Senators season recap - Dec 2021, Jan 2022 & Feb 2022

Adamo Marinelli

February 25, 2022

     The Senators started the season slow with a record of 4-15-1 start in their first 20 games. In that span, they scored only 2.4 goals per game, their first line was producing almost 50 percent of their points and they weren’t getting enough production from their other lines. They allowed 3.95 goals per game, when Thomas Chabot’s line was not on the ice, the defense couldn’t stop anything or get the puck out of their zone. Their powerplay operated at a 17.7 percent rate and their penalty kill was effective 73.4 percent of the time, near the bottom of the league. 

      The Senators have been improving ever since. Similar to last season, after starting slow, they are starting to heat up and are beginning to look like a playoff contender that we all expected them to be. They have gone 15-11-4 in their last 30 games and have improved in every metric of the game. Their offense has gotten production from everyone, their defense has gotten drastically better and their goaltending has stabilized, keeping the team in games.

      They still aren’t playoff contenders at least this season, but they’re improving. They sit at 19-26-5 for 43 points, good enough for sixth place in the Atlantic Division. In their last 30 games, they’ve scored 2.86 goals per game, allowed only 2.66 goals per game, have a penalty kill that killed off 86.4 percent of opposition powerplays, but their powerplay has fallen to a 15.6 percent effectiveness. 

     The Sens were 4-14-1 entering December. The Sens played well in their limited games in December as a result of the extended league-wide shutdown before and after Christmas as a result of COVID-19. They finished 5-3-1 in December, to improve to 9-17-2, their first month with a winning record in the 2021-22 season. Their offense started to show significant improvements, scoring more frequently in even strength and special team situations compared to the first two months of the season. They are also getting more production from all four of their offensive trios and their defensemen compared to the first two months of the season when it was mostly the first line producing. 

      In January, the Sens’ good play continued. They didn’t play a lot in the first half of the month as a result of continued COVID-19 outbreaks, but they recorded another month with a winning record. They finished the month with a record of 5-4-2 to improve their overall record to 14-21-4. In January, the goaltending started to improve with Matt Murray regaining form and also thanks to consistent elite play from both Filip Gustavsson and Anton Forsberg. 

     The defense saw major improvements too. In January and February, they spent significantly less time in their defensive zone each game compared to the first two months of the season and they got better play from all four defensive pairings which helped out Thomas Chabot, who played more minutes per game than any other player in the NHL and still plays a lot of minutes each game. They are a more physical team now, can limit opponents’ shots on goal and scoring chances much better than they did in the first few months of the season. Finally, both their powerplay and penalty kill have made slight improvements. They’ve drastically reduced the total amounts of shots against per game and goals against per game.

      February has been less kind to the Sens with serious injuries to several key players like Thomas Chabot, Josh Norris, Drake Batherson, and Alex Formenton among others. The injuries cost the team some wins, however, not all the injuries were very long-term. The team played pretty well in February, winning some impressive games against good opponents and keeping games competitive in their losses. As of February 23, after the Wild game, the Sens have a record of 19-26-5 after going 5-5-1 in February. 

     The Senators have many young players on both offense and defense with a lot of talent in the minors and or who have played well in their limited time in the NHL with this season. 

     Their defense is anchored by Thomas Chabot, Artom Zub, and Nikita Zaitsev, who have all been excellent for the most part this season. Nick Holden, Josh Brown, and Victor Mete have also improved significantly this season. Brown, Mete and Holden’s improvement really helped the entire defense improve. Chabot, Zub, and Zaitsev have always been reliable and consistent defenders. Chabot is not only a perennial defender, he is also very creative in the offensive zone and a natural playmaker with 22 assists and 27 points, a huge boost for this young offense.

     Erik Brannstrom has played well in his time with the team this season, contributing a lot on both the defensive side with his skating and physicality and on the offensive side with his speed and puck movement. His hockey IQ and physical play have also been factors in his great play.

     Lassi Thompson and Jacob Bernard-Docker have both possess the skills to be talented defensemen in the NHL and have played well in their limited time with the team this season. The Senators are still awaiting the NHL debut of defensemen Jake Sanderson and Tyler Kleven, who will both join the Senators after their collegiate season with North Dakota ends. 

     The Senators are now getting consistent production from all their lines on offense. They are getting scoring from the veterans on the team and also from the young, talented prospects. 

     Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris and Drake Batherson have been fantastic all season for the Sens as the first line offensive trio. They have combined for a whopping 97 points (48 goals, 49 assists) this season. However, Batherson is out long-term after taking a dirty hit from Buffalo Sabres’ goalie Aaron Dell. 

     Many other players have answered the bell offensively for the Senators this season. Tim Stutzle has emerged as one of the best players in the 2020 draft, scoring 12 goals and 27 points; Connor Brown has been a playmaking machine with 20 assists and seven goals; Alex Formenton has 11 goals and 11 assists thanks to his speed and offensive creativity; and Nick Paul, Tyler Ennis, Adam Gaudette, and Zach Sanford have also all contributed as well.

      With Norris and Batherson both currently on injured reserve, in addition to Colin White who hasn’t played a game all season, guys like Stutzle and Gaudette have done well with increased responsibility logging first line minutes and Sanford, Paul and Brown - normally all are bottom six forwards - have all been excellent on the second line. Formenton, Tierney and Ennis make a solid third line trio with their ability to produce on both ends of the ice and Parker Kelly, Austin Watson and Mark Kastellic round out the bottom six forwards with their gritty play. Colin White is expected to make his debut on February 26 against the Habs.

