Where did all the scoring go?
Sure, this past weekend had its fair share of drama and standout defensive performances, but aside from the B.C. Lions there were no offensive units that put together a complete game. There were an abnormally high number of dropped balls and four teams went without scoring a touchdown. Four!
Surprisingly, one of those teams that went touchdown-less still managed to win and it turned out to be the most memorable moment of the week.
Here’s what stood out about Week 4:
Reunited and it feels so good
It had been 3,177 days since a regular season CFL game had been played in Ottawa, but finally fans in the nation’s capital were reunited with the league they never stopped caring about.
The RedBlacks’ home opener was a roaring success. It was a sellout, the atmosphere was electric and the home team won. Hey, who says you need to score a touchdown to send the fans home happy?
The Argos defence, led by Shane Horton and Tristan Okpalaugo, shut down Chevon Walker and Henry Burris wasn’t able to stretch the field until a 43-yard completion to Kierrie Johnson in the waning seconds. That play set up a winning field goal from rookie kicker Brett Maher, who was good on all six of his attempts. The victory wasn’t pretty, but it was dramatic and meant the world to the 24,326 at TD Place Stadium.
Jeff Hunt and his ownership group had to persevere to get a team back in Ottawa even when at times there wasn’t much reason for optimism. In the end, Hunt’s commitment paid off and Ottawa fans were left smiling.
On Friday, the RedBlacks players channelled Hunt’s perseverance, got the job done and Ottawa fans left with smiles on their faces.
Southern Ontario struggles
While things are looking up for Ottawa, the other two Ontario teams are hurting at the moment.
The banged up Argos let one slip against the RedBlacks. With offensive weapons Chad Owens, Andre Durie and Jason Barnes out injured, Ricky Ray struggled to move the ball. On a positive note, Darvin Adams, Anthony Coombs and Steve Slaton each showed signs that they can be impact players while the Argos’ regulars get healthy. Also, the defence came to play and managed to get a good push from the D-line, which is encouraging going forward.
Scott Milanovich began using a double tight end formation more often in the second half and it gave Ray an extra second to hit his targets. It was effective, so look for the Argos to lean on that in Week 5 against the Riders should Ray get pressured early.
Meanwhile, the Ticats couldn’t get anything going against the Stampeders. Whether it’s bolstering what has been a brutal offensive line or switching up the play-calling, something has to drastically change in Hamilton. You don’t give your defence a chance when you only average 13.6 points per game.
A point of emphasis for the Ticats should be getting the ball to C.J. Gable more often. Even when the run game is stymied early on, offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell needs to stick with it, set up screen passes, or dump the ball off in the flats because Gable is talented enough to bust out a game-changing run at a moment’s notice.
These are the Lions we know and love
It’s early in the season and the likes of Jon Cornish and Andre Durie have missed time with injuries, but Andrew Harris is the runaway favourite for Outstanding Canadian. He has been a one-man wrecking crew the last few weeks — heck he’s been arguably the best player in the entire league so far — and has been a catalyst for the Lions getting back on track after an 0-2 start.
Kevin Glenn had his best game as a Lion, going 23-31 for 301 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Nearly half of those yards went to Emmanuel Arceneaux, who has become Glenn’s favourite target.
The Lions rode roughshod over a hapless Alouettes squad and reminded everyone why they were regarded as a serious Grey Cup threat heading into the season.
Reilly, Esks run wild on Blue Bombers
Who are these Edmonton Eskimos? Sorry, who are these unbeaten Edmonton Eskimos?
In a battle of former Argos co-ordinators, Chris Jones outduelled Mike O’Shea as the Eskimos improved to a league best 4-0, which is incredible when you consider the Eskimos finished 2013 with a 4-14 record.
The Eskimos’ defensive line gave Drew Willy and Nick Grigsby fits and held the CFL’s highest scoring offence to just three points.
Busted assignments from receivers led to Mike Reilly having to hold onto the ball and take matters into his own hands early, but it worked out beautifully. Reilly racked up 96 yards on the ground, four more yards than running back John White, who’s developing into a reliable starter for the Eskimos.
Heading into the season Reilly planned on using his legs less frequently than he did last year — it led to several injuries — but when you have this much success it’s hard to avoid.
Time to sit Troy Smith?
He’s got the arm, he’s got the legs, he’s got an ability to adapt on the fly, but Troy Smith isn’t getting it done in Montreal. His completion percentage is a dreadful 48.7. The Alouettes have a Week 5 bye that will be used to regroup. Maybe Smith can reset and find his form, but maybe it’s time to give Tanner Marsh a kick at the can. Smith’s leash is getting shorter by the week.
Sportsnet’s CFL stars of Week 4
OFFENCE
1) Emmanuel Arceneaux, WR, Lions
2) Andrew Harris, RB, Lions
3) Kevin Glenn, QB, Lions
DEFNCE
1) Willie Jefferson, DE, Eskimos
2) Odell Willis, DE, Eskimos
3) Tristan Okpalaugo, DL, Argos