CFL

  • Power Rankings

 

Perry Lefko's Power Rankings: August 17, 2009

TW LW Team Our Take
1 1 Simply awesome in all phases of the game against Winnipeg. Quarterback Anthony Calvillo erupted with four touchdown passes to end a bit of a slump in that area. It was the defence, however, that really made its mark by responding to a bit of a slight by Bombers' running back Fred Reid. Yeah, the Als' defence is just okay - okay enough to make a powerful statement. You know these guys are hungry and determined when they are dejected missing several turnover possibilities. Cornerback Davis Sanchez had one interception but felt he should have had three. The way things are going in the East, this looks to be another Als' domination - and another great coaching job by Marc Trestman.
2 4 Rebounded from a loss in Hamilton with a gritty, come-from-behind victory against Calgary. This one proved just how valuable returner Tristan Jackson is to the Eskies. He consistently gave his team good field position, including the pivotal final drive for a touchdown. Quarterback Ricky Ray toughed out an injured foot - but, hey, isn't he making a habit of overcoming aches and pains this year? Like the play of receiver Maurice Mann, who adds a key speed dimension to the receiving corps. Rookie running back Arkee Whitlock has been having some issues with fumbles but is proving to be mentally tough.
3 5 Hung on to defeat Hamilton in the rain in Regina, although the officials clearly missed a holding call on the final touchdown. Quarterback Darian (Duran) Durant is quietly establishing himself as a bona fide starter and you had to be impressed by the plays he made with his feet and his arm against the Cats. Receiver Jason Clermont, who has been struggling in his first season with his hometown team, had a breakout game, catching the ball and blocking well. But this was all about a creative offensive game plan and great usage of all the weapons. Is there a better receiving corps, in terms of Canadians, than the Riders? And that includes defensive lineman Keith Shologan, who registered a nifty touchdown catch and added a key block on another touchdown drive. I'm going to call him the Shologan Temple (a kind of takeoff on Kung Fu). The return of defensive end John Chick made a huge difference. This guy is a stud.
4 6 It's now two consecutive wins for the Lions, who are moving up the standings in the West. Jarious Jackson should be nicknamed Sybill (assuming Chris Schultz hasn't patented that handle). This guy has multiple personalities - he can be good and bad, depending on the game. He was both incredibly bad and incredibly good in leading the Leos to a stunning win over the Argos, doing what he does best - going vertical with his bionic arm.
5 2 Great effort to rebound after a first-half debacle against Saskatchewan, falling behind 23-0 and failing to register a first down. Heck, it was beginning to resemble an Argo loss. But the Cats, under backup quarterback Kevin Glenn, who replaced starter Quinton Porter in the second quarter, started to generate some offence and the defence buckled down. Who will start next for the Cats will be water-cooler conversation in Hamilton? Glen will likely replace Porter, whose confidence must be rattled at this point. Maybe he needs to be brought along slowly, which is the reason the Cats did well to sign Glenn as a mentor and backup who could come in and play if need be. On defence, lineman Justin Hickman played decently. And how about Arland Bruce? He is fitting in nicely in Hamilton, while his former team in Toronto continues to slide.
6 3 Something is seriously missing from the defending Grey Cup champions - and it's largely about the defence. Maybe JoJuan Armour put a curse on his former team for letting him go in training camp. Mike Labinjo wasn't in the game because of an injury, but at what point will the Stamps move him to rush end where he is most effective (although he's beefed up to accommodate his new position as a tackle). The Stamps have one of the best overall defensive backfields in the league, but are not playing like it of late. The offence is really coming together, and quarterback Henry Burris deserved a better ending for his efforts. Head coach John Hufnagel looks like he's major big-time peeved.
7 8 The Argos invent new ways to lose each week. This time it's the defence coming apart in the fourth quarter and giving up a lead. If there is one positive - and that's like putting the proverbial putting lipstick on a pig - quarterback Cody Pickett played well as a starter, albeit with a very simplistic game. But the reality is, the Argos are moving perilously close to being eliminated from the playoffs at the halfway point of the season. Bart (D'Oh) Andrus needs to do a better overall job of coaching.
8 7 The Bombers took a decent effort against Calgary and completely came apart against Montreal. Turning over the ball against Montreal is a surefire way to lose. Michael Bishop made numerous mistakes, but his receivers dropped too many passes. Maybe Bishop needs to put a little less heat on his throws. The good news for the Bombers is that they have the Argos to keep them company as the worst teams in the league now. And a memo to head coach Mike Kelly. Ditch the retro look. It ain't working.
 

Related