Mike Hogan is the play-by-play voice of the Toronto Argonauts on TSN 1050 Radio and contributes articles about the team for TSN. [url=http://www.cheapraidersjerseyssale.com/]Authentic Oakland Raiders Jerseys[/url] .ca. On draft day, he was granted the rare opportunity to report on this years draft fro

Mike Hogan is the play-by-play voice of the Toronto Argonauts on TSN 1050 Radio and contributes articles about the team for TSN. Authentic Oakland Raiders Jerseys .ca. On draft day, he was granted the rare opportunity to report on this years draft from inside the Argos war room. "Youre only as good as your Canadian talent." Its a well-worn cliche among those who follow the Canadian Football League, but it happens to be true. The stakes are high in the annual selection process, so the tension at the Argonaut head office in downtown Toronto was understandably high, particularly as it became closer to the beginning of the draft. Argo general manager Jim Barker sat down with TSN.ca at 4:30 pm et, two and a half hours before the first round commenced, to discuss what could and could not be included in this article. The only restriction was that the names of any players not drafted by Toronto, or names of players involved in trade discussion would not be used. Anything else was fair game. At that point, Barker explained that a trade with Edmonton had been completed. The Boatmen had acquired the third overall pick in the draft and intended to select Anthony Coombs if he was available. Barker had acquired the No. 3 and No. 21 picks in exchange for the No. 6 and No. 15 picks, as well as veteran import offensive tackle Tony Washington. The two teams also exchanged the rights of one player each from their negotiation list. The trade would not be announced until later, but was not contingent upon Coombs being available. The Argonauts love Coombs, a running back from the University of Manitoba. One person inside the room confided that it was a unanimous feeling about Coombs, and among a collection of people within an organization leading up to a draft, thats a rarity. The dye was cast. The Argos had done what they had to do, move up in the draft and get the highest pick they could without giving up too much. They had accomplished that, but now came the toughest part of the day; the waiting. The braintrust tried its best to kill time. Coaches and members of the player personnel department had already completed a mock draft and now had little to do except wait. Coaches asked questions about scheduling that they likely already knew the answer to. Some in the office watched the St. Louis Rams news conference announcing their draft picks to the media. Small talk was the order of the afternoon, and at times it seemed forced. Everybody involved was simply in the mindset that Coombs was out there, and the lead-up to finding out if he would be available with the third overall pick was, at times, excruciating. The malaise ended at 6:20pm et when a report from TSNs Farhan Lalji surfaced, indicating that the Ottawa Redblacks had traded the first overall pick in the draft to Calgary for offensive lineman Jon Gott. That announcement would ratchet up the tension in the office even higher. Would Calgary select Coombs to complement Jon Cornish? It was a possibility, and one that would do nothing to make the following minutes move any faster. At 6:35pm et, Barker and his staff met once more behind closed doors. After a few minutes, the staff emerged, grabbed a last-minute bite to eat and prepared to enter what has been dubbed the war room. In this case, the war room was on any other day an average-sized board room. By the time all had assembled, there were 13 people sitting around a table, another handful sat just behind. It was, to say the least, somewhat crowded. A high-speed fan sat on a mini fridge in the corner of the office. On the wall at that end of the room was a television, tuned to SportsCentre in anticipation of TSNs draft coverage. A collection of photographs was on one of the side walls, featuring a collection of the organizations greatest players who had been honoured as "All Time Argos". They were staring across the room at a wall featuring just the words "Toronto Argonauts. Honouring Tradition". Along the wall at the front of the room was a giant whiteboard. This would be the centre of attention for the next three hours. Along the left side of the board were the logos of the nine CFL teams. Along the top, which ran the entire length of the wall, were the numbers one to seven, representing each round. A grid pattern was drawn up with the overall number of the pick written in the top right corner. If a pick had been traded, a magnetic logo of the team that acquired that pick was placed in the lower right-hand corner. To the left of the grid was the most important aspect of the wall, the list of available players, in the order that the Argos had ranked the prospects. Each magnet has the name, school and stats of the player, with a picture added for good measure. The player atop the list was indeed Anthony Coombs. The man with the most responsibility on this night is general manager Jim Barker. Hes no stranger to the procedure, as this is his fourth draft as the Argos GM. He was also Calgarys GM, then Senior VP of Football Operations for five years before his arrival in Toronto. Also in the room with Barker was Chris Rossetti, the 23-year old who took over the reins as the teams director of player personnel this offseason, Vince Magri, the Argos Canadian scouting coordinator, Demetri Betzios, the teams U.S. scouting coordinator, as well as head coach Scott Milanovich, the members of his coaching staff, three other members of the football operations department and a reporter