MULLINDER’S BANJO BOWL PRIMER

9-year CFL veteran Luc Mullinder

By: Luc Mullinder

Hope everything’s kosher Ridernation!

Some of you wanted this Primer earlier, so from now on we’ll get it up the day before the game.  Now the only complaint you can possibly have is how poorly of a job this discombobulated rambling equates to HAHA!!!

Actually, all jokes aside, I’m glad that some of you enjoy this piece and have actually been getting something out of it.

Winnipeg is quiet right now.  But the anticipation of the second instalment in the home-at-home series with our neighbours to the east, for many of you, has been building up slowly since the final whistle that concluded the Labour Day classic.  It’s kind of strange actually.  From the outset, this looks like a pretty big city, however, it resembled more of a ghost town this morning.

Anyway, I ran into a good friend today at the Subway restaurant, across from the Fairmont Winnipeg.  We ended up discussing two things.

The first topic was about the incredible efficiency and amount of focus that was being displayed by the “sandwich artist” who was working all by himself, during the 9 person lunch rush that had developed.  This guy was a stud.  No help with anything in the store!  Bread, toaster, re-filling the toppings, cutting, wrapping and cash register.  He was responsible for it all!  He didn’t blink once.

I enjoyed my Turkey Breast on Honey Oat a lot more knowing how much focus, and effort; it took for him to make me this foot long ‘sammich’.  Everyone in line appreciated him for his work ethic.  They all left him tips.  I was just impressed with his ability to keep focused on the process and the task at hand.

#IwouldHaveQuitAfter3 #LiteMayoPlease #MVP

Our second topic of discussion was based on the Winnipeg media.

It’s common knowledge that the Rider Bandwagon in Saskatchewan is seatbelt free and low to the ground.

This facilitates the amount of people hoping on and off at various points in any season.  What struck me and my buddy, was that the media here in Winnipeg are ALREADY talking about relying on an Eastern Division crossover for the playoffs, and have totally written off any chance that they have of obtaining first place.

#ToughCrowd

The other noticeable media nugget that was being thrown around was all the stats related to series sweeps and back-to-back games throughout the last few years.  #yawn

Both these discussions really made me think of what this game was all about.  Sticking to the process and focusing on the job, regardless of how ominous the task at hand may be.
Statistics don’t play the game of football.  And in order to go 1-0 this week the Saskatchewan Roughriders are going to need to focus.  Not just on Offence and Defence, the 3rd phase of the game needs to be tended too as well, and with the same amount of enthusiasm as the other phases.
Right before the Labour Day Classic, we spoke about how Winnipeg was over-matched in the trenches, and schematically shouldn’t do well.

The kicking game is where Winnipeg needs to win in order to have a chance, because of the mismatches in other areas.  And they have been.  It’s what kept them in the Labour Day game.

Sure, Marcel Bellefeuille called a couple of really nice offensive plays last week.  But I’d be surprised if he manages to pull anything else out of his hat this time around.  It would be easier to bring more originality to his pallet if the Bombers O.C. could somehow get Winnipeg to establish a consistent ground game.  There were glimpses last week, but that’s about it, don’t expect fireworks from the Bombers this week.

The much-ballyhooed Etcheverry defensive philosophy has struggled against the straight ahead running style of the Saskatchewan Offence.  The Riders offensive weapons have also done a tremendous job of keeping the ball secure during possessions.  Stripping the ball is an art form that any Etch Defence is versed in, and there’s been no candy to scoop as yet.

The franchise QB, who is doing a great job despite what the 50-point per gamers say, is also denying the Bombers of chances at INTs, and if there’s one thing that Winnipeg came into this series needing, it was INTs and fumbles.  The Bombers desperately need to play on short fields with the personnel they have, and the Riders know it.  They have dominated the keep-away game.
This week, the Green & White need a redeeming effort in the FG, PAT and Return areas.  You cannot win a Grey Cup without being exceptional on special teams.  That’s a fact.

I’d really love to sit here and analyse certain players and break down other key areas, but I really can’t this week.  It’s not because you guys wanted this a day early.  It has nothing to do with me wanting to watch college football (GO STATE #PLUCKTHEDUCKS #ChampionshipImplications).

The reason I’m keeping this short is because there isn’t much more to speak on.  The third match-up is more man on man than anything and the Green and White win that battle 9 times out of ten.

The Bombers know what the Riders are going to do, and the Riders know what the Bombers are going to do.  There is only so much tinkering that can go on.  Eventually you just have to sit there and go blow for blow.

That’s where the bad news lies.  The trap is set and hidden under the guise of the scenic Investors Group Stadium.  Going blow for blow against one’s little brother is easy.  But if you’re not careful, one day when you feel cocky and get sidetracked…BOOM!!!  Left hook to the jaw and your family dinners are never the same!

The FOCUS has to be there.  That’s the reason coaches still have the night meetings on the road late in the season.  That’s why players still have quick morning meetings just to make sure everyone’s moving around.  The moment you lose focus, for that one split second, everything changes.

The Western Division is too good to lose footing now.  The Riders will win this game, as long as the focus on the 3rd game is as extreme as the first time they met.  Take care of the kicking game, and keep your mind on the process.  All will be well.

Cups up to the fellas going 1-0 this week!

#Properspective