Week 1 CFL Power Rankings - sportsnet.ca

TW	LW	Team	Our Take
1	-		A tour de force effort, notwithstanding the penalty for too many men on the field (again). Not only did the Roughriders overcome a three-touchdown deficit, they made Montreal's defence look ordinary. Quarterback Darian Durant continued his ascension as the top, young quarterback in the league, while Weston Dressler is becoming a latter-day Tommy Scott (or current Ben Cahoon if you will). Great second-half adjustment by the team on offence and defence.
2	-		Quarterback Buck Pierce, an adept pickup by the Bombers, gave the team something it has lacked at the pivot position for several years. The offence, manufactured by new head coach Paul LaPolice, is creative and, in only one game, has rid itself of the awful imprint of Mike Kelly. Receiver Terrence Edwards was solid. The defence held Hamilton's offence in check. While special teams gave up two runbacks for touchdowns, they produced a touchdown on a blocked punt. It was the only negative in what was otherwise an impressive season-opening game.
3	-		It could be construed as controversial placing a team with a losing record ahead of others with a winning record, but the Als surely would have beaten any other team in the first week with the offensive numbers they put up against Saskatchewan. Yes, they have some work to do on defence, notably in the back end.
4	-		The Lions used a solid ground game with new running back Jamal Robertson to beat the Edmonton Eskimos. Receiver Derick Armstrong, who had a trying season last year with Winnipeg and Toronto, appears to be reborn in Lions' land. Quarterback Casey Printers was merely ordinary, and he'll have to be better. A great effort to produce three turnovers and limit the long ball. And when you're kicker, Paul McCallum, who happens to be in a battle for his job, connects on all six field goals, that's impressive.
5	-		If ever there was something as an ugly win, this was it. The Stampeders won because their opposition was pathetic on offence. Yes, they won by 14 points and scored a touchdown on defence late in the game, but more needs to happen on offence. Rookie kicker Rob Maver proved for one game at least he's a capable replacement for Sandro DeAngelis.
6	-		The Eskimos receiving some stellar work on the ground from Arkee Whitlock, but the offence bogged down in the passing game and quarterback Ricky Ray didn't receive much protection. This was the same problem as last year. The defence gave up way too many yards on the ground, so make what you will of the job by head coach Richie Hall, who took over the defensive reins this year. Suffice to say, the Eskimo fans are probably already restless.
7	-		Subtract a couple of touchdowns on returns and this wasn't what you expect out of a team that looked so good down the stretch when Kevin Glenn took over at quarterback. He was clearly struggling, but there were dropped balls and he was under siege because offensive tackle Simeon Rottier was getting shreaded. There needs to be a greater emphasis on the running game. Rookie punter Justin Palardy didn't overwhelm in the pre-season and bobbled a snap that led to a block for a touchdown.
8	-		imply awful. Rookie quarterback Cleo Lemon looked lost. Head coach Jim Barker, who is running the offence, said he didn't do a good enough job of preparing Lemon. If something doesn't change in the next game, expect Lemon to be dropped in the depth chart. The defence deserved more for it's effort.

- Lefko's Week 1 reflections

latest CFL news

headlines