It has been over six months since the dreaded 13^th man cost the Saskatchewan Roughriders their fourth Grey Cup in franchise history and handed the Montreal Alouettes their second Grey Cup of the past decade. With the score 27-25 for Saskatchewan, Montreal’s kicker Damon Duval came on to attempt a game-winning field goal from 43 yards out. He missed the kick, but a too many men on the field penalty against the Riders moved the ball up to the 33 yard line. Duval would not miss again, sending the Alouettes into a state of euphoria and leaving the Rider nation heartbroken.

Now, with a new season almost underway, seven teams will be looking to dethrone the Alouettes and become the 98^th Grey C up champion. The West should be as wild as ever as the Riders look to avenge their devastating loss, B.C. strives to become dominant once more, Calgary hopes to fight through their many roster changes and Edmonton tries to make the Grey Cup at home. In the East, it should be a battle between the Alouettes and the Hamilton Tiger Cats for the top spot, while the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers will merely be trying to make the playoffs.

Here is CFL Daily Dose’s 2010 CFL preview:

WEST DIVISION

Saskatchewan Roughriders

How they did in 2009: 10-7-1, first in the West, lost in the Grey Cup to the Montreal Alouettes.

Notable players they added: Barrin Simpson (linebacker), Dominique Dorsey (running back), Prechae Rodriguez (wide receiver), Dan Goodspeed (offensive line), Shomari Williams (defensive end), Ryan Dinwiddie (quarterback) and Obed Cétoute (wide receiver).

Notable players they lost: John Chick (defensive end), Stevie Baggs (defensive end), Renauld Williams (middle linebacker), Eddie Davis (defensive back), Steven Jyles (quarterback) and Jason Armstead (wide receiver).

When we last saw them: Heading into the 2009 campaign, fans of the Riders weren’t sure what to expect with Darian Durant under centre. The fans were pleasantly surprised as Durant threw for 4,348 yards and 24 touchdowns, guiding the Riders to first place in the West for the first time since 1976. The Riders continued to flourish in the playoffs, defeating Calgary 27-17 in the West final. Unfortunately, the luck ran out for Saskatchewan in the Grey Cup. Despite playing almost a complete game, they were defeated by the Alouettes on the last play of the game.

Their strengths: Expect the Riders to score a LOT of points this season. Durant will only get better with more experience under his belt and with players like Andy Fantuz, Rob Bagg, Weston Dressler and Chris Getzlaf to throw the ball to, he will have no shortage of targets. Saskatchewan’s outstanding offensive line will open plenty of holes for Wes Cates, Hugh Charles and Dorsey. By acquiring Simpson, the Riders improved their ability to stop the run. He will compliment linebackers Sean Lucas and Tad Kornegay. Despite the retirement of Davis, the Riders have a great defensive backfield.

Their weaknesses: Will the Riders be able to replace the productivity of defensive ends Chick and Baggs? Those two players were key cogs in Saskatchewan’s defence last season. If the Riders can’t get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, they could have some troubles on defence. There are also questions surrounding the backup quarterback position. If Durant goes down, do the Riders have a suitable replacement? We will also see if the team’s tragic Grey Cup loss affects them negatively this season.

Calgary Stampeders

How they did in 2009: 10-7-1, second in the west, lost in the West final to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Notable players they added: P.K. Sam (wide receiver), Rob Maver (kicker), Dan Comiskey (offensive lineman) and Taurean Allen (defensive back).

Notable players they lost: Sandro DeAngelis (kicker), Jeremaine Copeland (slotback), Dmitri Tsoumpas (offensive lineman), Jeff Pilon (offensive lineman), Jesse Newman (offensive lineman), Dwaine Carpenter (linebacker), Tim Johnson (linebacker) and John Comiskey (offensive lineman).

When last saw them: Calgary entered last season trying to work the same magic that won them the Grey Cup in 2008, with the 2009 Grey Cup being held in Calgary. It was a decent regular season for the club, who finished with the same record as the Riders. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t beat Saskatchewan during the regular season and the Riders finished first. After narrowly defeating the Eskimos 24-21 in the West semi-final, Calgary’s magic ran out. Saskatchewan defeated Calgary, ending their hopes at winning the Grey Cup at home.

Their strengths: When Reynolds gets the ball this season, good things are going to happen for Calgary. Reynolds has won the rushing title two seasons in a row. His success should open things up for Henry Burris, who gets back Ken-Yon Rambo, his favourite target in the receiving core, this season. On defence, the Stampeders have a stellar defensive secondary led by Dwight Anderson. This will be helpful to them when they are playing against teams like Montreal and Saskatchewan.

