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Grey Cup Live Chat (11/26/2009)
1:23 sportsnet.ca:
Welcome everyone to our live chat with sportsnet.ca CFL writer Perry Lefko.
Perry is in Calgary and is covering the game along with Mark Spector.
This is a moderated chat, so submit your comments and/or questions and we'll post as many as we can.
Perry, how many Grey Cups is this for you now?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:23 sportsnet.ca
1:24 Perry Lefko: Been doing almost every one since 1996.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:24 Perry Lefko
1:24 sportsnet.ca: Not quite Shaky territory yet
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:24 sportsnet.ca
1:25 Perry Lefko: Well, nobody covered more than Jim Hunt and nobody asked a better question to the coaches to kick off Grey Cup week.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:25 Perry Lefko
1:25 sportsnet.ca: Remind people what Jim's annual question was.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:25 sportsnet.ca
1:26 Perry Lefko: Let's talk about sex. That's what Jim asked the coaches and it usually provided some memorable moments.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:26 Perry Lefko
1:26 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
a few minutes early are we?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:26 cflisthebest
1:26 Perry Lefko: Yes, a bit. But I'm game to go.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:26 Perry Lefko
1:26 [Comment From Mark HMark H: ]
Straight up.... what is your prediction for the winner of the 2009 Grey Cup?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:26 Mark H
1:26 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
and why?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:26 cflisthebest
1:27 Perry Lefko: Well, at this point I'm leaning to Montreal to win by a lot. Sorry, Roughrider fans, but the Als have been dominant htis year.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:27 Perry Lefko
1:27 sportsnet.ca:
as CFLisbest said, we're a bit early, so I'll ask, how is the atmosphere out there in Cowtown?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:27 sportsnet.ca
1:28 Perry Lefko:
Cowtown is quickly becoming Rider Town. And that's great. I'm seeing Green everywhere. And everyone knows Rider fans are the best.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:28 Perry Lefko
1:28 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
I think you could end up eating your words by 7:30 Sunday Perry. I think the Riders are a much better team today than they were when they played the Als. 
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:28 cflisthebest
1:29 Perry Lefko: You may be right. But I'll stand by my pick and hide if I'm wrong.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:29 Perry Lefko
1:29 [Comment From Mark HMark H: ]
I actually think the crowd and weather will play a huge role in the game. Als win in fair weather game.... but if it is cold/ugly out there... I think the Riders are going to be victorious.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:29 Mark H
1:29 Perry Lefko: The weather is downright balmy. It won;'t be a factor.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:29 Perry Lefko
1:29 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
you don't have to hide hehe, just make sure you have your butt covered
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:29 cflisthebest
1:29 sportsnet.ca: What's the forecast for Sunday?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:29 sportsnet.ca
1:30 Perry Lefko: My butt is always covered. The weather may be in the low single digits. But it's better than freezing.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:30 Perry Lefko
1:31 Perry Lefko: I went to the Riders' breakfast this morning. Those haircuts are hilarious.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:31 Perry Lefko
1:31 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
Personally, I see both teams likely scoring lots. Alouettes tend not to blitz much on Defense.. and this will work in the favour of the Riders. Riders need to figure out how to stop Calvillo.. something tells me it won't be as easy as they figure.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:31 cflisthebest
1:32 Perry Lefko: Als don't blitz on defence but they blitz on offence, if you know what I mean. They strike early and often. I love Gary Etcheverry's defence, but Marc Trestman has a great offence. It's a fantastic chess match.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:32 Perry Lefko
