Preview: Saskatchewan Roughriders

In 2011, the Saskatchewan Roughriders hope to get back to where they finished in 2010. Just this time, win the Grey Cup!

And informedbet.com likes their chances. Greg Marshall takes over as head coach, and shouldn't have a hard time adjusting to his new position. Fortunately, he has arguably the best quarterback in the league leading his team.

Darian Durant will come into this season in his third full season as the undisputed QB of this team, and if he can limit the amount of interceptions he has a tendency to throw (22 last season), this offense will be scary. Offensive co-ordinator Doug Berry has had a full year to work with him, and we expect big things from Durant in 2011. No, he won't have Andy Fantuz to throw the ball too, but he has a number of other weapons he can look for in Rob Bagg (will likely miss the first nine games of the season), Weston Dressler, Jason Clermont and Chris Getzlaf. His offensive line in front of him is a veteran group, and just might be one of the best in the league. They lost Jeremy O'Day to retirement in the offseason, but brought in George Hudson, and when you combine him with Gene Makowsky, Alex Gauthier, Dan Goodspeed and Marc Parenteau no wonder Hugh Charles and Wes Cates provide one of the best 1-2 punches in the backfield in the CFL. Special teams is also a strength for this football team, as Luca Congi is a steady, reliable kicker and Tristan Jackson is one of the best kick returners in the CFL.

Defensively, this unit is a strong one also. Up front, Shomari Williams, Keith Shologan, Dario Romero and Luc Mullinder make up a great D-line, but other than Barrin Simpson, we aren't in love with their linebackers. Fortunately, their backfield is yet another strength for Saskatchewan, as Leron Mitchell, Tad Kornegay and Lance Frazier will make it tough for receivers to get open.

All in all, we don't see a lot of weaknesses with this team. They are a veteran group of players, who are coached by one of the best staffs in the league. The West (like usual) will be competitive, as B.C. and Calgary also have strong clubs. But Saskatchewan in our opinion is a step above, that is why we are predicting them to reach another Grey Cup. But this time, win it.

Informedbet.com's Prediction: 1st in the West, and Grey Cup Champions

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Preview: Edmonton Eskimos

No team entering the 2011 season has more questions and positions to fill than the Edmonton Eskimos:

In 2010, Edmonton finished the year with a 7-11 record and another year out of the playoffs meant a new head coach. Kavis Reed has been brought in to help change the fortunes of this proud franchise around, but boy, does this guy have his work cut out for him this upcoming year!

At quarterback, Ricky Ray returns, and right off the bat informedbet.com has a confession: he is one of our favourite players in the league. Unfortunately, Ray isn't getting any younger and we aren't sure how much he has left in the tank. The past couple of seasons Ray has taken a LOT of punishment, and with no QB proven behind him (traded 2010 backup Zankowsky this past offseason), if he goes down, this team is beyond in a lot of trouble. Heard of Cody Kirby, Marc Mueller or Matt Nichols? Us neither, and those are the backups behind Ray.

Arkee Whitlock will line up behind Ray, but this guy fumbles like no tomorrow. Calvin McCarty has shown potential, and we actually like him more than Whitlock. Regardless, both will have blockers in front of them that we aren't that high on. Patrick Kabongo is about as slow as they come, and other than center Aaron Fiacconi, there isn't much we like.

So, running the ball will be difficult, as will the blocking for Ray, Whitlock and McCarty. But when Ray does get time, who will he have to throw the ball too? Adarius Bowman, Fred Stamps, Jason Barnes, Chris Bauman and Andrew Nowacki are a decent bunch, but drop a LOT of balls. Scoring will be difficult for this team needless to say.

Defensively, we don't like this group much more than the offense. Their defensive backfield is decent with the likes of Lavar Glover, Elliott Richardson and Lenny Walls. But, this team's front seven is in shambles. Adam Braidwood will no longer anchor their defensive line (looking at penitentiary time!), and there aren't really impact players at all on either their defensive line or at linebacker. Kavis Reed is a defensive specialist, and needless to say, will have to work magic even to get them statistically in the middle of the pack.

Edmonton does have a good kicker in Jamie Boreham, and this guy is going to be busy! We see major issues on both sides of the ball with this football team, and don't believe that they'll achieve the amount of wins they did last year.

Informedbet.com's Prediction: 4th in the West

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Preview: Calgary Stampeders

In 2010, the Stampeders ended the year with a 13-5 record, which was best in the entire CFL. Unfortunately, they came short of their goal of the Grey Cup, but look to avenge that in 2011.

