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Ricky was a Kansas City win away from going perfect this week, while I was not that good. Lafitte goes 4-1, Steinberg 2-3. Rick also moves ahead with the overall record…he’s obviously cheating.

Rick’s Picks
Green Bay at Tampa Bay -1.5; Tampa to cover…RIGHT
Denver -9.5 at Kansas City; Denver to cover…WRONG
San Francisco at New Orleans -5.5; New Orleans to cover…RIGHT
Minnesota at Tennessee -3.5; Tennessee to cover…RIGHT
San Diego -7.5 at Oakland; San Diego to cover…RIGHT
Current Record: 10-5

Pat’s Picks
Cleveland at Cincinatti -3.5; Cincinatti to cover…WRONG
Atlanta at Carolina -7.5; Carolina to cover…RIGHT
Houston at Jacksonville -7.5; Jacksonville to cover…WRONG
Washington at Dallas -11.5; Washington to cover…RIGHT
Philadelphia -2.5 at Chicago; Philadelphia to cover…WRONG
Current Record: 9-6

Oh wait. They’re not joking. Eskimos linebacker Agustin Barrenechea has been fined by the CFL for his illegal hit on Bombers QB Kevin Glenn Friday night. You know, the helmet on helmet, late hit? The type of hit that people around football would love to never see again? The very same one, and instead of a suspension, we get an “undisclosed fine.” Weak.

I, and clearly I’m not alone, have a problem with this on so many levels. Lets start with the hit itself. Without labelling the player, the hit was dirty and unneccesary. Linebackers and D linemen know that the quarterback is off limits as soon as he’s thrown the ball, so it was dumb in that regard. But even if he had hit him late, which we see all the time, this isn’t a huge topic. Roughing the passer call is levied, and we move on. But the fact that he deliberately (can’t really argue that) went helmet-on-helmet with Glenn makes it even worse. So, the hit was dirty, no question. It needed to be disciplined, and to me, at least 1 game suspension was appropriate.

But the CFL turtled once again, and Commissioner Cohon again showed why this league is a joke in so many ways. You can’t really blame Cohon either…he is about as handcuffed as humanly possible in this situation. You know there is some language in that Collective Bargaining Agreement that makes it really hard for Cohon to hand out the punishment deserved in this situation.

And, really, what does it matter? Even if Cohon DID sack up and throw down a 1 or 2 game suspension, it would just get overturned wouldn’t it? Do AJ Gass or Jason Jimenez ring any bells? There is a track record in this league that says…”if you break the rules, we’ll suspend you, you’ll appeal and play during the process, and then an independent arbitrator will overturn the suspension altogether.” So Cohon is in a lose-lose…suspend him, it gets overturned, you take flak for the CFL’s rules. Don’t suspend him, fine him instead, and you take flak for being weak.

It just sends such a brutal message to fans…and such an undesirable one to players. It’s the same message…do something dirty (jeopardize Anthony Garguilo’s career, throw a helmet, drive your helmet into someone else’s), and don’t pay the price for it. The CFL is made up of almost all awesome dudes, which is a damn good thing…because there is no culpability in the league, and if it weren’t for the honor and sportsmanship in the CFL, it could be a real problem. But you can’t fall back on that! Regardless of how much sportsmanship there is in the CFL, there has to be accountability! Players cannot do dirty things and not get away with it. And I’m sorry, but an “undisclosed fine” on a late, dirty, helmet-to-helmet hit is basically the same as getting away with it.

The records aren’t bad so far…Rick is 6-4, I’m 7-3. Make your picks at the bottom if you’re so inclined! This is a really weird week for point spread numbers, but once again, we each chose 5, results on Monday.

Rick’s Picks
Green Bay at Tampa Bay -1.5; Tampa to cover
Denver -9.5 at Kansas City; Denver to cover
San Francisco at New Orleans -5.5; New Orleans to cover
Minnesota at Tennessee -3.5; Tennessee to cover
San Diego -7.5 at Oakland; San Diego to cover

Pat’s Picks
Cleveland at Cincinatti -3.5; Cincinatti to cover
Atlanta at Carolina -7.5; Carolina to cover
Houston at Jacksonville -7.5; Jacksonville to cover
Washington at Dallas -11.5; Washington to cover
Philadelphia -2.5 at Chicago; Philadelphia to cover

So we each took 2 road dogs. This is a weird week for numbers, not a big fan of it at all, so my confidence level is not high with my picks. Rick thinks we’re both due for big weeks, so I’ll go with him. Boomer’s a pansy and doesn’t make picks.

