The Calgary Stampeders go as running back Joffrey Reynolds goes. (Canadian Press)
2007 CFL Preview
Calgary Stampeders
Re-tooled Stampeders may need some time to gel
Last Updated Tues., June 26, 2007
Doug Harrison, CBC Sports
2006 RECORD: 10-8, second in the West. Lost 31-21 to Saskatchewan in West semifinal
KEY NUMBERS:
Yards/game: 382.6 (1st)
Points: 458 (2nd)
Points allowed: 374 (3rd)
Rushing yards allowed/game: 96.4 (4th)
ARRIVALS: Offensive co-ordinator George Cortez, WR Marc Boerigter, RB Jon Cornish, FB Cory Hathaway, OL Garrick Jones, OL Bobby Singh, WR Ryan Thelwell
DEPARTURES: OL Alexandre Gauthier, QB Danny McManus, OL Taylor Robertson, WR Elijah Thurmon, LB John Grace, DB Pascal Masson, DT Demetrious Maxie, DL Sheldon Napastuk, LB Walter Spencer
STRENGTHS:
Receiving – A potent receiving corps was further strengthened in the off-season with the additions of former Stampeder Mark Boerigter (free agent) and one-time B.C. Lion Ryan Thelwell (free agent). Nik Lewis, Jeremaine Copeland and Ken-Yon Rambo finished among the top 15 in CFL receiving in 2006, while Brett Ralph put on 15 pounds of muscle in the off-season. Copeland had a sub-par 2006 (54 receptions, 978 yards), the first time in four seasons the slotback failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark.
Offensive line – The group that allowed the fewest sacks (27) and helped Calgary running backs average a CFL-best 6.4 yards per carry last season has been altered somewhat. Garrick Jones, acquired from Winnipeg in February, is pencilled in to take over from Alexandre Gauthier. Guard Bobby Singh, who was drafted eighth overall by Calgary in 1999, is the other newcomer after spending the last three years in B.C. The Stampeders also return centre John Comiskey, guard Jay McNeil and tackle Jeff Pilon.
Kicking – After kicker Sandro DeAngelis and punter Burke Dales wowed fans in their rookie seasons of 2005, Calgary management chose not to bring in competition for training camp in 2006. Dales also shone last season, finishing third in the league in combined punting statistics, but he was being pushed early in training camp. Former Stampeder Duncan O'Mahony took last season off but is back to resurrect his career. DeAngelis led the CFL with 214 points a year ago, highlighted by a record 56 field goals.
WEAKNESSES:
Quarterback depth – Stampeders fans will be hoping for a repeat of 2006 from Henry Burris, who suited up for all 18 regular-season games and finished first with 23 passing touchdowns. However, he suffered first-round playoff losses in his first two years in Calgary. With Danny McManus retired, the Stampeders are light on experience behind Burris. Former NFL first-round pick Akili Smith and Texas State product Barrick Nealy spent the pre-season battling for backup duties.
Secondary – Few changes were made during the off-season to improve a unit that surrendered the most passing yards per game on average last season (277.8) and allowed the fifth-most passing touchdowns (23). The Stampeders traded standout defensive back Coby Rhinehart to Montreal for future considerations. Rhinehart, who led the team in defensive tackles (63), interceptions (seven) and pass knockdowns (four), will be missed. Safety Wes Lysak and defensive backs Jermaine Chatman and J.R. Ruffin are back.
KEY PLAYER:
Joffrey Reynolds - The punishing five-foot-10, 218-pound running back was a model of consistency in his first two CFL seasons, averaging 5.9 yards per carry each campaign. Calgary's chances of victory last year largely depended on his performance. The Stampeders won six of eight games when he topped 90 yards rushing and had a 4-6 record when he failed to reach the 90-yard plateau.
OUTLOOK:
"They're not as deep as B.C. at quarterback but the benefit for Calgary is [offensive co-ordinator] George Cortez's familiarity with Henry Burris. They worked together in Calgary in 1998-99, so Burris has a step up [on his teammates], having seen this playbook before," CFL on CBC analyst Greg Frers said. "The Stampeders have to learn a new [offensive] system and that takes time. Outside of the secondary there has been quite of change on defence. They need to be able to gel as a defence and that's why I believe B.C. is stronger."
