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The situation in the East is simply fantastic for fans of the CFL. All Week 20 games in the East matter as to who is in the playoffs and that’s how you want it to play out. I will be on site at the marque game of the week, Montreal at Hamilton. I am looking forward to seeing Hamilton’s new stadium and the facilities they have for the players and coaches. I can remember when I worked for the Ticats, Jamie Barresi and I shared an office which was fine except for when we had to meet with the players there. The players sat on the floor and watched practice and game film on two TVs we jerry-rigged to play the same video. We had to do this because the room had a weird shape and the guys closest to the exit could not see the big TV. The big TV was actually one I had at my house and had brought in to be able have a bigger screen! I have heard nothing but great things about this new facility that will provide the players with a professional work environment they deserve, looking forward to seeing that. Speaking of Coach Barresi, he is now the head coach of the University of Ottawa, and led them to a 5-3 finish and a first round playoff win over Windsor. He will now come home to Hamilton to take on McMaster this weekend in the second round of the playoffs. I am not sure that this situation has ever happened in the CFL. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats can finish first place, second place, or be eliminated from the playoffs! You don’t often have to prepare your team for all those possibilities within a week. But I think there is a very interesting coaching situation for the Cats, let’s talk about it. Hamilton’s playoff scenario is this: if they beat Montreal by eight points or more they clinch first place; if they win by less than eight points or Toronto loses they earn second place; and if they lose and Toronto wins, they are eliminated from the playoffs. Teams that finish in first place statistically have a greater chance of going to the Grey Cup, so does Hamilton change the game plan to put themselves in first place? I think I would. Let’s say Toronto wins the game Friday and Hamilton is eliminated with a loss, this is the harder scenario. Hamilton starts the game basically down 7-0 to the Als for first place. Do they become more aggressive to make up the point differential and go for first place? Aggressive might be a fake punt or special play on Teams to be able get a few extra offensive scoring possessions. Could it be a more aggressive defensive scheme or pressure package trying to limit Montreal scoring? Third and goal from the two-yard line early in the game, usually you kick the field goal but do you go for it to make up the points to try to get first place? All these things mentioned have a risk that when not executed can hurt your chances of winning the game, which is the ultimate goal for Hamilton because they would be eliminated if Toronto wins. Late in the game this will be employed but early in the game is when it could easily affect the outcome. Certainly late in the game, if Hamilton is up by three, you will see the best of both teams, because Hamilton will actually be trying to drive the length of the field and score a touchdown with the lead. That situation does not happen often. These are the decisions that a head coach must have a good understanding of not only at the end of the year, but at the beginning of the year. In 2009, when I was the offensive coordinator of the Saskatchewan Roughriders we were in the first of a four-game series with an opponent. It was late in the game and we were winning but I called a few more passes and scored a late touchdown. A coach from the other team after the game sought me out on the field and took offence to my offence (funny?) of scoring a touchdown when we could have taken a knee at the end of the game. I looked at him somewhat surprised and said we are playing you four times and there is the very real possibility that we will end up tied at the end of the year and the next playoff tie breaker is points scored. That is why we were scoring points late in the last drive, we don’t know how we will end up, so you assume you will be tied. Points-scored has to be thought of when you play an opponent twice or four times because you could be tied at the end. Playing someone three times, points is not an issue (unless there was a tie) because someone usually finishes 2-1. Back to Hamilton, let’s assume Toronto loses and a loss by Hamilton will not affect their playoff chances, they would have second place locked up no matter what happens in their game. Now you can see the Ticats being aggressive and be ready for anything that can help them score points. No huddle to get more plays, going for it on third down, onside kicks. Mistakes or poor execution of those plays can also hurt your field position which can help Montreal’s opportunity to score, so executing these calls is key. If you have a chance, look up Head Coach Kevin Kelley and the Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, a coach who calls for onside kicks every kickoff and will not punt throughout the season. The guy must be crazy and must lose every game right? A