     The Senators also have a ton of offensive prospects to add to their already incredibly young and talented core. Shane Pinto looked pretty good in five games with the Senators this season. He didn’t record the numbers we all thought he would, but he has the skills to succeed in the NHL, he just needs more time. He will be better next season when he gets off injured reserve. 

     Other promising offensive prospects include Egor Sokolov, Ridley Grieg, Tyler Boucher, Oliver Johansson, Roby Jarventie, Vitaly Abramov, Angus Crookshank, and Phillipe Daoust among others. Each player provides a different skill set that compliments the offense.

     Finally, none of the performances from any forward or defenseman would matter if it weren’t for the improving play of the goaltending. After struggling last season and to start this season, Matt Murray was waived and sent to the minors. After he was recalled from the minors, he has been playing lights out ever since. Murray started the year 0-5-1, has gone on a 5-4-1 run, which is a massive turnaround and boost for his confidence. Anton Forsberg and Filip Gustavsson have also been very reliable all season long and proved their ability to stand on their head to keep their team in the game and help win games on any given night.

     The Senators may not be a playoff team this season. General Manager Pierre Dorion hopes this will be the team’s last trade deadline as a seller thus marking the end of their long rebuild. Once Batherson and Norris return from injury and go back to the first line, how does it affect guys like Brown, Formenton, Paul, Stutzle among others? How will all the prospects fit into the lineup and what guys will they have to move on from to bring those prospects in? 

     For example, do the Sens resign Nick Paul or do they capitalize on his career-high production - nine goals, seven assists, 16 points - to bring in another solid piece or more draft capital? Paul already matched his career-high in goals and will surely beat it with over two months left in the season and he is on his way to beating his assist total too because of the increase in his play-time to make up for the team’s key injuries. Also, do they move on from one of their three goalies, and if so, which one?

     The Sens will have a lot of decisions to make as the trade deadline approaches and this summer, but they have a lot of youth and veteran talent on both sides of the puck, great goaltending, and are decently coached. They may not make the playoffs this season, but the future looks very bright.

Super Bowl 56 Recap and Analysis

Adamo Marinelli 

February 20, 2022

     In a thrilling, close, and entertaining game, albeit with a bit of controversial refereeing, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnatti Bengals 23-20 to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

      Matthew Stafford, who spent 12 seasons with the mediocre Detriot Lions; Odell Beckham Jr.; Aaron Donald, one of the best defensive players in NFL history; and Jalen Ramsey, a veteran lockdown cornerback all won their first Super Bowl. 

     Von Miller, who won Super Bowl 50 MVP with the Denver Broncos, won his second Lombardy trophy. 

     The Rams’ mortgaged their future to bring in talented veteran superstars in an effort to win a Super Bowl this year. Their next first-round pick isn’t until 2024. They traded a 2021 first-round pick to bring in Jalen Ramsey and a 2022 and 2023 first-round pick to bring in Stafford.   

     But, it was all worth it. The Rams' gamble worked out and now the entire team and all Rams fans can finally take a deep breath. 

The Rams won their division with a 12-5 record after topping the Cardinals who started 7-0, won the NFC championship against a very talented 49ers team, and won the Super Bowl against the Bengals, who won their division with a 10-7 record and won the AFC championship against the Chiefs after trailing 21-3 in the second quarter.

     The Bengals played very well and had a tremendous season despite the loss, defying the odds and proving the doubters and haters wrong. They will be back. 

      Let’s take a look at how the game unfolded. 

      The Rams got the ball first and after getting a few first downs, were forced to punt. The Bengals couldn’t even muster a first down after starting at their own 42-yard line and a failed fourth-down conversion gave the ball back to the Rams. 

      The Rams proceeded to advance the ball down the field and Odell Beckham Jr. scored the first points of the game with 6:26 left in the first quarter after catching a nicely thrown 17-yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford at the back of the end-zone to take a 7-0 lead.

      Evan McPherson remained perfect in the playoffs with his 13th field goal on 13 attempts to cut the Rams’ lead to 7-3 with 31 seconds left in the first quarter. 

      On the Rams’ first drive of the second quarter, they moved down the field quickly and efficiently using the passing attack. Matt Stafford capped an 80-yard drive with a nice 11-yard TD pass to 2021 offensive player of the year Cooper Kupp to take a 13-3 lead, the two-point conversion after a botched hold was unsuccessful. It was at this point that the Rams’ pass rush really got going. 

      The Bengals shut down the Rams’ rushing attack very well. The Rams only recorded 43 yards on the ground the entire game, but the Rams’ passing attack clicked all night, even without OBJ who exited midway through the second quarter after a non-contact injury that was later determined to be a torn ACL. Beckham had two receptions, 52 yards, and a TD before he got injured.

Beckham’s injury was a turning point in the game because it changed the way the Rams’ offense operated and changed their offensive schemes and alignments.

      A few drives later, after a huge defensive stop, the Bengals drove down the field using Joe Mixon on the ground to open up the passing attack. Both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins had fantastic games and were the most utilized weapons in the Bengals’ passing attack. Chase had five catches for 89 yards and Tee Higgins was electric with four catches, 100 yards, and two TDs. 

      With under six minutes left in the second quarter, the Bengals capped off a long drive with a little trickery. Joe Burrow took the snap, lateraled it to Mixon, who ran to his right and found a wide-open Tee Higgins for a six-yard TD to cut the lead to 13-10.

      The game stayed 13-10 in favour of the Rams at halftime after a Matt Stafford interception with under a minute to go in the half ended a potential scoring drive for the Rams. The game was pretty close, however, the Rams held a slight advantage on both offense and defense. 