Their weaknesses: A lot of questions to be answered. Can Maver replace DeAngelis as the starting kicker? Will Calgary be able to produce on offence with a crippled offensive line? Who will step up on the defensive front seven? Calgary is usually a contender in the West, but there are many question marks heading into the season with few clear answers. Burris will have to be on the top of his game and his play has dropped slightly.

Edmonton Eskimos

How they did in 2009: 9-9-0, third in the west, lost in the West semi-final to the Calgary Stampeders.

Notable players they added: Chris Thompson (defensive back), Lenny Walls (defensive back), Javier Glatt (linebacker) and Andre Talbot (wide receiver).

Notable players they lost: Maurice Mann (wide receiver), Jesse Lumsden (running back), Jerome Haywood (defensive tackle), Kelly Malveaux (defensive back), Garrick Jones (offensive line) and Scott Gordon (safety).

When we last saw them: The 2009 campaign was full of positives and negatives for the Eskimos. On the positive side, Arkee Whitlock emerged as a star running back, Fred Stamps had 1,402 receiving yards and the offensive line improved. On the negative side, Edmonton’s defence was poor, allowing nearly 30 points a game. Edmonton finished 9-9 appropriately. They bowed out to Calgary in the first round of the playoffs.

Their strengths: Whitlock is a machine and ensures that Edmonton will once again have a formidable ground game this season. This will take pressure off of Ray and the passing game. When the Eskimos do go to the air, Stamps is an inviting target. Calvin Armstrong and Patrick Kabongo anchor a steady offensive line. The acquisition of defensive backs Chris Thompson (11 career interceptions) and Lenny Walls (seven interceptions in 2009) boosts Edmonton’s defensive secondary.

Their weaknesses: Besides Stamps, the Eskimos don’t have many solid receiving threats. Kelly Campbell did recently return, but it is uncertain how effective he will be coming off of an injury plagued season in the NFL. In 2009, Edmonton only had 32 sacks, which was the lowest in the league. They will need to improve their pass rush. Finally, while hosting the Grey Cup game can motivate a team, it can also put a lot of pressure on them.

British Columbia Lions

How they did in 2009: 8-10, fourth in the West, lost in the East final to the Montreal Alouettes.

Notable players they added: Jamal Robertson (running back), Keron Williams (defensive lineman) and Davis Sanchez (defensive back).

Notable players they lost: Ricky Foley (defensive end), Martel Mallett (running back), Barron Miles (safety), Jason Jimenez (offensive lineman) and Buck Pierce (quarterback).

When we last saw them: It was a quarterback carousel in B.C. last season, featuring Jarious Jackson, Casey Printers and Pierce. This caused the Lions to struggle in the passing game, while the running game flourished under Mallett. On defence, B.C. was atrocious against the run, allowing 138 yards a game. Despite all of B.C.’s troubles, they managed to make it into the playoffs. Thanks to Printers, who was the starter at that point, the Lions upset Hamilton in the East semi-final crossover game, before getting trounced by Montreal 56-18 in the East final.

Their strengths: Though B.C. lost Mallett to the NFL, they were able to pick up Robertson (1,031 yards and nine touchdowns in 2009) in the off-season. This will ensure their running game doesn’t drop off. Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson are a solid pair of slotbacks. On defence, the Lions boast a solid secondary led by Korey Banks. Aaron Hunt and Anton Mackenzie are leaders in the front seven.

Their weaknesses: Has Printers found his game? There is a lot of pressure on Printers to guide the Lions offence since Jackson is inconsistent. B.C.’s run defence still looks like it will be pretty bad. The team didn’t do much to improve their front seven in the off-season, besides bring in Williams to replace Foley.

EAST DIVISION

Montreal Alouettes

How they did in 2009: 15-3, first in the east, won the Grey Cup

Notable players they added: Cody Pickett (quarterback).

Notable players they lost: Bryan Chiu (centre), Larry Taylor (kick returner), Keron Williams (defensive lineman) and Davis Sanchez (defensive back).

When we last saw them: Montreal was on a mission last season to avenge their 2008 Grey Cup loss to the Stampeders. It showed. Under the firm leadership of head coach Marc Trestman, Montreal posted a franchise record 15 wins during the season. Calvillo was once again named the league’s most outstanding player. After dismantling the Lions in the East final, Montreal came from behind to win the Grey Cup against Saskatchewan.

Their strengths: Perhaps a better question is: where aren’t they strong? Montreal has plenty of stars on offence, such as Calvillo, Avon Cobourne, Jamel Richardson, Kerry Watkins and an incredible offensive line. On defence, the Alouettes are guided by defensive ends Anwar Stewart and John Bowman.

