Mitchell Blair
Chris Getzlaf will be the first one to admit the 2014 season has been a rough one for him, but he isn’t making any apologies because his team is battling for first place in the CFL West.
The Regina native has struggled right from the start of training camp this season. On the first day of camp, Getzlaf suffered a lower-body injury and it has had him spinning his wheels through most of the year. He says that has taken a toll on him as he gets ready for Friday’s big home game against Calgary.
“It’s been tough right from the start,” Getzlaf admits. “It hasn’t been easy fighting those injuries and getting in and out of the lineup. It’s frustrating because I know I can play at a higher level, but by no means do I think I can’t make more plays. If the offence moves the ball and gets first downs, it gives everyone and not just myself more opportunities to do something.”
Getzlaf is not hanging his head any as he looks back at the season. He is concentrating on the final five games of the season and whatever playoffs may bring. He says the bottom line is not what the stat sheet looks like at the end of the day, it’s whether or not the team has put up a victory.
“Individual stats are nice, but at the end of the day, it’s the wins and losses that matter.” Getzlaf said. “I think most players will tell you they will trade a 12 catch game in for a one or two catch game as long as you walk off the field a winner. It doesn’t matter to me who is catching the football as long as everyone is on the same page, we move the ball, score points and keep the defence off the field. If we can score points and win the game, I could care less if I’m catching the ball or not. At the end of the year if we can do what we did last year, it doesn’t matter how many catches I get.
Getzlaf, who goes into Friday’s game with just 25 catches and zero touchdowns on the season, adds the game-plan this year has been one in which the receivers don’t put up big numbers which he is OK with.
“People look at the numbers and think I’m not having a good year, but I think I am.” Getzlaf states. People do get caught up with looking at stats, but as you’ve seen all year we haven’t been beating teams with our passing attack. We’ve been doing it with our run game and our defence. That’s how we’ve been winning and that’s what counts in the end.”
While Getzlaf is the first to acknowledge the numbers have not been there, he is also the first to acknowledge he wants to finish strong.
“It’s been a rough year trying to get over this and trying to get over that, but this is when it gets fun.” Getzlaf insists. “These final games are huge for us and like I said, I’ll trade my catches for wins. We are 9-4 and even though we are in a rough patch right now, we are confident we can pull out of this tailspin and be strong at the end of the season. I’m feeling better and I know opportunities will come my way. I’ll just keep doing what I’ve been doing and hope it helps us move the sticks and get some victories over some very tough teams. I know what I can do and if I’m called upon to make some catches and get some opportunities, I’ll do what I can to make the most of it.’
Getzlaf has had big games against the Stampeders throughout his Riders career and if he can have another big one Friday night, one has to like the chances of a Riders victory. However, if he is neutralized by a tough Stampeder defence and he walks off the field looking at the scoreboard seeing his team has won, he and the rest of the organization will be smiling from ear-to-ear.
Friday’s game against Calgary will see the football team look to keep hopes of first place in the West alive as they go in with a record of 9-4 while the Stampeders are 11-2. Game time at what should be a raucous Mosaic Stadium is 8 o’clock.