      On the first play of the second half, Joe Burrow connected with Tee Higgins for a 75-yard TD to take a 17-10 lead. It was a fantastic throw from Burrow, a fantastic route and catch from Higgins who recorded his second TD of the game, however, there was a clear offensive pass interference or face mask penalty against Jalen Ramsey that went uncalled. 

      On the next drive, Stafford would throw his second interception of the game and the Bengals would extend their lead to 20-13 after a 38-yard field goal from Evan McPherson. With that field goal, McPherson tied Adam Vinatieri for most field goals made in a single playoff run with 14. McPherson finished the playoffs making all 14 of his field goals. 

      With six minutes left in the third quarter, the Rams drove down the field to the brink of the red zone. Instead of going for it on fourth down, the Rams settled for a 41-yard field goal to cut the Bengals’ lead to 20-16. 

     The fourth quarter was a defensive battle. Both defenses made it tough for the opposing offense to move the ball. The Rams' defense recorded multiple sacks in the fourth quarter to slow down a high-powered Bengals' offense that had been extremely effective to that point. The Bengals' defense was able to hold the Rams in check with good play from their secondary after essentially removing their rushing attack from the game and forcing Stafford to pass. 

     Aaron Donald and Von Miller were both very efficient in the fourth quarter, recording multiple sacks, QB pressures and QB hurries. Joe Burrow appeared to get injured after taking a sack from Von Miller - the Rams’ sixth sack of the game - but would later come back and finish the rest of the game. 

      The score would remain 20-16 for the Bengals until 1:25 left in the game. After the Rams got a crucial defensive stop with the their seventh sack of the game, the Rams drove all the way down the field and Stafford threw his third TD pass of the game, his second to Cooper Kupp. Kupp beat Eli Apple off the line of scrimmage and caught a one-yard TD to put the Rams up 23-20. It was the second TD Apple gave up in Super Bowl 56.

     The Rams would not have even had the opportunity to take the lead had it not been for an incredible play by Kupp to rush to the outside and then cut back inside for a huge seven-yard gain on a fourth down and one to keep the drive alive. Also, after hardly calling any penalties the entire game, except a false start, a delay of game, and an excessive celebration, and after missing a blatant OPI against Tee Higgins who turned Jalen Ramsey's facemask around, the Bengals defense would get a very questionable pass interference penalty called against them on third down which set up a first and goal for the Rams at the one-yard line and ultimately led to Kupp's winning score.

      The Bengals would get the ball back and complete two big passes to Chase and Tyler Boyd to start off their drive and advance to midfield. But, the Rams prevented the Bengals from gaining one yard on three consecutive plays including a crucial pressure on fourth down and one by Aaron Donald to force an incompletion from Joe Burrow to end the game. The Rams would seal their victory with a QB kneel. 

     It was an incredible achievement for the Rams and their strategy of going all-in to win now paid off. They will look to run it back next season, which is possible, but hard to do. For the Bengals, despite the loss, they played an amazing game and had an amazing season, proving all the doubters wrong. Nobody thought they’d get to the Super Bowl but they did. If they invest in their offensive line, they’ll be back soon enough. 

      The main matchup to watch was the Bengals’ offensive line, which gave up a league-worst 51 sacks this season against a Rams’ pass rush which has a lot of talent on the interior and the edge and recorded 50 sacks, third-best in the NFL in the regular season. 

     The Rams’ pass rush dominated the Bengals’ offensive line all game, recording seven sacks which tied the NFL record for most sacks in the Super Bowl. 

     The 1976 Steelers, 1986 Bears, and 2016 Broncos were the only other teams to record seven sacks in the Super Bowl.

     Aaron Donald got two sacks, Von Miller got two sacks (he now has 4.5 in his Super Bowl career), Leonard Floyd had one sack, rookie Ernest Jones got one sack and A’Shawn Robinson also recorded one sack. 

     The Bengals only recorded two sacks; one from Trey Hendrickson and one from D.J. Reader, both of which came on the Rams' first offensive possession. The Rams offensive line would be perfect after that. However, the Bengals picked off Matthew Stafford two times, which helped them keep the game close and led directly to three points for the Bengals. 

The Rams’ pass rush was the main factor why they won the game. It was able to slow down and get stops against a very talented Bengals offense and it kept the Rams in the game despite the fact that Stafford threw two interceptions. The other difference was the Rams scoring a TD on all three of their red-zone trips, compared to the Bengals who only managed to score one TD on three red-zone trips. 

     Even though many argue Aaron Donald or Von Miller should have won Super Bowl MVP; Miller finished with two tackles, two QB hurries and two sacks, Donald finished with three tackles, three QB hurries, and two sacks, including the game-winning pressure. However, after the season Cooper Kupp had, where he led the league in receptions, yards, and TDs earning him the triple crown and offensive player of the year, and after his performance in the Super Bowl where he recorded eight receptions, 92 yards, and two TDs, Kupp deserved Super Bowl MVP. 

Jerry Rice is the only other wide receiver to win the triple crown, offensive player of the year, and Super Bowl MVP in his career. Kupp did it all in one season. He arguably had the best season of any wide receiver ever.

     It was an awesome Super Bowl to finish a fantastic NFL season. I hope next year's season will be just as exciting. Although seeing Al Michaels and Chris Collingsworth call their last game is very sad.

Super Bowl 56 - Preview, Analysis and Prediction

Adamo Marinelli 

February 11, 2022 

V.S.

