Esks Need to Improve 1st Down Efficiency

Despite the lopsided victory over Ottawa last week, the Eskimo offense is sputtering. They are dead last in total first downs (39), ranked sixth in rushing first downs (12), last in passing first downs (18), last in most yards net offence (563), and last in average yards offence per game (281.5).

It’s early in the season and offenses do take longer to find their rhythm, but those are just excuses. The change of quarterbacks may or may not have an effect on the offensive scheme from week to week, but at game’s end, production and points win football games.

A closer look at the numbers tells a story no one wants to hear but needs to be addressed if the Eskimos hope to win in Ottawa while building some offensive momentum moving forward.

On first down the Eskimos are just plain awful. They don’t gain enough positive yardage on first down to be able to sustain drives with any regularity. In a perfect world they would get the ball and score but the world is far from perfect – and the Eskimos first down plays are anything but perfect, too.

Coming out swinging for the fences to open a drive seems to be the Eskimo game plan as of late. And while it looks impressive to fans, it’s far from that when facing second and long repeatedly. Against the Redblacks last week, the Eskimos attempted to pass on first down 14 times. They completed seven passes; five were incomplete and two were intercepted. One completion was a touchdowns (2 yards). Fifty percent isn’t great but it’s not bad either.

PASSING ON FIRST DOWN

The Eskimos first down passing game against Ottawa looked like this:

• Three completions were 10 yards and under. One was a first down (10 yards), one was a touchdown (2 yards), and the other was for 7 yards.
• Four completions were over 15 yards. Two were for 28 yards and two for 19 yards, resulting in four first downs and no touchdowns.
• Five pass attempts were incomplete while two attempts were intercepted.
• Five first downs on 14 pass attempts is 35.7% efficiency.

RUSHING ON FIRST DOWN

The Eskimos first down running game against Ottawa looked like this:

• 11 rushing attempts were made
• Seven runs were five yards or less with two of them equaling a loss or negative yards gained
  (3, -4, -2, 5, 2, 4, 4).
• Four runs were five yards or more, with one 11-yard touchdown run (7, 32, 7).
• One first down on 11 attempts is 9% efficiency.

The combined first down conversion rate is 35.8%. That means the Eskimos were in second and long situations (5 yards or more) eleven times from their original 16 first downs. It’s hard to win football games when facing second and long close to 69% of the time. The odds just aren’t in their favour.

The difference between a good offense and a championship offense is first down efficiency. At this stage of the season the Eskimos offense isn’t either of those and the stats prove it. But they can be if it changes tonight.

PREDICTION

Nevertheless, the Eskimos will beat the Redblacks tonight 31-15 only because their defense is just too strong. They contained the Redblacks to just 221 yards total offense while giving up just nine points. Edmonton will score more points from field position alone and not from long offensive drives.

The Untold Story of Eskimos Jersey #49

When I was started playing football I was ten years old. It was pee-wee ball so the whole environment was fresh and new and exciting. The equipment was big and clunky and smelled of sweat.  And you don’t realize how small your head is until you are given your helmet. It was so big, it echoed inside when you spoke.

The generic white pants had faded grass stains on the knees, hips and butt. I remember thinking the guy who wore the pants before me probably wasn’t very good because he must have been tackled an awful lot. How he managed to get a grass stains on his butt, I’ll never know.

We were given practice jerseys too. It was an ugly chocolate brown with baseball t-shirt style sleeves,  similar to the game jerseys worn way back in the mid-1950’s. Today I wonder how it was able to stretch over the shoulder pads. It was in rough shape, with holes along the seams and fraying sleeves. It’s a miracle the thing held together after my mother washed it after each week of practice.

A big orange plastic number 10 was melted onto the fabric. At age 10, you’re kind of goofy about wearing clothing that identifies your age as well. I don’t think I’d wear a jersey with my age on it now.

The game jersey was another story. They were kept at some undisclosed location and handed out only on game days by a lady we called the Jersey Lady. When I picked up my equipment, she asked me what number I wanted. Thinking of my practice jersey, I immediately blurted “TEN.”

