Inside the CFL: Stampeders looks to bounce back from frustrating season

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on June 1, 2023.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

If one word could sum up the Calgary Stampeders 2022 season it would be ‘frustrating.’

After a slow start in 2021, head coach Dave Dickenson was determined to get out of the starting gate quickly. They won their first four games, ultimately finishing 12-6. But among those six losses were three to first-place Winnipeg and two to second-place B.C. The games were close.

Three of the defeats were by a total of five points. Still, after Labour Day they were in the driver’s seat to finish second and host the Western semifinal. They didn’t get it done. Injuries were a big factor, hitting the receiving corps and secondary especially hard, accounting for them giving up the most passing yards in the division. Overall, Calgary was first in points, second in total offence, made the most sacks and allowed the fewest. Their plus-21 turnover ratio was unequalled.

But they had trouble finishing. They were great at getting to the red zone, but too often had to settle for field goals. They took field position-killing special teams penalties. The only Eastern opponent they lost to was Hamilton, who engineered the winning touchdown at McMahon in the last 53 seconds.

Dave Dickenson only partly agreed with my assessment.

“There were frustrations at times but it was also very satisfying, doing a good job as a coaching staff. I was proud of what we were able to accomplish.”

However: “The big thing we have to learn from last year is to win those close games. We lost that game at home to the Ticats but earlier we won in Hamilton after being down 24-10 at the end of the third quarter. If you do that you gain confidence.”

Leading that comeback in Tiger-town was future Hall-of-Famer Bo Levi Mitchell. On Aug. 20, trailing 16-10 at the half in Toronto, Dickenson benched Bo in favour of Jake Maier who chalked up a 22-19 victory. Although he made a token appearance at the last home game of the season, Mitchell’s career as a Stampeder effectively ended that day by Lake Ontario. Bo, now with Hamilton, will entertain his old mates Sept. 30 at Tim Hortons Field.

Why did they bench him then? Nobody wants to talk about it. The official reason was the 32-year-old Bo was in the final year of his contract, had experienced injury problems and wasn’t going to be re-signed. Jake Maier inked a $400,000 contract, becoming the Stamps’ future.

I thought there were times Calgary could have won close games last year if Dickenson had used Bo in relief. But he didn’t. Was he tempted to bring Bo in?

“I don’t have a quick trigger finger. A quarterback has to learn to play through the tough times. That’s how he grows and gains confidence. I have no concerns about Jake.”

But he is concerned about, “Back-up quarterback to be honest with you. You sleep better at night if you have a veteran. Tommy Stevens is in his second year and we’ve got a couple of young guys chasing him.”

Maier will be protected by the best offensive line in the league, led by perennial all-star centre Sean McEwan, along with tackles Derek Dennis and Bryce Bell, and Zach Williams and Ryan Sceviour the guards. Ka’Deem Carey was 2022’s CFL rushing leader. The receiving corps features Americans Malik Henry and Reggie Begelton who provide speed and acrobatic catches, along with a slew of talented Canadians, Luther Hakunavanhu, Colton Hunchak and rookie first draft choice Cole Tucker who will sustain drives with the short stuff. Jalen Philpot is recovering from surgery.

Dickenson believes his defensive line is the strength of the team. He has the best defensive tackles in the league with Derek Wiggan and Mike Rose. They lost ends Folarin Orimolade and Shawn Lemon, to be replaced by James Vaughters and Romeo McKnight. Micah Awe should replace the departed middle linebacker Jameer Thurman. The great Tre Roberson will anchor the secondary.

The kicking game is unmatched with snapper Aaron Crawford, punter Cody Grace and FG man Rene Paredes.

Calgary is strong at every position except possibly quarterback. I don’t think Jake Maier is that good. Still, in a very competitive Western Division they will make the playoffs. If I’m wrong about Maier they can go all the way.

Graham Kelly has covered the CFL for the Medicine Hat News for 51 years. Feedback for this column can be emailed to sports@medicinehatnews.com.