       4) Los Angeles Rams (12-5)       4) Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)

Sunday, February 13, 2022

So-Fi Stadium

Inglewood, California

6:30 pm EST

     Super Bowl 56 is set. The NFC champion Los Angeles Rams will take on the AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals at So-Fi Stadium. Both teams are the fourth seed in their respective conference and feature two quarterbacks in Joe Burrow and Matt Stafford who have never won a Super Bowl, but this championship could be the first of many in their careers, especially Burrow. 

     The Rams will have a chance to become only the second team in NFL history to win the Super Bowl on their home field. The Rams will have a chance to win their second Super Bowl in five trips and the Bengals will have the chance to win their first Super Bowl on their third trip.

     The Rams opened as four-point favourites, and as of February 11 are still four-point 

favourites, but the line has been moving frequently. Also, anything can happen on any given Sunday as we’ve seen numerous times throughout the season and the playoffs. 

     Sean McVay and Zach Taylor are two of the most brilliant offensive-minded coaches in the NFL. Both coaches have already established quite a reputation in the NFL, especially McVay, who was the youngest coach to appear in a Super Bowl, coaching in Super Bowl 53 at 33 years old. He will look to get his first ring after a disappointing 13-3 loss to the Patriots three years ago. McVay and Taylor are both under 40 years old and are running two of the best offenses in the NFL. Both the Rams and Bengals have a plethora of weapons at receiver and tight end and an excellent running back core. The difference is, the Rams have the better offensive line and the better pass rush and overall defense, which could be the decisive factor in this game. 

     Super Bowl 56 will feature two teams who were built very differently. 

     The Bengals finished off a long rebuild after drafting most of their skill players like Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. Nobody expected the Bengals to get to the Super Bowl. Many people wrote them off and didn’t even expect them to get to the playoffs. Analysts had them finishing last in the AFC North. When they got to the playoffs, people didn’t expect them to win. But they did win against three really good teams in the Raiders, Titans, and Chiefs. The Bengals are in an amazing position with no expectations to win, but enough talent on their roster to pull off an upset. Whatever happens, their season has been a success. 

     The Rams, however, mortgaged their future by trading away the majority of their high-round draft picks (they don’t have a first-round pick until 2024) for veteran superstars like Matt Stafford, Odell Beckham Jr., and Von Miller. They were NFC West and Super Bowl favourites before the season started and their roster only got stronger at the trade deadline. After starting the season 7-1, they suffered a three-game losing streak. Despite that losing streak, they won five of six games to end the season and three nail-biting playoff games. They are now one win away from proving they were justified in bringing all those veteran stars in. However, after mortgaging their future on their current core, it’s Super Bowl or bust for the Rams.

     Both teams have had somewhat similar paths to the Super Bowl. The Rams dominated their division rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, 34-11 in the wild card round, upset the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round after almost blowing a 27-3 lead and overcoming the resilient San Fransisco 49ers, another division rival, in the NFC championship thanks to a game-sealing INT thrown by Jimmy Garoppolo.

     The Bengals held on to beat the Las Vegas Raiders in the wild card round, their defense came up with several turnovers en route to a game-winning field goal to beat the one seed Tennessee Titans despite giving up nine sacks and they came back from a 21-3 deficit to upset the Kansas City Chiefs to win 27-24 in OT, despite losing the coin toss.

      Both the Bengals and the Rams ranked top 10 in the league offensively. The Bengals and Rams each scored 460 points this season. Both teams have a lot of talent at the running back position. Joe Mixon and Cam Akers/Sony Michel are strong powerful runners, but they can also catch out of the backfield which helps their short/intermediate passing game. However, each team ranks in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards. 

     The Rams have a top-five passing attack in the league, thanks to Matt Stafford’s arm strength, talent, and having so many weapons to throw to. Stafford had 4886 yards, 41 TDs, and 17 INTs. Almost 2000 of those yards came from Cooper Kupp, who won the receiving triple crown with the most receptions (145), yards (1947), and TDs (17) of any receiver in the league this season. Kupp’s success has attracted more attention from other opposing defensive backs on the field, which has allowed Odell Beckham Jr., Van Jefferson, and Tyler Higbee to have extremely productive seasons too. Robert Woods was also a threat before his injury. The Rams have so many weapons at receiver, tight end, and running back, the question of who will cover OBJ and Van Jefferson if the Bengals double team Kupp must be asked. Eli Apple and Mike Hilton may double team Kupp which leaves Tre Flowers with Van Jefferson, Chibodie Awuzie with OBJ and Jessie Bates may have to guard Tyler Higbee unless the Bengals play a tight zone defense. Either way, Higbee is a huge mismatch and a threat in the middle of the field. 

     This Rams’ offense is built off the run. A successful run game and a plethora of receiving targets give Stafford a lot of options to throw the ball to. If the Rams can open up the passing attack and get big plays downfield as a result of a dynamic running game, they will have an advantage. The Rams will try to switch between the run and the passing game to keep the Bengals defense on their toes. This will allow the Rams to always have someone open. The key for Stafford will be to not turn the ball over. He finished 8-0 without an interception and 7-5 in games with one or more interceptions/turnovers. He threw 17 interceptions this season, including a handful of games with two or more, which is the most he’s thrown since 2012. The Rams can win when Stafford turns the ball over thanks to their talented defense and explosive offense that can score at will, but they can win a lot easier when Stafford plays a clean game.

