Elks: Edmonton Eskimo Thread: 2018 Edition

[Todd Parchment]

Didn’t renew my season tickets, wonder if I’ll regret it in a Grey Cup year.

Honestly haven’t been paying too much attention this off season. How does the team look?

 

[Gord]

Didn’t renew my season tickets, wonder if I’ll regret it in a Grey Cup year.

Honestly haven’t been paying too much attention this off season. How does the team look?

depends on how you feel about coaching.

esks dumped some players that needed dumping. I'm causiously optimistic about the upcoming season.
I did downgrade my season tickets as I'm no longer willing to give the esks $560 per year just for tickets, and I also declined to purchase a cup ticket.

 

[bone]

Didn’t renew my season tickets, wonder if I’ll regret it in a Grey Cup year.

Honestly haven’t been paying too much attention this off season. How does the team look?

Yeah, it's been a weird off-season where some are trying to claim that there has been a mass exodus, but in reality, the team had too many players because of the injury reserve last year and most that left the team were on the outs anyways. Meanwhile, some key pieces resigned and in some cases resigned despite a reduce role on the team.

On offense, they are set at QB, have depth at RB and Recievers (maybe lack of depth for Canadian receivers, but there is some potential at least). However, they have a hole at the strong side tackle position that for some reason they seem to be acting like they can fill through a combination some of their young Canadian depth or by moving Kelly to strong. It's a gamble, not sure if it's a smart one, particularly if it leads to Reilly getting knocked around a lot.

On defense, the best pieces of their secondary are back, could maybe use an upgrade at Safety, but there are a couple young Canadians that can at least try and challenge King for the spot. Linebacking loss of Ladler sucks, but they have some guys coming back from injury and the guy they signed yesterday may be a reasonable bet. D-line is solid and deep in the middle but the ends seems to be all in on Boateng repeating or improving on his rookie year. There's a risk at this position especially if Kwaku regresses or gets injured.

Special teams. Kicking is set, they kept some of their better special teams players, but most feel coaching was the biggest problem on specials and McDiarmid is still here. I think they showed improvement as the team got healthier and allowed special teams specialists to dress more often, so there may be hope there. Returner is always a hole and I don't see a solution on the current roster. Would love to be surprised.

Overall, I don't think the Esks have as many questions/unknowns as the other West teams, so I'm expecting them to be in the battle for home field in the playoffs, but if things break right for Sask or BC, it will be a battle.

I'm cautiously optimistic about the Esks chances this year.

 

[MoontoScott]

Didn’t renew my season tickets, wonder if I’ll regret it in a Grey Cup year.

Honestly haven’t been paying too much attention this off season. How does the team look?

Lots of turnover on the team but that's the story around the CFL. There has been lots of turnover with the Stamps as well.

The EE are definitely a younger less experienced team especially on the Defensive side of the ball. That's good and bad, the bad being the less experience but the good being team speed and hopefully a lot less injuries.

Zylstra is the big loss on the offensive side of the ball but there was no doubt he was going to give the NFL a shot. That said, we still have a strong receiving core. It will be interesting to see what Gable can do in a full season at the running back position.

The big question mark is again coaching. I sure hope we don't see any more embarrassing situations like we did in last year's final. That fiasco will not help the team's credibility in a town that seems to have less interest in the CFL than it did even a few years ago.

The new GM is young but so far looks competent to me. He thought the team was a year too old and so did a number of other observers. We uncovered 2 pretty good prospects in last year's draft (Hoover and Boateng) and hopefully will be as lucky this year.

The big concern to me is attendance. The slow leak has to be fixed or within 4 years we will look like the Argo fans-West.

 

[bone]

Lots of turnover on the team but that's the story around the CFL. There has been lots of turnover with the Stamps as well.

The EE are definitely a younger less experienced team especially on the Defensive side of the ball. That's good and bad, the bad being the less experience but the good being team speed and hopefully a lot less injuries.

Zylstra is the big loss on the offensive side of the ball but there was no doubt he was going to give the NFL a shot. That said, we still have a strong receiving core. It will be interesting to see what Gable can do in a full season at the running back position.

The big question mark is again coaching. I sure hope we don't see any more embarrassing situations like we did in last year's final. That fiasco will not help the team's credibility in a town that seems to have less interest in the CFL than it did even a few years ago.

The new GM is young but so far looks competent to me. He thought the team was a year too old and so did a number of other observers. We uncovered 2 pretty good prospects in last year's draft (Hoover and Boateng) and hopefully will be as lucky this year.

The big concern to me is attendance. The slow leak has to be fixed or within 4 years we will look like the Argo crowd part II.