Their weaknesses: They finally won the big game, so what is motivating Montreal this season? If Montreal is complacent at all, they will not be able to repeat. With Chiu retiring, Montreal lost some leadership on the offensive line. The team also took some hits on defence, losing Sanchez and Williams.

Hamilton Tiger Cats

How they did in 2009: 9-9, second in the East, lost in the East semi-final to the B.C. Lions.

Notable players they added: Maurice Mann (wide receiver), Sandro DeAngelis (kicker), Jason Jimenez (offensive lineman), Will Poole (defensive back) and Jason Shivers (defensive back).

Notable players they lost: Chris Thompson (defensive back), Prechae Rodriguez (wide receiver), Dan Goodspeed (offensive lineman), Kenton Keith (running back), Nick Setta (kicker), Lawrence Gordon (defensive back) and Bo Smith (defensive back).

When we last saw them: After struggling for most of the past decade, Hamilton finally began taking some steps in the right direction last season. Kevin Glenn, who eventually became the starting quarterback over Quinton Porter, was able to guide Hamilton’s offence effectively, along with running back DeAndra’ Cobb and slotback Arland Bruce III. Hamilton’s defence also improved, thanks to the solid play of linebackers Jamall Johnson and Markeith Knowlton. When all was said and done, Hamilton entered the playoffs feeling they were much better than their record. Unfortunately, Hamilton faced something no team likes to see, Printers on a good day. Printers and the Lions ended Hamilton’s season.

Their strengths: Hamilton has a consistent offence. They averaged over 100 rushing yards a game last season and nearly 300 yards passing. The addition of Mann (917 yards, six touchdowns), gives Glenn another target besides Bruce. Adding DeAngelis was also a huge move for Hamilton, as they now have one of the most clutch kickers in the league. Hamilton’s linebacking core remains one of the best in the league.

Their weaknesses: Hamilton has not really developed a winning culture. Even last year, which was a good one for them, they only finished with a 9-9 record. If they hope to finish first in the East, that is not going to cut it. The Tiger Cats will have to be on the top of their game if they hope to compete with Montreal. Also, the Tiger Cats need to improve on their run defence. They allowed 119 yards a game last season.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

How they did in 2009: 7-11, third in the east, missed the playoffs.

Notable players they added: Buck Pierce (quarterback), Steven Jyles (quarterback) and Chris Davis (wide receiver).

Notable players they lost: Barrin Simpson (linebacker), Jonathan Hefney (defensive back), Fred Perry (defensive end), Gavin Walls (defensive end), Titus Ryan (wide receiver), Stefan Lefors (quarterback) and Michael Bishop (quarterback).

When we last saw them: The 2009 campaign was a mess for Winnipeg. This was largely thanks to the leadership of Mike Kelly. Kelly seemed to constantly be quarrelling with somebody and raised eyebrows with some of his decisions, such as his decision not to use the shotgun formation. Due to injury troubles at the quarterback position, Winnipeg brought in Bishop. They learned, much like Saskatchewan, that this isn’t a good idea. Despite the solid play of running back Fred Reid, Winnipeg wasn’t able to make the playoffs.

Their strengths: Reid is a solid running back and gives the Bombers hope on offence. Whoever starts at quarterback has some decent targets in Adarius Bowman and Terrence Edwards. Winnipeg doesn’t have a terrible defence and still has big Doug Brown clogging the middle. Perhaps Winnipeg’s biggest strength is that Kelly is no longer around.

Their weaknesses: There are certainly questions marks surrounding both potential quarterbacks in Winnipeg, Pierce and Jyles. Can either of them be effective? Pierce is injury prone and Jyles is unproven. Winnipeg saw first hand last season what it is like to have sub par play at the quarterback position. If Pierce and Jyles fail to produce, it will make other teams key on Reid and eliminate the run game.

Toronto Argonauts

How they did in 2009: 3-15, fourth in the East, missed the playoffs.

Notable players they added: Jeremaine Copeland (slotback), Byron Parker (defensive back), Cedric Gagné-Marcoux (offensive line), Dalton Bell (quarterback), Cleo Lemon (quarterback), Ken Dorsey (quarterback), Dwaine Carpenter (linebacker) and Eric Taylor (defensive lineman).

Notable players they lost: Kerry Joseph (quarterback), Jamal Robertson (running back), Cody Pickett (quarterback), Zeke Moreno (linebacker), P.K. Sam (wide receiver), Justin Medlock (kicker), Jordan Younger (defensive back), Jonathan Brown (defensive end), Will Poole (defensive back), Jason Shivers (defensive back), Willie Middlebrooks (defensive back), Andre Talbot (slotback) and Walter Curry (defensive tackle).

