Long Post Ahead I'm happy about the win, and Ranek is the only player I'm disappointed in
I'm not sure what's up with him, whether his injury is still bothering him, whether he's not used to this offense, I don't know, but I'm very disappointed in the lack of yardage preduced by Ranek. Ranek, a usual guarantee for 1000 yards isn't on pace for 346 yards rushing this season. He's a good runner, but he's becoming one-dimensional, very, very predictable. When you're averaging 2.5 yards a carry, you know something is up.
Saying this, I'm wondering when Holmes will be placed in the starting role. We've all seen what Holmes can do. Holmes is a tricky player, he can hit outside, take the pitch, play slot, even go up the middle if need be. We lack this with Ranek starting, defences know where he's going, straight up the gut, and thus is easy to stuff. Holmes starting would mean a quicker start to the rushing game, and hopefully means we wont have to abandon the rushing game halfway through the 2nd quarter.
Although the CFL is a passing league, we need someone in the backfield that makes defenders miss, makes them scared to get taken to school. If we have that it opens up our offense greatly, which is much needed. Though some people seem to think Holmes isn't starting because of him being tired from kick returns. If that is a factor (which is doubtful, look at Saskatchewan last year) then put somebody else back there. Holmes needs to be full-time runningback.
Also, if Davis returns for any part of this season, you'd begin to wonder how secure Ranek's spot on this team is. Davis is a much cheaper option then Ranek and Davis is younger then Ranek.
Now to the interesting part. If Ranek loses his spot on this team, you have to assume a trade would be in the works. Now if Myers assumes the punting roll, that trade could be a tough one to form. However, if Myers isn't an all-star punter, I'd be most likely to see Ranek (and Fleming) in B.C. for Pikula. This would allow us to have a good kicking duo for both place kicking, and punting.
Also, while on the topic of runningbacks, one must wonder why our Mammoth Tank (Julian Radlein) isn't being used in short yardage situations. He's probably the best short yardage player in the league, but instead you let Maas put his body on the line? I really have to wonder the thinking on that.
Now of course, a lot of this is just speculation, and a lot of questions I have in my head, with myself trying to answer them. I may be disappointed in Ranek, but I do want him to succeed, so long as he wears Black and Gold I hope he plays to his fullest potential.
Good luck Josh, we're all counting on you to break out of this. As you've seen already, failure, and mediocrity is not accepted, and will be dealt with (The firing of Coach Marshall)