Joe's Take

CFL Insider's columnist Joe Pritchard offers his take on all of week 8's action.

I'm back from my own personal bye week, as the CFL goes through the August quiet period. They're doing what they can to make noise, however. We had a big trade and a big TV controversy, so let's get right to it.

The trade has Saskatchewan receiving running back Corey Holmes and wideout Chris Getzlaf in exchange for Jason Armstead, and it has already been covered in detail here at CFL insider and other places as well. My thought is that the Riders got a bit of insurance in the backfield, and a familiar face to boot, in exchange for one of many quality receivers they had on their squad. Both teams benefited, and the Riders are hoping that Getzlaf will be more comfortable in familiar surroundings, as the former Regina Ram comes back home.

The TV controversy had to do with the Riders again, as their home game against the Eskimos was delayed by a storm, and CBC failed to go back to the game in most TV markets, with only Regina being able to witness the end of the game live. CBC has given its assurances that it will never happen again in any CBC Sports production, but the black eye may well hurt the network if and when they go after CFL rights in the future, as they are losing them at the end of this season.

The game itself was quite exciting, but the only reason people will remember it in the future is the fact that the Esks let a 32-27 lead go after the delay, and the Riders responded for 12 points to win the ballgame. Lost in all that was Kamau Peterson having yet another good day, as his career is being revived in Edmonton. Matt Dominguez also impressed, as the passing games were big in this one.

The other game this week was a 45-45 tie, as BC dueled with Calgary from one end of the field to the other. All three quarterbacks that played (Buck Pierce was injured, and Jarious Jackson filled in admirably) were impressive, and the whole game was an offensive assault, with only one turnover.

Next week sees the Eastern Division on the field, and the Western Division taking their bye week.

Toronto travels to Winnipeg, and Rocky Butler once again gets the call. I have to go with Winnipeg based on the injury situation alone, as they take one at home by the count of 32-19.

Hamilton visits Molson Stadium and the Als, with both teams trending up. My call in this one is Montreal defending home turf, but I see the Cats stay into it until the bitter end in a low-scoring 23-18 final.