First off, I am a Redblacks fan (and before that, Rough Riders). That being said, the Tabbys are my No.2. That is why it is difficult to watch them compete because I like them both. My late mother was a die-hard Tabbys fan and whenever I have met with Hamilton fans, in the stands or on the street, I have found them to be passionate, knowledgeable and friendly. You guys have a lot going for you which makes it easy for me to cheer for your team. Last night, you could say that my cheering on the Tabbys was slitting my own throat because they are now ahead of the Redblacks in the East Division. They deserve to be there....for now!
Now to the question, what stands out. For one thing, the Ti-Cats seem to be firing on all 8 cylinders and are getting better and better. I have watched with interest as they went from the basement this time last year, to being a contender by the end of last season. This season, they are starting off as contenders. Masoli seems to be getting into a good groove. He is confident and seems to have good communication with his team. He is showing exceptional leadership qualities and I love the way he keeps his cool. In a word, the Ti-Cats look confident and competent.
And on that note and given his amazing performance, can we now say: enough with the Manziel chatter? I was getting a tad fed up with the hype around Manziel which has been going on since....was it last season....when June Jone suggested that Manziel would be the second coming of Christ. All along, I felt sorry for Jeremiah Masoli, who had this sword of Damocles hanging over his head since before the start of the season. I guess I would not be a good football club owner or coach because I place a high value on loyalty. So I would probably lose my shirt.
Masoli has done great things for the Tabbys. He continues to do great things for the Tabbys. He has been the reliable, steadfast workhorse. The engine that keeps the machine going. He has demonstrated over the past few games, that he is the man and I think that all of this hoopla about Manziel was the height of ingratitude.
Henry Burris nailed it last week:
"What else does this guy [Masoli] need to do...... can we take our eyes off of the sidelines [Manziel] and focus on the great things that Jeremiah Masoli is doing on the field....?"
I could not have said it better myself.
Nothing against Manziel, by the way. Having a man of his calibre as a back-up QB is probably a good thing for Hamilton.
Apologies all 'round for the long monologue.