And informedbet.com believes that they are loaded on offense to do just that. Calgary has two tremendous quarterbacks in Henry Burris and Drew Tate, and have one of the top running backs in the league in Joffrey Reynolds. When you combine him with Jon Cornish, the Stamps have a tremendous 1-2 punch in the backfield, and even though this organization said goodbye to two veterans on the offensive line (Archibald and Lazeo), Tim O'Neill is a great replacement at center, and there are a number of quality draft picks the Stamps have made in recent years that will complete for the left tackle position held by Archibald (informedbet.com loved J'Michael Deane while he played at Michigan State, as he started every game in 2010 for the Spartans at right tackle).

Whether Burris or Tate is under center, they both not only have a great pair of running backs behind them, but also a number of dangerous receivers. Ken-Yon Rambo, Arjei Franklin and Nik Lewis are three of the best in the league, so needless to say much like last season Calgary won't have problems putting points on the board!

Defensively though, this team will look different, and how they adjust to new faces will be the key to this team's success in 2011. Three key members of the defensive backfield are gone (Browner, Lysack and Anderson), as are DT's Labinjo and Johnson. This in our opinion leaves this team VERY short on talent, and defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones will have his work cut out for him. Informedbet.com HIGHLY recommends taking the over in total points scored when Calgary plays, as we just don't see this defense being able to slow many teams down. Fortunately, they'll be able to score a WHOLE lot, but whether or not this translates into another 13 win season remains to be seen. In the end, this is still a very decent squad, but we think they'll take a small step back in 2011.

Informedbet.com's Prediction: 2nd in the West

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Preview: BC Lions

With British Columbia hosting the 2011 Grey Cup, there is added emphasis on Wally Buono to have his club get to the big game:

Last season, B.C. ended up with a record below .500...but made the playoffs (you'll get this in an eight team league in which six make the playoffs). But forgetting that, there is no question the Lions made great strides to end the season. This team got off to a horrendous start (lost seven of their first eight games), but won six of nine, which gives Lions fans hope entering this season.

Travis Lulay looked great as British Columbia's quarterback, and we believe they have found their pivot. Geroy Simon will be still his main target, but the Lions lost Emmanuel Arceneaux in the offseason, and this will hurt. We still like Paris Jackson, but beyond that, Lulay has a lot of young Canadians who are unproven to throw the ball too. If Simon or Jackson goes down, this team will be in some trouble on offense.

Jamal Robertson will be their featured running back, and we are fans of this guy. But make no mistake about it, there are games in which he is under-utilized by the coaching staff and also, ones in which he doesn't show up. Ben Archibald was brought over from Calgary to help stabilize an offensive line which is average at best...all in all this offense is a decent one, which will be able to put up some points.

Defensively, we like this team....a lot. Although the pass rush wasn't as strong as one would have hoped for in 2010, their defensive line is a veteran group which features Brent Johnson and Aaron Hunt. Nice start. Solomon Elimimian is a name which CFL fans should get used to hearing - this linebacker was PHENOMAL in 2010, and should be better (which is scary) in 2011. Anton McKenzie is an underrated 'backer also, and when you combine this group with the likes of Davis Sanchez, Dante Marsh and Korey Banks (the best defensive backfield in the entire CFL), Mike Benevides (B.C.'s defensive coordinator) has a lot to work with. This group as an entire unit in our opinon might just be the best in the league in 2011 (yes, you read that right).

All in all, we expect B.C. to have a better year this upcoming year compared to 2010. A record over .500 is almost a certainty, but Saskatchewan and Calgary are loaded, and we still view this club a step behind both. That being said, the Lions do have the potential to upset either (or both) in the playoffs, so an opportunity to play in the Grey Cup at home isn't out of the question.

Informedbet.com's Prediction: 3rd in the West

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Preview: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Although we appreciate that the city of Winnipeg is thrilled with the Jets returning (rightfully so!), their Blue Bombers are just a month away from beginning their 2011 season. Informedbet.com gives you a preview of what to expect:

Winnipeg has missed the playoffs now two years in a row, and when you play in an eight team league with six of them making the playoffs, this is not an impressive statistic at all! In 2010, the club brought in new head coach Paul LaPolice to guide the team, and although his team went 4-14, they did show a lot of promise. They lost nine games by four points or less and they did it with having about 20 guys starting at quarterback! And if there is an issue with this team entering the 2011 season, it's just that: quarterback.

