New Season Beckons For Stampeders
A fairly quiet off-season has many thinking that the Calgary Stampeders are tweaking the roster for a run at the Grey Cup. The Stamps traded age and experience for the promise of youth and brought in a new coach to help return to the championship game.
Jermaine Copeland, Calgary’s most prolific receiver last season, was sent to Toronto for P.K. Sam. While Copeland had an outstanding season with 81 catches and 12 touchdowns, management feels that Sam has all the tools for a breakout season. To help cushion the loss of Copeland, Ken-Yon Rambo is expected back from knee surgery. If Rambo can return to his 2008 form offensive production should improve.
Runnings back coach Rick Campbell was brought in from Edmonton and should keep the running attack focused. Joffrey Reynolds led the league in rushing in 2009 with 1504 yardsand 11 touchdowns.
While Henry Burris has eclipsed Doug Flutie for many quarterback career marks, age is becoming a factor. Burris will be 35 this year and turnovers are telling a tale. While rushing the ball 105 times last season, the ball ended up on the ground eight times. That is a fumble every thirteen carries. The touchdown pass to interception ratio was also 11:8, not championship caliber.
Perhaps the time has come for Drew Tate to steer the ship. Tate is eight years younger and the same size as Burris. The loss of Deangelis will be hard to overcome. A kicker of that caliber is hard to replace.
The upcoming season will once again bring football betting earlier for those interested in the CFL.
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