1:32 sportsnet.ca:
The CFL awards are tonight. Who is the MOP?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:32 sportsnet.ca
1:33 Perry Lefko: Calvillo in a walk. But I expect John Chick to win the top defensive pick. He's a stud.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:33 Perry Lefko
1:33 [Comment From double8grocerydouble8grocery: ]
who will win the defensive player of the year?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:33 double8grocery
1:33 [Comment From double8grocerydouble8grocery: ]
never mind
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:33 double8grocery
1:33 Perry Lefko: Guess I spoke too soon. It;'s Chick.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:33 Perry Lefko
1:34 sportsnet.ca: Is there much chatter out there about CFL expansion, to both Ottawa and perhaps the East Coast? Moncton?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:34 sportsnet.ca
1:34 Perry Lefko: One other thing. Joffrey Reynolds may become the best-ever running back in CFL hisotry, if the doesn't try the NFL. He's been awesome since his first game in the CFL.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:34 Perry Lefko
1:34 Perry Lefko: I think the focus this week is on the Cup. That's what the CFL wants, but Commissioner Mark Cohon will address other topics tomorrow at his annual state of the union address.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:34 Perry Lefko
1:35 [Comment From double8grocerydouble8grocery: ]
east coast needs a team for sure.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:35 double8grocery
1:35 [Comment From double8grocerydouble8grocery: ]
halifax
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:35 double8grocery
1:35 [Comment From double8grocerydouble8grocery: ]
riders toronto next year in halifax, correct?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:35 double8grocery
1:35 Perry Lefko: East Coast needs a stadium first. I think Regina should have two teams.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:35 Perry Lefko
1:36 Perry Lefko: That's the rumour, and it will be great if that;s the matchup.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:36 Perry Lefko
1:36 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
here's a good question! Do you at all think there's a problem in Edmonton between Ritchie Hall and Dan Kepley? I've heard that those two aren't exactly "friends"..
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:36 cflisthebest
1:36 Perry Lefko: And the game is is Moncton, not Halifax
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:36 Perry Lefko
1:37 Perry Lefko: Kepley is an interesting guy. Very emotional. Hall is a master defensive mind. I think the problem with the Eskimos is more about offence.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:37 Perry Lefko
1:37 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
I almost think Etcheverry is going to throw something at the Al's offense, do you think they can fully prepare for a few more looks without changing their offensive scheme while having Chick and Baggs coming at them? Same question for Durant having to go against the Al's pass rush?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:37 Wayne
1:38 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
yea.. I think that in Edmonton, they need to look further up the ladder. Ever Since Campbell left, things haven't looked too good.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:38 cflisthebest
1:38 Perry Lefko: At this point in the season, you really can't change things up too much. It's all on tape. There might be one or two new wrinkles thrown in, more likely on the offensive side of the ball, and likely from Saskatchewan. Paul LaPolice has devised some interesting formations.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:38 Perry Lefko
1:38 Perry Lefko: It all begins in Edmonton with the QB. Ricky Ray struggled this year.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:38 Perry Lefko
1:39 Perry Lefko: Any of you have any thoughts on the Argos?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:39 Perry Lefko
1:40 sportsnet.ca:
This is an Argosfree zone
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:40 sportsnet.ca
1:40 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
well.. you may agree with me, Ray threw the majority of his passes 3-5 yards and then his receivers ran for most of the actual yards. They need to freshen things up.. Strasser didn't really change too much!
