CFL Power Rankings: Week 15

Here's how I rank the Canadian Football League teams through Week 15:

1. Calgary Stampeders (Unchanged)

Record: 11-3

Streak: Won 3

Next: vs. Edmonton

Rene Paredes kicked two late field goals for a nice win in Hamilton that never should have been that close in the first place. Stamps took 16 penalties and each time a flag went down it seemed to stop something good. The White Stallions actually dominated much of this contest, keeping the ball for over 35 minutes, causing four turnovers and making life ever-so-much-fun for the Cats' rookie pivot. Facing an excellent secondary, QB Bo Mitchell went the shorter route, completing 25 of 40 for 230 yards, around 10 a catch. No reception was more than 20 yards. Jon Cornish (90) led a rushing attack of 114 yards. Defence kept things under control. But oh, those flags, flags, flags. 

2. Edmonton Eskimos (Unchanged)

Record: 10-4

Streak: Won 4

Next: At Calgary

Got away with that one in Winnipeg, but who cares, wins are what it's about this time of year. This was a strange one for the defence because the halves were mirrors. Superb in the opening 30 minutes, everyone suddenly backed off and let the Bombers move in the second 30. Overall, the D gave up 355 total yards, and that's a lot. The offence moved well under Mike Reilly, though he tossed a couple of picks that could have hurt. He produced 389 total yards, but with over 37 minutes in possession we're sure he wanted more. Have to feel good for kicker Sean Whyte, who nailed the winner from 53 yards (career long) and is 10 of 11 since joining the Eskimos. Now, a big one with the Stamps.

3. Ottawa Redblacks (Up from 4)

Record: 8-5

Streak: Won 1

Next: At Toronto (in Ottawa)

Smilin' Hank. Happy Hank. Fabulous Hank. Way to go, Hank Burris. To be 40 years and 112 days old and have such an historic night brings a grin to all those with sore knees and receding memories. It was 45 (CFL record) completions on 53 tosses (84.9 per cent) for 504 yards against a Montreal defence that is supposed to be strong. Such a great bounce from an off week and it propelled the RBs closer to a playoff spot in just Year 2. It's the nature of all sport, indeed, that Burris has to come back and do it again against Toronto, five days later. A defensive gem accompanied all, producing three sacks, two forced fumbles, a pick and four knockdowns.

4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Down from 3)

Record: 8-5

Streak: Lost 2

Next: vs. Saskatchewan

Kitties set out to show how you look after a rookie QB by playing good defence and special teams, and not giving up turnovers. Looked great for the first quarter as Hamilton built a 13-0 lead, led by an 83-yard punt return score from Brandon Banks, before the mistakes began piling up. And up. Three fumbles all turned out key, the defence allowed Calgary to chip away, especially late, and two key points went out the Drive Through window. Rookie Jeff Mathews was what you'd expect (15-of-23, 155 yards, one pick and a fumble). He only produced 11 first downs. Defensively, the Cats weren't bad, but to win a Cup with such a young slinger, they'll have to be superb week after week. 

5. Toronto Argonauts (Unchanged - bye)

Record: 7-5

Streak: Won 1

Next: vs. Ottawa (at Ottawa); at Montreal

Two games this week for the Double Blue, who have played just one in 21 days because of byes. First is the second "home" game played on the road, though this one is tougher as it's at the other guy's park rather than northern Alberta. Then a game at Montreal. As was the case with Kent Austin, when his Cats had to play in Guelph, Ont., while the new field was built, Toronto coach Scott Milanovich will not allow his players to use this as an excuse for poor football. And the Argos are coming off an excellent outing at Ottawa for a win. Trevor Harris stays at QB with Ricky Ray as his experienced injury insurance. Another win in Ottawa and it's a wild ride to the end in the East.

6. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Unchanged)

Record: 4-10

Streak: Lost 3

Next: at B.C.

Not only has Lady Luck left town, she ran the Bombers over with a truck on the way. Two fine performances against the best two clubs in the West came down to the last moments and produced exactly nothing. Lirim Hajrullahu had missed five field goals all year coming into this week, but somehow missed four, and an extra point, in one day against Edmonton. Two of those bounced off the uprights. Then he nailed what should have been the winner with a minute left and the defence couldn't hold. Matt Nichols (he and injured Drew Willy will be a solid pairing next year), was 22-of-39, 320 yards, no picks and a score. After last week's officiating debacle, this one hurt doubly bad. 

7. B.C. Lions (Up from 9)

Record: 5-8

Streak: Won 1

Next: vs. Winnipeg

Leos needed something to bring back some confidence to a team losing belief in itself. Something arrived in the form of a Riders' defence that on this day couldn't steal candy from itself. Rookie QB Jon Jennings (no, he's not the second coming of [fill in the blank] yet, calm down) took full advantage by going long all day, finishing 19 of 25, 364 yards, with a long of 82 and an average of almost 20. Had four TD tosses. RB Andrew Harris, after a fast injury recovery, started and contributed 100 yards. Defence gave up over 300 yards, most of them when the game was long over. Overall, a disciplined day, taking just seven penalties and giving up one turnover. Loved the marching band. 

8. Montreal Alouettes (Down from 7)

Record: 5-8

Streak: Lost 2

Next: vs. Toronto

Gosh that was awful (redux). Most weeks as the offence has struggled along, the defence has been darn good, keeping the Larks in and giving them a chance. This week, they fell off on one wing and dived straight into the ground – almost 600 yards in total offence allowed on a record-setting night by the opposition QB. They've taken so many injuries on the unit, it isn't helping with consistency. Star LB Henoc Muamba came back from the NFL and chose Montreal, and he's needed. How bad is the offence? OC Anthony Calvillo is taking shots locally for his play calling. Actually, the Als have two offensive coordinators, so shouldn't they be twice as good? Yes, Dr. Cooper, that was sarcasm.

9. Saskatchewan Roughriders (Down from 8)

Record: 2-12

Streak: Lost 1

Next: at Hamilton

Where were we before last week's good outing interrupted our thought process? Oh yes, next year, and rebuilding the defence starting from the secondary. Riders gave up almost 400 yards passing to a rookie QB. There were five turnovers overall. There were 15 penalties at almost a 10-yard average per. The ball moved the Rider way because Paris Jackson and two others put on a show running it back (305 yards in total). Veteran QB Kevin Glenn did OK, but he threw two picks, and it was nice to see young pivot Brett Smith get some work again. He should get more. Ever-optimistic Rider fans spent the week chatting about being back in the playoff hunt with two wins. No.