A third of the season and it is time to take a look at what is shaking out in the league this year. I would like to be able to say that The Saskatchewan Roughriders are blowing away the rest of the league, but, in what can only be called a major surprise, they are languishing last place in the West with a 1-5 record, and, frankly, suck more than BC. This is just one surprise. Every team except the Calgary Stampeders, the Montreal Alouettes and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are playing in the surprise category. Lets examine who is surprising and why.
1. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Shocking. Grey Cup finalists the past two years, the Riders are playing way below their potential. From what I have seen there are 3 main reasons. First, a new coach, with a different way of doing things. To me, the team was built by the old coach and they are not adapting. Second, the loss of Andy Fantuz has not been compensated for, and third, the defence is not working. Time for an airlift and then back to the basics. All is not lost, but it is getting close
2. BC Lions
They were expected to compete this year for a playoff spot. They are not, and it appears they won’t. Travis Lulay is performing as expected, but their running game is non-existent and their receiving corps has lost a step. Gerot Simon is still a great receiver, but has lost the breakaway speed he once had.
Wow, undefeated over the first 5 weeks, they are the biggest surprise. The O-line is protecting Rick Ray, who is delivering strike after strike to a terrific receiving group, led by Fred Stamps. Can they keep it up, I believe so.
First in the East, ahead of Montreal, not believable, but true. The defence is the big reason for the turnaround. They have 29 sacks in the first 6 games, most in the league, Hamilton and BC are second with 13. The have allowed only 113 points as well. Outstanding! The offense, not so much. They should have more points, but are struggling. Their hold on first, or even a playoff spot is still tenuous and will depend on staying healthy and maintaining the pressure from the defence.
Who cares, it is the Argos and last is where they should be.
Lots of great football ahead.
Related articles
- Riders – That Was Embarrassing – CFL Week 1 (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)
- Bombers continue to impress, jump to top of Power Rankings (tsn.ca)
- Eskimos remain atop CFL Power Rankings for second week (tsn.ca)
