With seven weeks remaining in the Canadian Football League season, the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts are leading their respective divisions. But is the West the best or is the East the beast?
The Stamps have the best record in the league and are being led by third-string quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and making do with a depleted receiving corps, but the Argos are holding together without injured pivot Ricky Ray, all-purpose player Chad Owens and running back Chad Kackert, who suffered an injury in his first game back after a lengthy stay on the IR.
At this point, the two teams that played one another in the Grey Cup last year appear headed for another showdown. Yes, there are still many games to be played, but consistency matters.
The dramatic decline of the Saskatchewan Roughriders has suddenly made the West Division more of a guessing game. The B.C. Lions, who are undefeated at home but average on the road, have a chance to make a run for second in the West if the Riders continue to fall.
1. Calgary (9-2)
Continued to show winning ways at home, coming from behind to beat the Ticats. The defence, notably the front four, is scary. Hamilton tried to contain the defensive line but simply couldn’t do it for a full 60 minutes.
2. Toronto (7-4)
Two consecutive wins on the road and backup quarterback Zach Collaros continues to provide reason for the Ottawa RedBlacks to consider him in the expansion draft.
3. B.C. (7-4)
Didn’t look all that great beating the Als — in fact, quarterback Travis Lulay looked terrible — but at least feature running back Andrew Harris was involved more in the game plan. They’re starting to close ground on Saskatchewan in the standings.
4. Saskatchewan (8-3)
Falling fast with a record of 3-3 in their last six and two consecutive losses. Losing Kory Sheets to injury leaves a gaping hole in the lineup.
5. Hamilton (5-6)
This is a team that self-destructs far too often. Too many losses come down to penalties, turnovers or an inability to finish off drives.
6. Montreal (4-7)
Defence is having to do too much because the offence is lame. None of the quarterbacks auditioning for the starting job are making a case for themselves. Marsh Madness turned into Marsh Badness. Is it too soon to start Troy Smith?
7. Edmonton (2-9)
Won the first half of the Toilet Bowl Series with an authoritative performance against Winnipeg. For at least one week the Eskimos have silenced their critics. Will it last?
8. Winnipeg (2-9)
Perhaps the euphoria of winning one game was just too much for the Blue Bumblers. Quarterback Justin Goltz has squandered whatever opportunity to stake his claim for the starting job. But Mad Max Hall isn’t any better.