from TSN.ca. A speaker phone sat in the middle of the table. The teams were connected via conference call, with the league running the show. A roll call was taken as the tension continued to build. The nervousness increased even more as Barker learned of a rumour that Calgary was talking to BC about potentially moving the first overall pick in a deal. All eyes turned to the TSN broadcast and seeing Rod Black, Duane Forde, Paul LaPolice and Chris Schultz seemed to emphasize that it was time for football. The majority were glued to the screen as the Ottawa/Calgary trade was dissected. Opinions were exchanged, albeit in subdued tones, about the ability of Gott and who came out ahead in the deal. That discussion abruptly ended when CFL commissioner Mark Cohon appeared on screen and was asked about the ongoing CBA negotiations. The room was as quiet as it had been all night. Someone spoke up and asked if they should make an offer to Calgary for the top pick. It underscored how worried they were that their man may not last until the third spot. Coombs was ranked No. 5 on Fordes list of the top prospects, higher than most had him going in mock drafts, although now it didnt matter. The speculation was about to end. The CFL once again took a roll call to make sure everyone was ready to go. The procedural rules were explained and then the words that started the draft echoed through the room. "Calgary, youre on the clock". At 7:10pm et, the tension was at its highest level. Calgary was on the speaker phone and ready to make its pick. Each player had been assigned a number on a master list of draft eligible players, Coombs was number 84 on that list. The team would make its selection by giving the players number, name, position and school. John Hufnagels voice came booming through the speakers as some of the assembled Argo staff stared at the phone while others looked blankly into space. Hufnagel made the announcement that had everyone in the room holding their breath. "With the first pick of the 2014 CFL draft, the Calgary Stampeders select player number 219..." The Calgary GM didnt have to get to the name of Pierre Lavertu, the first overall pick in the draft, before a bizarre combination of excitement and relief was exhibited by those in the room. Some physically rose from their chairs, while others simply exhaled. One down, one to go. Winnipeg was now on the clock. The tension had crept back into the room. Eventually the CFL office gave the Bombers a one-minute warning. Someone evoked the name of the BC Lions again. Would they move ahead of Toronto? It was assumed the Bombers would select an offensive lineman, but if someone traded for that pick, all bets were off. There was an immediate sense of relief when the Bombers held onto the pick, and it was almost anticlimactic when the Winnipegers welcomed Matthias Goossen to the fold. There was no fist-pumping or high-fiving in Toronto, just a massive sense of relief when they realized they had their man. The trade with Edmonton had not been filed to the league. Barker didnt want to let others know he was high enough on one of the prospects to move up. The GM told director of football operations Ian Sanderson to contact the CFL to confirm the trade. It was still surprisingly quiet in the room, even though the Argos now knew they would be able to draft the player who would make or break this draft. The pick was confirmed when Chris Rossetti announced to the league something he was hoping hed have the opportunity to do. "With the third pick, the Toronto Argonauts are pleased to select player number 84, Anthony Coombs, running back, Manitoba." Smiles and laughter finally filled the room. The prospect that the football operations department firmly believed was the best pick in the draft was now a member of the Argos. A phone call was made to the newest member of the oldest pro football team to welcome him aboard. Both Jim Barker and Scott Milanovich spoke to Coombs, congratulating him and reminding him to keep working hard. Almost as soon as the pick was made, multiple teams contacted Barker to inquire if Coombs was available. It seems they were playing the same waiting game, but the Toronto GMs ability to aggressively acquire the pick he thought he needed turned out to be the difference. The discussion in the war room turned to what other teams were doing, some of the trades that were made, and what lay ahead. There was discussion about trying to move up again. At the end of the first round, there was a brief break, giving people time to grab a quick bite to eat and reflect on what had been an interesting, and very successful start to the draft. The team didnt possess a second round pick so there was some down time. Barker was inquiring to see if he could trade up. As picks were made, it was apparent that the mood in a pro draft room wasnt much different than a group of friends holding a fantasy draft. Some of the selections made by other teams were acknowledged as being very good, while others were questioned or even mocked. Another interesting aspect of the process was how good staff members were at predicting who other teams would pick. While a team would be on the clock, a staffer would mention that one of their scouts was really high on a prospect, and more often than not, that player would be selected. There was some self-congratulation based on how accurate Torontos mock draft had been. As the second round progressed, there was great surprise at some of the picks. All of a sudden, there were two names on the war room board that occupied the ninth and 10th slots, and there was now a chance that they would not be chosen before the No. 21 pick. One of the two was selected, but the other one was available when the Argos