I don't think it will ever get Argo bad, but I totally agree with you that attendance is a concern. I have no confidence in the decisions made by Rhodes that he can steer us through this period where competition for entertainment is getting a lot tougher with the quality of access people get at home.

It seems to me he was being challenged about declining attendance and his solution was to fire Hervey, grease the wheels of the CFL to get a Grey cup to bolster his numbers in order pin it all on Hervey and his "access" to get a big extension, only to watch attendance plummet drastically next year.

Personally, I was close to getting out but decided to hang in for one more year with the Grey Cup as I enjoy Grey Cups even if Edmonton isn't in the game. Rhodes and company need to build my confidence back up though in order for me to stay beyond this year as it's only my love of the game and the players that is keeping me there, not anything Rhodes has done. Everything he's done only makes me reconsider why I choose to give an organization led by him my money.

 

[Todd Parchment]

Thanks for the responses everyone, it seems like a year where things could go very well or just be mediocre.

One thing I disliked about the games was the fan experience, about half way through the season I was splitting tickets with my father because I didn’t feel like going to every game. Maybe that’s because they started a bit of a stumble results wise.

The crowd usually received an accouncement to get loud every two seconds which didn’t seem to do anything. The half time shows were mediocre and the prize games were basically just giveaways. Which makes sense but kind of boring. I’m not sure what would make it a better experience but I had a lot more fun as a kid (probably because I was a kid and loved mini donuts to an unhealthy leve).

The on field product was good but very inconsistent, which seems like a league wide thing.

 

[MoontoScott]

I don't think it will ever get Argo bad, but I totally agree with you that attendance is a concern. I have no confidence in the decisions made by Rhodes that he can steer us through this period where competition for entertainment is getting a lot tougher with the quality of access people get at home.

It seems to me he was being challenged about declining attendance and his solution was to fire Hervey, grease the wheels of the CFL to get a Grey cup to bolster his numbers in order pin it all on Hervey and his "access" to get a big extension, only to watch attendance plummet drastically next year.

Personally, I was close to getting out but decided to hang in for one more year with the Grey Cup as I enjoy Grey Cups even if Edmonton isn't in the game. Rhodes and company need to build my confidence back up though in order for me to stay beyond this year as it's only my love of the game and the players that is keeping me there, not anything Rhodes has done. Everything he's done only makes me reconsider why I choose to give an organization led by him my money.

I hope you are right about it never going "Argo bad" but it is worrisome to me. The days of 50,000+ seems like part of Roman Coliseum times.

As far as management goes, I think that between the big 3, (Maas, Sunderland and Rhodes) Sunderland seems to be the brightest so I hope his influence with the team continues to grow. Thus, hopefully Rhodes is pushed into the background (where he is supposed to be as CEO, not constantly front page on the football side) and the concentration is on recruitment and talent evaluation. Also, unless there is substantial improvement in coaching I can see Sunderland cleaning house next November and bringing in his own staff. I don't think he had the power to do it last year. That Maas stunt really hurt the team. Its supposed to be pro football.

 

[Valhallis]

I'm finding it so hard to get excited about this year. I really do think the team is moving in the right direction player-wise but I can't help but feel that idiot coaching decisions are going to be our downfall again. That being said I have complete faith in our QB to lead us, assuming he stays healthy.

I do agree on the fan-experience being lackluster but I haven't gone to as many games as I used to so I don't have much to comment on. I hate 8:00 games though, too late for me. I don't know what the fix is to improve the experience. More Superdogs at half-time? Alumni signings and meet and greets? Close 112th around the stadium and have a giant party before the game? Someone last brought up starting the 50/50 at $50,000 for some games to draw more people in that might not normally go? The one thing they could improve IMO is their advertising and media presence. If we had as much Eskimos news jammed down our throat from the media as we did the Oilers, maybe that might get people interested.

But first and foremost the product on the field has to deliver in an entertaining and consistent way, top to bottom. And this year more than ever being a Grey Cup year.

 

[oXo Cube]

At the end of the day, I'm confident the Eskimos have a good shot in any game where we have Mike Reilly at QB.

Keeping my white flag within arms reach in case he goes down, though.

 

[guymez]

I'm finding it so hard to get excited about this year. I really do think the team is moving in the right direction player-wise but I can't help but feel that idiot coaching decisions are going to be our downfall again. That being said I have complete faith in our QB to lead us, assuming he stays healthy.

I do agree on the fan-experience being lackluster but I haven't gone to as many games as I used to so I don't have much to comment on. I hate 8:00 games though, too late for me. I don't know what the fix is to improve the experience. More Superdogs at half-time? Alumni signings and meet and greets? Close 112th around the stadium and have a giant party before the game? Someone last brought up starting the 50/50 at $50,000 for some games to draw more people in that might not normally go? The one thing they could improve IMO is their advertising and media presence. If we had as much Eskimos news jammed down our throat from the media as we did the Oilers, maybe that might get people interested.

