Lefko's CFL Power Rankings: Week 3 - sportsnet.ca

Previous Power Rankings

TW	LW	Team	Our Take
1	1	(3-0-0)	Latest emphatic victory highlighted the Als' defence, which made some outstanding plays. The offence showed its balance with passes and runs, highlighted by the performance of running back Brandon Whitaker, rushing the ball and catching it with equal amounts of determination. Just proves Anthony Calvillo doesn't have to throw for 350-400 yards every game and the team can still win.
2	2	(3-0-0)	The incredible turnaround of the Eskimos continues, but it's more about the return-to-form of quarterback Ricky Ray. He is playing like in the days when he was known as Frito Ray. He's leading the league in overall quarterback percentage rating and is only marginally behind Calvillo in passing yards. It's a treat to watch this team come together, in particular the swarming defence and hungry special teams, highlighted by a fake punt which was creatively crafted and executed.
3	3	(2-1-0)	They just eked out a win over Winnipeg, which was a game on defence and extremely physical, although the Stamps were missing far too many plays, including a touchdown pass that Henry Burris overthrew. That said, Burris is still good enough and the supporting cast talented enough to rely on its ability to get the job done. With all the personnel changes on offence, defence and special teams, it's understandable why the Stamps still haven't hit their stride. Fortunately for them the teams below them in the standings are in a real funk.
4	4	(2-1-0)	With quarterback Buck Pierce going down with an injury followed by Joey Elliott who is gone for the season, you have to wonder if the football Gods have something against general manager Joe Mack, head coach Paul LaPolice and the Bombers' fans. Losing their first two QBs on the depth chart, sucking it up and then losing by only one point to Calgary says something about the Bombers' will, resolve and character, notably the defence. This early start is eerily similar to last year's, which turned south too quickly.
5	8	(1-2-0)	Finally the Tiger-Cats put it together. Yes, they beat the hapless Roughriders, but a big change was the protection for quarterback Kevin Glenn. A key change at left tackle, which I've been suggesting, took place and helped with blocking. Even without receivers Arland Bruce and Maurice Mann, Glenn had time to find other receivers, who made plays. This was a win to build on for the Cats, though they have some injury issues now.
6	7	(1-2-0)	The good news is the three-week road trip to start the season is over. The bad news is the offence is woeful. If that sounds like a redundant theme, it is. The whole Cleo Lemon situation has to mercifully end soon. Either Dalton Bell gets his chance or Steven Jyles gets healthy and takes control. Why use a rookie third-string quarterback in short-yardage situation from the two-yard line? I thought Bell or Lemon should have been used, not a raw rookie. Costly mistakes in short-yardage situations have been an issue for the Argos.
7	5	(0-3-0)	After close losses in the first two games, the Lions simply collapsed in week three, showing some breakdowns in tackling. Then again, when you're getting picked apart by a quarterback on the ground and in the air, that's hard to defend. Who could have predicted this start for the Lions after how well they rebounded in the second half of last season? Still way too much passing and not enough running. The one positive? The Lions have had a tough schedule so far. They're due for a win.
8	7	(0-3-0)	The Green Riders have crashed to earth big time, Giving up almost 40 points a game isn't going to cut it, particularly when you're head coach cut his teeth on defence and the defensive co-ordinator is experienced. The offence is imploding with mistakes, dropped balls, a collapsing pocket, interceptions and turnovers. Only thing halfway decent is the field-goal kicking, which was supposed to be an issue going into the season. Wonder if the Rider Priders are now the Rider DeRiders?

latest CFL news

headlines