The Jersey Lady scrolled her clipboard, made a mark beside my name and dug into a box that looked like it had been sitting in her grandmother’s basement alongside jars of home-made pickles, mouse traps, and dusty suitcases.

She had no intention of giving me the number I asked for; it was pick a number out of a hat style. You get what you get.

I got number 49.

I was mortified.

“What an ugly number.” I thought. “No one likes players with number 49!”

And just like a scene out of a movie, the team quarterback came strutting on by wearing jersey number 10. I was angry at him for a week until I scored my first touchdown in our first game.

“You can have number 10. I’ll keep this one, thanks.”

I went on to score five more TDs that year wearing number 49. It wasn’t so bad after all.

So this got me thinking of all the players who have worn number 49 for the Eskimos.

Here’s the list of players by year:

1950 – DHB, Paul Alford
1952 – C, Gayle Page
1984 – 87 – LB, Frank Balkovec
2007 – LB/DE, Tim Cheatwood
2011 – 13 – LB, Mike Cornell

There were only five players to use Eskimo jersey 49, with the longest serving player being Frank Balkovec.

Here’s a few more interesting facts about players who wore Eskimo jersey 49:

• Longest serving (consecutive seasons)Eskimo to wear jersey 49: LB Frank Balkovec
• Except for Gayle Page who played Center in 1952, Eskimo jersey 49 has been worn by defensive players.
• No touchdowns were ever scored by Eskimo jersey 49

STATS FROM ESKIMO JERSEY 49

• Total games played: 49
• Total seasons: 10
• Total Grey Cups: 1 (Frank Balkovec 1987)
• Total interceptions: 3 for 24 yds
• Total sacks: 6
• Total fumbles recovered: 3
• Total defensive tackles: 14
• Total special team tackles:  41

Upon further review, I gave Jersey 49 a bad rap. It wasn’t all that bad I guess.

I think I did the number proud.

I know the Jersey Lady would be.

News & Notes from Eskimos Practice

With Thursday being a travel day, the Eskimos concluded their practice week on Wednesday in preparation for their Friday night rematch against the Redblacks in the Nation’s capital. Here are some news and notes circulating around the Eskimos practice this week.

INJURIES:

•   Greg Wojt was injured against Ottawa early in the second quarter. Eskimo statement confirmed a concussion. Wojt didn’t practice this week and was put on the injured reserve list when the stating game roster was released. Coach Jones confirmed Wojt will be a week-to-week decision.
  
•  Running back Chad Simpson was banged up against Ottawa and was eventually replaced by Kendall Lawrence. Simpson didn’t practice much during the week and is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.
  
• Adarius Bowman left practice early on Tuesday after tweaking an ankle. He addressed the media, saying “It’s bumps and bruises and getting older.” Bowman just had a birthday and has been 30 for five days. Ah, to be young again. He jokingly asked the media circle for ice. Bowman’s a gamer; he’ll play and play well.

GAME PREPARATION:

•  Playing the same team twice in a week presents different challenges for each game. Coach Jones mentioned the Eskimos had “a couple of different plans” in place but will add “a few wrinkles to what they want to do in all three phases” for Friday’s game.
  
• The Eskimos practiced with loudspeakers during the week to get used to the intimate and noisy TD Place Stadium in Ottawa. Coach Chris Jones said, “It’s electric. They’re excited about their football team and they’re loud for 25 or 30 thousand people but it seems like there’s more than that because they are so loud.”

ROSTER MOVES:

• Two International defensive backs signed: Kacy Rodgers and Jeremy Williams were added to the practice roster. When asked about the signings, Head coach Chris Jones said it was “more for depth purposes”. Coach Jones is known for running intense practices, so if an injury occurs, they need a player who can step in and contribute without any disruption
  
• The Eskimos made a couple of moves to address their depth on the O-line. They parted ways with International Linebacker Keith Reynolds then signed former Eskimo Offensive Lineman Brian Ramsay. The combination of Wojt’s concussion and Groulx’s inexperience at the CFL level prompted all of this.
  
