It’s CFL Awards time, and it’s no coincidence that many of those nominated will be taking the field on Sunday in the 105th Grey Cup.
Here is a look at who might walk away with the hardware after walking the red carpet at the ceremony Thursday night in Ottawa.
MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER
Nominees: Mike Reilly (EDM) and Ricky Ray (TOR)
Winner: Ray
This is a photo finish. Reilly had more passing yards (5,830) and TD passes (30), a higher efficiency rating (103.9), and played one more game than Ray. Ray had more completions (474), a higher completion percentage (71.0), fewer interceptions (11) and a lower interception percentage (1.6).
Both men had career years and are deserving of MOP. Ultimately Ray wins because he’s done more with less, and is more intrinsic to his team’s success than Reilly is.
MOST OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER
Nominees: Alex Singleton (CGY) and Kyries Hebert (MTL)
Winner: Singleton
Simply put, Singleton is the best player on the best defence in the league. He set a Canadian record with 123 tackles in a season and should also be up for best Canadian.
MOST OUTSTANDING CANADIAN
Nominees: Andrew Harris (WPG) and Brad Sinopoli (OTT)
Winner: Harris
Sinopili was on track to win this award but got hurt late in the year. The superior yards and TD’s and the fact he played all 18 games gives the nod to the Canadian running back Harris over the Canadian slotback.
MOST OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
Nominees: Stanley Bryant (WPG) and Sean McEwen (TOR)
Winner: Bryant
McEwen has had a great year but centres are often over looked during award season. Only twice in he last eight years has the award not gone to an offensive tackle. Bryant has been over looked for this award twice before and he finally brings it home in 2017.
MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE
Nominees: Marken Michel (CGY) and James Wilder Jr. (TOR)
Winner: Michel
This one is tough. Wilder is the better player, but he came on late — he didn’t rush for over 40 yards until Week 13. But after being named a starter, he was arguably the most dominant back in the league.
Michel, on the other hand, has been among the league’s most explosive receivers all year long. The Stampeders brought home this award last year with DaVaris Daniels, and they bring it home once more in 2017 with Michel.
MOST OUTSTANDING SPECIAL TEAMS
Nominees: Roy Finch (CGY) and Diontae Spencer (OTT)
Winner: Finch
No disrespect to Spencer, Martese Jackson or even Stampeders teammate Tunde Adeleke, but Finch is by far the most feared returner in the league. His three punt-return TDs this season are enough for him to take home the hardware.
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COACH OF THE YEAR
Nominees: Dave Dickenson (CGY) and Marc Trestman (TOR)
Winner: Trestman
When there is no clear-cut candidate, this award often goes to the coach of the team with the best record, which this year would be Dickenson. But voters love a good narrative. Trestman took the Argos from last place a year ago to first place in the East Division.
