Aug
Huff lays down law on stamps penalty parade
Courtesy Calgary Herald:
The leash is getting shorter; how much shorter, Calgary Stampeders coach and general manager John Hufnagel isn’t willing to say.
But understand this: there will be a point if the Stamps don’t improve their on-field discipline when Hufnagel decides enough is enough and a player is sent packing as a result.
Yes, the Calgary Stampeders prevailed 31-23 over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday night to pull into a tie for first place in the Canadian Football League’s West Division.
But a Sunday morning check of the videotape held few surprises for Hufnagel: an ability to stop the run on defence, not enough time on the field for the offence.
And way, way too many penalties: 11 for 134 yards, leaving the Stamps with the league’s second-highest totals in both number of penalties and penalty yardage.
“I’ve made unpopular decisions before in the same area,” said Hufnagel. “And when I believe that enough is enough, then I’ll have to make a decision that the player won’t like to hear.
“We just can’t be a double-digit penalty team each and every game without it affecting us. We are a physical team and we do fly around, but it’s a fine line and we have to start understanding what that line is. You’ll never hear me critique the officiating, so it’s up to our players to do the things they need to do to not see a yellow flag on the play.”
Prime offender on Saturday night: cornerback Dwight Anderson, who was flagged twice in the fourth quarter–one a pass interference call in the end-zone that led a play later to a Fred Reid touchdown, and the other on an inexplicable objectionable conduct penalty for being on the field without his helmet on.
Heading into Thursday’s game at Edmonton, Anderson has been penalized six times (one less than fellow cornerback Brandon Browner) for a team-high 103 yards.
“D. A. is a very emotional player, it’s very obvious, and he’s been in my office a few times discussing the problem, and hopefully finding a solution,” said Hufnagel. “It’s an ongoing challenge. And he’s playing really good football for us right now. But that doesn’t allow him to have the ability not to have poise during the game and not play by the rules. One player doesn’t make or break the strength of your team, but a discipline problem can. I’m not panicking right now; I’ll just roll up my sleeves and do a better job of sending the message.”
Which begs the question: Is part of the disciplinary problems Hufnagel’s fault?
“What part of this football team isn’t on me?” he replied to the query.
“Frustrating is one word you could use, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to give up on the message and it doesn’t mean that we will not improve in the future. We just have to keep plugging away, and start learning from our carelessness, and letting our emotions overwhelm us, losing our poise and forgetting about the things we need to attend to when we’re on the football field.”
Now, the work begins to prepare for Thursday’s game in Edmonton, the beginning of a stretch in which the teams play three times in a four-game span; both teams will enjoy their bye week following the Thursday tilt.
“The challenge (of a short work week) first lies with the coaching staff, getting the information together for a game plan, and the coaches started work on Edmonton prior to Saturday night’s game,” said Hufnagel.
“And you have to make sure the players are not only rested, but prepared.
“One of these two teams will have at least a share of first place, and we play Edmonton three out of our next four games, so it’s going to be an interesting period. We have to be ready, and it’s a good feeling when you go on your break after winning a football game.”
Extra Points: DL Mike Labinjo remains day-to-day with the left-leg injury he suffered in the first half on Saturday; he’ll be assessed further today.
acameron@theherald.canwest.com———
Stamps Offenders
Here are the most-penalized stampeders through six games:
Player No. Yards
CB Brandon Browner 7 98
CB Dwight Anderson 6 103
P Burke Dales 5 35
HB Ronnie Amadi 4 35
S Milton Collins 3 62