Buck Pierce is listed as the #1 guy, and when he is healthy, he is a good one. But Pierce hasn't been able to stay healthy, and there is no reason to think otherwise for this season. The Blue Bombers knowing this, traded away veteran backup Steven Jyles to the Argos, leaving a bunch of unproven backups in Alex Brink, Justin Goltz and Joey Elliott. One of these three quarterbacks had better not get used to carrying a clipboard for long, but whether one of these three have the potential to be an effective starter remains to be seen. Right off the bat though, our opinion is no.

Unfortunately whoever starts behind center, they don't have a whole lot of weapons to throw to either. Yes, they do have one of the league's best running backs in Fred Reid, but their receiving corps isn't a deep one. Their offensive line is a veteran bunch, and this unit MUST step up in 2011 if this offensive has any chance....at all.

Defensively, this team does have some gems. Javon Johnson in our opinion is the best corner in the game, and he is a dangerous threat on special teams. Ian Logan and Brady Browne are two excellent Canadian born safeties, and they are joined by fellow native Doug Brown, who is still one of the best D-lineman in the business. This unit as a whole is nothing special, but they come to play every night, and like last season, should bring enough each game to give their team a chance to win.

All and all, this team is still a work in progress. LaPolice is a terrific young coach, but with so many questions in a lot of areas, informedbet.com doesn't hold a lot of hope for this squad. Look for the Blue Bombers and Argos to battle it out in the basement in the East.

Informedbet.com's Prediction: 4th in the East

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Preview: Hamilton Tigercats

The last two seasons has seen the Hamilton Tigercats reach the East semifinals - only to lose both times to the Montreal Alouettes. Will the third time be a charm? We think so.

Hamilton hasn't seen a Grey Cup since winning it back in 1999, but this might be the year. In the offseason, the Ti-cats went out and signed Avon Cobourne, the MVP of the 2009 Grey Cup, away from their rivals the Montreal Alouttes. DeAndra' Cobb had filled that role, and filled it admirably, but Cobourne is a step up, and will help this offense tremendously.

Kevin Glenn will hand the ball off to Cobourne, and the starting QB is coming off a 5,000 yard season. He has two of the best slots in the game: Dave Stala and Arland Bruce, and has a veteran offensive line in front of him that went out and signed Wayne Smith. Quinton Porter provides great depth at the quarterback position, and there is no reason this unit won't rank in the top of the league in most offensive categories.

On defence, this unit boasts the league's top defensive player from 2010, Markeith Knowlton, and he teams with Jamall Johnson to produce arguably the top linebacking group in the league. Stevie Baggs is one of the league's top pass rushers (informedbet.com is predicting he'll lead the league in sacks his year) to compliment a nice defensive line. The defensive backfield is a slight concern for us, but Hamilton's front seven will give quarterbacks nightmares, which eases our concerns in their ability to defend the pass.

Marcel Bellefeuille returns as head coach, and Khari Jones, the former All-Star quarterback will now run the offense. This staff has one of the most talented rosters in the league to work with, and that is why informedbet.com is predicting they win the Eastern Conference, and advance to the 2011 Grey Cup.

Informedbet.com Prediction: 1st in the Eastern Conference, birth in the Grey Cup

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As the 2011 regular season fast apporaches for the Toronto Argonauts, it's still unknown as to who will be their starting quarterback. One thing we do know though, is they'll have a number to choose from!

Cleo Lemon, Dalton Bell, Steven Jyles, Danny Brannagan, B.J. Hall and Matt Grothe will all attend training camp, but which one gets the job, is unknown. Former Miami Dolphin pivot Cleo Lemon started last year with limited success, while Steven Jyles was brought in from Winnipeg during the offseason, which signalled to most (including us), that he is the front runner for the job. Whoever attains the position, they'll be asked to help improve the Argos record from last year, 9-9, and will at least have a solid running back (Cory Boyd) to hand the ball off too. Unfortunately, this team doesn't have a lot of weapons to throw too (Jermaine Copeland has been a disappointment since coming over from Calgary), so look for this team to run the ball....a lot!

