9/4/2007 10:33:43 PM
Edmonton Vs Calgary #2 (Labour Day)

Amidst the rivalry, the hype and the momentum that built up for the previous two weeks leading up to this contest, there was actually a game to play. It pitted two teams starving for a win and searching to find themselves entering the second half of the season with a bit of momentum. I was proud of my team for the battle that they put up. In some positions we had players playing that had not even practiced with the team, and I was definitely impressed by how we rallied around those players. Those guys will get better each week and while some may say that it is really not fair to throw them into the fire unprepared like that, but that’s the business that we’re in. I’ve seen receivers flown in on a Monday, force fed a playbook through Wednesday, and expected to play a pivotal role in the game on Friday night. If it doesn’t work out that way, then I’ve seen that same player on his way home by Sunday evening. It’s a brutal process, and it sets the players up for failure but should they find a way to make a play or two out of that rough situation, it could also make a name for a virtual unknown in this league. I believe that’s what was happening with Lenny Williams before he went down to injury yesterday, as he was flying around making plays in only his second or third game here.
Once again, at times, we looked great. I’m getting as sick of saying that as people are of hearing it I’m sure, but it’s the truth. We show more than flashes of greatness against virtually every team that we play, and it frustrates everybody who is invested in this organization to no end; players are no exception. To watch a halftime lead slip away live and in real time yesterday was infuriating enough, but to watch it again on film when every mistake is highlighted and everyone can see how one mistake can take apart an entire play is simply maddening. The precision that we show on one drive offensively is replaced on the next by ineptitude. The killer instinct shown when we absolutely need a score in the second quarter, replaced by complacency in the same situation in the fourth quarter. While I believe that we are a good team, I don’t believe that there is any team in this league that will win on 30 minutes of decent play on any given night. The teams are simply too balanced in my opinion. With the injuries piling up on the defensive side of the ball, and guys pulling together and playing out of position it was vital for us as an offensive unit to keep them off of the field. If we would have been able to compose ourselves, execute plays and sustain drives in the second half, I’d be writing about a win right now. Alas, I digress…
When we started the season I felt that there were a few guys on the team that actually could see what greatness was present among us. At least a few who had been around the league enough to tell what the talent level was that they were looking at on the practice field. Now I believe there to be several, as some of our younger talent is maturing before our eyes and finding belief in themselves in the process. Some of these young players that were viewed as question marks will be stars in this league in the next year or so. We’ve got some of our believers coming back from the training room to grace the field in the coming days, and I believe that will incite belief from some of those that may be on the fence. Once every one of us believes in ourselves and in the man next to us to get the job done, it will be evident to all who see us play. When that time comes that we all trust and believe in each other, and in ourselves we will become the team that a few of us can see through the fog of what we are currently, but not before. Not until that belief sets in will we show the level of consistency, confidence, and playmaking ability to project ourselves into the upper realm of teams in this league. Until we believe wholeheartedly in ourselves and each other we will continue to have spotty performances, squander leads, and make feeble attempts to come from behind. The film will continue to show how close we are, and we’ll continue to kick ourselves for days after for squandering yet another chance…until we decide to believe.
We’ve got nine more chances to win each other over, the clock is ticking. ©

KP8