Well, the most important game of the season at this point in time is the next game and that’s the Edmonton Eskimos coming to town.
There’s always been a very strong rivalry. I think we’ve gotten the better of them over the past three years in terms of record but it looks like they’ve come out of the gate strong this year. They’ve got a great offensive attack — Ricky Ray has been on fire and his quarterback rating is through the roof. I think it’s imperative that we get pressure on him and not allow him to sit back in the pocket and have the time to attempt to pick our defence apart with his arm because he has been throwing the rock real nice this year.
I also believe the special teams are going to be a factor in this game. Field position is going to be huge and, as cliched as it sounds, whoever is going to win the turnover battle in this game is probably going to come out the victor.
The advantage that we have is that not only are we playing at home but we’re playing in front of the best fans in the league and I know they always like to get up for this game. There’s going to be some green and yellow in the stands but I know it’s going to be dominated by red and we’re really looking forward to this game. It’s a chance to move into first place in the West. I know it’s early in the season but I think it’s crucial and this would be a big win for us both in terms of our momentum and our confidence.
There’s no sense in looking past this one. Like I said, the most important one is the next one and that’s the Edmonton Eskimos and I’m just happy that it’s going to be played at home.
I think that right now, looking at the three phases of our team and at this game coming up, Chris Jones has got this young defence really buying into a hard-hitting, punch-’em-in-the-mouth kind of defence and they’re playing lights out right now.
Special teams, I think we’ve been very good. Larry Taylor has that game-breaker mentality and he’s very explosive. He’s not afraid to hit the hole at full tilt and he’s been a massive boost to our return game.
Then, when you look at the offence, although they haven’t been perfect out of the gate, I really think that Henry and the boys are going to get it together this week. It will be their coming-out party.
So I’m very confident. I think it’s going to be a tremendous football game and great for the fans. It’s going to be a great day and I’m hoping to see a sellout crowd and I’m hoping we come out with the “W.”
Burke Dales, #16
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