state Championship, a loss in the finals, and a semi-final appearance in three years tells another story. Although some of his data may not correlate with the CFL, he believes on kickoffs the difference in the field position is only about 15 yards if an onside kick is recovered by the receiving team and coach Kelley’s teams recover one out of every three onside kicks which is a turnover, and we know turnovers are one of the most telling stats in winning football games. In the CFL, a failed onside kick would probably be a 30-yard difference in field position which is certainly a reason not to do it every time. Kelley never punts because his philosophy is you have to score more points to win the football game and you cannot score without retaining possession of the football. That is why he will always go for it on fourth down, to keep possession of the ball. So if your team is in a fourth and 3 situation four times in a game and they average 5.5 yards per rush, why not go for it? Kelley believes he will make three out of four conversions and will keep the football. Interesting thoughts and I thought of this philosophy this week to see if the Ticats would employ some of these tactics to get to first place. Either way it will be a great weekend for football, punt or no punt. Custom Dallas Stars Jerseys . - Vince Carter, heading into his 17th NBA season, doesnt consider age a big issue anymore. Jason Spezza Jersey .com) - Joe Pavelski scored twice to lead the San Jose Sharks in a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers to split a home-and-home set. http://www.authenticstarspro.com/Gump-worsley-stars-jersey/. - Aroldis Chapman, with two black eyes, has returned to the Cincinnati Reds clubhouse four days after being hit in the face by a line drive. Devin Shore Jersey .The league also seems to have a fairly active Twitter account www.twitter.com/bikinihockey that features the description “We provide a positive alternative to the hockey community and a venue for adult female hockey athletes to continue in their sport. Esa Lindell Jersey . - Josh Sterk scored twice to lead the Oshawa Generals to a 7-1 rout of the Ottawa 67s in Mondays Ontario Hockey League action.Baltimore Ravens 1 (17) - C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama; 2 (48) - Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State; 3 (79) - Terrence Brooks, FS, Florida State; 3 (99) - Crockett Gilmore, TE, Colorado State; 4 (134) - Brent Urban, DT, Virginia; 4 (138) - Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Coastal Carolina; 5 (175) - John Urschel, OG, Penn State; 6 (194) - Keith Wenning, QB, Ball State; 7 (218) - Mike Campanaro, WR, Wake Forest Top Picks Analysis: Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome is regarded as one of the best talent evaluators in football and he shined again this year, bolstering the interior of the front seven by snaring a pair of first-round talents in the opening two rounds, Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley at No. 17 overall and Florida State defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan with the 48th selection. The Ravens have been lacking a bit in the middle since losing Ray Lewis to retirement and Dannell Ellerbe to free agency after winning Super Bowl XLVII. Mosley, an instinctive read-and-react linebacker, should hit the ground running next to veteran Daryl Smith. "Hes such a solid football player," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said when discussing Mosley. "There are some concerns about his shoulder, but he was medically cleared by just about every team. Hes a plug-and-play linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He pursues sideline to sideline. This is a typical Baltimore Ravens solid football player." Jernigan, fell a bit due to a diluted urine sample at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is regarded as a pure three-technique, however, so he may not be a great fit for the 3-4 but he had too much talent for Newsome to pass up. Jernigans teammate with the Seminoles, third-round safety Terrence Brooks, was a solid pick at a position of need and he will be given every opportunity to start opposite Matt Elam next season. The teams other third-round choice, Colorado State tight end Crockett Gilmore, is the pure in-line tight end needed to complement Dennis Pitta and free agent acquisition Owen Daniels. Best Value Pick: Wake Forest wide receiver Mike Campanaro was a nice roll of the dice in the final round. Campanaro is a pure slot receiver who could be something if he pays more attention to detail while running routes. Questionable Calls: As noted Jernigan projects as a pure three-technique and just doesnt have the mass to play inside at nose tackle in Dean Pees 3-4 nor the length to turn into a real option as a five-technique. Summary: More often than not Newsomes moves smack of common sense and with the exception of the Jernigan pick, that was the case again this time around. The Ravens added a potential difference maker at inside linebacker and a prospective starter at safety. If they can figure out how to harness Jernigans natural skills in their scheme, this should turn out to be a home run. FINAL GRADE: B