7/17/2007 7:13:33 PM
Meeting of the Minds

Few would think of football as a cerebral game, but in many ways it most definitely is. There are match-ups going on the field that have more to do with mental gymnastics than they do brute strength, or lightning speed. And there are also battles taking place on the sidelines and spotters booths for both teams that warrant some attention as well. For instance there are two key battles that I’ll be taking a particular interest in during these next two games against Saskatchewan and believe it or not, they’ll both be more mental than physical; Chapdelaine Vs Hall, and Tucker Vs Davis.
I can imagine it would be difficult for the average viewer to understand fully what actually goes into a game plan preparation. It must be, because as a player executing that game plan I don’t fully know myself entirely what goes on at the creation level, save for the fact that there are many, many man hours that go into each one. When you have two coordinators that have been in those positions around the league for as long as these two have, there is a lot of past film that can be referenced and drawn upon. If Saskatchewan had a defensive scheme that gave B.C. fits in 2003, don’t be surprised if it makes its way into the game plan for 2007. And if Geroy Simon was able to get loose for a 150yd 3td explosion against Saskatchewan at any time in the recent past, look for Jason Tucker to be running similar patterns come Friday.
Ritchie Hall’s defences have been shutting down the league’s best for as long as I can remember being in this league. His defences have always been among the league leaders in sacks as well as interceptions, and are usually among the leaders in the majority of statistical categories. He’s put several players in position to walk away with post season honors, and he’s one of a few defensive minds in this league who seldom has a drop off week to week in the play of his defence, regardless of personnel changes. Some things are certain when playing a Ritchie Hall defence and as an offence you would be wise to understand them; You must take what he gives you, you must capitalize when a big play presents itself, there will be a plethora of defensive looks that come at you, and if you hold on to the ball too long it will be a very long night.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball Jacques Chapdelaine has had as much success moving the ball in this league as any offensive mind in recent memory. In spite of the recent defensive philosophy shift to a “bend don’t break” mindset league wide, Jacques has somehow managed to still put up points. He usually has at least 3 or 4 receivers among the league leaders, his scheme has produced several all-stars and his offence has produced 2 of the last 3 CFL Most Outstanding Players. Some things every defence should know about his offence; He will take what you give him, someone is always open, ball distribution is paramount, and if you let the QB hold onto the ball for too long, it will be a very long night.
Ahhh yes, what a chess match this should be! And what of the players you ask? While I can guarantee you there will be several great battles being waged during this series, we all have our favorites. While in theory I should have a good seat to my favorite between Jason Tucker and Eddie Davis, I won’t get to see it until film session the day after because I’ll be on the other side of the ball, trying to make a play or two myself. The potential is high for this to be an epic battle between two veterans who have been very successful in their own rights. Tucker is a rare combination of subtlety and explosion wrapped into the same package and while still learning the nuances of this offence as we all are, Jason could explode for a huge game any minute. Conversely, Eddie Davis has seen every route that this league has to offer and has seen them run by some of the best to have ever done it. Pitts, Stegall, Vaughn, Mitchell, Flutie, Simon, Cahoon all have come through Davis at one time or another. In my estimation Davis is the best at what he does today, and isn’t showing any signs of fading into the sunset with age. Much like Jason is to our receiving corps, the people around Eddie have changed somewhat but he remains a mainstay, and the standard of excellence for that secondary to strive to emulate. When you add up all that success and experience, the game comes down to making your opponent believe you're doing something you're not more than it does being bigger, stronger and faster than he is. It's about not showing your hand, setting up routes by making them look like others. Showing blitz, when in actuality you're dropping into a zone. Jason may go the whole first game setting up a route that he may not use until the second game. Or Eddie may purposely not play a route in the first, to bait us into throwing it in the second. And you thought it was all 40yd dashes and bench presses!
Needless to say this will be an emotionally charged divisional series, and all involved will lay head to pillow Friday night knowing they’ve been in a battle. We need to make sure we’re prepared for blistering pace and physical game because unless I’ve missed my guess…that’s exactly what we’re in for.
I may have to Tivo this one, I doubt I can wait until the day after to see how this pans out. ©

KP8