Eskinews

                  While there are some do not believe that ‘revenge’ is a good motivator, I have a hard time believing that the Eskimos were not thinking about their first loss of the season against the Bombers back in mid August.  Ray was sacked four times that night, was hit numerous other times and there was some bad blood at the end of the game with all of the ‘post play’ celebrations (Swaggerville) that the Bombers engaged in.  When the final gun sounded, the Eskimos came away with a 24-10 win in what was one of the teams’ most complete games all year.

                 It has been awhile since the Eskimos played a complete 60 minute football game and they were rewarded for their effort.  Statistically, the game was closer than the score indicated, but a smothering effort by the Eskimo defense pretty much kept the Bomber offense at bay.  While the Eskimos offense had struggled the past few weeks, they turned a corner on this night as Ray threw for a couple of touchdowns and they attacked in a fairly ‘balanced’ fashion (60% pass vs 40% run).

                 Despite the win, there were a couple of things I was concerned with this game.  The first was the number of penalties that the Eskimos took.  While the stat sheet read 11 penalties for 124 yards, what was more telling was that a number of penalties the Eskimos took that kept Bomber drives alive.  The Bombers TD drive in the third quarter was not extended because of one or two penalties…but THREE penalties!  While the Eskimos were able to get away with that on Saturday night, if it continues, it will come back to haunt them.

                 Up next for the Eskimos are the Toronto Argonauts.  This is not a team the Eskimos should take lightly…even if they are out of the playoffs this year.  All you have to do is ask the Calgary Stampeders about what happened to them this weekend!  The Eskimos will have to play a full 60 minutes if they want to come away with the win.  There is still so much on the line for Edmonton as they control their own destiny down the stretch and will finish first if they win out…while the Argonauts are auditioning for next year.