IT IS CRUNCH TIME FOR US STAMP FANS

WHY IF YOU ARE A STAMP FAN, YOU HAVE A LOT OF APPREHENSION GOING INTO THE PLAYOFFS

Sitting back as a Calgary Stampeder fan this year going into the Western final can be very stressful. I mean, think about it, when is the last time the Stamps won a playoff game? The last three years they have not won a playoff game. Two of the last three years, they blew huge leads in the second half. Then last year, they lost in Saskatchewan. But if you think about that one, they blew that game too. When they were trailing 26-21, they recovered the short kick off, but went offside and were forced to do another kick off.

ONCE YOU GET PAST THE APPREHENSION

So you can understand the apprehension of a Stampeder fan when it comes to the Western final. But if you think about it, the Stamps have done things this season that might help the nerves going into the game. They have exorcised some ghost this season that they have not in the past.

For example, they have won in British Columbia, Toronto, and Hamilton. The Stamps have had their problems winning in those stadiums, especially BC place. In the Sky Dome, they were trounced 48-16. This season, they pounded the Argo’s 44-16. Last season, they were 1-2 against the Lions, including getting demolished in BC place. This season, the Stamps swept the Lions, including winning in BC Place.

HENRY BURRIS

Another key point this season is Burris. He is a different quarterback. He has cut down the mistakes this season; he has not made the fumbles he did last year. Also, he had a career year, thrashing his personal best totals. One more interesting tidbit: Burris has not let his mistakes affect his play. He has shaken off his mistakes and come back with a vengeance. He has the confidence to lead his team through turbulence or mistakes the offense has had.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Burris has not been beaten up this season. The key to success this year is the offensive line. How many people would have guessed with all the youth on the offensive line, that it would end up being the Stamps’ strength instead of their weakness. The Stamps have the best running game, and allowed the least number of sacks in the league. Now, some of you may argue that has something to do with Burris and Reynolds; but I here to tell you that more often than not, that has to do with the holes and protection the offensive lines gave Burris and Reynolds.

THE TURN AROUND THAT MADE THE SEASON

If somebody was to ask me what turned the Stamps around, I would have to say the back-to-back game after the Day Fiasco. The Stamps made a major statement when they went back and defeated the Eskimos in Edmonton. They could have easily just packed it in and went home. Instead, they went up there and bested a very good Eskimos team, who had all the momentum, after they plastered the Stamps 37-16.

CONCLUSION

There is still the worry about Burris not winning the big game. I hear the worry from the fans. The memories of disappointment, year after year, is will the Stamps have another bitter pill for the fans to swallow? Or will the Burris Legacy take a new turn, a starter who is a Grey Cup champion?

I really think the Stamps are capable. The team has been winning the games they have not won before. Right now I have never seen this team like I have seen them play right now. They are like a well-tuned engine. And like a well-tuned engine, the Stamps must have all their cylinders working in tune with each other.

RANDY

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