Defensively, this unit is strong. Adrian Belli and Eric Taylor are no longer on their defensive line, but Belli missed a lot of time last season anyways, and had a penchant for taking dumb penalties....a lot, which won't be missed. Fortunately, Ronald Flemons and Ricky Foley are two of the best coming off the end, and Kevin Huntley is a beast in the middle. Kevin Eiben, Jordan Younger and Jason Pottinger make up a great linebacking core, but there isn't a lot of depth at this position. Wes Lysack was brought over from Calgary, and will be a nice addition to the defensive backfield (safety was an issue with this team, so his addition greatly helps). He will be joined by the likes of Byron Parker, Willie Pile and Lin-J Shell, and as a whole, make up a nice group.

The Argos also have a gem in Chad Owens, who is the best kick returner in the CFL. Noel Prefontaine is a veteran kicker who still can get it done, and informedbet.com likes the coaching staff as a whole. All in all, the Argos will once again be a competitive team, and might be able to win more than nine games compared to last year.

But many more, we just don't see it. This team's lack of options at receiver and in the slot concerns us greatly, and if Boyd goes down (which he did last year) running back will also be a question. Although Toronto has a ton of quarterbacks to choose from, we aren't convinced any of them are actually good enough to lead a team to the promised land. We like this team more than Winnipeg in the East, but are a couple of steps behind (once again) Montreal and Hamilton. Expect the playoffs, but this team won't bring home the gold.

Informedbet.com's Prediction: 3rd in the East

No CFL team has seen a three-peat since the Edmonton Eskimos reeled off five straight, so right off the bat, the odds are stacked against the Als.

The 2011 version of the Als won't be much younger, despite seeing a number of key components from the past two championship seasons leave. Once again, the ageless wonder Anthony Calvillo will return as QB for this team, and we are more concerned about Calvillo's health more than his performance. As everybody knows, Calvillo was diagnosed with cancer (announced it after winning the Grey Cup in November), and although all signs look good, with the big "C" you never know.

Forgetting this serious health concern, you have to wonder how much he has left anyways. He has been battling injuries the last few seasons, and with his age (and position), it isn't a surprise. Fortunately for Montreal, former Syracuse Orange Adrian MacPherson has looked good in relief of Calvillo when called upon, and don't be surprised if you see a lot more of him this season. But his OR Calvilllo's weapons to go to this season will look a lot different.

Ben Cahoon has retired from playing pro football (now a receiver's coach with his alma mater, BYU), and although there is no question Montreal has a nice nucleus of receivers (Kerry Watkins, Prechae Rodriquez, S.J. Green, etc), his absense will be missed. Moreso for informedbet.com though, will be the departure of running back Avon Cobourne, who signed in the off-season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Cobourne is one of the league's best runners, and helped open things up for Calvillo and the Alouttes offense. Former Green Bay Packer Ahman Green and former Ticat DeAndra Cobb have been brought in to replace Cobourne, but neither is at Cobourne's level (Ahman Green at this stage of his career isn't at anybody's level).

On defence, Montreal will greatly miss the retirement of safety Matthieu Proulx, as this was an area of weakness in our opinion even WITH Proulx in the lineup! Montreal did bring in corner Dwight Anderson (from Calgary) who is a great player, but has a penchant for taking dumb penalties. Their defensive line and linebacking corp though: solid. Chip Cox and Diamond Ferri are two of the best 'backers in the league, and Gavin Walls, Anwar Stewart, John Bowman and Kitwana Jones will provide GREAT pass rush off the end.

Another strength of the Als: their coaching staff. Marc Trestman is the best coach in the league in our opinion, and Scott Milanovich might just be the best offensive co-ordinator (although he will have his work cut out for him this year).

All in all, Montreal is still going to be a strong team. We don't see this team being as good as the one's from year's past, but will contend for both the East title and Grey Cup. Unfortunately, they'll fall short of both.

Informedbet.com's Prediction: 2nd place finish in the East

When Weston Dressler caught a three-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Darian Durant in Week 1, it not only capped off a memorable game, but it also kick-started what would be a very interesting and entertaining first six weeks to the 2010 CFL Season.

If you look back at the first twenty-four games played this season, it isn't defined by one team, or one player, but several players, and every team. From the Alouettes continuing their ride atop the East Division, to the Eskimos and Lions struggling in the basement of the West.

Entering the 2010 season, there were several questions league-wide. How would the Riders respond after one of the toughest losses in pro football history? Could Cleo Lemon actually be the next big thing for the Toronto Argonauts? Will Richie Hall build off a 9-9 record and be able to take the Eskimos to bigger and better places?

