So, I am trying to get into the CFL...

[dieselboy]

Just recently, I have been trying to pay attention the this other profootball league.

So, I am asking you CFL fans:
-What are the basics I need to know? (differences from NFL)
-Who are the superstar players?
-Who are the great teams?
-Etc.

[VanCitySportsGuy]

http://www.cfl.ca/

Some of the big names are Ricky Williams, Dave Dickenson, Damon Allen, John Avery, Geroy Simon, Henry Burris, Anthony Cavillo, Charles Roberts, Jermaine Copeland, Brent Johnson, Ricky Ray, etc...

Lee Woodall, Ontario Smith, Robert Edwards, Eric Crouch, and Brad Banks are in the league.

The talent around the league is pretty even. Every single team has a legit chance of making the playoffs. One team folded this past off-season so every team added at least one good player in the dispersal draft.

Some of the big differences from the NFL are:

- 3 downs
- Wider and longer field (20 yard end zones)
- Unlimited motion before the snap
- You can gain a point on a missed FG as long as the other team doesn't run it out of the end zone
- Only one timeout per half
- Basically the CFL is a passing league

[SPTO]

Teams to look out for: Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Toronto and Montreal.

12 men on the field, 70%+ passing league, and lots of creative offensive playcalling.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by dieselboy

Just recently, I have been trying to pay attention the this other profootball league. So, I am asking you CFL fans: -What are the basics I need to know? (differences from NFL) -Who are the superstar players? -Who are the great teams? -Etc.

You're about 10-15 years too late. The CFL was a lot of fun between the mid-80s and mid-90s, less so now.

Some other differences that haven't yet been mentioned:

-dimensions for NFL field = 100x50, 10 yd end zones
-dimensions for CFL field = 110x65, 20 yd end zones
-the kicking game is very different: there are no fair catches, instead the kicking team (excluding the kicker himself) has to stay at least 5 yards away from the kick receiver when he first touches the ball, otherwise it's a penalty; also, a touchback results in a single point for the kicking team
-a quarter can't end during "dead time", ie in between plays; for example, if a player is down by contact with 5 seconds to go, you don't need to get the play off before the clock hits 0:00, you get one "free" play
-no tight end; instead there's a slotback (or two)

-there's a quota for number of non-Canadians on a roster (don't remember the exact number); most skill/speed positions (QB, RB, WR, cornerbacks) are held by Americans; Canadians tend to be kickers, O-linemen, special teams, possession receivers, etc.
-the CFL is followed quite passionately in the Prairies (the Canadian equivalent to the US Midwest), less so in big markets such as Toronto and Vancouver

[FISH]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

-the CFL is followed quite passionately in the Prairies (the Canadian equivalent to the US Midwest), less so in big markets such as Toronto and Vancouver

We don't have much else to do! Anways as far as "the kicking game is very different: there are no fair catches, instead the kicking team (excluding the kicker himself) has to stay at least 5 yards away from the kick receiver when he first touches the ball, otherwise it's a penalty" I will add it's a 5 yard penalty if the ball hits the ground first before the returner touches it and 15 yards if the returner catches it in the air.

[MassNole]

One thing I miss about not living in Vermont anymore is that in Massachusetts, other than the occasional game on NESN, there really isn't any CFL coverage. In Vermont, we'd get games on CBC, which made the Summer much better as you had nice weather and at least a form of competitive football.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by FISH

I will add it's a 5 yard penalty if the ball hits the ground first before the returner touches it and 15 yards if the returner catches it in the air.

This is a relatively new amendment to the "No Yards" penalty, correct?

[VanCitySportsGuy]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

This is a relatively new amendment to the "No Yards" penalty, correct?

The 15yrd penalty was one of 3 rules they tweaked this season. I personally think it's stupid. Sometimes the ball will just bounce back towards the kicking team.