Nine thought on nine teams that saw domination, drama and disaster all play out in the last seven days.
B.C. Lions: Most pundits would’ve picked the Leos to begin the season 0-2 with games against Calgary and on the road against Hamilton, but the complete opposite has happened. Wally Buono’s team sits at 2-0 atop the West Division on the strength of a stingy defence coordinated by Mark Washington. The Lions have allowed a league-low 21 points.
Edmonton Eskimos: It was a quiet week for the Eskimos with the team on a bye, but that will change in a hurry. Chapter 1 of the Ed Hervey vs. Chris Jones rivalry is set to unfold when he makes his return to Edmonton.
Calgary Stampeders: When Jerome Messam is stampeding through defences, that means Calgary has the balance on offence that Dave Dickenson likes. The six-foot-three, 263-pound Canadian back racked up 137 of the Stamps’ 207 yards on the ground, that’s the second most yards in a game in Messam’s career (139 against Hamilton on September 16, 2011). He ripped off big runs of 17, 21 and 53 yards – the latter tied a career high for his longest rush.
Saskatchewan Roughriders: Considering Saskatchewan’s a work in progress, the Riders displayed a lot of potential in their opening game of the season. Darian Durant looks like his old self, there are playmakers on offence, disruptors on defence and a promising young kicker Tyler Crapiga in place. If Bryant Moniz doesn’t fumble away the football on a third down in the second quarter, Chris Jones and the green and white could’ve been right in the game.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: 31 minutes and 13 seconds – that’s how long Winnipeg’s defence was on the field in the first three quarters against Calgary. The Bombers trailed 36-7 through 45 minutes. Drew Willy could not sustain consistent drives on offence and left the defence hanging out to dry. 254 of Willy’s 358 yards came in the fourth when the Stamps’ defence was playing soft and protecting a sizeable lead.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats: It likely doesn’t get much worse in terms of a lacklustre game from the Tabbies. That said for as poor as they played, Hamilton was within one score midway through the third. The aftermath of the loss was felt most by Geoff Tisdale who was cut by the team. That boundary/weak-side corner spot continues to be a revolving door since Delvin Breaux left for the NFL.
Toronto Argonauts: The Argos beat Saskatchewan, traded for one of their players and are practising at Mosaic Stadium in advance of their game in B.C. on Thursday. Toronto ended the Shawn Lemon saga in Riderville by dealing for the defensive end. The 27-year-old had his most productive season under Argos’ defensive coordinator Rich Stubler in Calgary when he made 13 sacks and a CFL record eight forced fumbles, while playing an integral role on the Stamps 2014 Grey Cup-winning team. Lemon should be comfortable with the double blue.
Ottawa Redblacks: For the second week in a row Ottawa started nine Canadians and won. Trevor Harris continues to prove he’s an elite quarterback in the CFL. The 30-year-old has been about as close to perfect as you can be playing the most important position on the football field – a 158.3 QB rating is sparkling. You would imagine Winnipeg would love to travel back in time and sign Harris when he was a free agent.
(CFL PHOTO – Peter McCabe)
Montreal Alouettes: Jim Popp has a bye week to recover from disaster striking on his offence. S.J. Green is gone for the season with a torn ACL and Tyrell Sutton was put on the six-game injured list with a sprained MCL. The Als are high on Brandon Rutley, so look for the veteran to step in and produce immediately. That said, there is no replacing Green, who is considered one of the best receivers in the league.
