Here are some thoughts from the past week ... have a wonderful weekend - the last before Christmas!
Wearing a green Roughriders tie and a smile, the Saskatchewan Roughriders new head coach Corey Chamblin was appointed as the team’s bench boss. The early Christmas gift was announced Dec. 15 by general manager Brendan Taman who has full control of the team’s operations when it comes to management.
While I was hoping the team would go with Calgary Stampeder offensive coordinator Dave Dickenson, after hearing the press conference and what Chamblin had to say, I came away impressed. Chamblin seems like a down-to-earth guy who is a player-type coach. He is also one of the youngest to get a job and is only a year older than slotback Jason Clermont. Chamblin also was mentored by Pittsburgh Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin and in fact Tomlin gave the ‘Riders a reference for Chamblin.
That in itself is good enough for me. To have a coach like Tomlin endorse you is no small feat. However, in saying that it will also depend on who he brings in to help him coach on the sidelines. The way it sounded, Chamblin wants a staff to help teach and instruct players and not just yell at them. That should bode well I think and I am anticipating a good staff to be on board.
In saying that I also hope they bring in a quarterback coach to help with Darian Durant. Durant thrived with Marcus Crandel who was there before taking a position with Edmonton. Last year he really didn’t have anyone to bounce ideas off of and if it was up to me I would hire Kerry Joseph. To have Durant’s buddy and a quarterback who knows the game, would be a fantastic addition. However, with the crazy trade in Edmonton a few weeks ago with quarterback Ricky Ray being dealt, Joseph may want to try and win the starting job with the Eskimos this season. I don’t blame him but would not be surprised if he gets into the coaching ranks in the near future.
Getting away from the CFL for a bit, here are a few random thoughts as we head towards 2012.
• Why are there so many concussions in the NHL this year?
• Whether you like him or not, you have to give credit to Tim Tebow’s clutch performances. Tebow and the Denver Broncos find ways to win and at the end of the day that’s what counts. I like Tebow and think he would be a nice fit in the CFL.
• If the Calgary Flames don’t make any deals, whether it is to improve their team or rebuild, they will not make the playoffs.
• How are the Minnesota Wild playing so good?
• The NBA regular season is on . . .
• I still can’t believe that the Philadelphia Eagles shot themselves in the foot earlier this season. Knowing that New York and Dallas struggle late in the year makes it that much worse to know that a few more wins would of had them possibly in the playoffs.
• Looking forward to watching the World Juniors on TV. Team Canada will be looking for gold on home turf this year. I think they will get to the medal round.
• Apparently ‘Rider receiver Andy Fantuz was reportedly offered a three year deal to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the CFL. That deal was also rejected. I think you let him go and use that money to strengthen the defense.
• Chicago’s Patrick Kane had one of the nicest shootout goals ever! His goal against Minnesota was purely amazing!
