Dupont’s 10 Things
1. It’s good to be back!: Writing is not my strength nor something I’ve even done a lot of over the years but when RP asked to provide a weekly column, I jumped at the opportunity. I think it will be fun to have this little weekly space to empty some thoughts and hopefully bring you a little value to your week.
When I asked Rod what he’d like to see in this space he simply said “Whatever you’d like. Be representative of your life now.” Isn’t that something! It’s the same way we operate the RP Show and I think it’s worked pretty well over the years.
So, with that said, let’s get to a re-introduction for those that aren’t daily watchers of our television show. I’m now living in the GTA with my beautiful fiance, discovering new places, meeting new people, and creating new opportunities. It’s great!
Now, let’s get to sports …
2. CANADA: Whether you’re an avid fan or not there’s no secret that Tuesday night’s semi-final at the Copa America was a big deal for Canadian soccer. Lionel Messi was questionable heading into the match with a leg injury but it didn’t matter. Even with this 2-0 loss, this was a monumental moment for Canadian soccer.
3. Week 6: One great thing about this article coming out on Wednesday each week is that I’ll be able to look ahead to the upcoming games in the Canadian Football League. I’m going to leave Hamilton out of this one (they’re on the bye) as I haven’t been able to figure them out yet.
4. Heavyweight bout: First place in the CFL’s West Division is up-for-grabs on Saturday night in BC as the 4-1 Lions host the 4-0 Saskatchewan Roughriders. BC opens as HEAVY favourites (7.5 points!) thanks to Sask being without starting quarterback Trevor Harris for a second straight week. Shea Patterson did enough for the Riders to knock off Toronto last week but BC is playing at a much higher level than the Argos are right now. Vernon Adams Jr was tops on the league’s weekly honour roll for a second straight week and is looking like an MOP front-runner.
5. Paths to victory: One thing I look at when previewing a game is different paths to victory for a team. For the Riders there are a few:
In the win over Toronto, the Riders led in time-of-possession, rushing yards, and didn’t turn the ball over. Keeping VA off the field for as long as possible will be crucial. He’s thrown just one interception so far and for fans hoping for another five-turnover performance from the Riders defence, don’t hold your breath. I’m expecting a good game regardless.
6. Who’s best?: There’s a case to be made for Montreal, Saskatchewan and BC based on their records but nobody can argue that it’s the Montreal Alouettes. They just continue to win and it’s actually mind-boggling (impressive) that they are setting franchise records once held by the likes of Anthony Calvillo, Ben Cahoon, Marc Tretman and Don Matthews. 🤯
7. Opportunity in Edmonton: Hosting Ottawa on Sunday is as good a chance as the Elks are going to get. Edmonton (0-4) hasn’t played since a 3-point loss to BC back on June 27th. Ottawa may be without starting quarterback Dru Brown who entered concussion protocol after leaving Friday’s loss at Winnipeg early. We should know more later on Wednesday when the teams return to practice.
8. Close: Yes, the Elks are 0-4 but it’s not as bad as it’s been in the past. The four losses have been by a combined 17 points. Each of the last three games have been equal three point losses to three of the best teams in the league in BC, Toronto, and Montreal. It was an eight-point loss in week one to Saskatchean and that’s the four best teams in the league right out of the gate. Next up is a home-and-home with Ottawa and then a home date with Hamilton to end July. They could be right back in the mix heading to August.
9 & 10. Randoms: I’ll likely have more hockey in this space each week but let’s face it, it’s the offseason and I’m on record as saying a break is good for every league … Sid signing a new deal in Pittsburgh is the right thing and good for the game … Congrats to Football Canada on their third-straight title at the IFAF U20 World Championship. The USA didn’t medal after a loss to Austria in the bronze medal game … At Wimbledon (yes I’ll sneak a LITTLE tennis in here) world #1 Jannik Sinner is out after falling in the quarters. Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and American Taylor Fritz are among the six players still left. Two more QF matches on Wednesday…
Thank you for not brining up covid stuff from 5 years ago along with any other matters as to who is dying or staying alive. You can be the sane one on this blog along with…..me. 4) – this is a “heavy weight” match in the sense a prime Mike Tyson is about to square off with a 40 year old Larry Holmes or Michael Spinx. It’s going to be over fast and with a statement. 4-0 is the record. Edmonton/2X Hamilton/Back Up QB in Toronto- Corey Mace is about to become Devon Claybrooks in a hurry minus the sideways… Read more »
You use this column for your personal pontification. You think Mace is the next Claybrooks and the riders end at 4 wins? Shows how little you actually know . You can’t actually believe most of the nonsense you spew, can you? You have some sick misogynistic views .
Good to see another blog writer, welcome. Keep em coming