:36 PM

Chris

Edmonton

I do agree the Rider Nation are the best fans in the league. They come out in full force no matter where they play. Ken Austin and Eric Tillman have made strides in building a Grey Cup calibre team which is more than what I can say what they did in Edmonton. The coach fired just about everyone on the coaching staff except himself. I guess that's what happens when you are also the president of operations. The boss can't fire the boss.

Posted November 16, 2007 10:41 PM

Joe

Edmonton

Nice: Seeing a team/organization that wasn't going anywhere fire the GM and head coach....now look where they are, one game away from the Grey Cup.

Nasty: Eskimos firing 3 coaches in their first year....but the head coach preaching patience to the fans....a head coach who has run a once proud organization into the ground...

Posted November 16, 2007 11:16 PM

Brett

Chilliwack

Sorry but I am pretty sure over 55,000 people(Nice!) are going to pack into BC Place today...

Posted November 18, 2007 05:35 PM

« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »