LOCKER-ROOM BLOG

BURRIS: Turnovers were the biggest factor

October 4, 2008

Tonight was basically two good teams — two of the best in the league right now — slugging it out. Both teams were getting points early on, whether it was field goals or touchdowns and it looked like it was going to be one of those games where whoever had the ball last would win.

Unfortunately for us, two turnovers in the second half put points on the board. For our defence to play so well in the half and us to put them in that situation was definitely unfortunate. We were only able to put three points up in the third quarter when we had the wind and we need to be more opportunistic in those types of situations.

It was loud out there tonight, which is something you come to expect when playing here, but it didn’t have any bearing on the game tonight. It was simply that they out played us tonight. They made plays and we made plays, but we just didn’t make enough of them. Anytime you give up two turnovers on the road, you’re going to lose no matter who you play.

The wind was definitely a major factor tonight, especially when the ball was up in the air for long periods of time. That’s why they took the win in the second and fourth quarters. It was a cat and mouse game because of it, but really the turnovers were the biggest factor.

Right now we just have to get back to the drawing board and get ready for them to come to Calgary. They’re a very good team and we’re looking forward to getting back to McMahon. This game is going to be very big, because it could still be the tiebreaker. If we can beat them, we have outscored them so far and would have the series. We already have the tiebreaker with BC and just need to get the win next week and we’ll be good so Thanksgiving will be huge.

I think everything will be the same next week. Both teams will be firing bullets at each other and the teams will be fresher after coming into this one on a short week. We’ve seen each other and we’ve been through this before. We’re getting tired of seeing them, they’re getting tired of seeing us and it will be a beautiful day at McMahon. We’re looking forward to playing a lot better than we did today and hopefully come out with a big victory.