But first and foremost the product on the field has to deliver in an entertaining and consistent way, top to bottom. And this year more than ever being a Grey Cup year.

Completely agree with the bolded.
The stupidity shown by Maas in the last game (and subsequent denial) was so impactful IMO. I lost confidence in his ability to think the game in big pressure moments and then I lost respect for him by how immature he was in dealing with how badly he 'F'ed things up. He made things worse. His stubbornness and temper were/are huge problems IMO and now you can add questionable intelligence to that.
Its going to take a lot for him to win me back. A lot.

 

[bone]

I hope you are right about it never going "Argo bad" but it is worrisome to me. The days of 50,000+ seems like part of Roman Coliseum times.

As far as management goes, I think that between the big 3, (Maas, Sunderland and Rhodes) Sunderland seems to be the brightest so I hope his influence with the team continues to grow. Thus, hopefully Rhodes is pushed into the background (where he is supposed to be as CEO, not constantly front page on the football side) and the concentration is on recruitment and talent evaluation. Also, unless there is substantial improvement in coaching I can see Sunderland cleaning house next November and bringing in his own staff. I don't think he had the power to do it last year. That Maas stunt really hurt the team. Its supposed to be pro football.

I was pretty choked at some of Maas' antics last year, but all things considered, how the team performed in a tough turbulent year first with a GM switch out, then record breaking man-games lost to injury is a credit to him and his staff in what was still only his 2nd year as a head coach.

Though he claims in public that he'd do some of those moves again, I suspect has learned from them and will get better. Ultimately his mistakes were gut decisions, more experience should allow the head to inform the gut a little more and hopefully tame some of his silly outbursts. Love that he has passion, but don't want him looking like a spoiled whiny brat.

Overall, I'm still optimistic that Maas can coach this team to good stuff.

 

[guymez]

I was pretty choked at some of Maas' antics last year, but all things considered, how the team performed in a tough turbulent year first with a GM switch out, then record breaking man-games lost to injury is a credit to him and his staff in what was still only his 2nd year as a head coach.

Though he claims in public that he'd do some of those moves again, I suspect has learned from them and will get better. Ultimately his mistakes were gut decisions, more experience should allow the head to inform the gut a little more and hopefully tame some of his silly outbursts. Love that he has passion, but don't want him looking like a spoiled whiny brat.

Overall, I'm still optimistic that Maas can coach this team to good stuff.

There was no excusing the spectacular way in which Maas failed in that big game moment. Also no excuse for him doubling down the way he did.
Its not really an example of a person that has the ability to learn from a mistake.

 

[bone]

There was no excusing the spectacular way in which Maas failed in that big game moment.

I don't excuse it. Was livid the second I saw a kicker taking the field and stayed livid for most of the week following it and still think it was about as stupid call as one could have made. But he also deserves some credit as his coaching abilities at least helped get them into the position to allow the scenario that led to the mistake.

As such, I hope and expect despite his public assertions, the experience of making that mistake will better inform his gut feel for similar situations. Particularly as I think that decision was unconventional for how he typically rolls. He's aggressive. He goes for it. We love it, players love it, but that call to me looked almost in his attempt to be overly aggressive (i.e. assuming an immediate 2 and out followed by a full field drive in virtually no time) he actually made his most passive move of his career.

 

[guymez]

I don't excuse it. Was livid the second I saw a kicker taking the field and stayed livid for most of the week following it and still think it was about as stupid call as one could have made. But he also deserves some credit as his coaching abilities at least helped get them into the position to allow the scenario that led to the mistake.

As such, I hope and expect despite his public assertions, the experience of making that mistake will better inform his gut feel for similar situations. Particularly as I think that decision was unconventional for how he typically rolls. He's aggressive. He goes for it. We love it, players love it, but that call to me looked almost in his attempt to be overly aggressive (i.e. assuming an immediate 2 and out followed by a full field drive in virtually no time) he actually made his most passive move of his career.

Well...I have to give you credit. You are much better at rationalizing that debacle (and giving Maas the benefit of the doubt) than I am.

 

[bone]

Well...I have to give you credit. You are much better at rationalizing that debacle (and giving Maas the benefit of the doubt) than I am.

Thanks. If he does something that stupid again, I won't be as rational.

 

[MoneyGuy]

I've talked to two execs from other CFL teams with no love for the Esks. They didn't defend that decision late in the west final but Maas is respected and, they say, a good coach, or will be once he gains experience. If available he'd be scooped up. I hated that decision, too, but he'll develop. Yeah, I know he didn't admit he was wrong and I think he should.

