Parity is alive and well in the CFL.
After a Week 1 where the West dominated the East, things were much more competitive over the weekend. Plus, the two worst teams from last year sit atop the standings early on.
Here’s what stood out about Week 2:
Basement dwellers no more
We’re only two weeks into the season yet the Eskimos and Blue Bombers have nearly matched their 2013 win totals. That speaks to two things: how terrible each team was last season and how well they’ve played so far in 2014.
Yes, it’s early in the season. A lot can change. But, both teams have earned their 2-0 records.
Mike Reilly — assisted by a Patrick Watkins defensive touchdown and a couple of timely Grant Shaw field goals — helped lead the Eskimos to a fourth quarter comeback over the Ticats. This Eskimos club plays a gritty style of football just like its quarterback. It’s fun to watch and they’ve been rewarded with a pair of victories. Now all they need to do is get their running game going.
Drew Willy has been composed in the pocket for the Blue Bombers and new running back Nic Grigsby is the real deal. Couple that with a revamped defence that is as aggressive as any in the CFL and things are looking up for Mike O’Shea’s group.
Argos defence steps up
Ricky Ray is a maestro. His ability to conduct a symphony of offence is something CFL fans have been privileged to witness since 2002. He picked apart a staunch Riders defence and his top targets — Chad Owens, Andre Durie, John Chiles and others — came up big in a 48-15 shellacking of the Green and White. One of those weapons, Durie, is out with a broken clavicle.
The bigger story, however, was how well the Argos defence played despite dealing with handful of injuries. Antwaun Molden was excellent in his CFL debut, picking off Darian Durant twice and running one back 108 yards for a touchdown. Local kid Jermaine Gabriel of Scarborough, Ont., made a few dynamic plays and Jalil Carter continues to lead by example with timely blitzes.
After getting lit up by the Blue Bombers in Week 1, defensive co-ordinator Tim Burke and his guys made a statement with this bounce-back performance. On Monday, they acquired veteran DB Dwight Anderson, which is bound to make an impact — especially with Shea Emry out with a concussion.
RedBlacks get a taste of CFL comebacks
In their first regular season game, Ottawa was victimized by the dreaded, yet legendary, CFL comeback.
Ageless wonder Henry Burris, speedster Chevon Walker and the rest of the RedBlacks stormed out the gates, scoring three first quarter touchdowns. They didn’t look like an expansion team, they looked like the defending champs.
Ottawa showed an ability to march down the field and didn’t settle for field goals. However, they were humbled the the Blue Bombers defence and only managed seven points in the final three quarters.
We saw what the RedBlacks are capable of, and also what they need to work on. It was a great learning experience for Rick Campbell’s team.
Reasons to brood in B.C.
Things aren’t looking great for the Lions right now. Kevin Glenn clearly hasn’t gotten a handle of the playbook just yet and their running game has struggled mightily.
Besides allowing a first quarter touchdown to Brandon Whitaker, the Lions defence held up. Their D is stacked with talent, but if they don’t get any support from the offence they’ll eventually collapse.
Full credit to goes to the Alouettes, who hung on for the victory despite not doing much after the opening 15 minutes. Troy Smith hasn’t done anything spectacular with his arm, but racked up 55 key yards on the ground.
Ticats must protect their QBs
There’s not much else to say. They won’t win unless they give their quarterbacks a chance. They’ve allowed 14 sacks in the first two weeks. Zach Collaros, Jeremiah Masoli and Dan LeFevour are in real danger right now.
Sportsnet’s CFL stars of Week 2
OFFENCE
1) Ricky Ray, QB, Argos
2) Nic Grigsby, RB, Blue Bombers
3) Chevon Walker, RB, RedBlacks
DEFNCE
1) John Bowman, DE, Alouettes
2) Odell Willis, DE, Eskimos
3) Simoni Lawrence, LB, Ticats