Jun
Offence lines up nicely
Courtesy Edmonton Journal:
The more than 500 yards of offence the Edmonton Eskimos accumulated on Wednesday night is a tribute to identifying young talent, but maybe more importantly, it was a statement that the offensive line so desperately wants to make this year.
Some fans may not have picked it up (most spectators don’t watch the the O-line closely), but the head coach certainly did, as he watched his offence literally run wild.
“The people that go unnoticed are the offensive line. It doesn’t matter what running back it was, what quarter it was, they made some pretty big holes,” said Esks head coach Richie Hall, who watched his running game compile 228 yards and the air attack add another 306 yards.
“When you’re able to run the football, it makes it very lethal. I know it’s only the first game, but it was encouraging for us to dominate the line of scrimmage. That’s something we really want to do and stress this year — not just run the football, but effectively run the football.”
The task was successfully completed in the 45-12 thumping of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. But another test will come Tuesday in Vancouver against the B.C. Lions, and the dynamics may change with centre John Comiskey nursing an injury.
“I think as a group, all in all, the first group, the second group — everybody that played (Wednesday) night, we played well together,” said offensive tackle Calvin Armstrong, who is quickly proving to be a leader on the front five.
“We played hard and it showed on the field. We protected the quarterbacks well and got a chance to run the ball and we took advantage of it.
“That’s what we need to do. If we can run the ball like that, then we’re going to have a chance to win a lot of football games.”
Armstrong was part of the first unit that opened the game, not to mention several gaping holes. He was joined by left tackle Joe McGrath, left guard Kyle Koch, Comiskey and right guard Patrick Kabongo.
But everyone who dressed got their chance to perform, including University of Alberta product Gord Hinse, who stepped in for the second and third quarters.
“The second quarter was a little intense,” admitted Hinse. “I think that hindered me a little. I was a little too excited, but I calmed down by the third quarter and played better.
“The O-line played well all game, both the first and second group, and the running backs, what a great group,” added Hinse. “They see the holes well and can cut back well.”
Getting the chance to try and take control of the line of scrimmage was thrilling in itself for the 22-year-old draft pick. But the chance to ram the ball down the Riders’ throats along the ground made it that much more satisfying, said Hinse.
“I’m biased because I like the run. I like to go out and smash guys, that’s the way I play. If we ran the ball every play, that would be OK with me,” he smiled.
Considering he made the jump right from university to the Canadian Football League, Hinse did not look out of place and has benefited greatly from the likes of Armstrong, Comiskey and Kabongo.
“I think he’s come along pretty nicely,” Armstrong said of Hinse, the Esks’ 11th overall selection from the 2009 draft. “He’s a pretty young guy. To come from the U of A to this level of football is a good-sized jump. He’s athletic and he’s physical and tough, and he’s adjusting to it.”
Now it will likely be the 11th overall selection from the 2008 draft who gets the next opportunity. Greg Wojt sat out the first pre-season game due to a knee injury, but he will likely suit up on Tuesday.
“Greg is going to get his chance this week. He’s going to play a lot. It was unfortunate that he got his knee dinged up, but I think everyone is excited about him, too,” said Armstrong.
