A beautiful, fall Sunday morning, sippin’ a double cream, one sugar. The family off on a road trip. Reflecting on a near perfect “Man Day” yesterday, getting ready for a day of NFL, capped off by more Senators tonight.
Yes. Life is good...
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Renegades Fizzle Out Again
The day started beautifully yesterday with a quick nine holes at the Marshes. One last chance to play like crap and take a look around at a world without snow. Beautiful. Magic. From there it was immediately off to Landsdowne Park, where the fellas and I experienced none of the lineup hassles I’m hearing about today. East entrance was a breeze.
Of course, the Renegades’ play calling, decision making, poor execution and penalties drove us nuts. But, frankly, I almost expect it now. Being in that park on a gorgeous autumn afternoon is still one of my favourite places to be, despite the angst.
Some small changes I’d make for next year. Just small stuff. I’d get a new coach, GM and quarterback. You know, just tinkering.
Like him or not, just like Jacques Martin, Joe Paopao has had his shot. Having said that, I thought play selection was ridiculous yesterday. 3rd and 4 from your own 40 and you try and throw a 50 yard bomb? What the hell is that?
It’s someone else’s turn. Although, I don’t know what John Jenkins has done to make anyone think it’s his turn. Any number of CFL assistant coaches would make a better choice: BC’s Dave Ritchie, Edmonton’s Ron Lancaster Jr., Calgary’s Steve Buratto or even plenty of guys with Ottawa football ties, Toronto’s Kent Austin, Ottawa’s Greg Marshall or Winnipeg’s John Kropke.
Kerry Joseph has also had his shot. It’s too bad because he’s obviously got the athleticism. But his killer turnovers, an inability to throw the touch pass and often bizarre decisions (i.e. the unforced prayer he threw up on 2nd and goal from 5 yesterday) had me saying yesterday, “Ok. I’ve seen enough. Next!” I'll take whichever star quarterback the Lions dump this winter.
And, lastly, bring back Eric Tillman to relieve the heavy workload from Forrest Gregg. Gregg has to be mentally exhausted from all his accomplishments this year. Ahem.
And two other things have to go. 1) Take those on-field, TV timeout contests away, put them in a bag of bricks and drop them to the bottom of the Rideau Canal. Holy crap. They’re horrific and embarassing. 2) Immediately fire the PA announcer. He's awful. He sounds like a strip joint announcer. And this was the capper. In the dying seconds, Als’ fans were celebrating, singing the “Ole” song. PA boy shots back, “Hey, for all you Alouette fans chanting ‘Ole’ right now, remember July firrrrrrrrst???”
Oooh. Take that, Alouette fans. You’re killing us in our own house right now. You’re going to the playoffs with a shot at the Cup. You must be devastated that the Renegades beat you in a game 4 months ago. Pathetic.
Of course, the Renegades’ play calling, decision making, poor execution and penalties drove us nuts. But, frankly, I almost expect it now. Being in that park on a gorgeous autumn afternoon is still one of my favourite places to be, despite the angst.
Some small changes I’d make for next year. Just small stuff. I’d get a new coach, GM and quarterback. You know, just tinkering.
Like him or not, just like Jacques Martin, Joe Paopao has had his shot. Having said that, I thought play selection was ridiculous yesterday. 3rd and 4 from your own 40 and you try and throw a 50 yard bomb? What the hell is that?
It’s someone else’s turn. Although, I don’t know what John Jenkins has done to make anyone think it’s his turn. Any number of CFL assistant coaches would make a better choice: BC’s Dave Ritchie, Edmonton’s Ron Lancaster Jr., Calgary’s Steve Buratto or even plenty of guys with Ottawa football ties, Toronto’s Kent Austin, Ottawa’s Greg Marshall or Winnipeg’s John Kropke.
Kerry Joseph has also had his shot. It’s too bad because he’s obviously got the athleticism. But his killer turnovers, an inability to throw the touch pass and often bizarre decisions (i.e. the unforced prayer he threw up on 2nd and goal from 5 yesterday) had me saying yesterday, “Ok. I’ve seen enough. Next!” I'll take whichever star quarterback the Lions dump this winter.
And, lastly, bring back Eric Tillman to relieve the heavy workload from Forrest Gregg. Gregg has to be mentally exhausted from all his accomplishments this year. Ahem.
And two other things have to go. 1) Take those on-field, TV timeout contests away, put them in a bag of bricks and drop them to the bottom of the Rideau Canal. Holy crap. They’re horrific and embarassing. 2) Immediately fire the PA announcer. He's awful. He sounds like a strip joint announcer. And this was the capper. In the dying seconds, Als’ fans were celebrating, singing the “Ole” song. PA boy shots back, “Hey, for all you Alouette fans chanting ‘Ole’ right now, remember July firrrrrrrrst???”
Oooh. Take that, Alouette fans. You’re killing us in our own house right now. You’re going to the playoffs with a shot at the Cup. You must be devastated that the Renegades beat you in a game 4 months ago. Pathetic.
8-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooo!
But the Senators' 8-0 win in Toronto more than made up for any Renegade anguish. 8-0 in Toronto. It was the best thing I’ve ever seen. Ever. I recorded the game. I’ve watched it in its entirety 4 times since the game ended 12 hours ago.
So. Much. Joy.
Tie Domi's exploding beak in a fight with Brian McGrattan. Darcy Tucker, looking like an idiot, sprawled on the ice then pretending to be woozy and dizzy after an accidental collison with Anton Volchenkov. 4 goals for Dany Heatley. Ed Belfour, in the Sens’ heads no more, being chased from the game at 5-0. blue team fans, in their tight, soiled Dave Keon jerseys, gently raining boos down on their own team.
I think the only thing missing was Pat Quinn taking some kind of projectile in the face.
I’m going to guess that I’ve seen maybe 2000 NHL games in my life. That may have been my favourite. And it came on Man Day.
God bless Man Day.
So. Much. Joy.
Tie Domi's exploding beak in a fight with Brian McGrattan. Darcy Tucker, looking like an idiot, sprawled on the ice then pretending to be woozy and dizzy after an accidental collison with Anton Volchenkov. 4 goals for Dany Heatley. Ed Belfour, in the Sens’ heads no more, being chased from the game at 5-0. blue team fans, in their tight, soiled Dave Keon jerseys, gently raining boos down on their own team.
I think the only thing missing was Pat Quinn taking some kind of projectile in the face.
I’m going to guess that I’ve seen maybe 2000 NHL games in my life. That may have been my favourite. And it came on Man Day.
God bless Man Day.
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