Undrafted rookie free agent signings: LB Zach Orr, North Texas; WR Darius Bell, UCLA; WR Jeremy Butler, Tennessee-Martin; OT James Hurst, North Carolina; DT Derrick Hopkins, Virginia Tech; DT Jamie Meder, Ashland; LB Terrance Bullitt, Texas Tech; DL A.J. Pataialii, Utah State; CB Sammy Seamster, Middle Tennessee State; OT Brett Van Sloten, Iowa; LB Xavius Boyd, Western Kentucky; TE Jake Sinkovec, Boston College; WR Jace Davis, Northern Colorado; LB Xavius Boyd, Western Kentucky; OL Parker Graham, Oklahoma State; P Richie Leone, Houston; WR Jerry Rice Jr., UNLV; RB Fitzgerald Touissant, Michigan; DE D.J. Roberts, Tennessee-Martin; OL Ryan Jones, San Jose State S Dexter Moody, Albany State Cincinnati Bengals 1 (24) - Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State; 2 (55) - Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU; 3 (88) Will Clarke, DE, West Virginia; 4 (111) Russell Bodine, OC, North Carolina; 5 (164) - A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama; 6 (212) - Marquis Flowers, OLB, Arizona; 7 (239) - James Wright, WR, LSU; 7 (252) - Lavelle Westbrooks, CB, Georgia Southern Top Pick Analysis: The Bengals had a very productive draft, standing pat at No. 24 and landing what some believe was the best cornerback in the draft, Michigan State press-corner star Darqueze Dennard. Beefing up the cornerback position was a key for Cincy because Leon Hall is coming off an Achilles injury and Terence Newman will be 36 by next season. The Bengals were on to something last year at running back by teaming the explosive Giovani Bernard with chain-mover BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The "Law Firm" will be 29 in July, however, so Cincinnati snared his heir apparent in the second round, LSU 235-pounder Jeremy Hill. Third-round defensive end Will Clarke, meanwhile, had the length the Bengals are looking for and will help replace Michael Johnson, who fled to Tampa Bay in free agency. Best Value Pick: Offensive lineman Russell Bodine, a fourth-round choice out of North Carolina, can play all three interior positions and could eventually push Trevor Robinson at center. Questionable Calls: The Bengals have made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history, a run that began with the arrival of Andy Dalton at the quarterback position. The "Red Rifle" hasnt been able to get it done in the postseason, however, and until he does the pressure will continue to mount. Getting high-profile Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, who many had rated as a potential second- or third-round choice, in the fifth round may seem like a prudent move but it could also turn up some unnecessary heat on Dalton. Summary: Its rare you can get a talent like Dennard at a need position with the 24th pick so that will help immensely. Cincinnati followed that with a number of logical choices and the McCarron pick could even prove fruitful down the line FINAL GRADE: B+ Undrafted rookie free agent signings: WR Alex Neutz, Buffalo; DL/FB Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest; FB Ryan Hewitt, Stanford; RB James Wilder Jr.dddddddddddd, Florida State; G Trey Hopkins, Texas; TE Colin Lockett, San Diego State; OL Kevin Palmer, Baylor; S Isaiah Lewis, Michigan State; OL Dan France, Michigan State; RB Jeff Scott, Ole Miss; OT Curtis Feigt, West Virginia University; DE James Davidson, UTEP Cleveland Browns 1 (8) - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State; 1 (22) - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M; 2 (35) - Joel Bitonio, OT, Nevada; 3 (71) - Christian Kirksey, OLB, Iowa; 3 (94) - Terrance West, RB, Towson; 4 (127) Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood Top Picks Analysis: Trader Ray certainly made his money on draft weekend. First-year Browns general manager Ray Farmer moved up and down three different times in the opening round, eventually snaring Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert and Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, as well as a 2015 first-round pick from Buffalo. The good news is that Gilbert could be he best cornerback in the draft and should team with Joe Haden to give the Browns an impressive presence on the edges of their defense, while Manziel could be the answer at the games most important position and is certainly an exciting face for the franchise. The bad news is that by trading out of the No. 4 spot Farmer passed up on two of the four real blue-chip prospects in the is draft -- Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins and Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack -- and the team is also on the verge of losing superstar receiver Josh Gordon for the entire 2014 season due to a drug suspension. Offensive lineman Joel Bitonio of Nevada was the teams second-round pick and could solidify the right guard position or kick out to right tackle eventually. A pair of third-rounders -- inside linebacker Christian Kirksey of Iowa and running back Terrance West -- should also be contributors. Questionable Calls: Passing on Watkins when Cleveland.com reported that several members of the organization knew about Gordons impending suspension for at least a week borders on malpractice. The fact