There hasn’t been this much hype around a 19 year old player in a Flames uniform since…well Dion Phaneuf. But before that…not for a long time (no offence Fata, Saprykin et al). No question, Mikael Backlund has a lot of people watching him, and some high expectations to live up to. Which is why we have this debate…where does he play this year? Calgary or Sweden?

Backlund is too young to play in the American Hockey League, so there really is only the 2 options. He can make the big club and play in the NHL this year, which of course is his goal. Or, the Flames will decide he’s not quite ready for big time, and return him to Sweden for, presumably, a final year. So where do you weigh in on what the Flames should do?

I know how I feel. If Backlund can prove that he’s a top 6 forward right now, he needs to stick. If Backlund proves he’s a 3rd or 4th line guy for this season (and that’s all I’m talking about, THIS season, not beyond that), I feel there is more value for him to play in Sweden.

To me, no question Backlund has the tools to be an impact player on this team for years to come. And if it’s this year, then hell yeah, he better be in the lineup. If Backlund can prove that he’s a top 6 forward, then this is a good problem to have. For me, I’ve always thought of it one way…for this year, Backlund has to force Calgary’s hand to keep him. Otherwise, it’s more beneficial for him to play in Sweden.

I say that only because I believe Backlund has more of a chance to further develop more in Sweden than he does getting limited minutes on the 3rd or 4th line here. Some would disagree, thinking NHL experience is valuable regardless of the role you’re playing. But because Backlund is as skilled a forward as he is, 1 more year to really develop in an impact role in Sweden seems more valuable than a limited role in Calgary, regardless of the competition of who he’ll be playing against.

So, long story short for me…if Backlund forces Calgary’s hand, it puts them in a dilemma every team wants to have. If he doesn’t make the decision for Calgary, I think it’s best for Backlund to return to Sweden for 1 more year. Your thoughts?

So, here we are, just a few days away from Calgary Stampeders gameday. It’s the return match for the Stamps in their home and home set with Toronto. Last week, the Stampeders were dominant in an all-too-easy 34-4 win to push their record to 8-4. Cody Pickett made his first start at QB for the Boatmen in that game, and was unimpressive to say the least. So, decision made right? Back to Kerry Joseph it is? Apparently not so fast.

Argos head coach Don Matthews wanted to give Pickett a look. His words were “we need to see what we have.” Okay, you did and it wasn’t pretty, so you’ve gotta go back to the defending CFL Most Outstanding Player. Or not. I’ve read on a few different sites now that it’ll most likely be Cody Pickett on Saturday night, as he’s going on the assumption it’ll be him. The reasons being thrown around are multiple…the Northwest bias of Matthews, pressure from management, Pickett didn’t play bad, there are tons of different reasons. All of them add up to one answer…DON’T DO IT. What the hell? You’re in a fight for a playoff position with, of all teams, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Go with the player that gives you the best chance to win the football game!

Now I’m not here to say that Pickett was TERRIBLE. In fact I was a huge fan of his while he was lighting it up at Washington in the PAC 10. He did complete 20 passes (out of 35) and threw only 1 interception. But the Argos had zero push offensively throughout the entire night. But Pickett played right into Calgary’s gameplan. The Stamps were smart…play a simple scheme and give the new QB lots of short looks and let him use his check downs all he wants. There was nothing long (Pickett’s longest pass was 20 yards), and the Stamps made the first tackle effectively. All Calgary had to do was be solid against the run, which they were (82 yards combined) and defend the deep pass, which they did. How much can a guy progress? I’m skeptical it’s enough to all of a sudden be able to take a crap team on his back and beat the Stamps.

Now, this post isn’t a glowing recommendation of Kerry Joseph either. He’s been downright brutal at times this year. He was able to weather the FIRST QB contraversy in TO, and for the sake of the football team, he should be able to do it a second time. I know KJ isn’t what you’d call a dynamic passer. In fact, some would call him a glorified runninback who throws the ball on occasion. But to me, he’s a guy that brings a different element. An unpredictable element. An element of surprise and danger on each play. Because, when he’s on, he’s completing 10 yard plus passes and keeping defences off balance with his legs. He hasn’t been at his best this year, but the simple fact that he’s more experienced and more unpredictable than Pickett gives him the nod in my book.

The main point I’m getting at is this: The Argos are 4-8, yet, still have very real playoff hopes. The focus has got to be getting to the playoffs, instead of getting another good look at a quarterback who MIGHT be the guy for the future. Fact is, Joseph gives you a better chance to win now than Pickett. And win now has got to be all the focus for Toronto, because if they don’t, the Bombers will steal that spot from them easily. And God knows, the Argos HAVE to be better than the Bombers. Right? Ha, who knows with that junk division.