     The Bengals’ offense is not very far behind the Rams. They have the seventh-best passing attack thanks to Joe Burrow’s incredible comeback season. Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine are both very good but their offense rests in the arms of Joe Burrow who threw for 4611 yards, 34 TDs, and 14 INTs in 2021. Ja’Marr Chase is having one of the best rookie receiving seasons in NFL history with 81 receptions, 1455 yards (651 after the catch), and 13 TDs. His success has helped other talented receivers like Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd succeed often. When Burrow isn’t destroying defenses, either Boyd or Higgins makes up for it. Against the Chiefs, Chase was kept in check. As a result of double-teaming Chase, Higgins found himself open all day recording six receptions for 103 yards. C.J Uzomah is a dynamic receiving threat and has been a huge help in the passing game too. 

     The best way for Bengals to counter the pressure from the Rams’ pass rush is to rely on their explosive run game, to get the ball out quickly, and to let their offensive weapons - especially Chase who is a monster in yards after the catch - do damage with their speed and agility. Screens; play-action passes; dump-offs to Joe Mixon, who can catch out of the backfield and turn check-downs into big plays; quick slants, and other short routes will be key for the Bengals’ offense to succeed. If this offensive line can give Burrow time to find his open receivers as they did against the Chiefs when they only conceded one sack, he’ll shred opposing defenses. The difference is, the Rams’ defensive line is far superior to the Chiefs’ defensive line. Joe Burrow will have to ensure he plays a clean, turnover-free game in order to have a chance to win. The Rams have recorded at least one takeaway in their last 10 games playoffs included and Burrow has thrown one interception in his last two games. If Burrow plays a clean game, their chances of winning increase.

     The Rams boast the second-best passing defense in the league, only giving up 17 passing TDs all year and forcing 19 interceptions. This is because the Rams do not allow many big plays downfield, they make opposing offenses slowly move the ball down the field which leads to them making mistakes and turning the ball over. It is also because the Rams have one of the best - if not the best - pass rush units in the league. They can get to, pressure, and sack opposing quarterbacks very easily and often which prevents opponents passing attacks from getting anything going. Finally, the Rams have a very strong secondary consisting of Jalen Ramsey, Darious Williams, David Long Jr., and Jordan Fuller among others. We will likely see Ja’Marr Chase vs Jalen Ramsey, which will be another critical matchup that may play a role in deciding the game’s outcome. Ramsey is one of the best shutdown corners in the league and Chase is already tearing up the NFL as a rookie. That will put Darious Williams and David Long against Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, both are talented receivers. 

     Speaking of the Rams’ pass rush, it is arguably the best pass-rushing unit in the league with Aaron Donald, Von Miller, Leonard Floyd among many other talented players. They finished third in the NFL in sacks with 50 and recorded multiple sacks and turnovers in all three of their playoff games thus far. Aaron Donald’s playoff numbers haven’t been flashy but his dominance requires additional lineman to attempt to slow him down which opens the door for Von Miller (seven sacks in the last seven games) and Leonard Floyd (seven sacks in the last eight games). It just so happens Joe Burrow got sacked 51 times, more than any other QB in the league this year and their offensive line gives up a lot of pressures. Their pass rush is going to be a big factor in the Super Bowl. It will be especially effective if the Rams stop the run and force Burrow to pass because then they can just send the dogs. To make things more interesting, the Rams have a top 10 rushing defense. They’ve given up only 1754 rushing yards, 6th best in the league, and have given up 18 rush TDs. Because they are able to generate pressure and disrupt their opponents’ backfield from the edge or in the interior, the script is favourable for the Rams to stop the run. If they do, they may record numerous sacks. If they can’t stop the run, the Bengals can use their run game to open up the passing attack which may help them.  

     However, one thing the Rams shouldn’t look to do a lot despite their talent is blitzing. Joe Burrow has done very well against pressure and against the blitz. He had a 94.6 rating against pressure, 3rd best according to PFF, and he had a 93.0 rating against the blitz, the best in the NFL according to PFF. In the playoffs, he is still a respectable 86 grade against the blitz in the playoffs but his grade against pressure has shot down dramatically to a 40 in the postseason thanks to the nine-sack game vs Tennessee. In the regular season, Burrow had an 11:5 TD:INT ratio against the blitz and leads the league in yards per attempt against the blitz with 11.2. The Rams will have to bring pressure with just four guys, but considering the Bengals' offensive line is bottom 10 in the league in pressures given up and gave up a league-worst 51 sacks, they should be able to. If the Rams do decide to blitz, they are the eighth-highest blitzing team in the NFL, Burrow will have plenty of chances to showcase his skills against the blitz and additional pressure. 

     The Bengals defense is a middle-of-the-pack unit. It is good, but not as well-rounded and talented as the Rams’ defense. They rank seventh-worst in the league in pass yards allowed conceding 4222 yards. They rank 15th best in terms of pass TDs allowed, giving up 26. Despite giving up a lot of passing yards and TDs, the Bengals can force turnovers and rush the passer effectively. This season, they recorded 13 interceptions, and rank just outside the top 10 in the league in sacks with 42. However, the Bengals secondary will have a lot to think about with Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr., Tyler Higbee, and Van Jefferson all catching the ball. Cam Akers and Sony Michel can also catch out of the backfield in addition to physical rushing for first downs. With all the weapons the Rams have on offense, the Bengals secondary will either have to play a perfect game or they will have to rely on their pass rush to hurry Matt Stafford’s decision-making. The Rams’ offensive line is 10th best in the league, only giving up 30 sacks this season, so the Bengals will have to get creative if they want to get to Stafford. 