that Cleveland went through the entire draft -- perhaps the deepest WR draft in 20 years -- without taking a receiver is malpractice. "I would tell the fans that are in panic mode because we didnt draft a wide receiver is that patience really tells the tale," Farmer said. "There are plenty of opportunities for us to address what everyone would believe is a need but in our opinion, there is plenty of opportunity to add players, to change the roster and to really make a difference." Summary: Farmer deserves plenty of credit for pilfering the Bills for what could be a top-10 pick next year and if Manziel solidifies the QB position, this draft will be judged a success no matter what. That said, revisionist history cant mask the poor decision-making Farmer and the Browns exhibited in the wake of the Gordon news. FINAL GRADE: C+ Undrafted rookie free agent signings: WR Willie Snead, Ball State; WR Chandler Jones, San Jose State; WR Kenny Shaw, Florida State; FB Ray Agnew, Southern Illinois; QB Connor Shaw, South Carolina; LB Carlo Calabrese, Notre Dame; RB Isaiah Crowell, Alabama State; TE Blake Jackson, Oklahoma State; QB Corey Robinson, Troy; LB Christo Lisika, South Nazarene; OL Anthony Dima, UMass; DL Calvin Barnett, Oklahoma State; S Jacques Washington, Iowa State; LB Greg Blair, Cincinnati; S Jason Hendricks, Pittsburgh; LB Alex Bazzie, Marshall; S Nickoe Whitey, Mississippi State; WR Jonathan Krause, Vanderbilt; OT Michael Philipp, Oregon State; DT Jacobbi McDaniel, Florida State; DB KWuan Williams, Pittsburgh; WR Gerald Ford, Valdosta State; WR Taylor Gabriel, Abilene Christian; S Robert Nelson, Arizona State Pittsburgh Steelers 1 (15) - Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State; 2 (46) - Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame; 3 (97) - Dri Archer, RB, Kent State; 4 (118) - Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson; 5 (157) - Shaquille Richardson, CB, Arizona; 5 (173) - Wesley Johnson, OT, Vanderbilt; 6 (192) - Jordan Zumwalt, ILB, UCLA; 6 (215) - Daniel McCullers, DT, Tennessee; 7 (230) - Rob Blanchflower, TE, UMass Top Picks Analysis: The Steelers went all in on the front seven, snaring Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier at No. 15 overall, and following that up with Notre Dame five-technique Stephon Tuitt, a potential value in the second round. Shazier is lightning fast and projects as an all-around linebacker but he will probably need to be protected a bit by a nose tackle who can occupy multiple blockers. Tuitt was regarded as a top-15 talent heading into his junior season with the Fighting Irish but he had an injury-plagued season and was out of shape for much of it. If Tuitt can get his body back on track, Pittsburgh may have something. Third-round running back Dri Archer is a scatback with return ability and a nice complement to big bodies like LeVeon Bell and LeGarrette Blount. Best Value Pick: Daniel McCullers, the teams sixth-round choice out of Tennessee, is a massive defensive tackle who has the raw strength to be a two- down beast as long as he improves on his technique and develops more dedication to the game. Questionable Calls: The 15th overall slot was probably a bit too high for a player like Shazier, who the Steelers project inside. Hell need plenty of help from players like McCullers to keep opposing guards off of him at the second level. Summary: Pittsburgh needed to get younger and more athletic on defense and the team took steps in that direction although the top two choices both come with significant risk. FINAL GRADE: B- Undrafted rookie free agent signings: C Chris Elkins, Youngstown State; TE Eric Waters, Missouri; DE Josh Mauro, Stanford; LB Howard Jones, Shepherd; OL Will Simmons, East Carolina; QB Brendon Kay, Cincinnati; DL Ethan Hemer, Wisconsin; QB Terrance Owens, Toledo; S Jake DeMedal, St. Francis; DB Devon Carrington, Stanford; OT Kaycee Ike, Alabama-Birmingham; DT Roy Philon, Louisville Cheap Buffalo Sabres Gear Wholesale Calgary Flames Jerseys Cheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche Jerseys Montreal Canadiens Outlet Store Wholesale New Jersey Devils Jerseys Adidas Arizona Coyotes Jerseys Cheap Adidas Boston Bruins Jerseys Cheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes Jerseys Chicago Blackhawks Shop Free Shipping Wholesale Columbus Blue Jackets Jerseys Dallas Stars Shop Free Shipping Cheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings Jerseys Anaheim Ducks Jerseys China Wholesale Edmonton Oilers Jerseys Florida Panthers Shop Free Shipping Wholesale Los Angeles Kings Jerseys Minnesota Wild Outlet Store Cheap Adidas Nashville Predators Jerseys Cheap Adidas New York Islanders Jerseys New York Rangers Winter Classic Jerseys Cheap Adidas Ottawa Senators Jerseys Cheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers Jerseys Wholesale Pittsburgh Penguins Jerseys Cheap Adidas San Jose Sharks Jerseys St. Louis Blues Winter Classic Jerseys Wholesale Tampa Bay Lightning Jerseys Toronto Maple Leafs Outlet Store Vancouver Canucks Outlet Store Cheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights Jerseys Cheap Adidas Washington Capitals Jerseys Cheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '