Parts greater than sum
Some players outstanding in horrendous season for club
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/10/2010 (5455 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Take a poll of even the most diehard member of Bomber Nation and the consensus would likely be universal right about now:
Somebody, please, take a torch to the 2010 season and destroy any evidence whatsoever to a second consecutive November without playoff football and the third straight season with double-digit losses.
That said, even in defeat a number of Winnipeg Blue Bombers are posting some monster numbers and enjoying spectacular individual campaigns. We bring this up today because the CFL has sent out the Most Outstanding Player award ballots to six members of The Football Reporters of Canada and the head coaches in each city for the first round of voting that will ultimately determine the overall winners of the loop’s major hardware.
Now in an effort to provide some transparency — and have readers debate, discuss and absolutely vilify our selections — yours truly and fellow Free Press football scribe Adam Wazny have decided to go public with our picks and provide the rationale behind the selections.
The official results of the first round of voting will be released next week.
MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER
Our verdict: Terrence Edwards, SB.
The evidence: Ranks second in receiving yardage with 1,279 on 71 receptions and a league-high 12 receiving TDs… Needs just two more yards to achieve a career high… Posted superb numbers even as the receiving corps went through a dramatic makeover and now lines up with rookies Greg Carr, Terence Jeffers-Harris and Cory Watson.
A case could be made for: RB Fred Reid is chasing the CFL rushing title; DE Philip Hunt leads the league in sacks; DE Odell Willis is second in sacks.
MOST OUTSTANDING CANADIAN
Our verdict: Doug Brown, DT.
The evidence: Another solid year from the big man, with five sacks while pushing the pocket from his spot inside the trenches… No slight of Brown, but it also speaks of the team’s Canadian depth that the veteran tackle will likely be named the Bombers’ top Canuck for the fifth straight year and eighth time since 2001.
A case could be made for: LG Brendon LaBatte had a steady year again; S Ian Logan and P Mike Renaud have had solid years when not injured.
MOST OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
Our verdict: Brendon LaBatte, guard.
The evidence: As gritty as they come and part of an O-line that will help some offensive skill players post juicy stats, including Edwards and Reid and the QBs… Just turned 24, although talk of an NFL tryout hasn’t been as dominant this year… Evolving into a standup leader in the room who despises losing.
A case could be made for: This from the coaching staff — RT Kelly Butler has been solid this season; rookie LT Andre Douglas has had some peaks and valleys, but has battled at one of the most difficult spots on the field.
MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE
Our verdict: Andre Douglas, LT.
The evidence: Stepped in right out of training camp with the injury to Glenn January and has started 13 games protecting the Bomber QBs’ blind side.
A case could be made for: LB Marcellus Bowman is a violent hitter who will only get better with more time on the field; DB Alex Suber has been solid at the difficult halfback spot; SB Greg Carr has posted astonishing numbers but just hasn’t played enough games to warrant true consideration; CB Deon Beasley has started only six games but is a keeper.
MOST OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER
Our verdict: Phillip Hunt, DE.
The evidence: Pretty dang compelling — his 15 sacks leads the CFL and are the most by a Bomber since Joe Fleming had 15 in 1998… His 45 tackles is second-most among D-linemen in the CFL after Ronald Flemons of Toronto, who has 49.
A case could be made for: LB Clint Kent has played defensive halfback and has really settled into the strong-side linebacker spot; DE Odell Willis has 11 sacks, tied for second in the league, and has four forced fumbles.
MOST OUTSTANDING SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER
Our verdict: Jovon Johnson.
The evidence: Second to Toronto’s Chad Owens in punt-return yardage with 876 and two TDs… Has four kick-return scores in the last two years as a Bomber… His 876 punt-return yardage is the most in six years since Keith Stokes had 949 in 2004.
A case could be made for: Punter Mike Renaud has the best net punting average in the CFL at 35.8; LB Pierre-Luc Labbe is tied for second in the CFL with 19 special-teams tackles.
ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: WFPEdTait
