10 THINGS I THINK I THINK

1 – WHAT A WEEK: Rider Nation will be exhausted by the end of the week. From the furor over the release of Duron Carter, to the elation of the signing of Rob Bagg, Rider fans have been up and down like a toilet seat! Hopefully they have enough energy left to cheer loud at Sunday’s Plaza of Honour Game against the Calgary Stampeders (5:00 pm, TSN, CKRM Rider Radio Network).

Meanwhile people are concerned about my well-being after taking a beating on Facebook and Twitter for sticking up for Chris Jones in the Carter mess. Believe it or not, I don’t read the comments. And if they get threatening or harrassing, I forward them to Mark Zuckerberg. Easy peezy.

2 – IN THE BAGG: Chris Jones said Wednesday the only reason the Riders cut Rob Bagg coming out of training camp was because he was injured. CFL vets promptly took to Twitter crying foul, saying that’s against CFLPA rules. Can we get a clarification? More importantly, can we stop changing the rules every year?

3 – THE GAME: Oh yeah, there’s a game this week. The 7-0 Calgary Stampeders visit the 3-4 Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday in Week 10. The Stampeders are favoured by 6.5-points and the temperature calls for sunshine and 23 degrees. Is this the week the mighty Stamps fall?

4 – “FAIRLY EASY”: Calgary broadcaster Dave Rowe was on the SportsCage this week saying the Stamps’ 34-22 win at Saskatchewan in Week 7 was “fairly easy”. If you recall, the Stampeders galloped out to a 24-0 lead after the first quarter, and then held on tight for the win. Are Dave’s comments bulletin board material for the Riders? More importantly, IS HE RIGHT??

5 – PUT UP OR SHUT UP: When do the Must-Win games start? Chris Jones put a very positive spin on the Riders’ situation on Wednesday when he said his club is only one loss behind the 2nd-best teams in the CFL (Edmonton and Winnipeg). It’s important his troops don’t lose their heads right now but if they can’t top Calgary on Sunday, then it’s imperative Saskatchewan wins in Week 11 at BC and goes on a second half run. Oh – to quote Danny Barrett – Must-Win games don’t start until you’re facing elimination.

6 – D.C. CHILLIN‘: Is he ever. TSN’s Dave Naylor surmises Duron Carter’s days in the CFL are done since no team wants to sign him while colleague Farhan Lalji disagrees, saying a desperate team will sign D.C. in the homestretch. Either way, Duron Carter sits in Regina wondering where everything went wrong? Now would be a good time for self-examination and reflection.

7 – HOPPY AND J.T.: This week’s Rider Plaza of Honour ceremony has snuck up on everyone. It’s Friday night! Jim Hopson and John Terry will be inducted into the Riders’ Hall of Fame and it’ll be a spectacular night as the forecast calls for 34-degrees and sun. Since the pair is being inducted outdoors on the field at Mosaic Stadium, I guarantee you it will be a magical night with a perfect setting. They did the same thing at last year’s CFHOF induction in Hamilton and I will NEVER forget that atmosphere for the rest of my life.

8 – MORE ON THE HALL OF FAMERS: Former Rider President Jim Hopson gets a lot of credit for the Decade of Decadence (2005-2014) but he doesn’t get enough. On Friday night he will. This team doesn’t win Grey Cups in 2007 and 2013, nor play in this new stadium, without him. … Meanwhile John Terry was a multiple All Star on some horrific Rider teams in the 90’s and early 2000’s. He’s worthy of induction. But after this year, if Kerry Joseph doesn’t get in, the Plaza of Honour and its bylaws need to be closely examined.

9 – DRESSLER: Winnipeg’s Weston Dressler isn’t expected to play this week due to a lower body injury so his 120-games-with-a-catch streak will be put on hold. He’s only 96 games behind Don Narcisse for the pro football record! Narco was really sweating when Geroy Simon hit 188, and Nik Lewis reached 166. Then, Father Time called Geroy and Nik.

10 – NOTES: Rider great Ray Elgaard is NOT in favour of Terrell Owens wearing his iconic #81 in Green & White. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like that will matter. … It’s a one-game showdown for the WMBL title Thursday night in Medicine Hat with the Mavericks home to the Regina Red Sox. If Regina comes back to take this series, President Gary Brotzel says this will be the most satisfying championship in club history. Dont’ forget they won back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012. … Why am I thinking so much about the WHL East right now? This may be the year for the P.A.Raiders to take the pennant since Swift Current, Moose Jaw and Regina are expected to have down years. Brandon will be in the mix, as always, and big things are expected from the Blades. … Let’s remember, it’s August, and everyone’s excited about their hockey team. … Next week is the 3-year anniversary of Famoso Downtown! Please come down and celebrate with us and enjoy mind-boggling specials.

Y’er welcome,
RP
@rodpedersen