9/19/2007 7:38:15 PM
Turn the Tide

This last win was the first of four opportunities that we are posed with as a team in succession, that give us an opportunity to control our own destiny in a playoff sense. That being said, there are two teams that lie in wait who won’t be so thrilled at our effort to cross over and steal a spot in the Eastern playoff scene. Even with the win last week our sense of urgency can’t slip at all, in fact it must be elevated in order to go into Montreal and edge out a win. Good teams go into Montreal and lose all the time, so we need to be every bit of the team that we’re capable of being from the time that we touch down at the airport. There can be no lapses this game, to win this game raises the eyebrows of every other team in the league – East and West. It’s no secret how difficult it is to win at McGill, and after the embarrassment that the Alouettes suffered here in Commonwealth, be certain that they’ll be firing on all cylinders – which is fine by me.
Fine by me because, I feel like we’re finally getting legitimately close to playing at the level that I’ve always thought us capable. It’s difficult to put my finger on one thing or a couple of things to identify as difference makers from that time to this, but if I had to it would be our attention to detail. Gone are the days where mistakes were filed under the category of “growing pains” or “learning curve,” we are at a point now where assignment mistakes as well as effort mistakes are illuminated. Not only are these mistakes showcased for all to see, with the new practice roster expansion the likelihood is much greater that one may find themselves on the sideline cheering instead of in the game battling with the team should these mistakes be yours.
The onus is on us as players during this stretch and time of year to be as crisp and sharp as possible, both in practice and in games. Effort should be an afterthought at this point really; we’re too far into the season to be worried about guys giving their all for the team. It’s the precision and execution that will keep us in the hunt. We need to band together and rally around each other in this stretch, because there really won’t be many people that believe we can accomplish this feat at this point. I feel that we’re starting to believe in ourselves and in each other, which is a necessity of any good team. It will be on the veteran leaders on this team to take the reins and lead this team from hear out. We must hold every single player accountable for understanding and executing these game plans precisely, because we can only be as good as our weakest link. Inexperience to the league and lack of game time cannot be an excuse anymore for this team – the hour is too late.
We’ve got an opportunity, perhaps our last opportunity this season to turn the tide. We have a chance to blaze a trail for ourselves into the post season albeit by an unorthodox route, but a place at the table nonetheless. We must understand the importance of each of these games and elevate ourselves to the occasion. To do this, we must band together. ©

*Note; My deepest condolences and prayers are extended to the family and friends of Tony Tompkins at this time. Often events like this occur which put things into such clear focus and perspective, we’re all with you T.T.*

KP8