• Shakir Bell has taken off the practice roster and moved to the active roster. Chad Simpson will be moved to the one game injured list. Bell should be on the game roster when it is released tomorrow. 

THIS AND THAT:

•  A report had surfaced that Eskimo linebacker Dexter McCoil’s agent was suing the Edmonton Eskimos about his contract. McCoil set the record straight and said that’s not the case. Here’s the skinny on the issue: When a team signs a new player to a contract, the team must present a minimum contract first (one year with an option), before any other contract is offered. Apparently the Eskimos jumped ship and offered the 2-year deal first. It’s a glitch that McCoil’s agent spotted, and he is in contact with the CFLPA to have it resolved. Worst case scenario is the Eskimos go back to McCoil and offer the base contract to straighten the mess up. The whole story got blown out of proportion before the facts were known. It really isn’t an issue.
  
• Eskimos rookie Offensive lineman Danny Groulx took a lot of first team reps during practice and may start in Ottawa at left guard with the injury to veteran Greg Wojt. Coach Chris Jones loves his size, strength and mobility but Groulx was guilty of a holding penalty against Ottawa that negated a big run play.
  
•  The Eskimos may have finally found a regular kick returner in rookie Skye Dawson. After getting a below average rating from Coach Jones for his play against the Argos in game one, Coach Jones improved the rating to “he did okay” behind a coy smile when asked about Dawson’s play against Ottawa. Coach Jones stated through the week Dawson’s only job is to catch the ball then get up field. “At this point, anything more than first down yardage is a plus.” Dawson had nine punt returns for 168 yards while fielding two kickoffs for 45 yards
  
• Kendall Lawrence is one hell of a football player. A throwback to what an all-purpose back should be, the stalky Lawrence does it all. He is productive as a running back, is an excellent receiver, and can return both punts and kickoffs. With Bowman nursing a tender ankle, Lawrence can easily fill in should Bowman not be able to finish the game. My guess is the Eskimos will run the ball by committee against Ottawa. Running back Chad Simpson is day to day with an undisclosed injury and should be replaced by Shakir Bell who took most of the reps in practice this week. If Bell isn’t productive, Lawrence can easily step in to run the rock.

Eskimo Fans Breathe Easy With Nichols

There’s nothing like a good old fashioned butt-kicking to get the fans back on your side after crapping the bed in the season opener. Eskimos fans are loving their team now thanks to a dominant first half that saw Edmonton rack up 36 points en route to a 46-17 lambasting of the undefeated Ottawa Redblacks.

But that love isn’t really love at all, but rather a collective sigh of relief from a fan base wondering if the season could be salvaged after a single game.

Despite the high temperatures in the city, you’d think the Edmonton Eskimo Empire was on the icy planet of Hoth heading into the season opener against Ottawa at Commonwealth Stadium. Too many questions surrounded Matt Nichols as the Eskimos’ starter for the next 12 weeks.

Did fans have a right to be concerned? Absolutely. Nichols’ lack of productivity as an starter was well documented – in fact it was gone over with a fine-toothed comb by the Empire faithful.

So Nichols knew there were no more excuses. His time was now, or his time was over at the end of this season.

Nichols didn’t just bring it; he packaged it and delivered it with a three-touchdown performance that had his haters wondering “who is this guy?”

He completed 12 of 21 passes for 212 yards and had a rating of 119.6. The only blemish on his passing record was on a counter flip play, when Nichols flicked the ball into the hands of Redblacks defensive end Zach Evans, who rumbled, stumbled and bumbled his way into the Eskimo end zone for a pick six.

Evans will surely embellish the story after he retires and who can blame him? Sixty-six yards is a long way to go for a defensive lineman, especially for your first CFL touchdown. As for Nichols, he’d prefer a different ending.

Nichols didn’t see Evans who slid off his block into the passing lane. When asked about the play on local radio, Eskimo Head Coach Chris Jones said, “Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, that lineman wouldn’t be there.”

It would have been the turning point if Nichols hadn’t shaken it off before his next offensive series. Momentum seemed to be shifting to the Redblacks who finally scored with over three minutes left in the first half.