 

[rboomercat90]

Eskimos oppose stadium renovations that would help soccer team - 3DownNation
Likely this.

I don’t see why the city wouldn’t refurbish Clarke Stadium for soccer. I also don’t understand why lower level football games can’t be played at Commonwealth Stadium. The Eskimos only use it for 10-12 games a year tops. Let junior and high school teams in there too. They don’t have the excuse that they need to save the grass anymore, the field is turf now. There has been a lot of money spent on that building over the years, let’s start getting some use out of it.

 

[rboomercat90]

Completely agree with the bolded.
The stupidity shown by Maas in the last game (and subsequent denial) was so impactful IMO. I lost confidence in his ability to think the game in big pressure moments and then I lost respect for him by how immature he was in dealing with how badly he 'F'ed things up. He made things worse. His stubbornness and temper were/are huge problems IMO and now you can add questionable intelligence to that.
Its going to take a lot for him to win me back. A lot.

Lol, Maas.
So much has been made about his bungle against Calgary that I think people forgot about his antics through the regular season. He should have been fired for those all by themselves, never mind what he did in the playoff game. I never even hear them mentioned anymore. It’s like his incompetence distracted everybody from him being an immature ass. How is he still coaching here again?

 

[MoontoScott]

I suspect that the operating costs per game for such a large venue as Commonwealth is why they would resist the idea for minor football.

 

[MoontoScott]

There was no excusing the spectacular way in which Maas failed in that big game moment. Also no excuse for him doubling down the way he did.
Its not really an example of a person that has the ability to learn from a mistake.

No question, the incident was very damaging to the club's credibility especially when you are struggling to put more bodies in the seats. In the NFL he would have been long gone by now but of course this is not the NFL. Perhaps he will partially redeem himself this year but if not then Sunderland, with more experience and clout, should bring in his own group.

 

[bone]

I suspect that the operating costs per game for such a large venue as Commonwealth is why they would resist the idea for minor football.

Possibly, but I'm sure they could close things off to restrict access to perhaps to just lower deck on one side and closing the doors to the outer concession areas. Still probably too big, but it likely gets it to a more manageable number.

 

[MoontoScott]

Possibly, but I'm sure they could close things off to restrict access to perhaps to just lower deck on one side and closing the doors to the outer concession areas. Still probably too big, but it likely gets it to a more manageable number.

Well, speaking of stadiums and public gatherings I saw Steve Miller and Peter Frampton last night at the Saddle Dome and they were just an awesome duo. They are in Edmonton tonight, take in the show if you have a chance.

Yeh, I know, this is a football thread but I couldn't find any rock and roll thread. Besides, when talking about public performances, these vintage rock and rollers are a lot more competent at what they do than the Esks and the Oilers have been. Frampton is still just an awesome guitarist, albeit with a lot less hair than he had in the 70's.

 

[MoneyGuy]

A preview of the 2018 team.

Vegas trip an important starting point for Esks - CFL.ca

 

[Gord]

I don’t see why the city wouldn’t refurbish Clarke Stadium for soccer. I also don’t understand why lower level football games can’t be played at Commonwealth Stadium. The Eskimos only use it for 10-12 games a year tops. Let junior and high school teams in there too. They don’t have the excuse that they need to save the grass anymore, the field is turf now. There has been a lot of money spent on that building over the years, let’s start getting some use out of it.

I dont see why the city should give up the money the esks are paying them, put money into a soccer refurbish and also give the concessions to fath.
Especially when high scools are short of fields already. Then the cost to operate junior football and high school football in commonwealth?

Let a crappy soccer team find other options. Not like the previous team was pulling in the crowds and they need a better option. They want a sweetheart deal they don't deserve.

 

[rboomercat90]

I dont see why the city should give up the money the esks are paying them, put money into a soccer refurbish and also give the concessions to fath.
Especially when high scools are short of fields already. Then the cost to operate junior football and high school football in commonwealth?

Let a crappy soccer team find other options. Not like the previous team was pulling in the crowds and they need a better option. They want a sweetheart deal they don't deserve.

We have a football stadium sitting empty almost every day of the year, play more football games in it. What are these giant operating costs you speak of? You don’t need to open up the entire stadium. Half of one side of the lower bowl would be enough. One concession stand, if needed, would be enough. It costs money to turn the lights on over the field? It costs money to turn the lights on next door too.

I’m not even a soccer fan and I see the need for a soccer stadium in this city. Give them Clarke Stadium. Like I’ve said before, there has been an awful lot of money spent on Commonwealth Stadium by the city in the last decade or so. I’d like the city to get more use out of this facility than they do.

Just out of curiosity, how much money are the Eskimos paying the city for the use of Commonwealth and or Clarke stadiums? I don’t recall ever hearing any mention of that before.