For starters, the Riders responded just fine. A slow start in Week 1, but a big bounce back as the game went on. Overcoming a three touchdown deficit the club was able to start the season with a win in double overtime over the team they lost to eight months previous. The green and white continued their first third of the season in strong fashion while jumping out to a 3-0 start, beating the BC Lions and Edmonton Eskimos along the way. This was the fourth consecutive season the Riders started the season with a 2-0 or better record. A definite improvement from previous years where they would struggle to a mediocre 9-9 record each season. Quarterback Darian Durant has been calm and cool as the team's leader and has embraced the role of being a starting quarterback in the toughly critiqued province of Saskatchewan. Not many players have had success in the role in the past, but Durant is adapting just fine, and proving that not only is he one of the better players the Riders have seen, but also one of the top performers currently in the CFL. If there is one team in the CFL that truly defines the word 'team', it just may be these Riders. You look up and down the roster and you are hard pressed to find a single player who thinks they can do it on their own.

The Argonauts took a different approach to the quarterback position this off-season. Shying away from players with plenty of CFL experience, but instead going with players who knew the game of football, period. The club brought in former NFL players Cleo Lemon, Gibran Hamdan and Ken Dorsey. Hamdan retired, but Lemon has stepped up as the team's starter and has impressed many in the first six games. You aren't going to find a winner from day one, but if a player is willing to improve, study and be the best he can be, you don't have to be the best player in the World to be successful. Lemon's most recent win against the Eskimos turned into his most prolific passing the ball. Throwing for 292 yards. Many feel that if he can play at a consistent level, and with the defence playing the way they are, these Argonauts can definitely be a factor in a couple of months time when things start to heat up. With all the changes the Argos endured in the off-season, who would have thought they would be sitting pretty in the East in second place? Atleast one man. Head Coach Jim Barker. Turns out he did know what he was doing.

After getting the Eskimos back on track in the Western Division playoffs – despite losing in 2009, there were some good expectations for head coach Richie Hall and the club in 2010. Why not? They had an improved defence, most notably in the secondary, acquiring ball-hawk Chris Thompson, Lenny Walls and Lawrence Gordon. However, it hasn't translated into wins for the Eskimos. A single win is it so far this season. It has led to the firing of GM Danny Maciocia, and if things don't improve who knows if Richie Hall will still be around in a month. Fourth quarter woes have been a big reason for the Eskimos lack of success. Being outscored by 51 points in the final frame, you simply cannot win games when you can't come up with big plays when it matters most. And that's exactly where the Eskimos have lost a couple of games this season. They led both the Riders and Alouettes in the second half of each game, but threw the game away on turnovers. Despite their 1-5 start to the season, all is not lost for the Grey Cup hosts. They are only one game out of a playoff spot through the first six games.