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:40 cflisthebest
1:40 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
Andrus needs to either go.. or look at Canadian experienced Coaches
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:40 cflisthebest
1:40 Perry Lefko:
No, Strasser didn't change things much.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:40 Perry Lefko
1:41 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
There are a few teams now looking for quarterbacks to lead them, and not many people seem to be trying to develope, Hamilton tried and failed, Winnipeg tried and failed, and Sask. succeded. Do you see that as a problem to come in the near future?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:41 Wayne
1:41 Perry Lefko: As for Andrus, well, I've been critical of him all year. He needs to really understand the CFL game better. Trestrman grasped it early.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:41 Perry Lefko
1:41 [Comment From stampederhopfulstampederhopful: ]
I think it is a shame that the Stamps won't be able to defend in their Home town, who do you think would have won that battle
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:41 stampederhopful
1:41 Perry Lefko: Yes, teams need to develop QBs. They are the backbone for success. This is the Edmonton blueprint.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:41 Perry Lefko
1:42 Perry Lefko: The Stamps weren't as sharp as last year. They didn't make it. End of story and speculation.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:42 Perry Lefko
1:42 sportsnet.ca:
Is Grey Cup week hurt by not having the hometown team in it?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:42 sportsnet.ca
1:43 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
I think the Riders are just as good if not better as a hometeam.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:43 Wayne
1:43 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
not at all, Why would there be a need for the Home town team?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:43 cflisthebest
1:43 Perry Lefko: Not when Saskatchewan is in it. This is not about the home team, but about the league. And as I said, when the Green Riders are in. they make up for everything.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:43 Perry Lefko
1:43 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
lets leave the Stamps out of this.. what if's dont' solve anything
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:43 cflisthebest
1:43 [Comment From stampederhopfulstampederhopful: ]
being a fan that lives here I could not get a ticket last week when the Stamps were still hopefulls now they are a dime a dozen, just a whole bunch of dimes
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:43 stampederhopful
1:43 [Comment From double8grocerydouble8grocery: ]
do you think fantuz will get picked up in the nfl next year?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:43 double8grocery
1:43 Perry Lefko:
That happens.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:43 Perry Lefko
1:44 Perry Lefko: Fantuz re-signed with the Riders.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:44 Perry Lefko
1:44 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
Conditionally though Perry, if he signs an NFL deal he can go
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:44 Wayne
1:45 Perry Lefko:
If he re-upped, he has lost his option-year opportunity. But I think he's more of a CFL player anyway.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:45 Perry Lefko
1:45 [Comment From EvanEvan: ]
Do you think the TV ratings will surpass last years Grey Cup?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:45 Evan
1:45 [Comment From double8grocerydouble8grocery: ]
without a doubt
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:45 double8grocery
1:45 Perry Lefko: Maybe. But Sportsnet will be amazing as always.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:45 Perry Lefko
1:45 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
What's your take on this whole problem with Calgary Fans selling Grey Cup tickets 2 and 3 times their value? trying to gouge fans for money! selling pens for $1500 and a free ticket or two?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:45 cflisthebest
1:47 [Comment From double8grocerydouble8grocery: ]
that is the stupidest thing i've heard. or stickers. buy a sticker and i'll throw in a free ticket. what is that?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:47 double8grocery
1:47 Perry Lefko: Hey, it's a commercial world. You buy your tickets, you re-sell, you make money, Riders fans want to go to the game and Stamps ticket-holders know that.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:47 Perry Lefko
1:47 [Comment From brianbrian: ]
not the first time a sports ticket has been sold for more than its face value... get over it
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:47 brian
1:47 [Comment From brianbrian: ]
if you had to pick one player from this weeks game that could suceed in the NFL who would it be?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:47 brian
1:48 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
ITs about supply and demand. If us Rider fans had been smarter we would have bought tickets when they went on sale
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:48 Wayne
1:48 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
boo NFL!
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:48 cflisthebest
1:48 Perry Lefko: Great question. Off the top of my head, maybe Chick.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:48 Perry Lefko
1:49 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
Larry Taylor not in the mix?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:49 Wayne
1:49 [Comment From brianbrian: ]
I tend to agree that he would be the man
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:49 brian
1:49 Perry Lefko: Maybe. He's a great returner. but most guys from the CFL don't make it in the NFL. It;s a different game.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:49 Perry Lefko
1:50 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
Defensive players have a better chance at making the NFL than any position
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:50 cflisthebest
1:50 Perry Lefko:
Again, it's a crapshoot. Cameron Wake is an exception, Man, he was awesome.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:50 Perry Lefko
1:51 sportsnet.ca: Does a guy like Queen's Danny Brannagan get a shot in the CFL, or does the quota kill any chance of that?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:51 sportsnet.ca
1:51 Perry Lefko:
No shot. The CFL doesn't provide opportunities for Canadian qbs.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:51 Perry Lefko
1:51 [Comment From greengarngreengarn: ]
Hey Perry. Where did you have the Riders placed at the start of the season??