On the following possession, faced with 2nd and 8, Nichols tossed a dart down the middle to Adarius Bowman for a 51-yard gain. That single play should silence the critics for the time being; Nichols is the starter now and the haters will have to get over it.

Nichols’ game wasn’t perfect by any stretch, and won’t be winning any awards for that performance, but he got the job done. It was a much-needed blue collar effort in front of a home crowd who needed to be convinced he’s the guy to lead this team until Mike Reilly returns. Nichols was pulled in the fourth quarter to give James Franklin some game experience.

With the cloud of uncertainty gone on Monday morning, the Eskimos took to the practice field, preparing to take on the same Redblacks in Ottawa at TD Place Stadium for a Friday night rematch. The team had a light hour-long practice Monday, but will ramp up the intensity Tuesday and Wednesday with two and a half hour sessions before hitting the road on Thursday.

In the meantime, the Eskimos and their fans can breathe easy for now.

Scheper’s coaching ability put to the test early and often this season.

O-Line Coach Mike Scheper  during Esks Training Camp

Two seasons after the debauchery that was the Eskimos offensive line play, new O-Line boss Mike Scheper is already knee deep in it. But he knew that when he took the job didn’t he?

And after one game, it may not be getting better anytime soon.

He knew Three year vet Matt O’Donnell packed his bags for the NFL.

.

He knew All Canadian Guard Simeon Rottier would be out until at least mid-August with a knee injury.

What he didn’t know or prepared for was starting the season minus seven year vet, Greg Wojt was put on the 1 game injured list after a single pre-season start.

He knew he’d have to work with Eskimo first overall draft pick Dany Grouix. If he’s as big and nasty as the scouts say, it shouldn’t be a problem.

What he didn’t know was that he’d be coaching not one rookie O-Lineman but two. David Beard made the team but has limited experience as an offensive lineman.

Two rookies. Two injuries. One departure. Welcome to Edmonton.

The O-line play against the Argos was shotty at best.

With the Eskimos first offensive series starting at their own 5 yard line, the starters were immediately shuffled in favour of beef.

Number one Eskimo pick Dany Grouix, who wasn’t penciled in as a starter got the call on the right side to replace Andrew Jones. Grouix has 3 inches and 15 pounds on Jones so it seemed like the right thing to do. Jones moves to right tackle which means starter and sophomore D’Anthony Batiste gets to play cheerleader for a series.

Before the first offensive snap of the season happens, the highly touted first round pick and CFL rookie Grouix lets the pressure get to him. 

False start (procedure), Edmonton #50.

Half the distance to the goal.

Replay first down.

Reset.

The very next play results in a safety. You’d think the Argos were playing goal-line defense the way they barged through.

This time it wasn’t Giroux’s fault. He did his job on the right side.

It was the left side that failed.

Krausnick at left guard and Washington at left tackle.

That set the tone for the Offensive line for the rest of the game.

Let the line shuffle continue.

Jones was back on the right side manning the guard position. Batiste reclaimed his spot at tackle. Grouix came out.

Despite the safety, Washington recovered nicely after a poor start but Krausnick…

Oh Krausnick... 

If and when his football career comes to an end, I know where to find him. He’ll be at the Fairmont MacDonald hotel as a doorman because he got beat on the inside repeatedly. And on more than one occasion Krausnick was beaten by guess who…? Cleyton Laing.

Krasunick was simply outmatched on the inside and couldn’t handle Laing’s speed up the field.

Adjustments were made at halftime with Grouix taking Krausnicks spot at Left Guard but the combination of inexperience, line continuity and the Argo defensive lineman speed proved to be too much.

O-Line coach Mike Scheper knows more now than he did when he took the job in March.

He knows there’s work to be done.

He knows this line will get better.

He knows they have to because his job depends on it.

Can the Esks win with Nichols?

As the Eskimos got news about Mike Reilly’s injury, speculation started to swirl on a Facebook Fan page as to who would get the ball to the lead the Esks moving forward.

