Mike Abou-Mechrek
At this point of the season I struggle to find topics to write about. In previous weeks I have discussed a few of the infinite number of things that need to happen for a team to have even mild success but by this time of the season, every question has been asked and I almost feel bad for the players for having to come up with new ways to answer the same question week in and week out.
One (dumb) question that comes to mind is “Do you STILL think you are the best running back in the league.” No matter who is answering this question the answer should always be “Yes!” would you want a running back, or any other player, on your team who didn’t think they were the best? I surely wouldn’t.
But, as I have been trying to get across to the readers thru my scribbles, it doesn’t matter how talented you are, the most talented team rarely wins the Grey Cup. It comes down to how well the talent comes together. When talent plays alone, one plus one equals two; but if the M and E can come together in a TEAM, one plus one often equals 8 (please don’t question my math- I am a Certified Professional and don’t have enough space to explain the algorithm used to reach my outcome).
So, back to the Sheets-Cornish conversation. Other than us in the media, and you reading our babbles, no one in the locker room cares. I was very proud to see my running back, Wes Cates, honoured at the last Rider home game. I didn’t ever care how many yards he got, or TDs he scored, I just wanted to win the damn game! I didn’t even care how well I played. I had a saying: “I’d rather play bad and win, than play well and lose”. No one remembers that the 2007 game was an “ugly win,” and no one (other than us) will remember how Montreal ‘won’ their 2009 hardware, only that the giant ring on the players fingers say “Grey Cup Champions.” Conversely, other than the 2001 Bombers, no one will remember that we set a CFL record for single season winning streaks, or that we had X number of hall of famers, or more all stars than anyone else in the league, or that we were beaten in THEE game by an 8-10 team: only that the 2001 Grey Cup ring has “Calgary Stampeders” on it (no thanks to GC MVP Marcus Crandell!).
At the risk of losing my Media credential: none of this ‘stuff’ matters, epecially in the locker room. Sure you like for your friends (teammates) to succeed, break records and be honoured for their contributions. Although, it is their name being recognized, everyone knows football is a team sport and you need the other 100 guys to do what you do and do it well. Nothing really matters, but everything does. This may be a more Taoist approach to things (Religious Studies was my other major in school) but it isn’t about Kory vs John, it IS about how EVERYTHING comes together…and while we are on the topic: John and Kory to my knowledge, have never, and will never, be on the field at the same time. They also play in different offences and are used differently in those offenses, so how can we possibly come to a conclusion on who’s better?
Thankfully, Wes never put up these numbers but I’d prefer a RB with 20 carries for 10 yards and win the game rather than lose the game and have Charles Roberts, er, I mean, the running back run for 200 and 2 TDs. But this is Saskatchewan, and Rider Nation (thankfully) wants to talk about the Riders.
How about we look at our defensive line and linebackers and how they will adjust their pass rushes given the danger that Calgary’s number 9 bring to the park. Will John Chick- who might be a little ‘light in the ass’ to play the 3 technique defensive tackle be subbed for Tey “The Beast” George; or will Alex Hall’s relentless pursuit of CFL QBs be effected by him keeping one eye on 9, or how about the temptation the linebackers and defensive backs have to peak at number 9 in the back field and perhaps give up a split second, or half step to the receivers who are trying to run past them. Kory Sheets has no impact on this sort of ‘stuff’ so why ask him (dumb) questions about someone he has no relationshsip with on or off the field?
(I value your feedback at Mike.Abou-Mechrek@InvestorsGroup.com)