And hey, why do I really care what the Argos do. Screw yourself over for Saturday, all the power to you…GO STAMPS!

All right, Steinberg takes 3 out of 5 while Lafitte takes 2 out of 5. Here’s how things went down…

Rick’s Picks
Carolina at Minnesota -2.5; Minnesota to cover…RIGHT
Tampa Bay at Chicago -3.5; Chicago to cover…WRONG
Arizona at Washington -3.5; Arizona to cover…WRONG
Kansas City at Atlanta -4.5; Atlanta to cover…RIGHT
Dallas -3.5 at Green Bay; Green Bay to cover…WRONG
Current Record: 6-4

Pat’s Picks
Cincinatti vs. NYG -13.5, Cincinatti covers…RIGHT
New Orleans vs. Denver -6.5, Denver covers…WRONG
Detroit vs. San Francisco -3.5, San Fran covers…RIGHT
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia -3.5, Pittsburgh covers…WRONG
Cleveland vs. Baltimore -2.5, Baltimore covers…RIGHT
Current Record: 7-3

Both Rick and I are 4/5 on the year, as we started this (like geniuses) in week 2. Hey, make sure you post your comments and your picks, we’ll keep track of everyone’s picks as the year goes along on the blog. We’ll give away prizes at the end of the year…no we won’t. Unless you consider your personal pride as a prize. So, pick 5 games, tell us who to pick and we’ll keep track of it.

Rick’s Picks
Carolina at Minnesota -2.5; Minnesota to cover
Tampa Bay at Chicago -3.5; Chicago to cover
Arizona at Washington -3.5; Arizona to cover
Kansas City at Atlanta -4.5; Atlanta to cover
Dallas -3.5 at Green Bay; Green Bay to cover

Pat’s Picks
Cincinatti vs. NYG -13.5, Cincinatti covers
New Orleans vs. Denver -6.5, Denver covers
Detroit vs. San Francisco -3.5, San Fran covers
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia -3.5, Pittsburgh covers
Cleveland vs. Baltimore -2.5, Baltimore covers

So be heard, and make Rick and I look stupid. Which won’t be hard.

It’s the start of a new era for the Calgary Hitmen tonight, the same night they raise the banner to celebrate last years Eastern Conference, regular season crown. Familiar faces on the ice and behind the bench have moved on in some capacity or another. So it’s time for the new guard to take over, as the Hitmen open their 2008-2009 season tonight at the Dome against, who else, the Red Deer Rebels.

The first change, clearly, is behind the bench. Kelly Kisio has decided to focus solely on his role as General Manager with the team, handing the reigns to Dave Lowry, who serves as Associate Head Coach last year. It’s Lowry’s head coaching debut, but he’s got his familiar staff with him. Another former Flame, Joel Otto, along with Brent Kisio are the assistant coaches for the year, and are very familiar with the team assembled.

The other changes are changes on the ice. Last years captain Karl Alzner is at camp with the Washington Capitals, while leading scorer Ryan White is in Montreal at Canadiens camp. The playoff stud (and former Calgary Royal *cough*) from last year, TJ Galiardi, is in Denver with the Avalanche while Brock Nixon and Ryan Gillen are playing in the CIS. Rounding out the grads is Dan Mercer who is playing pro in Belgium.

Tonight, the Hitmen will be without 4 other key players…goalie Martin Jones, d-men Michael Stone and Paul Postma and forward Carson McMillan are all at NHL camps still, with the Kings, Wild, Thrashers and Coyotes respectively. 4 players…Brett Sonne, Kyle Bortis, Keith Seabrook, and Ian Schultz have all returned from NHL camps.

It’s certainly a year where the returning vets are going to need to step it up, while there is a lot of hope on some of the new faces, notably one in particular. Up front, this could be a big year for a couple returnees. Brett Sonne saw mostly 3rd line play in an injury shortended year, and is going to see key minutes this year and has an opportunity to do some big things. Ian Schultz saw big minutes last year, and with an increased workload, he could be looking at a 60 point season, wreaking havoc in front of the net. And remember the name Tyler Fiddler. The 18 year old forward comes to the Hitmen after a stellar season playing midget in Prince Albert with the Mintos. Fiddler had 88 points, including 43 goals, in 43 games last year.