      The Bengals’ pass rush vs the Rams’ offensive line and the Bengals’ offensive line - which is one of the worst units in the league - vs the Rams’ pass rush - one of the best units in the league - will both be marquee matchups. The winner of those two matchups may ultimately decide the victor of the Super Bowl considering both offenses are extremely talented. The Rams have the advantage at both pass rush and at offensive line. The key for the players in the Bengals’ front seven like Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, Larry Ogunjobi, and Germaine Pratt among others is to generate pressure against an elite Rams’ o-line to give Stafford less time to make his reads and decisions. If they can generate pressure, which is no easy task, it will help their secondary out by reducing the amount of time they chase after the speedy Rams’ receivers. It’s extremely challenging for defensive backs and linebackers to cover speedy receivers for extended periods of time. But the Rams’ offensive line is the real deal, top 10 or better in most major categories according to PFF. The question is how can they generate pressure and will they be able to? 

     The answer is probably not with the blitz. Stafford has also been excellent against pressure and against the blitz all season long (playoffs included) with a 91.2 PFF grade (third-best). He has a 15:1 TD:INT ratio vs the blitz, the best in the NFL, and records 9.3 yards per attempt with additional pressure. If the Bengals blitz, that will leave one of the Rams’ many weapons open and Stafford will surely be able to find him. However, they blitz the second-fewest times of any team in the league, so they probably won’t blitz much on Sunday.

     Both special teams’ units are fantastic as well, namely the kickers. Rams’ kicker Matt Gay made 32/34 field goals and 48/49 extra points this season and has continued that dominance into the playoffs. He kicked three game-winners, including two in the playoffs. Bengals’ kicker Evan McPherson made 28/33 of his field goals and 46/48 extra points this season. He made five game-winners, two in the playoffs. He made all 12 of his field goals in the playoffs, three of them were from 50+ yards. That’s the definition of clutch. If the game comes down to a field goal, I would trust both of these kickers to deliver on the biggest of stages.

     Regardless of who wins, this game will prove to be an entertaining one. I believe the Rams will win a high-scoring affair 35-32. Both offenses are excellent, but the Rams’ defense is better than the Bengals, both in terms of pass rush and in the secondary. Couple that with a not-so-sturdy Bengals’ offensive line and that means Aaron Donald and Von Miller will win this game for the Rams, despite having such a good offense under Stafford and McVay. The Bengals will force multiple turnovers to keep the game close, but in the end, the Rams’ front seven will seal the deal. I predict the Rams will cover the spread and win 31-27. Von Miller will record 3 sacks and a fumble to win Super Bowl MVP. Catch all the action on February 13 at 6:30 pm ET.

Ottawa Redblacks' 2022 Free Agency Wishlist

Adamo Marinelli

February 6, 2022 

     The Ottawa Redblacks are entering 2022 having won only three of 14 games last season and six games in their last 32 in the last two seasons. 

     The Redblacks struggled significantly on both sides of the ball all season, particularly on the offensive line, at wide receiver, and at QB. The offensive line should be their biggest priority in free agency and in the 2022 draft - in which they have the second overall pick - especially with several of their offensive linemen like Nolan MacMillan and Mark Korte entering free agency.

     After releasing Dominique Davis on January 13, the Redblacks signed former Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ QB Jeremiah Masoli on February 4. He spent most of his nine-year CFL career as a backup but since taking over the starting job for the Tiger-Cats in 2017 until he got injured in week seven of 2019, he has proven to be a talented dual-threat QB, who is very reliable for his team, and has proven the ability to lead his team to victories. He split time with Dane Evans in 2021 after the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19. In 12 games played in 2021, he completed 188/271 passes for 2445 yards, 10 TDs, and six INTs. He was very good in the Grey Cup, coming in relief of the injured Dane Evans, completing 20/25 passes for 185 yards, two TDs, and one INT despite not getting the start after a lackluster performance in the first quarter of the East Final.

      Masoli should help solidify the Redblacks’ young QB room consisting of Caleb Evans, Devlin Hodges, and Taryn Christion. Matt Nichols is currently with the team, but his future is unknown.

      The Redblacks’ wide receiver room could look very different in 2022. Kenny Stafford was released in January, Devonte Dedmon was released to pursue NFL opportunities, and R.J. Harris is a free agent and hasn’t resigned yet. However, the Redblacks resigned Nate Behar, an essential part of the Redblacks’ receiving core.

      Let’s take a look at some free-agent wide receivers. Four names stand out in particular. Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ standouts Kenny Lawler and Darvin Adams, Hamilton Tiger Cats’ Jaelon Acklin, and Edmonton Elks’ Greg Ellingson.

     Lawler was a big factor in the Blue Bombers’ back-to-back Grey Cups alongside WRs Nic Demski and Darvin Adams, RB Andrew Harris, and QB Zach Collaros who will get paid this offseason. Lawler was a workhorse in 2021, catching 64 passes for 1014 yards and six TDs. He contributed a lot of big plays downfield and was also a factor in the short and intermediate passing game. He was big on second downs, converting for a first down more often than not. He has a good burst off the line, is very fast and agile, can break tackles with ease, is a great route-runner, has tremendous hands, and can always seem to get open. He would be an excellent addition in Ottawa.

     Darvin Adams is also a dynamic receiver that contributed to his team’s both Grey Cup runs. 2018 was his best season where he had 61 receptions for 1028 yards and 10 TDs, but he was still productive in 2021 where he recorded 26 receptions for 441 yards and four TDs in 11 games. He is speedy and has a great burst off the line, is a great route runner, and is a talented outside receiver. He has the height to win 50-50 balls downfield and great hands to make contested catches and has the footwork to maneuver down the sideline. He’d be a tremendous asset to the Redblacks.