were once again informed they were on the clock. Jaskaran Dhillon, an aggressive offensive lineman from UBC, was one of three players Barker mentioned in the pre-draft interview as being someone the team would love to obtain. His name was in the 10th spot on the teams prospect list. Because they didnt have a second round pick, the Argos had to wait an hour and 23 minutes to make their second selection in the draft. They felt it was worth it. Six more players would be chosen by the Argos, including Eric Black, the younger brother of Matt Black, the teams starting safety. At 9:52pm et, the Argos night was over, and in their eyes, just as it likely was in eight other war rooms across the league, the night was a success. The room cleared out quickly, most had flights to catch the next morning to spend two more weeks with their families before returning to Toronto to prepare for training camp. They will soon see what these eight newest Argos look like when competing against pros. Keon Hatcher Jersey .Y. -- That hangover from the Big East tournament is gone for Villanova. Rashaan Melvin Jersey . Among the six changes: Drivers are now eligible if they have competed for 30 or more years in NASCAR or turned 55 in the calendar year before nominating day. Previously, drivers were not eligible until they had been retired for three years, so drivers can continue to compete and still reach the hall. http://www.cheapraidersjerseyssale.com/?tag=jack-tatum-jersey-sale . The defeat leaves the 41-year-old Nestor to concentrate on the mixed-doubles event after winning 12 straight matches and winning Australian titles in Brisbane and Sydney with two different partners. "This was a little bit of a let down, but all credit to them," said Nestor.(SportsNetwork.com) - Queue the classic soundtracks and highlights from NFL Films with Sundays NFC divisional round playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys. Any number from Sam Spence would suffice for this anticipated matchup at Lambeau Field, where the storied Packers and Cowboys will meet in the playoffs for the first time since the 1967 NFL championship, which is more commonly dubbed as the Ice Bowl. Green Bay won that contest on the frozen tundra and is back in the playoffs for a sixth straight season. The Packers captured an NFC North title for a fourth straight season with a 12-4 record and went 8-0 at home. Packers quarterback and NFL MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers threw 25 touchdown passes to no interceptions at Lambeau Field. Rodgers led the Packers to seven wins in the last eight weeks of the regular season and will go toe-to-toe with Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Romo led Dallas to an 8-0 road ledger, throwing for 20 touchdowns to just two interceptions away from home. Sundays playoff game marks the first time a team that finished 8-0 at home during the regular season hosting a team that was 8-0 on the road during the regular season. Green Bay is well aware of Dallas success outside Big D. This will be a big challenge. Its definitely something that jumps off the stat sheet when you see eight wins on the road, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said. McCarthy has led the Packers to the playoffs in seven of his nine seasons at the helm. Packers defensive back Micah Hyde isnt as impressed with the road success. We dont pay attention to them being 8-0 on the road because they havent come here and beaten us here at Lambeau, but its going to be a tough matchup and we understand that. Nobody entered Lambeau Field and escaped with a win this season. Whether it was at Lambeau Field or elsewhere around the league, Rodgers played as well as any quarterback in the NFL. He threw for 4,381 yards with 38 TDs to just five INTs. There was a five-game stretch from Nov. 9 - Dec. 8 in which he recorded 16 touchdown strikes to zero interceptions. Rodgers, who set an NFL single-season record with a 133.2 passer rating at home, is dealing with a calf injury and is not concerned about it. The rhythm is established, the play style is established, Rodgers said. Its really working on the checks and kind of going through the plan. Thats why you need to practice. He has 477 straight pass attempts and 38 touchdown passes in a row without an interception at home, including the postseason. Rodgers doesnt get enough credit for extending plays and has two 1,000-yard receivers in Jordy Nelson (1,519) and Randall Cobb (1,287). With his calf ailment, movement may be limited for Rodgers Sunday. Running back Eddie Lacy ran for 1,139 yards this season and takes pressure off of the QB. Nelson had 13 touchdown catches, Cobb recorded 12 and Lacy combined for 13 (9 rushing, 4 receiving). Meanwhile, the Cowboys edged the Detroit Lions, 24-20, last Sunday in a Wild Card matchup at AT&T Stadium. They got some favorable calls from the officials and erased an early 14-0 hole to move on to the divisional round for the first time since 2009. Its how weve responded all year long, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said afterward. Romo threw for 292 yards with a pair of touchdown passes, none bigger than his eight-yard strike to Terrence Williams with 2:32 left in the game. Williams caught both of Romos touchdown passes. Dez Bryant, who led the team with 88 catches for 1,320 yards and a franchise-best 16 TDs in the regular season, was limited to 48 yards and three catches against Detroits tough defense. Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray was at it again versus the Lions with 75 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Murray is deserving of an MVP nod and led the NFL in rushing with a team-record 1,845 yards and 12 100-yard games. Murray was tied for the league lead in rushing scores with 13 and opened the season with eight straight 100-yard games for Dallas, which was second overall with 147.1 rushing yards per game. Sundays expected frigid conditions will either bring out the best in Murray, who is still dealing with a broken hand, or humble the tough runner. Either way, the Packers will be tested early on. The Dallas Cowboys run game is excellent, McCarthy said. Murray is a big- time back. Hes definitely a difference-maker. Hell definitely be a focal point for us. McCarthys Packers defeated the Cowboys, 37-36, on Dec. 15, 2013, as Lacy scored the go-ahead touchdown on a one-yard plunge with 1:31 remaining in the fourth quarter. Lacy had 141 yards on 21 carries, while Murray ran for 134 yards and a score on 18 touches. Romo threw for 358 yards to go along with two TDs and two INTs. Bryaant caught 11 passes for 153 yards and a score. Jim Otto Jersey. Rodgers did not play in that one because of a fractured collarbone. Dallas and Green Bay will meet for the seventh time in the postseason, where the Cowboys have won the last four matchups. The Cowboys lead the all-time series by a 16-15 count, including the playoffs. The Packers are 9-4 versus the Cowboys at home, including postseason play. Green Bay, which has won 13 NFL titles, is 16-5 all-time at home during the postseason, while Dallas has a 34-25 mark overall in the playoffs. The Cowboys last reached the NFC title game in the 1995 season, when they defeated the Packers and topped Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XXX. Green Bay last played on Championship Sunday in the 2010 campaign, beating Chicago before outlasting Pittsburgh to win Super Bowl XLV. WHAT TO WATCH FOR The weather conditions should have zero effect on the outcome of this game, unless its a blizzard. Still, players will be out on the field in short sleeves braving the cold, mostly the offensive and defensive linemen. Its probably going to be cold there. I have a pretty good feeling about that, Garrett said. Whatever the numbers say, we have to deal with those elements. Thats what happens when you go up to Green Bay this time of year. Keeping warm is key and both offenses have the talent and speed to break a sweat. Both secondaries will be tested, none more than the Cowboys defensive backfield. Cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Orlando Scandrick, and safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox have to slow down Nelson and Cobb. The Cowboys did a nice job on Detroit star wideout Calvin Johnson, who had 85 yards on five catches and no touchdowns. Now they have their hands full with Nelson and Cobb. The duo became the first teammates in league lore to post at least 1,200 yards and 12 receiving TDs in the same season. This is a fun team to be on and the guys believe in each other, fight for each other and we stick together, Rodgers said. Winning the division was important as was getting that home playoff game. Were 8-0 at home so we want to keep that streak alive. This is what we love to do. I love the competition. Were all passionate about this game. The Cowboys have to pressure Rodgers and keep Lacy from setting the tempo. Rodgers can do that on his own and it will be lights out if he has the time to sit back and pick apart the defense (just ask Philadelphia). The Cowboys sacked Matthew Stafford three times last week. Jeremy Mincey had a sack and led the team with six. Mincey and linebacker Rolando McClain are nursing head injuries, while linebacker Anthony Hitchens is dealing with an ankle injury. All three are expected to be ready for this crucial playoff matchup. Green Bay is in the same shoes defensively facing a tough runner and a dynamic wide receiver. The Cowboys proved they can strike when Bryant is having trouble getting open, as Williams burned the Lions twice. Even tight end Jason Witten wasnt a factor. Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers has plenty of respect for Dallas. It starts with their running game. Youve got to be able to play both (run and pass) against these guys. Theyre not a one-dimensional team, Capers said. This is the best test weve had. This will be a challenge. Packers linebacker Clay Matthews led the team with 11 sacks, safety Morgan Burnett had 129 tackles and cornerbacks Sam Shields and Casey Hayward each had three interceptions. Green Bays 3-4 defensive scheme could struggle against Murray, and rookie safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix must be ready for Bryant. Veteran linebacker Julius Peppers plays on the outside and can still wreak havoc in the twilight of his career. He had seven sacks across 16 games. OVERALL ANALYSIS Dallas owner Jerry Jones said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a rabid Cowboys fan, is a part of the teams mojo. Christie was in the owners box in a huge win against Philadelphia and also last week versus Detroit. Hes part of our mojo, Jones said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. I want him there all the way. Ill tell you, if hes got enough mojo to pull this thing out, he ought to be looked at as President of the United States. The Cowboys have been perfect on the road, but the Packers are unbeaten at home. A black cat, lucky rabbits foot, knocking on wood, crossing fingers or perhaps a wishbone cant save the Cowboys now, and neither will the presence of Christie, who has drawn the ire of the Tri-State area for his rooting interest. May the best team win ... and the Packers will. Its great to be playing at home, we prefer to play here, McCarthy said This is playoff football and everything changes. But this is definitely where we want to play. 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