I have been an enthusiastic Riders and CFL fan for the better part of seven years now. No other sport can capture my attention like Canadian football. This week marks the mid-point of the season, the time when I feel inclined to reflect on where the teams stand so far. Numbers in parentheses are my predictions, from June, for the season standings. The players listed below each team are, in my opinion, up and coming playmakers.
In the west division, the 5-3 Eskimos were noticeably sluggish at the beginning of the season. Notwithstanding, Edmonton has since jelled and are playing like they should be. In addition to averaging 322 passing yards a game, they are the league's least penalized team. With their offense, defense, and special teams firing be sure to watch the Esks climb to the top of the division. (13-5)
Arkee Whitlock - 5 TDs, 800+ combined yards
Tristan Jackson - 1 TD punt return, averages 15 yards per return
In the first eight games, Calgary has been inconsistent. After routing Toronto and BC earlier in the season, the Stamps have lost two very close games against Saskatchewan and Edmonton. Not that they have played poorly during those games, but in the end you must have the win. This past weekend they barely managed a win against the Argonauts. At a mediocre 4-4, Calgary must improve on its run defense (averaging 128.5 yards/game against them) if they want be in the Grey Cup on home turf. Look for Calgary to battle Saskatchewan for second place in the west. (12-6)
Odell Willis - 11 tackles, 6 sacks
In June I had been rather worried about the Roughriders' defense with the departure of Richie Hall, Maurice Lloyd, Kitwana Jones, and Scott Gordon. However with Stevie Baggs and John Chick in our lineup my apprehension was soon put to rest. Together these boys boast 34 tackles, 13 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles. Baggs is currently tied for first in the league with 7 sacks. Even our quarterbacks are playing better than I anticipated. Nonetheless, the Riders still have their work cut out for them. Saskatchewan needs to work on its run defense, stay focused for an entire sixty minutes, and create opportunities to score points in the third quarter. In eight games, opponents have outscored the Riders 78-7 in the third quarter. I remain optimistic that the Riders will finish better than I predicted a few months ago. (8-10)
Stevie Baggs - 28 tackles, 7 sacks, 3 force fumbles
Weston Dressler- 2 TDs, 750+ combined yards
BC will remain at the bottom of the west. With no pivotal quarterback and key defensive players traded, they are no longer the dominating team from a couple years ago. The Lions are last in the league in rush defense giving up an average of 156 yards a game on the ground. They also have a league-high 33 turnovers. Wally Buono needs to make some major adjustments in the second half of the season. BC faces back to back games against a powerful Montreal team after the bye week. (9-9)
Emmanuel Arcenaux - 7 TDs, 500 yards receiving
Martell Mallett - 3 TDs, 1100+ combined yards
On to the east division. For awhile it was believed that Montreal would go undefeated this season. I think this sentiment appears in any league with any team that starts 4-0. In week 5 the Alouettes were beaten 33-19 by the Eskimos, but it remains their only defeat thus far. The Als deserve the 7-1 record they have, holding first spot in a number of categories: fewest sacks allowed (10), fewest turnovers (15), 23 sacks against opponents, limiting other teams to an average of 67 rushing yards a game. Anthony Calvillo is blessed with a 74% pass completion rate and averages 11.3 yards a pass. I don't mean to make it sound that statistics tell the whole story, but Montreal will more than likely finish better than the 12-6 record I predicted back in June. (12-6)
S.J. Green - 2 TDs, 200+ receiving yards
Larry Taylor - 2 punt return TDs, 15 yard average on returns
After several dismal years, Hamilton is a much improved team. They have quickly become my second favourite team to cheer for. With a promising and athletic quarterback, Quinton Porter and back-up veteran qb Kevin Glenn, a robust receiving core, and an unyielding defense the Ti-Cats have become a force to be reckoned with. Take in one of their games and see the intensity they play with. Hamilton will duel the Bombers for second in the east. (7-12)
DeAndra Cobb - 5 TDs, 700+ combined yards
Geoff Tisdale - 17 tackles, 1 INT for TD
Winnipeg's performance through the first half of the season has been erratic. With the retirement of veteran receiver Milt Stegall and the release of qb Kevin Glenn, the biggest struggle for the Bombers is their passing game. Presently, the Bombers average only a league-low 153.5 passing yards a game. The acquirement of qb Michael Bishop has not solved their offensive woes. Completing only 49% of his passes, Bishop is only slightly more effective than the man he replaced, Stefan Lefors. On the other hand, the Bombers enjoy positive points too. They rush an average of 161 yards per game, the highest in the league. Additionally, Winnipeg players snagged 19 interceptions in eight games, more than any other team. The Bombers need to focus on offense in order to contend with Hamilton for second place. (8-10)
Dorian Smith - 22 tackles, 5 sacks
The Argonauts have numerous problems to say the least. Cody Pickett has outperformed Joesph; has yet to win a game though. Toronto is atop the league in most sacks allowed (30), most penalty yards (850), and only 154 scoring points. Rookie Bart Andrus has made some questionable calls as coach - his decision to trade Bruce (their #1 receiver) to Hamilton. More recently the potential game-tying field goal attempt against Calgary last Friday. (6-12)
Justin Medlock 20/21 field goals made (95%), longest 52 yards
Join me in watching some electrifying CFL action this weekend! (20-12 on season predictions)