     Jaelon Acklin is another fantastic option and has officially signed a deal with the Redblacks. He is a young receiver with a lot of potential. Last season, he caught 50 passes for 678 yards and four TDs. Almost a third of his yards (199) came after the catch. He is very fast, excels at getting open and separating from defenders. He is a solid route runner and has very good hands. He gets a lot of volume on offense and can always be counted on to make a big play, whether it is a first down, a touchdown, or a big play downfield. Once he has the ball, he has great field vision, can find holes to run through, and is extremely elusive. He can break tackles and avoid defenders for big plays downfield. He is a tremendous addition to the Redblacks, especially with Jeremiah Masoli - his QB in Hamilton - throwing him the ball, and will provide the big plays the offense needs. 

     Greg Ellingson would also be a great fit in Ottawa and has spent half of his career as a Redblack. While a return isn’t the most likely scenario, it is not farfetched either. In the last two seasons with the Elks, he recorded 133 receptions for 1857 yards and six TDs. In 2021, he had 47 receptions, for 687 yards and one TD in 10 games. Despite being 33, Ellingson has shown very few signs of slowing down. Ellingson was one of the few bright spots on a rather poor Elks’ offense in 2021. Despite not having the best year statistically, he shined no matter what QB was under center. He is still a perennial 1000 yard receiver, hitting the milestones five seasons in a row (2015-19). He is not only a tremendous receiver, with incredible route running, great hands, the ability to get open, make contested catches, shed tackles, and avoid defenders, but he is also a leader and a mentor to the younger guys. He would be a great addition to the Redblacks.

      Montreal Alouettes star slot receiver Jake Wieneke, Saskatchewan Roughriders’ D’Haquille ‘Duke’ Williams, and Calgary Stampeders’ Kamar Jorden have all been re-signed by their respective teams but any of those guys would improve the Redblacks’ receiving core immensely if they decide to trade for them.

      Wieneke had a dynamic season for the Alouettes in 2021 with 898 yards and 11 TDs - the most in the CFL - on 56 catches. He has incredible hands, is a great route runner, reliable in the red zone, and is a monster in yards after the catch.

     Before getting a chance in the NFL, Williams tore up the CFL in 2018, leading the league in both receiving yards (1579) and TDs (11). He is a great receiver with his downfield speed and great route-running.

     Kamar Jorden had a great season for the Stampeders. He is a dynamic wide receiver and has the height to win 50-50 balls downfield and is very sure-handed. He can make big catches whenever his team needs him. He recorded 53 receptions, 767 yards, and four TDs in 2021.

     Any of these free agents would be a huge addition to the Redblacks' offense. But signing or trading for more than one talented receiver would work wonders for this offense. They would fit in well with R.J. Harris, Nate Behar, Terry Williams, and Daniel Petermann, among others.

     Let’s take a look at the offensive line now. Offensive lineman Nolan MacMillan - a Grey Cup Champion in 2016 and an East Division all-star in 2019 - and Mark Korte are both free agents. Korte is likely not coming back after rejecting $200,000 to stay, but MacMillan still is a possibility. 

     There aren’t a lot of big-name free-agent offensive linemen available for the Redblacks to sign, but there are still are quite a few reliable linemen with talent.  A few talented offensive linemen that are available include B.C Lions’ Hunter Steward or Peter Godber, Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Tavita Eli - who was an anchor in both Grey Cup Championships and helped contribute to Andrew Harris’ rushing title in 2019, - Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Cameron Jefferson, Calgary Stampeders’ Justin Lawrence,  and Montreal Alouettes’ Mathieu Gerard. The Redblacks could also resign Nolan MacMillan and Tyler Catalina.

     Another route the Redblacks could take is to trade for an offensive lineman. Blue Bombers’ Stanley Bryant, Tiger-Cats Brandon Revenberg, and Stampeders’ physical and agile center  Sean McEwen have all been resigned but the Redblacks could be willing to part ways with some draft capital or players in positions they have extra depth at to improve their offensive line. 

     There are also a lot of very skilled offensive linemen in the 2022 draft, two of which are ranked one of the 10 best players in the draft like Zach Fry from Western University and Noah Zerr from the University of Saskatchewan. 

     The Redblacks are solid at the runningback position with Brendan Gillanders and Timothy Flanders as your power runners and Anthony Coombs as your second-down back, who catches passes out of the backfield. They have also brought back Roughriders' running back William Powell, who spent three fantastic seasons with the Redblacks from 2015-17. In that span, he recorded 2835 rushing yards and 13 rushing TDs and was a factor in the receiving game too. He only got better in Saskatchewan, recording 1826 rush yards and 15 rushing TDs (including a career-high 12 in 2019). He will provide a spark to the Redblacks' rushing attack and make this offense more dynamic.

     However, if the Redblacks get the chance to sign another free agent running back to make their offense even more dynamic like Blue Bombers’ RB Andrew Harris - a Grey Cup MVP and a powerhouse, downfield runner with speed, power, and ability to break tackles, - Tiger Cats’ Jackson Bennett, an ex Ottawa Gee-Gee, or Tiger Cats' Sean Thomas Erlington, the Redblacks have to pounce on it.

     The Redblacks’ defense was solid last season despite their 3-11 record. Their offense struggled a lot because their offensive line could not block; they gave up 53 sacks, the most in the CFL. As a result, the QBs had no time to throw and the receivers had no time to run their routes and get open. As a result, the offense went two and out a lot and the defense was on the field for the majority of every game, which is why they gave up so many points.

