Calvillo rises against adversity

Anthony Calvillo

Matt Dunigan

11/8/2007 9:38:12 AM

Anthony Calvillo dealt with a new coordinator and had a difficult season over all. Now a difficult year for A.C. is considered a good year for someone else.

Missing Kerry Watkins in the lineup handcuffed A.C. for a good portion of the season. Why? Not having a vertical stretch condenses the field. Defences don't have to worry about the deep ball. This put the Als at a disadvantage. Cahoon was the beneficiary of this and the byproduct was a ton of short completions early on in the season, indicative of having to throw the ball underneath.

A rotator cuff injury forced Anthony out of the lineup and certainly added to frustrations in Montreal. The tumultuous season continued when A.C. left the team unexpectedly to fight a different battle with his wife Alexia. Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with the Calvillos.

The door for Marcus Brady was opened and Marcus has seized his second chance and given the Als hope heading into this semi-final weekend. We see an increase in energy level by the entire team when Marcus steps on the field. I have been impressed with his quick decision-making and his mobility.

Check this out...

I'm traveling around this week starting the process of promoting the release of my new book, "Goin' Deep". In my travels, I ran into Hall of Fame quarterback and Edmonton Eskimos legend Tom Wilkinson. Naturally and almost immediately, Tom and I started to talk QBs and the upcoming playoffs.

We started to discuss the game and its QBs in a way and on a level that was refreshing as only two old warriors could. What a wonderful conversation and discussion we had.

We both agreed that Marcus Brady is going to have to make plays against the Bombers in the Eastern Semi-Final to be able to win. Montreal's defence will give up some points and it will be up to Brady to produce. Montreal's special teams have a distinct advantage and could be a factor in the outcome of this game.

Kevin Glenn will be required to make a few plays of his own but his workload will be lightened considerably by the return of Charles Roberts. The addition of Tom Canada and Juran Bolden will help the overall ability and confidence of this team. The addition of those two warriors will make it that much more difficult for Brady to do what he's got to do.

Henry Burris is the key for Calgary to go to Mosaic Stadium and extend Calgary's season. There is much talk about ball security for this game, as there should be, but Henry cannot be tentative. He must play relaxed, loose and pull the trigger. He must be aggressive and not worry about making a mistake. He has the mobility to create and move the chains with his legs. He has a cannon for an arm and the weapons to throw to.

I'll talk about it more on our CFL Countdown show this weekend but for now Hank and Co. have got to have a great start on Sunday. If possible, they must take the crowd out of the game and you do that by having a productive start and if hot, Henry can do just that.

Kerry Joseph must continue to do what he has done all season and that is to lead and dictate. Lead with his strong, physical play and dictate with his legs. Kerry cannot get tentative, like Henry he must play aggressive.

How much more buildup do you need for this West Semi-Final? You have Henry coming back to Saskatchewan to play in their first home playoff contest since 1988 and go toe-to-toe with Kerry Joseph. These two are arguably the two most athletic QBs in the game today and this should be one spectacular show.

Enjoy!
Ready Break!