Football Betting

Intriguing Calgary Stampeders have an impending signing of veteran middle linebacker Joe Lobendahn and this piece of news have made training-camp battle just got a little more interesting. After spending four seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the 29-year-old University of Washington product was released last week.

Lobendahn had a history of knee problems with the Bombers, which included torn ligament last September. He was forced to miss most of the season and he would join a battle for the starting job at middle linebacker with veterans Juwan Simpson and Robert McCune. Cut by the Bombers last week after spending the last seven months rehabbing a torn ACL, the Stampeders are in contract talks with Lobendahn.

Prompting concern about his ability to bounce back, the torn ligament is the third Lobendahn has rehabbed on the same knee. However, a CFL source said that it was only a matter of he and the Stamps reaching a contractual agreement and he passed his physical with the Stampeders. At least one former teammate says the 29-year-old will be an impact player again in 2012.

Lobendahn had 180 tackles and 20 special-teams tackles in 45 games with the Bombers. The five-foot-11, 242-pounder never managed to dress for all 18 games in a single season, although he also posted seven sacks and an interception. Because of his injury history, the Bombers released him partly. They started a non-import at middle linebacker with Pierre-Luc Labbe and Henoc Muamba. They did this to replace the retired Doug Brown on the defensive line.

Lobendahn told the Winnipeg Free Press upon being released that he is not happy, although it is part of the business. He added that he wanted to retire here and he hopes somebody gives him a chance. He further added that he has been hurt, however, he is confident of himself and he wants to continue with the game.

The Bombers said that Lobendahn was released because they planned that in this season, they will start a Canadian at middle linebacker. However, with other factors involved, the most likely key factor was how his health could influence the team’s budget. Lobendahn would continue to earn his salary as a CFL veteran, even if he were to go down in training camp.

This weekend, the on-field portion of the 2011 CFL Evaluation camp provided ample opportunities for some of the more skilled players to show their stuff.

Henoc Muamba was one of those linebackers, who showed why he is considered the most highly rated player at his position.

Including the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, every team in the CFL interviewed Muamba. The No. 1 pick in this year’s CFL draft, the Bombers who have interviewed Muamba twice.

Muamba said, “I knew I was athletic enough. I came out here and wanted to show them I could be physical. I’m pretty satisfied overall.”

While also being physical enough to rush the passer, Muamba, a St. Francis Xavier grad, showed he has the versatility to drop back in pass coverage.

Muamba further added, “One of my nicknames in university is A.O. because I am able to play all over. I like covering running backs, but I also love the physicality of the game and like being in the box.”

Jeff Hecht was another linebacker who impressed in drills; he lined up across from the highest rated receiving prospect, Anthony Parker, and did not look out of place.

According to online sportsbook, the Blue Bombers are at +1300 to win the 2011 Grey Cup in CFL Futures odds.

Defending BCS Championship team, Nick Saban and his Alabama Crimson Tide returns many key offensive players including quarterback Greg McElroy, speed demon receiver Julio Jones and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. As Alabama go into battle for the SEC West title, they will be missing some key players and leaders on defense.

Alabama’s defense was chock full of seniors that dominated the SEC in 2009 and now their understudies will have to step into the spotlight and deliver. to control the middle of the field, Alabama will be banking on Dont’a Hightower, as the inside linebacker, while, Marcel Dareus will be expected at the defensive end, to pick up where he left off in 2009. In the BCS title game, by winning the defensive MVP award, Dareus ended his 2009 NCAA season.

Loss of Javier Arenas, game breaking return specialist was another key loss for Alabama. Although at the moment there is no set player stepping into the returner position, for Alabama many of the veterans have returned, including Julio Jones and Mark Ingram. In the 2010 NCC season, it is doubtful that either will see much time returning.

Alabama, after their first six games in 2010, could conceivably have two losses. In the second week, on their home field, they play Penn State, then Arkansas, in Arkansas followed by a game against Florida, which will be a tough one. To the 2010 SEC Championship Game, Arkansas will have an easy path, if they win all three of these games. Alabama’s rivalry game with Auburn will be the only game in their second half that presents much of a challenge. To repeat as SEC West champs, look for Alabama.