The consensus seems to be the Eskimos are in trouble if Nichols is the answer. 

But despite what I and many other fans think, the obvious choice IS Matt Nichols. 

And this should be a no brainer considering he’s the only one of the Eskimo QB’s to have any regular season experience. 

Yes that experience is only 23 games but having spent his first 2 seasons on the practice roster and the combination of injuries has limited his playing time. 

With only 5 starts and a handful of relief appearances, Nichols has proven to be effective when given the opportunity but tries too hard to do too much and too often. 

Eskimo fans know this and that's why they're wincing at the thought of being led by Nichols rather than Mike “the Messiah” Reilly for the next 12 weeks. 

Can Nichols be successful? 

Absolutely.

Am I confident as an Eskimo fan confident in Nichols to handle everything moving forward?

Not entirely.

Quarterback by Committee?

With 2 very capable young quarterbacks on the roster in Jordan Lynch and James Franklin, the Eskimos would be better off at quarterback by committee. I know it sounds absolutely absurd and the football coaching gods may kick me between the uprights for suggesting such a thing but the only way the Eskimos can salvage their season after only one regular season game is to utilize all three QB’s until Reilly is able to return.

In the preseason, Lynch a former Heisman trophy finalist with Northern Illinois, demonstrated he’s a pure double threat at the position setting 4 NCAA records running the ball. And while he’s only thrown the ball a handful of times as an Eskimo, his numbers shouldn’t go without notice, tossing for over 6,200 yards, 51 touchdowns while only turning the ball over 14 times while with N. Illinois.

Lynch didn’t play a down in the pre-season as the Esks wanted to have a better look at Justin Goltz who sputtered with limited reps. Lynch did manage to run the ball twice during the first game for 17 yards and didn’t look out of place due to his speed.

In Franklin, the numbers are almost similar but may have an edge as a pure passer over Lynch who ran quite a bit with Northern Illinois. Franklins throwing motion is a thing of beauty to watch and seems fully recovered from the injury that required surgery while at his last year at Mizzou.

Franklin did have the better pre-season of the three signal callers heading into the regular season making an appearance in both pre-season games.

The combined stats are:

Passing: 23 of 40 for 326 yards. 1td, 1int.
Rushing: 7carries for 31yards and 2tds.

Bye-week Blessing

When the 2015 schedule was released, the Eskimos were probably cursing league officials but with the string of injuries that have taken its toll on the club this early in the season, they’re probably thankful for the bye week sooner rather than later. Although the team can’t practice during the week due to league rules and players association non-sense, the Eskimo coaching staff can meet to figure out the who, what, when, whys and how’s at quarterback before they play Ottawa in their home opener July 9.

Nichols will be given every opportunity to take charge but make no mistake, he’ll be kept on a short leash should he stumble with the opportunity.  

His time is now.

Do you think he’ll make the most of it? 

Laing the Villain as Reilly Injury Status Released.

The news doesn’t look good as the Eskimos have released a statement regarding Mike Reilly's injury. He’ll be out 10-12 weeks with PCL/MCL damage to his left knee.

Argo defensive tackle Cleyon Laing might think twice about returning to his hometown of Edmonton any time soon after being identified as the culprit responsible for the Reilly injury. 

Reilly walked off the field with the help of medical staff late in the 4^th qtr of the season opener against the Boatmen after taking a hit at knee level from Cleyon Laing.

But is Laing really to blame this time?

Upon further review I think we need to cut the guy some slack. Yes he does have a history of not playing nice with Mike Reilly but this time he really isn’t to blame.

The replay of does show Laing was pushed into Mike Reillys path. Some people saw that, others didn’t. 

That’s fine. 

But the combination of a push and Laing tripping over Eskimo Center Sorensens left foot caused Laing to go flying into Reilly’s knee.

Here's the pics to break it all down:

The only person capable of stopping mid-air momentum is Superman and since he’s fictional let’s cut Laing some slack just this once shall we?

For those anticipating fireworks, the next time these teams meet is at Commonwealth Stadium on August 28.