Lefko's CFL Power Rankings: Week 4 - sportsnet.ca

Previous Power Rankings

TW	LW	Team	Our Take
1	2	(4-0-0)	The Eskimos continue to surprise, including beating the Stamps in Calgary. The Battle of Alberta has been a one-sided affair in recent years and in some cases the games have been tilted in Calgary’s favour. The Eskimos made a statement of sorts that they are serious about winning this one. Resurrected quarterback Ricky Ray continues to look like he’s gone back in time with his revitalized play and his connection with receiver Fred Stamps is producing highlight-reel plays. You have to admire the Eskimos’ No Frills Defence – as in No-Namers. What they lack in name recognition they are making up for in quality play.
2	1	(3-1-0)	The Als came crashing to earth with a loss to the previously-winless Riders. Missing Anthony Calvillo for a good part of the game after he sustained blurred vision on a hit to the ground compromised the Als’ chances, although prior to the injury he was not on his A-game. Quarterback Adrian McPherson did a good job in relief, so at least he received valuable playing experience and made some plays. If Calvillo is back in the lineup for the next game, logically you would expect a better overall game from the team. If he’s out for any period of time, the Als are extremely vulnerable.
3	4	(3-1-0)	An emphatic win over the Argos. This is a team that will go as far as quarterback Buck Pierce takes them while avoiding injuries. He lit up the Argos with some plays and had help from his receivers who piled up yards after the catch. This is why the Bombers signed Pierce as a free agent last year. When he is on his game, he’s among the best quarterbacks in the league and has tremendous presence and leadership. The Bombers were strong on defence in the first three games, now it looks as if the offence has stolen the swagger.
4	5	(2-2-0)	Two wins in a row are not shabby for the Ticats, even if the victories came against teams that collectively have a 1-7 record. But since a critical change at left tackle, quarterback Kevin Glenn has had more time to go through his reads. Another change is the play of returner Marcus Thigpen, who clearly was in a slump to start the season. He also had some touches in the backfield, which provides another dimension. Receiver Chris Williams had an incredible game, and even the receiver formerly known as Arland Bruce 3D did some good things. Crazy thing is they are now only two points back of Montreal for first and face the Als this week in Steeltown.
5	3	(2-2-0)	It’s been somewhat of a recurring theme for the Stamps this year. They simply aren’t dominating like in years past. Quarterback Henry Burris and his receivers aren’t in sync – at one point the fans were booing the veteran quarterback in the loss to Edmonton. Running back Joffrey Reynolds isn’t getting enough touches, and you can’t blame it on the o-line because because backup Jon Cornish is getting yardage. The running back tandem has its advantages, but I think it’s really hurting Reynolds’ momentum. The Stamps’ kicking issue has reared its head again. Rookie Rene Paredes started off strongly in his debut and won special teams player of the week, but he’s come crashing down to earth in the last two games.
6	8	(1-3-0)	It’s interesting how one game can completely turn a team around – at least in these rankings. The Riders looked absolutely inept in their first three games, but they rebounded in a big way against Montreal. Quarterback Darian Durant was making all kinds of plays, looking like the best young pivot in the league instead of a guy who was a shade of himself in the first three games. He made plays with his arm and feet and that’s what the Riders desperately need. The true indictor of their win against Montreal sans Anthony Calvillo and whether they’ve turned the corner will be better known this week in the upcoming game against Calgary.
7	6	(1-3-0)	They coughed up a 17-6 lead to Winnipeg and now their quarterback issues have shifted because Cleo Lemon, who was actually doing well prior to getting knocked out of the game after a solid start, may not be physically ready to play the next game. Backup Dalton Bell didn’t impress off the bench, so now head coach Jim Barker has to decide who starts this week. He will likely give Lemon one more chance if he’s healthy. The Argos’ running game appears to be healthy with rookie Chad Kackert, whose status going forward may be predicated on the health of Cory Boyd, who has been sidelined the last two games. The Argos’ defence is banged up badly.
8	7	(0-4-0)	It’s really sad watching this team implode each week and seeing the attention focused on general manager/head coach Wally Buono, whose team is off to yet another slow start. They have issues with their offensive line and their receivers, having decided to go back to veterans instead of youngsters. And their inability to win at home has to be a concern. They are not responding to the challenges of playing at Empire Stadium. The team looks lost and in dire need of a shakeup. Look, if you have to bring back Kelly Bates, a retired veteran offensive lineman who has gone on to becoming an entry-level coaching assistant, something is really wrong. At least the running game has come to life.

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