Last season, the Calgary Stampeders put up an impressive 10-7-1 record. The Stampeders were able to make some good changes although they did not have a tremendous amount of work to do after their last year.
Before the Grey Cup game, the Stampeders managed to advance to the finals of the playoffs. They unfortunately lost to Saskatchewan at that point. Despite losing the big game, the Stampeders were impressive during the season. They only surrendered 443 points on the season and managed to score 514 points (tied for the most in the West Division). This 443 point total was the lowest of the teams in the West Division. They have not had to make too many changes, being the best offensive and defensive team in the division.
This offseason, the Calgary Stampeders did fine-tune two specific areas. They managed to boost their special-teams game through some key additions and solidify the offensive line.
By the 2010 CFL Draft, the Calgary offensive line was helped out. The Stampeders picked 3 offensive linemen in this draft. This includes the two lineman picked within 5 picks of each other in the 3rd round. The success that he has experienced in past years, these added linemen could help Henry Burris get it back. Last year was a down year for the quarterback. To find the open receiver in the upcoming season, these linemen could give him more time.
For the Stampeders, the other big pickup happened in the first round of the draft. To replace former kicker Sandro DeAngelis, the Stampeders picked kicker/punter Rob Maver. DeAngelis was a solid kicker and the Stampeders will need Maver to step in and play at a high level this year.

In the East Division of the CFL, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were the second best team. They have a lot to be excited about, despite posting just a 9-9 record. Last season, in the league, the Tiger-Cats had the best defense. They also managed to score more points than they surrendered on the season. This feat was only accomplished by 3 other teams in the league. This puts the Tiger-Cats in the top half of all of the CFL and in the top half of their division.
Defense was the aforementioned strength of the Tiger-Cats. They unfortunately have to do some work on offense. The top team in their division scored 151 more points than the Tiger-Cats did in 2009.
With their first pick in the draft, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats picked a running back. In the 3rd round, Samuel Fournier was picked with that pick. The running game for the Tiger-Cats was solid last season led by Deandre Cobb. The running back behind Cobb has struggled unfortunately, fumbling 5 times in just 50 carries. Samuel Fournier could provide some relief for Cobb during the 2010 season. Fournier will be a benefit to the Tiger-Cats, even if he just manages to hold onto the ball.
To their defensive line with Eddie Steele, the Tiger-Cats also added depth in the draft. Eddie Steele will play aside pass rusher Khari Long, who had 10 sacks last season, using a defensive tackle.
The Tiger-Cats have solid pieces in place. Solid numbers were produced by their quarterback. They have a go-to receiver in Arland Bruce III. This team simply needs to make more big plays and to grow offensively.

The BC Lions were the last team to make the playoffs during the 2009 season. Despite being last in their division they were fortunate to earn a playoff berth due to the crossover rule in the league. According to the crossover rule if the 4th place team in one division has more points than the 3rd place team in the other division, the 4th place team will earn a playoff berth.

The BC Lions had seven of the league’s All-Stars last year, including offensive tackle Jason Jimenez. Jimenez was not picked up by the BC Lions again this off season, which would be a loss. They did however make a great move in the draft, picking up offensive tackle Danny Watkins with the 4th pick in the first round. This pick could make a great replacement for the loss of the Jason Jimenez.

One of the weaknesses last year was at the quarterback position for the BC Lions. Buck Pierce just didn’t play the way that the BC Lions would have liked him to. It looks as though Casey Printers will be the starting quarterback for the Lions this season. Casey Printers had a fantastic year for the Lions a few years back before leaving the franchise. He threw for 5000 yards and 35 touchdowns. He has not achieved this sort of success since his departure from the team. One of the keys for the Lions will be whether or not he can regain his old magic.

The Lions have done all they can to make the path easy for Casey Printers this year. They drafted two new offensive linemen and 4 wide receivers in the draft. This added protection and depth in the receiving core could be a key to their season.
The Lions have made a number of solid moves this offseason. They appear to be on the right track as they head into this coming season.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers had disappointing results in the 2009 campaign. The Blue Bombers finished the season as one of two teams that did not make the playoffs. They surrendered their playoff spot to the BC Lions under the terms of the crossover rule. The Blue Bombers finished 2009 with a 7-11 record. Their offense was the second worst in the CFL, scoring just 386 points. To top things off, their defense surrendered the most points of any team in the entire CFL.
Despite their poor season the Blue Bombers did not have the opportunity to add many players through the draft. The Blue Bombers supplied the Saskatchewan Rough Riders with 2 first round picks. This left the Blue Bombers without any players in the first round of the draft.
In the Second round the Blue Bombers selected Cory Watson. Cory Watson is a wide receiver that should be able to bolster their receiving core and passing game. Last season the Blue Bombers threw for just 17 touchdowns and 28 interceptions collectively. Some of the struggles of their quarterbacks could be alleviated with a top level receiver. Last season they had no players that managed to total 1000 yards receiving.
The Blue Bombers got rid of all but one of their quarterbacks from last season and have added 5 other quarterbacks to their team during the offseason. This new group of quarterbacks includes Buck Pierce. Buck Pierce was the quarterback for the BC Lions previously. Pierce did not have an overly impressive 2009 season, but his numbers were better than any of the quarterbacks for the Blue Bombers last year.
The Blue Bombers will need their passing game to pick up this season if they hope to contend for a playoff spot in the upcoming year.