Thursday Commentary: That Time Of Year
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It’s that time of year again!
The time of year when the rest of Canada turns their attention towards the CFL.
We’ve been following it from Day 1 but also realize that not everybody does. I only get into MLB during the playoffs, and also, maybe, the NBA. So I get it.
The stadiums will be packed and the TV ratings will be off the charts come next weekend. Before that, we have the little matter of first place in the West Division to be settled this weekend as the regular season concludes.
And even before that, we have the fun debate over the individual awards in the CFL as the teams’ Most Outstanding Players were announced on Wednesday.
Notice I said, “individual” awards?
Somewhere along the way that concept got lost when it comes to this year’s league MVP honour. Statistically, Hamilton’s Bo Levi Mitchell had the best season among quarterbacks yet the pundits are saying he shouldn’t win it since the Tiger-Cats are missing the playoffs.
Ummm, I thought we said this was an individual award?
No matter. It’s not a hill I’m willing to die on and is just another example of how confusing things are sometimes in the CFL.
There are some other tantalizing nominees as well, like Winnipeg’s Brady Oliveira (the league’s rushing leader, and a Canadian), BC’s Justin McInnis (the league’s receiving leader, and also a Canadian), and the Roughriders’ Rolan Milligan, who’s a three-headed MVP coming out of Saskatchewan who is at, or near, the top of most defensive categories in the CFL.
The last Rider to do that was our friend Jeff Knox Jr. way back in 2015, who was voted the team’s MVP, Most Outstanding Rookie, and most Outstanding Special Teams Player in the same season.
But he never won the Grey Cup; the ultimate team award in Canadian football.
Wait a minute … which award were we talking about again?
That’s today’s Rod Pedersen Commentary.
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily at 12 pm & 4 pm ET on Game+TV, WQEE Radio, Podcast & YouTube Live)
Your writing is a true testament to your expertise and dedication to your craft. I’m continually impressed by the depth of your knowledge and the clarity of your explanations. Keep up the phenomenal work!
To play for a so-so team missing the playoffs and still being considered for MOP is an honour in itself. I would think playing on a good team would only make one look better with numerous stars supporting you. The award is to an individual not a team, thats why they play for the CUP.