How this team rank so far 1/3 into the 2023 season

[Sir Blue and Gold]

The issue seems to be not our sudden lack of ability to play effectively, but rather an inability to play with passion in the second half of the Ottawa game.  I think we thought we had the game in hand at half time and let up in the second half.  Crum and company did not suddenly become an A+, Grey Cup contending team in the second half.  We somehow decided the game was ours and "played it safe" for the last half of the game, protecting the half time lead.

Can't do that.  Lots of blame to go around including players and coaches.

I think the loss is a direct result of two factors:

1) We let off the gas, let our focus and intensity slip and didn't have that killer instinct we've had in the past. That headspace is understandable. Those players know they've been the class of the league for several years. They expect to win. They saw how horrible Ottawa was and played down to that level after the break. It's a good reminder that nothing is guaranteed in football and 60 minute effort is required, always.

2) We got whooped along the offensive line and could therefore not establish a ground game. I knew the offense was going to be in tough and they were. That Ottawa front is great. We would have easily won, even with the lack of focus, if we could have played more competitively there. The other team gets paid too.

I think we can say with certainty we aren't going to steam roll the league this year. That's the way it should be. There's a reason why teams don't go 15-3 very often and why that was such a fantastic achievement last year. It is unrealistic to expect that. What we do have is an experienced, confident team who will have a legitimate shot at the Grey Cup in November. If we continue to be that, we'll continue to win our fair share. Regular season success does not guarantee the trophy. A CFL season is long. We are competitive. This is what success looks like in the CFL.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

The issue seems to be not our sudden lack of ability to play effectively, but rather an inability to play with passion in the second half of the Ottawa game.  I think we thought we had the game in hand at half time and let up in the second half.  Crum and company did not suddenly become an A+, Grey Cup contending team in the second half.  We somehow decided the game was ours and "played it safe" for the last half of the game, protecting the half time lead.

Can't do that.  Lots of blame to go around including players and coaches.

Results like that can happen when a vet. laden team plays a lower tier team everybody expects to beat.  I think the key to approaching trap games like this is to keep things fresh by starting 4 or 5 vet. backups that rarely get the chance to play, on both sides of the ball.  Players like Augustine, Richmond, Agudosi and perhaps even starting Brown with Collaros in reserve.  This approach would provide the starters with a break and bring a new wave of enthusiasm for winning the game to the entire team from the inserts, it also provides the backups with valuable reps. and makes the team depth better overall by increasing experience.  Maybe crazy, but what do they have to lose?

[blue_gold_84]

This team is not as polished as previous seasons. Not sure if it's complacency but I'd rather see these mistakes happen now than later on in the season or the post-season.

Saturday's loss should serve as a pretty big wake-up call that nothing is guaranteed and a win isn't in the books until the final whistle. Gotta play smart, clean, disciplined football for a full 60.

Still 4-2 and vying for top spot, so I'm still optimistic going forward.