CFL - Ottawa Redblacks

[Josh]

I'll move the Redblacks discussion here for a dedicated thread.

[Josh]

In other news, how about the Redblacks? They just finished their season with two huge wins over Hamilton, finishing 12-6 and taking the East division. An amazing turnaround from the 2-16 team last year, thanks to a committed ownership group and a GM who identified the problem. A lot of people were on Burris last year and at the age of 40, he just put up his best statistical season, broke a few nice CFL records, and honestly guided the team to a great record. He's likely to win the MOP - Most Outstanding Player Award, which is the CFL's equivalent of the Hart Trophy. Anyways, the Redblacks host am Eastern Final playoff game for the first time since 1978 on Sunday, November 22. They'll play the winner of Toronto - Hamilton. There's huge potential for an Ottawa - Hamilton rivalry with the emotional level of the past two games, plus a potential Eastern Final against them in two weeks.

[Josh]

So happy I went to the football game on Saturday and didn't hinge my Saturday on watching the Sens. Landsdowne was a madhouse. Burris has really thrived as the leader of this team and the management has surrounded him with a great supporting cast.

HOW ABOUT THAT FLEA-FLICKER?!? Did you see that shit? Do you realize how gigantic your testicles must be to call a flea-flicker in what is essentially a playoff game?!?

:scared:

[Alfie11]

A flea-flicker on your own 10 yard line, in the 4th quarter with the game in reach.

I saw Coach Campbell talking about it and he basically said that he was more than confident on the skill of the team to be able to pull off a move like that. And even better - it tied Burris with the completion record, before he got it two plays later.

[thedaigle1]

A flea-flicker on your own 10 yard line, in the 4th quarter with the game in reach.

I saw Coach Campbell talking about it and he basically said that he was more than confident on the skill of the team to be able to pull off a move like that. And even better - it tied Burris with the completion record, before he got it two plays later.

I'm glad you mention the game-in-reach part cos to look at the score alone one may get the impression Ottawa had things locked up. Not once during that game did I think Ottawa had a comfortable lead. It was the time of game where a team was gonna turn over the ball taking a knee.

[Josh]

So, what's a flea-flicker?

#excusemyignorance

[Jasmine]

So, what's a flea-flicker?

#excusemyignorance

X2 .....

[Matt the Aussie]

The flea flicker play is where the QB hands off to the running back, as if it's a run play, then at the line of scrimmage the back pitches it back to the QB who has dropped into the pocket for a pass play instead.

It can cause havoc with the secondary if they commit too early as it leaves a hole behind.

[thedaigle1]

This was a pretty close case where Burris may have underthrown but you can't argue with results and the iffy throw made the catch look that much better.

[Alfie11]

I'm glad you mention the game-in-reach part cos to look at the score alone one may get the impression Ottawa had things locked up. Not once during that game did I think Ottawa had a comfortable lead. It was the time of game where a team was gonna turn over the ball taking a knee.

Yeah, exactly. I bought tickets to the game, but I could only go if it was the weekend of the 22nd, not the 15th. I looked at seats after the first quarter and didn't think of going back until 20 seconds left in the game lol.

[Alfie11]

So, what's a flea-flicker?

#excusemyignorance

Matt did a pretty good job at explaining it.

Basically, the QB hands the ball off to the running back like they're going to make a play on the ground. The opposing teams secondary (the guys who cover the players deep) start closing in, because if the running back makes it through the defense at the line they'd need to stop him. But once they started moving in, he throws the ball back to the QB and then there's some open coverage deep in the field.

It's a really risky play for a bunch of reasons, most notably you don't want your running back really throwing the ball ever, but if it's executed right you'll have a great result like the Redblacks did.

Did anyone see the party on the field after the win? Apparently some of the players such as Burris were out there 90 minutes after the game ended, talking with fans, signing autographs, etc.

[thedaigle1]

Did anyone see the party on the field after the win? Apparently some of the players such as Burris were out there 90 minutes after the game ended, talking with fans, signing autographs, etc.

I have had nothing but great fan experiences since I started going and that was definitely the coolest thing I've seen yet. If anyone needs pointers on how to win over a fanbase then look no further.

[Josh]

So I ended up watching tons of videos of flea-flickers and let's just say my football interest is at an all time high :)

[Alfie11]

I have had nothing but great fan experiences since I started going and that was definitely the coolest thing I've seen yet. If anyone needs pointers on how to win over a fanbase then look no further.

Yeah, for sure. The entire Redblacks thing this year is definitely one of the cooler experiences in Ottawa sports history. Burris is a big part of that, I think. His pre-game speeches that you can find on the team website are amazing, he really knows how to pump the team up. Last year he had an amazing one after the Ottawa shootings, I'm sure you could find it if you looked.

I went to the game against Calgary this year, and TD Place is loud. It's a completely different atmosphere from a hockey game, for sure. As soon as the Hamilton - Ottawa game sold out, Hamilton added crowd noises to the speakers to prepare for how loud the game was. And I'm sure it was.

[Alfie11]

So I ended up watching tons of videos of flea-flickers and let's just say my football interest is at an all time high :)

Haha, right on. Ottawa's actually never been scared to try trick plays, so they're a fun team to watch. Their first ever home touchdown was actually an onside kick, which is when the team goes to kick the ball away and receivers line up behind the punter, they're eligible to retrieve the ball. They also tried a lateral pass against Saskatchewan last year on a punt return and it gave them an extra 60 yards. The most creative one, I think, was this year against Toronto. They have a receiver Brad Sinoppoli who played university football as a QB, but he's a receiver now. Burris went over to 'argue' a call with the ref, and Sinoppoli snuck in, took the snap and caught everyone off guard.

If you're looking for a couple highlights to watch from this season (all can be found on the team website), I'd recommend: July 24th vs Calgary, Oct 1st vs Montreal, and Nov 7 vs Hamilton. Three great games.