     The Redblacks are pretty loaded in the secondary with guys like Abdul Kanneh, Justin Howell, Antoine Pruneau, Randall Evans, Sherrod Baltimore, De’Chayvon Hayes among many other young guys. If they do sign someone to add depth to the secondary, Trumaine Washington would be a great fit. He excelled in the otherwise poor Elks’ secondary leading the league with five interceptions, one of which returned for a TD and he is physical and good in man coverage. He would be a good fit in the Redblacks' secondary reuniting with DC Mike Benevides, who used to coach in Edmonton.

      However, they ranked in the bottom three in the CFL in sacks, only registering 30. If they can add another linebacker or defensive lineman, it would help increase the productivity of their pass rush and help cause more turnovers to help out their young offense. Tiger Cats’ DL Ja’Garred Davis - a run-stopping machine who can also rush the passer recording 39 tackles and six sacks in 2021, - Stampeders’ LB Darnell Sankey and Elks’ Kwaku Boateng - who would be a great fit in Ottawa because he would re-unite with DC Mike Benevides - among others are great options to add to the Redblacks’ already strong front seven consisting of Avery Williams, Nigel Romick, Frank Beltre and Cleyong Laing that is well-coached under DC Mike Benevides.

      The Redblacks have a lot of work to do this offseason, in free agency - which officially begins on February 8 - and in the 2022 draft, but if they can address their major needs at OL, WR, and DL and make some improvements in other secondary positions of need like LB, RB, and DB, the Redblacks can compete for a playoff spot under head coach Paul LaPolice. Building a team takes time, but LaPolice showed it was possible, transforming the Blue Bombers into Grey Cup contenders from 2016-19. Also, the Redblacks went from last in the league in 2014 to Grey Cup finalists in 2015, so a quick turnaround is very possible.    

Canada MNT's perfect qualification window

Adamo Marinelli

February 5, 2022

     Canada remains the lone undefeated team in the CONCACAF qualifiers and sits atop the table with a 7-4-0 record, for 25 points, after winning all three of their games in the latest international qualifying window. 

     Canada won two massive road games in Central America, a place where Canada has struggled to get results in the past after beating Honduras and El-Salvador 2-0. At home against the United States, the Canadians won a thrilling game 2-0 to give some breathing room at the top of the group. 

     Despite losing possession time 59 to 41 percent and getting outshot 14-7 by Honduras, Canada controlled most of the game with their strong defense and midfield after taking an early lead. In the 10th minute, a fantastic effort from Tajon Buchanon down the right side led to a shot on goal which was deflected in the net by Honduran defender Denil Maldonado. After Canada took the 1-0 lead, they played tremendously defensively and goalkeeper Milan Borjan made a handful of incredible saves to preserve the lead. In the 73rd minute, a beautiful pass from Liam Fraser found Jonathan David who controlled the pass beautifully with a few key touches before volleying the ball into the back of the net. Canada got their first win in Honduras since 1985.

     Canada would continue their dominance against the United States. Again, the Canadians would lose the possession battle 64 to 36 percent and they were outshot 13-8, but they had four shots on target to US’ three shots on target. Similar to the game against Honduras, Canada would score an early goal to take a 1-0 lead. In the seventh minute Cyle Larin scored with a beautiful strike set up by incredible passing to give Canada the lead. In the process, he scored his 23rd goal for Canada and set the all-time scoring record. Milan Borjan was incredible again making several key saves at the end of the first half and on multiple occasions in the second half to preserve the lead for Canada. In the 95th minute, an incredible run and strike from Sam Adekugbe led gave Canada a 2-0 lead to secure another huge three points to extend their lead atop the table. Canada finishes with four of six possible points against the US and Mexico.

     Canada would close out the window against El Salvador, another place where they have struggled to get wins in the past. Canada dominated this game from start to finish. They controlled time of possession and won the possession battle 51 to 49 percent, outshot El Salvador 15 to seven, and had five shots on target to El Salvador’s two. This game stayed scoreless until midway through the second half despite several chances to score from Canada in the first half. In the 66th minute, Canada scored the wildest goal I’ve ever seen. Kyle Larin ran past a defender while controlling the ball and crossed it into the six-yard box. Atiba Hutchinson headed the ball, it hit the post, deflected back up onto and bounced off his back, and found its way into the net over the keeper’s outstretched arms. Borjan played very well all game long, but was clutch in the last 10 minutes of the match and stoppage time, which is when he made his two saves to preserve Canada’s lead. Canada had many more chances to extend their lead for the rest of the game, but after a crucial save from Borjan where he deflected the ball over the bar, Jonathan David found himself all alone in the attacking zone and after a few excellent touches, flicked the ball over the keeper’s arms to extend the lead to 2-0. 

     Canada had a chance to qualify for Qatar on Wednesday against El Salvador if they won, the US lost to Honduras, Mexico beat Panama, and Jamaica ties with or beat Costa Rica. Canada handled business, earning them a sixth straight win in World Cup qualifiers. They also finished the window perfectly, scoring six times and never conceding in their three wins. Mexico beat Panama but the US beat Honduras and Costa Rica beat Jamaica. This means they didn't qualify on February 2.

     Therefore, Canada’s next chance to qualify will come on March 24 when they play a road match in Costa Rica. If they beat Costa Rica, they will qualify for their first World Cup since 1986 and only the second in country history. 

     This team is filled to the brim with talent at every position, it is extremely well-coached under manager John Herdman and they did this without Alphonso Davies. Imagine what Canada will do when he returns. 

      A World Cup berth is so close to reality, that Canadian soccer fans can already taste it.