In Montreal, all is fine once again. Despite losing all-star centre Bryan Chiu in the off-season, the transition has been a smooth one for new snapper Paul Lambert. They club was also able to secure an important piece off the field, in re-signing GM Jim Popp. Popp has been one of the mainstays throughout the Alouettes stream of success in the past ten years, and despite rumours of vacating to the NFL, the GM has made it clear that Montreal is his team. After losing their season opener to the Riders, Montreal has not hit a flaw since, winning five straight games, and jumping out to the early lead in the East Division. Many expected a challenge to the Alouettes in 2010, but not from who it currently is, the Argos. The two clubs will meet for the second time this season to begin the next third of the season in Toronto in Week 7. Veteran quarterback Anthony Calvillo has once again started off strong. Averaging over 300 yards per game, and throwing for twelve touchdowns, with only two interceptions. Alongside Calvillo is his favourite target, Ben Cahoon. The two players define the term ageless. At a combined age of 75, they are still wreaking havoc on opposing defences. Although Cahoon is regressing in his overall season contributions, others have stepped up. Kerry Watkins and Jamel Richardson come to mind when thinking of the top players in the game, but S.J. Green has been the subject of many discussions through the first six weeks. Making a spectacular diving catch at the back of the endzone in Week 1, that made it's way around the football world. Green has turned in a terrific start to the season with 309 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Despite a few changes in the off-season, the Calgary Stampeders have led the way in the West Division through the first-third of the season. Several departures and retirements had left the club short on depth in a couple of areas, however it has yet to phase the team, as they have lost just one game so far. Henry Burris leads the league in touchdown passes, despite the loss of offensive coordinator George Cortez, who went to the NFL's Buffalo Bills. The Stamps have recently re-gained two strong receiving targets in Ken-Yon Rambo and Ryan Thelwell. Both who after long off-seasons rehabbing injuries have finally returned to the lineup. Rambo has a touchdown in both games played, and Thelwell has chipped in for one of his own. Chris Jones, defensive coordinator for the team has helped pave the way for one of the stronger looking defences through the first six weeks. An aggressive secondary that seems almost invincible to pass interference penalties has flustered opposing quarterbacks. The tandem of Brandon Browner and Dwight Anderson play that 'in your face' style, and it has paid off for both players. Despite losing perennial all-star kicker Sandro DeAngelis to free agency, the club has remained unphased in the placekicking department. Rookie Draftee Rob Maver has missed only one field goal so far, and is outperforming the former Stamp, DeAngelis.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats were the 'sexy pick' in the off-season to dethrone the Alouettes from the top of the East Division. However, paper has not translated to the game, as the Ti-cats have struggled immensely throughout the first six weeks. Winning just two games, against the same team – Winnipeg. The on-field story as of late is receiver Arland Bruce, who in his past two games has combined for nearly 500 yards and four touchdowns. Seemingly unstoppable, Bruce ripped through the secondaries of Saskatchewan and Winnipeg on his way to the recent feat. Canadian slotback Dave Stala has helped contribute to a more consistent offence, that the team is hopeful will translate into more wins moving forward. Posing one of the strongest defensive fronts in the league, the Ti-cats have had no issues creating pressure on opposing offences. It's been a combination of untimely penalties, plays and a slump for kicker Sandro DeAngelis that has helped pave the way for their 2-4 start. There is an off-field distraction ongoing with the club's owner, Bob Young who is threatening to move the team to a new Canadian city, due to not being able to come to terms on a new stadium in Hamilton. Just one of the issues the Tiger-Cats must overcome moving forward in the 2010 season.

After saying goodbye to quarterback Buck Pierce in the off-season, the BC Lions turned over the keys to the offence to Casey Printers. However, after an early season injury, Travis Lulay has had to step into the spotlight, and hasn't been able to deliver for the club. Costly errors in the fourth quarter have directly led to two losses for the club recently, and in the last game against Calgary, Lulay was pulled in favour of veteran Jarious Jackson. The Lions are a team that has struggled with consistency at quarterback the past couple of years. Whether it is not being able to stay healthy, or simply poor play, the team has found themselves continually looking for the right piece to keep the offence afloat. So far this season they are uncovering the negatives to such inconsistency. A 1-5 record to start the season, and questionable offensive playcalling has put the team in a funk. And, for the first time ever, head coach Wally Buono is coaching just that, a 1-5 team. After switching quarterbacks, from Lulay to Jackson, and releasing veteran receiver Derick Armstrong, Buono is trying to make his players accountable. Will it work? We will find out perhaps this week when the team travels to Saskatchewan to face the Riders in the 2010 Hall of Fame game. It almost seems like the Lions have no chance in the game, given that the Riders are hungry for a win after a close loss in Week 6. Oh, yeah, and they're inducting one of their most famous players ever – Don Narcisse – into the Hall of Fame. However, if the Lions can somehow find a way to win, it just may be the piece they need to get back on the right track in 2010.

Finally, we turn to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. A new look to the club from 2009, after they replaced Mike Kelly with Paul LaPolice, and recruited quarterback Buck Pierce from BC. Things were looking up in Winnipeg after a dominating Week 1 win at home against the Tiger-Cats. Their new pivot made life miserable for Hamilton in that game, and showed some good things to come in Winnipeg. However, it was shortly lived. A player who has been riddled with injuries in the past, they showed up on Pierce's doorstep again. So, Steven Jyles has taken over the reigns for a few weeks while Pierce recovers, and they have only won a single game since that Week 1 win over Hamilton. Despite a losing start, the Bombers are vastly improved from a year ago, where it would seem as if they quit in games and didn't want to be there. They are willing to fight to the end, and play for that victory for 60 minutes. Whether the Bombers can put it altogether for success moving forward remains to be seen, but if they can get Pierce back healthy and stay that way, the team will be just fine for 2010.

The first six weeks of the CFL has brought us some fantastic entertainment. From last second finishes, to several special teams touchdowns, it is quickly shaping up to be one of the better seasons in recent memory. So, CFL fans, stay tuned or you will miss the ride.

Tyler - CFL Daily