The biggest storyline in the CFL so far this season has been the stark disparity in talent between the divisions.
The West had dominated the East week in and week out, but over the weekend it was a completely different story and were it not for a late collapse from the basement-dwelling RedBlacks the East would have had a clean sweep.
Here’s what stood out about a topsy-turvy Week 13:
Owens’ impact makes Argos a Grey Cup threat
Chad Owens, when healthy, is the most dynamic player in the CFL. That was on full display Friday in B.C. as the Argos lit up the Lions—it was Toronto’s first win in B.C. since 2002.
Owens had a team high eight receptions, 117 yards and a second-quarter touchdown. His presence on the field is integral to Ricky Ray being able to spread the ball around to his other weapons. If you leave Owens open, he’ll torch you; if you double up on him it leaves the likes of Andre Durie or the steadily improving LaVon Brazill more room to make plays.
The 2012 Most Outstanding Player possesses that extra gear others simply don’t—a nose for the end zone and a determination to fight for that extra yard even if it means putting himself in harm’s way. A downside to Owens’ effort level is the fact he often gets injured, which has led to him missing a number of games this season.
You might scoff at their 4-8 record, but don’t dismiss the Argos as a team without a chance of winning the Grey Cup. If Ray has a healthy Owens and Durie at his disposal, the Argos offence is as good as any in the league.
Dressler regaining his form
Much like Chad Owens, Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Weston Dressler is a threat every time he touches the ball.
After failing to earn a spot on the Kansas City Chiefs, the 29-year-old rejoined the Riders last month and, in addition to some outstanding punt returns, he has shown a steady progression each week in the receiving game.
In Week 13 against the RedBlacks, Dressler broke out and helped the Riders rebound from a 12-point, fourth-quarter deficit to win by a field goal in overtime. Dressler had 233 all-purpose yards, including a 60-yard TD reception and a 78-yard punt return TD.
Each week, he’s becoming more involved in the offence and that is sure to help quarterback Tino Sunseri big time down the stretch.
Als get boost from Hall of Famers, missing Stamps
The absence of Jon Cornish and Bo Levi Mitchell was extremely noticeable Sunday, as the Alouettes upset the depleted Stampeders. While Cornish’s replacement Matt Walter did manage to get 88 yards on 13 carries, Mitchell’s backup Drew Tate couldn’t threaten the Als through the air.
“There’s no excuse for how I played,” Tate said after the game.
On the flipside, the Alouettes put together a solid effort. The offensive line protected Jonathan Crompton, who looks more and more composed under centre each week, and the receivers came up with timely catches.
Perhaps the offence was inspired by the presence of Alouettes legends Uzooma Okeke and Ben Cahoon, both of whom were in attendance prior to being inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Ticats smart play calling is the difference
Hamilton was excited to have starting running back C.J. Gable back in the lineup, but it didn’t last long. Gable injured his right shoulder early and was unable to return. This threw a major wrench into the game plan because the team opted not to dress a backup tailback.
“That was one of the all-time top performances I’ve ever seen from a playcaller,” Ticats coach Kent Austin said of his offensive coordinator Tommy Condell. “[Gable’s injury] had a cascading effect on our personnel groupings. We actually had to rename some of our groupings.”
The Ticats only rushed the ball 15 times—eight of those attempts were from quarterback Zach Collaros—but their pass-heavy attack was never predictable.
Winners in three of their last four, the Ticats are rounding into form when it counts most—late in the season.
This guy…
Sportsnet’s CFL stars of Week 12
OFFENCE
1) Chad Owens, SB, Argos
2) Weston Dressler, SB, Roughriders
3) Henry Burris, QB, RedBlacks
DEFENCE
1) Eric Norwood, DE, Ticats
2) Tearrius George, DT, Roughriders
3) Shea Emry, LB, Argos