Henry Burris, #1

Posted in: Football

Comments

1. Dave Smith
  October 4th, 2008 at 9:39 am MDT
  Why is it everytime the Stamps have a "big" meaningful game they come out short. Again, Burris had a sub par game when it really mattered and the team shot them selves in the foot yet again in the quest to secure the first place spot and home field advantage. Until this team can win the big game they are unfortunately going to be runners up in the west and I wonder when Burris is going to step up and CONSISTENTLY play to the level that we need.
2. Capt Kirk
  October 4th, 2008 at 11:30 am MDT
  I agree with Dave. Henry is the one to pull the trigger. He handles the ball the most. His fumble for a touchdown gave the win to the Riders. He was outplayed be Bishop.
3. Dan
  October 4th, 2008 at 11:44 am MDT
  Im a Riders fan for life, but you all need to stop knocking Burris, he played well last night. It was a game right down to the last minute. Did you miss his sneak into the endzone ? Was a beautiful play.
4. Stamps Fan
  October 4th, 2008 at 11:52 am MDT
  I agree with Dan. I am and always will be a huge Stamps fan, but everytime we lose a game you fairweather fans point the finger at Henry. It was a close game right to the end!
5. Allan
  October 4th, 2008 at 12:18 pm MDT
  You show me one quarterback who hasn't made a mistake this year and then I will agree with dumping this all on Henry. The one fumble was the result of the Rider defense blowing through the offensive line. Henry doesn't have eyes in the back of his head. Comparing Burris to Bishop, I would choose Henry any day. Bishop may have had a better 1/2 but look at the big picture. Henry is a great player and person and I am glad he is a part of the Stampeders.
6. kaydee
  October 4th, 2008 at 12:22 pm MDT
  This needs to be your year Henry. I sense Stampeder fans want to see you win the big one. That means next week, and ALL the playoff games you play, regardless of the field they re played on. If you dont turn the ball over excessively, I feel confident you can deliver. Until then, Marcus Crandell is one up on you, which seems unbelievable! You re in the same class as Flutie and Garcia, only if you pull one championship out of your bag of tricks. The time is now my friend!!
7. Bill
  October 4th, 2008 at 12:47 pm MDT
  I agree with all the above comments. I believe every player tried his best last evening, and mistakes will be made in 60 min. We can only urge the players to minimize them. Perhaps Henry or someone could explain why the runniing game was abandoned on a windy night. You can count on our support all the way to Grey Cup, Henry.
8. Steve
  October 4th, 2008 at 1:28 pm MDT
  The Stamps coaching staff are a joke. Like the blog says, the wind was a big factor in the game and Calgary's QB was being hassled all game. So, what does a smart coach do when these problems arise? He gives the best running back in the CFL the ball. How simple is that. Cortez and Huffnagel are compete idiots and until the Stamps get rid of these coaches you can expect more of the same.
9. kaydee
  October 4th, 2008 at 2:29 pm MDT
  Hey Steve, maybe you and Matt Dunigan should coach next year. If you cant see that the coaching staff is better than its been for years, you havent played ball, or been paying attention.
10. Jim
  October 4th, 2008 at 2:44 pm MDT
  Last time I checked, football was still a team game. Calgary lost because the team made too many mistakes. Not just Henry Burris!
11. 11. Mickey
  October 4th, 2008 at 8:45 pm MDT
  Tough luck Hank - you chose the wrong team !!! We respect your ability but doing okay without it!!
12. Steve
  October 5th, 2008 at 1:08 pm MDT
  Hey Gaydee, I would coach but the CFL doesn't pay enough, but thanks for the support.
13. Rob
  October 5th, 2008 at 5:33 pm MDT
  I laugh at comments like Mickey's, saying Burris picked the wrong team. Anyways, get in the re-match, Hank! You're the guy I wanna see this team win a Grey Cup with, and I fully believe in your ability to get the job done. The Horsemen are still in 1st and in control of their destiny. Go Stamps!
14. Daddylub
  October 5th, 2008 at 9:17 pm MDT
  Hi folks, I've had a few days to think about the game and still feel quite confident that the Stampeders are the better team. Both teams had injuries so lets not use that as an excuse. The Riders made 2 huge defensive plays in the second half and that's why they won. Our "mistakes" are defined as "big plays" by other teams. When our defense comes up with fumbles and IC's, we give them credit and so should the folks in Riderland. Having said that, I think B.C. and Edmonton are both better than the Jolly Green (hope I'm wrong about that). I was in a lounge and didn't hear why Saskachewan got the ball on the 20 after the DB who made the interception fumbled and the ball rolled through the end zone. What was the ruling?
15. KIM LOOMIS
  October 6th, 2008 at 12:55 pm MDT
  The Stamps are very strong on offence, the problem is the defence again. I see time and time again the pass coverage is terrible. They seem to always be 20 yards off the line of scrimage. How can a reciever be that wide open all the time. They seem to pick on the right side which seems to be very weak. I think they need to change something on defence or they will not be going to far in the playoffs.
16. Rob Kleyh
  October 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pm MDT
  I agree time and time again the defence can,t stop the pass Give up the zone play and bump the recievers simple get in there faces.
17. Digger18
  October 6th, 2008 at 3:41 pm MDT
  The D played like crap in the 1st half and the O played well. In the second half it was the complete opposite. Burris really hasnt looked sharp since his segment on off the record...It may be a coincedence but that is the case. Burris is hands down the most talented QB in the league. I would rather have the team underachieve now, and get it out of thier system. Then get hot down the stretch and through the playoffs.
18. W Web
  October 6th, 2008 at 10:54 pm MDT
  Who was looking after the time clock?? In the last 3 mins of the game the clock stops after every play. When Sask. kicked the to Calgary with 90 sec to play the clock did not stop until Calgary completed the next play. This happend twice in the last 3 MIN. No call for pass interference on Rambo, TSN even played it back. Three other missed calls that should NOT be missed. No wonder players are getting PO. Its the missed calls that are going to drive the fans away again, like they did in the 70s.
19. yikes
  October 9th, 2008 at 10:30 pm MDT
  Soon, just in time for playoffs,the riders will have their first team offence back (Cates, Flick, Fantuz, Dominquez, Bowman).

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