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:51 greengarn
1:52 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
I don't think CIS players at this point are even close to having a chance..
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:52 cflisthebest
1:52 Perry Lefko:
Second, as I recall.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:52 Perry Lefko
1:52 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
hehehee good one greengarn
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:52 cflisthebest
1:52 [Comment From brianbrian: ]
who is your pick for the Vanier Cup
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:52 brian
1:53 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
CIS players are fast becoming developed talents, however its more every other position rather than QB unfortunately
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:53 Wayne
1:53 Perry Lefko:
I'm Bagging on Queen;s winning it.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:53 Perry Lefko
1:53 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
I had high hopes for Teale Orban, he amassed some great CIS numbers with some amazing receivers that are now in the CFL. But that didn't pan out.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:53 Wayne
1:53 [Comment From brianbrian: ]
BOOO
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:53 brian
1:53 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
I think Calgary Dino's are better.. they'll win it.. I think
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:53 cflisthebest
1:54 [Comment From brianbrian: ]
Go Dinos
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:54 brian
1:54 Perry Lefko: I knew there were closet Dinos fans waiting to jump on my pick.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:54 Perry Lefko
1:54 sportsnet.ca: Do you have a prediction for a score in Sunday's Grey Cup?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:54 sportsnet.ca
1:55 Perry Lefko:
Als to cover the spread, which is either 9 or 9 1/2.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:55 Perry Lefko
1:55 sportsnet.ca: Spread schmed. Give us a score
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:55 sportsnet.ca
1:55 [Comment From brianbrian: ]
I am saying Als 42, RR 17
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:55 brian
1:55 Perry Lefko:
38-25.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:55 Perry Lefko
1:56 sportsnet.ca: Who wins MVP, and who wins Top Canadian?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:56 sportsnet.ca
1:56 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
I am going out on that limb myself. 31-29 Riders
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:56 Wayne
1:56 [Comment From ScottScott: ]
No way, the Riders will win 34-30.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:56 Scott
1:56 Perry Lefko: Calvillo. Cahoon or Sanchez. Maybe Fantuz.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:56 Perry Lefko
1:56 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
Thats not spoken like a Rider fan, I truly believe this team has the heart and are a totally different team than the last time they met.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:56 Wayne
1:56 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
Riders win 32-28
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:56 cflisthebest
1:56 [Comment From ScottScott: ]
Als suck!
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:56 Scott
1:57 [Comment From brianbrian: ]
dreamers
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:57 brian
1:57 Perry Lefko: The riders have heart. no question, the als remind me of the '97 Argos.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:57 Perry Lefko
1:57 sportsnet.ca: We have to send Perry back to the trenches in a few minutes, so if you have any final questions or comments, send them in.
We'll do another chat tomorrow, same time, with Mark Spector who is also in Calgary.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:57 sportsnet.ca
1:58 [Comment From WayneWayne: ]
All it takes is Chick, Baggs, and Renauld to hit Calvillo a few times and throw him off rhythm.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:58 Wayne
1:58 [Comment From brianbrian: ]
Calvillo takes the league MVP the game MVP and throws for over 500 yards
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:58 brian
1:58 Perry Lefko:
Enjoy the game.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:58 Perry Lefko
1:59 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
Do you have any comments regarding the Player Ratio Perry?
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:59 cflisthebest
1:59 Perry Lefko: Leave it as it is.
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:59 Perry Lefko
1:59 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
exactly! now go tell that to Cohon please!
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:59 cflisthebest
1:59 [Comment From cflisthebestcflisthebest: ]
on behalf of millions of Fans
Thursday November 26, 2009 1:59 cflisthebest
2:00 Perry Lefko:
Au revoir, mes amis.
Thursday November 26, 2009 2:00 Perry Lefko
2:00 sportsnet.ca:
I want to thank Perry for taking the time to sit in, and for all of your comments.