When we last saw them: Last season, under new head coach Bart Andrus, Toronto was looking to improve their horrid record of 4-14 in 2008. It didn’t happen. Joseph and Pickett struggled at the quarterback position and the Argonauts lacked a consistent receiving threat. Robertson was Toronto’s only real threat on offence. While Toronto’s defence wasn’t awful, their play alone was not enough to counter the mere 18 points a game scored by the offence. The Argonauts finished with one less win then 2008 and dropped to the East basement.

Their strengths: The addition of Copeland (1,235 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2009) at least gives the Argonauts a dependable target in the receiving core. He and wide receiver Chad Lucas will be the main stars on Toronto’s offence. If the offence is failing to get the job done, at least Toronto’s defence will keep them in the game. The Argonauts certainly won’t have a lot of pressure on them this season.

Their weaknesses: The Argonauts got rid of all their quarterbacks from last season and their starting running back. Simply put, the offence is a mess. Toronto is a team that rushed for only 82 yards a game last season and threw for a measly 229 passing yards a game. With that bad of an offensive effort, it won’t matter how their defence plays.

PREDICTED STANDINGS FOR 2010

WEST

1) Saskatchewan Roughriders

2) British Columbia Lions

3) Edmonton Eskimos

4) Calgary Stampeders

EAST

1) Montreal Alouettes

2) Hamilton Tiger Cats

3) Winnipeg Blue Bombers

4) Toronto Argonauts

Explanation: There is little doubt that both the Alouettes and Roughriders have got the firepower to finish first in their respective divisions once again.

After Saskatchewan, the Lions look poised to finish second. They have a good running back, veteran receivers in Jackson and Simon, as well as a solid defence. The big thing is Printers. If he plays up to his potential, B.C. has a definite shot at second place. If he doesn’t, B.C. could be in trouble.

This leaves Calgary and Edmonton to battle it out for third. Before Calgary traded away Copeland, before they lost so many offensive linemen, I would have predicted them to finish as high as second. These losses are just too big to overcome in my opinion. Edmonton has some quality players on offence like Stamps and Whitlock and their defence doesn’t have too many holes.

Hamilton is clearly the best in the East after Montreal. They have all the tools on offence and one of the most ferocious front sevens in the league. However, they are not quite ready to claim first place in the East.

After Montreal and Hamilton, we are left with the woeful Blue Bombers and Argonauts. Winnipeg doesn’t have nearly as many problems as Toronto and should be able to finish above them.

PREDICTED AWARD WINNERS FOR 2010

Most Outstanding Player – Darian Durant: Durant has a talented roster around him, including a stacked receiving core. He has shown improvement in his short time as a starter and will rise to an elite level this season.

Most Outstanding Defensive Player – Jamall Johnson: Johnson led the league in tackles last season and was the only player to get over 100. With players like Baggs, Chick and Foley gone to the NFL, Johnson should not have much competition.

Most Outstanding Canadian – Paris Jackson: After barely getting over 1,000 yards last season, Jackson is due for a breakout year. He does have 16 touchdowns over the last two seasons.

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman – Gene Makowsky: Makowsky has got a couple of good years left in him and is still one of the most dominant offensive lineman in the league. Most years, it seems to be a battle between him and Scott Flory.

Most Outstanding Rookie – Rob Maver: Maver is trying to take the place of DeAngelis this season and if he can do a decent job he should be a lock for this award. There is a lot of pressure on him.

Most Outstanding Special Teams Player – Sandro DeAngelis: DeAngelis will make some big kicks this season for the Tiger Cats. He is one of the most clutch kickers in the league.

WEST

Semi-final: B.C. defeats Edmonton.

Final: Saskatchewan defeats B.C.

EAST

Semi-final (Calgary crosses over): Hamilton defeats Calgary.

Final: Montreal defeats Hamilton.

Grey Cup: Saskatchewan defeats Montreal.

Explanation: B.C. is always a good playoff team and should be able to handle Edmonton at home. However, their luck will run out against Saskatchewan, who always does well at home. Hamilton is more experienced this season and won’t lose to a West team in the playoffs this time around. Montreal will end Hamilton’s hopes of a Grey Cup berth the next week.

In the Grey Cup, Saskatchewan will get an early lead on Montreal again and not let up this time. The Riders have a more talented offence then they did last season and with Simpson they should be able to shut down Montreal’s running game.

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