CFL fans were treated to a bit of everything over the weekend: A nail biter in Montreal; an incredible individual effort in Edmonton; a perfectly executed trick play–plus more penalty flags than you could keep track of–in Toronto; and a defensive juggernaut breaking out of its shell in Saskatchewan.
The Stampeders, Blue Bombers and Eskimos continued their early dominance, the Argos and Riders were handed reality checks and it was another set of games that established the West’s dominance over the East.
Here’s what stood out about Week 3:
Is Bowman the best?
We’re only three weeks into the season, but Adarius Bowman is establishing himself as the best receiver in the CFL. Chad Owens might have more yards at this point, but no one has come up bigger for his team than Bowman.
His nine-reception, 140-yard, three-touchdown performance against the RedBlacks Friday was something to behold. Whether it was taking a short pass and running long, hauling in a 30-yard bomb with one hand or coming up clutch in the end zone in the fourth quarter, Bowman could do no wrong.
The 29-year-old has emerged as Mike Reilly’s favourite target ahead of Fred Stamps and is on pace for a career year in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
After missing nearly all of 2012 and the first half of 2013 after tearing his left ACL and MCL, Bowman has turned into one of the most uplifting storylines in the CFL. He’s also a major reason why the Eskimos are 3-0.
O’Shea’s aggressiveness paying off
Mike O’Shea was an intelligent, aggressive linebacker and he’s exactly the same as a coach.
He doesn’t shy away from throwing the challenge flag, going for it on third down or attempting two-point conversions when it’s not imperative. We saw examples of all of these as the Blue Bombers improved to a perfect 3-0 after grinding out an entertaining, back-and-forth win over the Alouettes Friday in Montreal.
O’Shea’s style shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone considering he was aggressive as special teams co-ordinator with the Argos–the opposition always had to be on edge because he was never afraid of trying a trick play to shake things up.
Winnipeg has already matched its win total from last season and their last two victories have been fourth-quarter comebacks. The Blue Bombers’ performances have embodied O’Shea’s brand of football and if this trend continues it will be a scary prospect for opposing teams.
Johnson’s humble hug of official speaks volumes
When Chad Johnson signed with the Alouettes many thought he’d be a distraction considering his publicized NFL past. However, by all accounts, Johnson has been anything but a distraction and Friday he contributed with his first career CFL touchdown.
Johnson made a solid grab on a 46-yard pass from Troy Smith and although the ball popped loose after he came down with it the call stood.
Instead of doing some sort of elaborate, pre-planned celebration–the CFL allows players to be creative in the end zones unlike the No Fun League–Johnson took a more subtle approach. He simply gave the official that signaled the touchdown a quick hug. Then he took a knee and put his head down before he was joined by teammates.
It was subtle. It was really nice. It was also a sign of maturity and one that illustrated Johnson isn’t in the CFL to make headlines or be a one-man show.
Stampeders exploit Argos’ ineptitude
Calgary was without star running back Jon Cornish, key receivers Nik Lewis and Mo Price and it didn’t matter one lick as they manhandled the Argos, who were docked an unacceptable 163 yards on 22 penalty calls.
Those calls–nearly all of them deserved–negated first downs, helped extend Stampeder drives and wiped away any momentum the Argos generated.
The Argos’ missteps didn’t overshadow a solid performance from Bo Levi Mitchell. The Eastern Washington product is now 5-0 as a starter in the CFL dating back to last year. He picked apart the Argos’ secondary, torching them for four touchdowns including a Play of the Year candidate that resulted in a 58-yard Anthony Parker touchdown. A contributing factor to Mitchell’s success was Toronto’s inability to pressure him. Their defensive line and blitzing linebackers rarely got close to Mitchell and when they did he calmly dished the ball off for positive yards.
The Argos got into the red zone multiple times, but Calgary’s defence held them to five field goals. In every area of the game the Stamps took advantage of the Argos’ follies.
That haze over the Toronto skyline isn’t smog, it’s just steam coming from the ears of Scott Milanovich.
Lions still have some bite
There were some worried fans in B.C. after their team started the season 0-2 and were blown out by the Alouettes in Week 2, but those fans are breathing a sigh of relief today after the Lions shut down the Riders.
Apart from a second-quarter strike to Taj Smith, Darian Durant couldn’t find much space. The Lions were relentless, pressuring Durant on nearly every play. When Durant was able to use his foot speed and spin out of trouble in the pocket, downfield coverage was there. Led by linebackers Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill, defensive co-ordinator Mark Washington’s group was outstanding.
Kevin Glenn is still finding his form, but when Andrew Harris is racking up 232 all-purpose yards it certainly takes pressure off the veteran QB.
Burris, Walker not getting support in Ottawa
Uh oh. Look out RedBlacks fans. Your team is starting to play like an expansion team–at least on offence. After storming out of the gates with three touchdowns in the first quarter in the franchise’s history, the RedBlacks have hit a dry spell.
Apart from running back Chevon Walker–whose 65-yard touchdown scamper was dynamic–Ottawa doesn’t have many proven playmakers. Henry Burris went a tepid 13-25 for 134 yards and no touchdowns. A concern heading into the season was the team’s lack of depth at receiver and it’s proving to be a real hurdle the rookie squad must overcome.
Sportsnet’s CFL stars of Week 3
OFFENCE
1) Adarius Bowman, SB, Eskimos
2) Andrew Harris, RB, Lions
3) Bo Levi Mitchell, QB, Stampeders
DEFNCE
1) Solomon Elimimian, LB, Lions
2) Charleston Hughes, DL, Stampeders
3) Almondo Sewell, DT, Eskimos