CFL Power Rankings
Back to winning ways, Ottawa stays atop the list
Malcolm Kelly breaks down the balance of power in the Canadian Football League.
1. Ottawa Redblacks (Unchanged)
- Overall record: 3-0-1
- Streak: Unbeaten in 4
- Next: At Saskatchewan
We must chat about QB Trevor Harris, who went 28-31 (90 per cent) for 392 yards. His season average is 82 per cent. This is nuts. Even with four great receivers (this week's target was Greg Ellingson, 9-for-218), it's crazy good. What does coach Rick Campbell do when Henry Burris is ready to play again in a couple of weeks? What would you do? That 30-20 victory over Toronto should have been at least 37-13, or even higher, but for the 19 penalties, spread quite evenly among defence, offence and specials. Among the lowlights were a called-back pick that led to a Toronto TD, and a pass interference that gifted another TD. An Ottawa coach was seen quietly shaking his head in the elevator after the game. Enough scolding.
2. Edmonton Eskimos (Unchanged)
- Overall record: 2-1
- Streak: Won 2
- Next: Hamilton
How you tell a good offence: Below standard games turn into wins because the QB can whip out a huge play when needed to tip the balance. Mike Reilly was having a relatively poor night, unable to finish drives that built up yards but not points when he spotted Derel Walker way (way) down field and hit him for a 74-yard winning score. It wasn't a perfect toss (wrong shoulder) but Walker adjusted for a fourth quarter lead the Eskimos didn't give up because the defence was playing so well. If it hadn't been Walker (7-for-154 yards) it would likely have been Adarius Bowman (10-for-185). Back to the defenders. They had been awful in the first two games, and Reilly had bailed them out. This time they returned the favour, holding Winnipeg to six points after a slow 10-0 start.
3. B.C. Lions (Unchanged)
- Overall record: 3-1
- Streak: Won 1
- Next: Bye
Hey Leo fans, you've got yourself a competitive team here (worth buying some tickets for). QB Jon Jennings, pulled last game for Travis Lulay, looked to be on his way to a second benching after the first half in Regina. Something said in the dressing room spurred him on, because he was outstanding in the final 30 minutes, eventually piling up 492 yards for the game (high for his short career). He was able to recognize the Rider secondary was collapsing on itself, and took advantage. Meanwhile, the defence revved up and went for the quarterbacks all night, coming up with three official sacks, and at least half-a-dozen hurries. Coach Wally Buono has to calm down Mic'hael Brooks, who had three major infractions on quarterbacks in the first half.
4. Calgary Stampeders (Unchanged - Bye)
- Overall Record: 1-1-1
- Streak: Unbeaten in 2
- Next: At Winnipeg
Here's a stat that should worry Winnipeg fans — coming out of a bye the Stamps have won their last dozen. It isn't unusual to play well following two weeks off, but this record is still impressive. Calgary pounded the Bombers the first time they met, led by Jerome Messam's 16 carries for 137 yards — his best outing of three so far. Also in the news, the offensive line may have Pierre Lavertu back from a training camp injury, though the defensive front is a tad banged up. The tie at Ottawa was a strange way to go into a week off, because you don't know to be pleased or concerned. Both might be appropriate. Calgary is piling up lots of yards but needs to turn more of those into points. White Stallions are 4-0 at Winnipeg since the new stadium opened.
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Up from 6)
- Overall record: 2-2
- Streak: Won 1
- Next: At Edmonton
Coach Kent Austin can yell with the best (just watch him on television, kids), so it's been fascinating watching how he's dealt with his beleaguered backup Jeremiah Masoli. Calm, conversational, hand on his shoulder on the sidelines. Worked like a charm this week, especially after some halftime adjustments to the blocking scheme kept the young pivot on his feet. Spurred by another Brandon Banks punt return score early in the second half, Kitties scored 26 points and ran away with it. Masoli wasn't terrific (19-of-27, 208 yards), but each of the final four drives produced points. Not that the game was actually in doubt as the defence crushed the Larks' young quarterbacks with eight (count 'em) sacks. Adrian Tracy had 11 tackles and two haul downs. QB Zach Collaros is due back.
6. Toronto Argonauts (Down from 5)
- Overall record: 2-2
- Streak: Lost 1
- Next: Montreal
Murphy's Quantum Law had quite the workout this week at BMO Field as the Argos hosted Ottawa. There was no parking. Transit was short-turning half a mile away. Construction for an auto race turned the surroundings into a first-class parkour course. On the field, the secondary was ripped up by Trevor Harris. Punter Lirim Hajrullahu had four kicks of 40 yards or less. Ricky Ray had one reliable receiver. Offence produced 35 yards rushing. Fourth quarter featured a complete offensive collapse. Special teams allowed a huge punt return score for the winning points. Only 12,373 took in the game (who thought it was a good idea to book this date?). Early returns show losing Trevor Harris to free agency was one of the most unfortunate QB decisions since they signed Clint "The Mad Bomber" Longley in 1977. But it's early.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Unchanged)
- Overall record: 1-3
- Streak: Lost 1
- Next: Calgary
Late in the third, score tied 13-13, Bombers grab a fumble deep in Edmonton territory. Two plays later, Drew Willy, with lots of time, throws a ball into triple coverage for a pick. Defence gets the ball right back in great position and the best Peg can come up with is three points. The last three points they'd get. Seconds into the fourth, the secondary gives up a huge TD by the Eskimos and it was, for all purposes, over. When you are given field position, you must take advantage. Willy said afterward he was forcing things to much. Well … don't. This loss hurts because Big Blue had started so well, building a 10-point lead and offering stout defence the whole way. Forget the yards allowed, they held a great attack to just 20 points, including six punts and three turnovers in 14 drives.
8. Montreal Alouettes (Unchanged)
- Overall record: 1-2
- Streak: Lost 2
- Next: At Toronto
While the Larks were bloody awful on the field, receiver Nik Lewis was outstanding off of it. The 13-year vet rightly teed off on the lack of execution by his club (not excusing himself at all), coming off the bye week. Montreal was without QB Kevin Glenn (eye infection), plus its star receiver and running back, but Lewis was having none of that excuse. This is the type of leadership that can turn things around. Rakeem Cato spent three quarters ducking pass rush, while Vernon Adams Jr. was put in during the fourth merely to distract the crowd from abandoning ship. Some of the eight sacks were because the QBs held onto the ball too long. Defence was strong for a half, then started to melt — apparently realizing the attack was firing practice rounds. Or they were plum tuckered.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders (Unchanged)
- Overall record: 0-3
- Streak: Lost 3
- Next: Ottawa
Darian Durant suffered a severe sprained ankle on a play B.C. fans will say was an accidental roll into the lower legs of the Saskatchewan QB by Mic'hael Brooks, and Rider fans are sure was common assault. Durant called it "borderline dirty." So many injuries, including three (Durant, WR Shamawd Chambers, OL Brendon LaBatte) over just four plays. Green bodies limped off the field all game, and the rebuilt club does not have the depth to compensate, especially with the Canadians. Defensively, the secondary was completely confused – on one long B.C. score, a lone DB was trying to cover two receivers who were 15 yards apart. Guys … when an offensive lineman checks in eligible, you can pretty much guess it's a trick play coming. Don't let a weight challenged guy beat you.