On the blueline, it’ll be on 2 guys to carry the load. Seabrook is a versatile blueliner who can skate and play a sound defensive game. He’ll get a lot of powerplay time and will look to improve upon his 17 points last year. But the guy to watch, if he comes back from camp, will be 19 year old Paul Postma. If you’re looking to a guy to help replace Alzner’s offence, this is the one. Postma is an offensive dynamo, and was on display throughout Calgary’s run to the Eastern Conference final. With 42 points last year, he was already a huge PP contributor, but this could be a huge year for Posty.

With Dan Spence, and most likely Martin Jones, returning in between the pipes, the Hitmen have a solid tandem to bank on to bail them out, especially early on. First place in the East may not be the expectations for the Hitmen this year, but if some of the returning players take the steps they are expected to…it could be a very successful season for the Hitmen.

It’s a hell of a night if you’re a fight fan…and it’s a Wednesday. Tonight on Spike TV you’ve gotta check out UFC Fight Night 15, a free card with some stellar bouts on tap. Following that, it’s the new season of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike, with new coaches Frank Mir and Antonio Nogueira.

The main event tonight sees Jui-Jitsu freak Nate Diaz take on the well-rounded and really scary Josh Neer in the 155 division. I love Neer, but Nate Diaz is one of the best up and comers in this division, and in the UFC as a whole. After winning a few seasons ago on TUF, he’s been on a tear, and could be in line for a title shot if he keeps things up the next few months. This a very important fight for Diaz, and all of his fights are exciting, just by the nature of his style.

But the fight to watch will be the co-main event between Mac Danzig and Clay Guida. It’s another battle at 155, and it’s another battle featuring a winner of TUF, this time in Danzig. He’s a scary guy too, one of the most well-rounded fighters you’ll find in MMA, but he goes up against a beast in Guida. I don’t if you remember a number of months back, but one of the most exciting fights for me in recent memory was Guida’s battle (on free TV no less) against Roger Huerta. Guida would lose the fight, but caught Huerta with numerous shots, and taking on a stud like Danzig, this one could be a showstopper.

It’s also a big night for a couple of popular fighters; Ed Herman and Houston Alexander. For Herman, he had a ton of hype around him heading out of season 3 of The Ultimate Fighter, but he’s coming off a loss to Demian Maia (the same guy who choked out Jason MacDonald at UFC 87). Herman’s opponent is no slouch in Alan Belcher, who has wins over Kalib Starnes and Sean Salmon on his resume.

But it’s even bigger for the light heavyweight Alexander. After lighting the world on fire with short, dominating wins over Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara, he’s lost 2 in a row, including an 8 second knockout at the hands of James Irvine. He takes on Eric Schafer, who is looking to salvage his UFC career after 2 straight losses at the hands of Stephan Bonnar and Michael Bisping.

Check it out, it’ll be a great night of fights!

That’s the big question as the Calgary Stampeders prepare for the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday afternoon (4:30 start??). The last time the Stamps played a team in the dumps with a new, unprove quarterback…things didn’t turn out so well. Remember Ryan Dinwiddie and his 400 yards passing?

The Argonauts have decided to go with Cody Pickett on Saturday afternoon. He’s a guy with a little more experience that Dinwiddie…Pickett has spent time in NFL Europe and in the NFL. But they come with very similar college pedigrees. Dinwiddie played at Boise State and slung the ball around like few other quarterbacks have done in college. Pickett is the greatest passer in Washington history, with almost 10 thousand career yards through the air. In fact,, he finished his career 4th in PAC 10 history for total yardage. That’s the PAC 10, not the WAC like Dinwiddie played in. But even with all those similarities, things are a little different this time around.

Last time the Stamps walked into a similar situation, the climate was completely different. It was early, and urgency for a prime playoff spot wasn’t there. Now, the Stamps are in a dogfight for 2nd in the West with Edmonton, and with 2 games remaining against Saskatchewan, are in a very good spot to perhaps grab 1st and a bye in the playoffs. It’s week 13 now, and this Stamps team knows what is at stake. With the implications looming, I don’t think we’re looking at a repeat of the debacle at CanadInns Stadium.

Add that on to the fact that Calgary’s defence is much better this time around. We were ragging on the secondary when the Stamps last played Winnipeg, but they’ve looked a whole lot better the past 4 weeks or so. Wes Lysack has turned into a force as the last line of defence, while Brandon Browner was stellar in Calgary’s win over Montreal. And remember how bad Browner looked in that game versus Winnipeg.

I didn’t think the Stamps “overlooked” the Bombers when they lost that game, nor do I think that was a “trap game”. But the comparisons are there, so it is evant enough to rehash. If the Stamps get beat in this game, it won’t be because they’re overlooking a down Toronto team.