Inside the CFL: Stampeders miss the playoffs? Don’t bet on it

By Medicine Hat News on July 29, 2021.

Since John Hufnagel assumed command in 2008, Calgary has been the most successful team in the CFL, winning three of six Grey Cup games, making the playoffs every season and finishing first seven times. In addition to being general manager, Huff was head coach for eight years, twice coach of the year. He appointed Dave Dickenson to succeed him on the sideline five years ago.

Because of his success, the Stampeders are perpetually rebuilding. Every season, stars leave for the NFL or sign with other teams in the CFL. Sometimes Huff has had to trade or release players because they cost too much to keep. Coming into 2021, Calgary lost all-star receivers Reggie Begelton and Eric Rogers, offensive linemen Shane Bergman and Derek Dennis, as well as CB Tre Roberson. DB Brandon Smith, O-line stalwart Brad Erdos and great punter Rob Maver retired. Fourteen starters from the team that lost the 2019 Western semifinal are gone. So, that 11 year playoff streak will come to an end? Don’t bet on it.

“We still have a veteran team,” husband of Hatter Sherry Semrau said. “You talk about receivers and the offensive line. All our receivers have played for us, not all have been starters. As for the offensive line, we lost an all-star in Shane Bergman but we have All-star Shawn McEwan coming in. Our tackles are experienced players. We have a spot at the left guard that’s open. In 2008 when we won the Grey Cup, we had three rookies on the offensive line”

“There’s change every year,” Hufnagel continued. “That’s pro football, no matter what league you’re in. You can’t be afraid to change. Yes, there were some changes we would rather have not made. We have had two crops of rookies competing for jobs. But we’re not as young or lacking in veterans as some people make out.”

The husband of Gas City girl Tammy St. Cyr agreed.

“We have more than enough veterans to show the rest the Stampeder way,” Dickenson said. “We need the players to have ownership and lead by example. We’re a very unselfish organization where we believe the guy next to us is dependable and accountable to all of us. We’re about winning. That’s the bottom line.”

A good example? Nine-year veteran kicker Rene Parades has five challengers in camp. Dickenson expects him take the rookies under his wing and mentor them.

Despite the loss of Begelton, Rogers and Juwan Brescacin, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is unconcerned.

“I’m super confident in the group we have because I’ve seen how hard they’ve been working together when they were allowed to. I’m really excited to see Canadians Hergyu Malaya and Colton Hunchak and (imports) Markeith Ambles, Josh Huff and Malik Henry.”

In addition to the above receivers, Dickenson likes his ground game.

“Ka’Deem Carey is back and we have a bunch of good American candidates. We are a better team with Ka’Deem. He’s a back who fits what we do. Our hope for him is to stay healthy.”

In an intriguing move, 13-year Edmonton veteran back Calvin McCarty has been signed out of retirement.

Five-time all-star and 2018’s Most Outstanding Player Award winner, Mitchell, is back behind centre. But promising backup Nick Arbuckle signed with Ottawa before being traded to Toronto. Who will be behind Bo?

“Huff and I are thinking about coming out of retirement,” Dickenson joked. “We like our group. Mike O’Connor and Dakota Prokop have played. Jake Maier is a very interesting prospect. He’s smart, a leader, makes a lot of throws. Similar to Bo, he gets rid of the ball quickly and very accurately.”

If Bo gets seriously hurt, all bets on Calgary are off.

Another area of concern is linebacker. Nate Holley and Wynton McManus are in the NFL. Jameer Thurman who returned from the NFL is a potential all-star. Canadian Cory Greenwood could be in the middle but he has a long injury history. Jamar Wall is one linebacker. The other job is open. Derek Wiggan, Mike Rose and Vincent Desjardin return on the defensive line. Holdover all-star DeShaun Amos, Raheem Wilson and Royce Metchie are set in the secondary.

“The present situation presents challenges,” admitted Dickenson. “The best teams become family. This year we have a lot of new additions to the family.”

Graham Kelly has covered the CFL for the Medicine Hat News for 49 years. Feedback for this column can be emailed to sports@medicinehatnews.com

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